> Finally:
> Next paycheck, I'm investing in a mixer since I want to return to
> making bread with some level of consistency. Is there any reason to
> get anything fancier than the Kitchenaid Artisan stand mixer that's on
> sale just about everywhere right now? I'll primarily use it for bread
> and probably for some other pastries, but that's about it.

Avoid it like the plague!! If you intend making bread with it, it won't
last 5 minutes! GoogleSearch Kitchenaid in this group or in
alt.bread.recipes and you'll read tale after tale of woe!
Save up for a few extra months and buy a Bosch, Electrolux, DeLonghi, Viking
or the new Cuisinart. They all have the power to make bread.
Graham