Kitchenaid Mixers - are you a fan? Are they really worth it?

[LemonDifficult]

Birthday coming up and DH and I have agreed a 'householdy stuff' present pact for a while as we're moving house soon. So I've been looking at stuff that I could use in our kitchen but also be presentish.

Do I want a kitchenaid? I have a magimix but the washing up puts me off using it most of the time. Is the same thing likely to happen?

I have one, it's great but be aware that some (most?) of the accessories aren't dishwasher safe. Personally that doesn't bother me but if you already struggle with the Magimix, I'm not sure that a KitchenAid is the answer.

How about some nice Le Creuset pans instead?They're very present-y. Habitat also has some lovely kitchen stuff.

Oh dear, everything has to be dishwasherable in our house or it just slides to the bottom of the sink for days on end.

Le Creuset is a possibility. I've got a couple of the lovely cast iron casseroles but not any of the saucepans. Just not as excited about them tho. The kitchenaid is prettier!

I think they are fantastic if you do a lot of baking and home made food. I use mine nearly everyday, so justify the exorbitant price. There are many others out there, but Kitchen Aid is the one of the moment. I only use the whisk and 'K style' beater, so do not have any issues with dishwasher safe problems - it all gets chucked in there and comes out gleaming!!Kenwood do a good one and they have been around for years.
Le Creuset is very heavy to use and if you are moving pans around with 1 hand then it can be hard work.
The best kitchen gadget I have and my hubby has taken over almost sole use of is out panasonic bread maker, but get the one with the nut dispenser as that has a timer on it. It makes fab bread and now we buy our flour by the sack and keep it in the garage, it is very economical too. Hubby makes a fresh loaf every day (2 small boys) and not only does the house smell yummy it tastes delicious as well. But a word of warning - I put on a stone in weight when I first got it and the loaf only lasted about an hour!!! - I'm more controlled now! I think it is the hunter gatherer in men that makes them want to make bread - he loves experimenting!.