I purchased this mixer primarily to make bread dough. I had been using my 2lb break machine to do so, rarely using it to actually bake (don't like the shape of pan). But I wanted to step up to a mixer that could do a better job, and with a little more capacity.I couldn't justify a KitchenAid as this bread making thing might just be a passing phase. I was also worried making too much dough would strip the gears (two of the three used models on CraigsList, that were near me, needed the gears replaced--and they were not old). I also knew I would most likely never get any attachments. I feel stand alone machines are better for that, and are less expensive (at least for how I would use them). Still, I thought a KA was the gold standard for home stand mixers.So with the KA out I looked at the bare minimum I could get for making bread dough--often 100% whole wheat (which my bread maker couldn't really do well). I foolishly thought an expensive combination stand/hand mixer could work for just dough. But those didn't seem up to the task. Even the metal Sunbeam--with that turning bowl--didn't seem up to it (plenty of reviews stating NOT FOR DOUGH). That unit was $80-$100 give or take (I got lost in the number of models that looked similar). They all had thin dough hooks that didn't look all that robust. Wasn't sure two dough hooks was a good idea either.So I settled on this Hamilton Beach model. It is all metal like the KA, has an oscillating beater motion, locking bowl with handle, and reviews were very positive. All that for just a little more than the Sunbeam models I had been looking at--and half the price or less than a comparable KA.When I got it the first thing I did was make 100% whole wheat dough (with vital wheat gluten added to help it rise). Let me tell you, this dough was like modeling clay it was so thick. But the mixer churned through it--and quietly. It didn't not walk across the counter nor shake any more than I would have expected for such a task. The the top was warm but not at all hot. It kneaded that dough for a good 15 minutes. I did stop it a few times to scrape the bowl, but that was more my OCD than anything else. When I walked away for a moment to get a bread pan ready the bowl was pretty much clean when I returned. Regardless,don't mind if I have to scrape the bowl every now and then--if not regularly. I expected that as even professional stand mixers are like that. In any case the whole wheat bread came out wonderfully.Despite intending to use for just dough the very next thing I made was mashed potatoes (with lowfat yogurt). Came out nice and fluffy.Then, "since it was right there" I used it to mix eggs for scrambled eggs in the morning for breakfast. So in less than 24 hours I had used all three attachments. I suspect I will be making more than just dough. My girlfriend is pleased.Compared to using my bread machine to make dough, I will have to say this requires more attention. You are not supposed to just walk away and let it do its thing, whereas the bread machine is set it and forget it. However, I hardly ever did that with my bread machine. I constantly peered into the window to see what was going on, going as far as using a flashlight when the glass fogged up (that danged OCD again). And, yes, I have scraped the pan many a time when using the bread machine.As for that splash guard? I agree it is a pain in the neck but I am not writing it off. I do see how it will be helpful at times. I will definitely use it, but not all of the time.As for fit and finish, I ordered black (licorice) and it is flawless. Goes well with the black stove and black Keurig that it sits next to on the counter. Unlike the bread machine, this puppy is going to live on the counter. :)I will try to update this review as time transpires.I bought to make bread, bagels and bialys. Great mixer. Not super large so doesn't take up much space. All the attachments work great. Highly recommend.See initial review below:Purchased June 20, 2021$122.00 refurbishedCurrent Price: $236.99I have used this machine approximately 10 times. I mixed enriched bread dough ( 1 loaf at a time), cookie dough, cakes, and whip cream. Today, August 12, 2022, I put the mixer out on the curb, someone will take it. The internal plastic gears are stripped. This mixer is designed to look good, advertised as “all-metal”, that’s true for the body, not for the internal. Suffice it to say this mixer is a pig’s ear trying to be a silk purse. This mixer is a terrible product at any price. Save your money.First the really good! I purchased the HB model 63227 “All-Metal” 400 watt stand mixer from Amazon Warehouse for $122.00. Package was re-taped and the box obviously opened, but the mixer was not used. This is the second inexpensive stand mixer I have purchased. The first was a Better Homes and Garden marketed product—pure crap from day one. Why? because the exterior doesn’t matter and to a certain extent neither does the electric motor rating, i.e, 400W or 300W, etc. It is the interior that matters, the components and the quality of those components. This is setting aside the planetary mixing method that all decent stand mixers should have. I have used the HB four times mixing enriched and lean bread dough, cookie dough and whipping egg whites. The mixer performed just ok. One of the common complaints is the mixer “walks” under load with a heavier dough (see American Test Kitchen Review, You Tube 2020). And indeed, I saw evidence of this starting. The mixer did not move or “walk” but it wobbles and the mixer head bounces slightly. So, the verdict is out on whether this will be an issue as I make straight bread dough. I am not going to request this machine make double batches of bread dough. And I question whether this machine can knead dough for extended periods of 8-10 minutes.The components inside this mixer are the real issue. And HB is a bit coy in marketing because they say “ALL - METAL” construction. Not SO, yes for the body of the mixer but NOT the gears and other components that are in more expensive mixers present. Naturally, the ever highly rated Kitchen Aide line, I believe, all have metal gears and other components that are replaced with nylon in less expensive stand mixers. So the verdict is out on durability. HB must have some confidence in this mixer as it has a 3 year warranty. I am not asking for much from this mixer and think it will do most of what I need a mixer to accomplish. But if you make lots of bread dough in double batches or heavy cookie dough you might be disappointed. Lastly, would I pay the normal price of $179.00+, No. And my advise is if you bake regularly, especially bread dough, save up and buy a mixer with all metal gears and 300+ watts. Otherwise, most of these cheaply made stand mixers will handle light duties, most of which can be accomplished with a good quality hand electric mixer.Made cookie dough, so easy & works greatTrès bon melangeur ..assez fort pour faire le pain et pizzas.Estoy encantada he preparado postres y panes increíbles. Es de buena calidad y funciona muy bienLlegó en menos tiempo de. Lo programado, La batidora cumplió mis expectativas, es grande y se ve muy resistente, funciona excelente, además me encanta el color. Con la seguridad que tu compra es satisfactoria.Llegó mucho más rápido de lo esperado con todos los accesorios y perfectamente protegida.