I was raised in a house with a KitchenAid mixer (my mother's is something like 35 years old), and I just can't imagine not having one. I've had mine for almost ten years.
I use mine for cookies, cakes, and quick breads, mixing and kneading yeast bread doughs, pie crust, mashing potatoes, mixing meatloaves and meatballs, sauces, frosting, and all kinds of foods. It's perfect for creaming butter, shortening or cream cheese. It's a great wrist-saver when whipping cream or egg whites.