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.