What is the best "Electric Cake Mixers" (Stand Mixers)?

As far as brands go, KitchenAid has the best mixers for under 200 dollars.  Go for the 275 watts stand mixer for only 170 dollars! If you have a little extra money to blow, then definitely go for the Cuisinart.

• 800 watts for around 250
• 1000 watts for around 350

Keep in mind that you don't really need this powerful of a mixer unless you will be mixing cakes daily.  The cheaper, KitchenAid ones are great just for occasional use.   Good luck, and happy baking!  

I spent many years messing around with cheaper mixers that made baking and mixing a lot of work.  I burnt out many motors, usually right in the middle of a project.  I finally broke down last year and bought a KitchenAid Mixer.  I love to bake now because of this mixer.  My daughter just finished making a three layer carrot cake with cream cheese frosting that she make effortlessly because of this mixer.  She tried to make it with our other stand mixer and it took forever to mix the frosting and it never achieved the right consistency.

Yes KitchenAid is pricey, but you can buy an entry level mixer for $199.00 or a Proessional series mixer for $350.00.  If you buy an entry level machine you can always sell it, because they retain their value for years.  This is a wise investment!  Enjoy!