I too was reluctant with the competing brand as much as my son possessed (concurrent mark) and he kept telling me that I made a mistake by buying this robot. In the end I find it better to use, and I can even talk about that I use elsewhere in cooking classes, another brand I find the Kenwood easier to use, better designed as a whole: the splash collar is better, easier engagement of utensils and the result is the same, both in time of use that rendering (whipped cream perfect , excellent whites etc ...); I put my bread machine in the closet and I do not do the bread with the robot. After, we can not prejudge the life of one over the other ... But the price difference is significant. I have still a downside to bring: at the beginning, I did not put the whip properly, and remained stuck for several uses before I can remove it. Since everything is fine but I am very careful to return the hooks into the studs and turn fully because it is not explained in the instructions