[dabraham1248]

A modern kitchenaid isn't really better than a cuisinart. Back when they were made by hobart, yes, they were amazing (and, inflation adjusted, something like three times the price).

These days they have plastic (I'm sorry "composite") gears, and do not appear to be designed to be serviced, just replaced. My ex broke three of them attempting to make bagel dough.

[meatmanek]

I've always understood the plastic gears as a sacrificial, replaceable part designed to prevent damage to other components. (But I've got one of the old Hobart models that is pretty easy to service. Never worked on a newer model.)