How to deal with small batches on a KitchenAid? We recently got a Kitchenaid pro 450 stand mixer. It’s lovely, but when we just want to mix a small amount of things the mixing head doesn’t reach the bottom and nothing happens. 

What’s the solution? Do we need to spend $60 to buy the 3-quart bowl? Would that even work?
I would first make sure the beater to bowl clearance is set correctly. The manual (which I linked) shows you how to do it.  However, there is a minimum amount of ingredients that will mix well.  For those cases, maybe a whisk is a better tool.