I'm looking to invest in a stand mixer that can handle several loaves of bread dough. Any recommendations?
Look at a small industrial one. Won't be Home and Garden cover worthy, but its motor will be stronger.
Kitchen Aid $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ ::)
We've got a kitchenaid that's at least 30 years old, and weighs about 35 pounds. Thing's built like a tank. I've made 2 loaves of bread in it at a time, but that's probably the limit.
Home-use marketed Kitchen aids have gone down in quality, and aren't suited to that much strain on the gears for the resistance that a lot of dough will give.
The more commercial ones are better quality.
I have a gourmand friend who has commented several times on how kitchen aids aren't all they are cracked up to be for heavy use.
My wife recommends just mixing by hand due to being able to really feel it.
I've been mixing by hand for the last 17 years. It's my favorite method, honestly. I'd rather do it that way; just don't always have the time anymore, especially whenever I have a nursling around. Plus, as much as it pains me to admit it, my joints could use the break (I'm also a knitter, so between holding babies, kneading bread, and knitting....they hurt more these days). So, I need something with a metal housing, high wattage motor, and strong gears (I bake ALOT of bread.... sometimes daily) for those days I just can't get to mixing by hand.
Quote from: Bernadette on May 16, 2020, 05:23:17 PM
We've got a kitchenaid that's at least 30 years old, and weighs about 35 pounds. Thing's built like a tank. I've made 2 loaves of bread in it at a time, but that's probably the limit.
Sounds like a great machine!
Quote from: Lynne on May 16, 2020, 04:42:45 PM
Kitchen Aid $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ ::)
Indeed....which is why I'm hoping to find another brand that is better quality and lower cost. From what I read, the Cuisinart 7.5 qt. mixer is pretty good. I'm looking at those, but if I can find an off brand that performs just as well, I'd go that route for less cost. I'm also trying to limit to Amazon, because I am saving my points up to get it for "free".
ETA: also, the less digital features the better. Easier to repair, if need be
https://www.boschmixers.com/product/bosch-universal-plus-mixer/
Quote from: MundaCorMeum on May 16, 2020, 06:52:48 PM
Quote from: Lynne on May 16, 2020, 04:42:45 PM
Kitchen Aid $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ ::)
Indeed....which is why I'm hoping to find another brand that is better quality and lower cost. From what I read, the Cuisinart 7.5 qt. mixer is pretty good. I'm looking at those, but if I can find an off brand that performs just as well, I'd go that route for less cost. I'm also trying to limit to Amazon, because I am saving my points up to get it for "free".
ETA: also, the less digital features the better. Easier to repair, if need be
Honestly, just buy the Kitchen Aid, but used. Do you know how many Martha Stewart wannabes get a Kitchen Aid for Christmas/Mother's Day every year and never use them? It is a joke. Every "pinterest" kitchen in the world has one, and most of them just sit there collecting dust. You can even get the large bowl-lift 7 qt ones from overly ambition housewives. I would save your pennies, and watch craigslist/ebay (nearby so you can pick it up). You could also let your entire extended family know that this is what you would like and maybe they could all pool for Christmas. My family likes knowing if there is something big we are saving for (piano, kitchen aid, fancy double stroller) and they send cash for birthdays/Christmas/etc. I will say that I don't think there is another brand that is equal in value but cheaper. Why do so many professional bakers use KA? Why do they even sell them very successfully in Europe when they have there own K-Mix brand? Because KA is just better. You are also going to have this thing for 30 years. Divide the cost by the number of times you will use it, and I think you'll see you should get the best one you possibly can.
The European equivalent would be a Kenwood Chef. You need to get an old model though. The modern ones are made in China and they are junk.
I have about 3. I buy old broken ones and fix the electronics. They are good as new with a few resistors, capacitors and the odd triac.
(https://s.yimg.com/lo/api/res/1.2/LemfsKP5aHTqMvnupN4PKw--~B/YXBwaWQ9eWlzZWFyY2g7Zmk9Zml0O2dlPTAwNjYwMDtncz0wMEEzMDA7aD00MDA7dz01MzM-/https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NzY4WDEwMjQ=/z/JNgAAOSwU8hY4nuP/$_86.JPG.cf.jpg)
Edit: Frank will be along soon with a comment about Hobart mixers ... :D
Quote from: clau clau on May 17, 2020, 01:26:58 AM
The European equivalent would be a Kenwood Chef. You need to get an old model though. The modern ones are made in China and they are junk.
I have about 3. I buy old broken ones and fix the electronics. They are good as new with a few resistors, capacitors and the odd triac.
(https://s.yimg.com/lo/api/res/1.2/LemfsKP5aHTqMvnupN4PKw--~B/YXBwaWQ9eWlzZWFyY2g7Zmk9Zml0O2dlPTAwNjYwMDtncz0wMEEzMDA7aD00MDA7dz01MzM-/https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NzY4WDEwMjQ=/z/JNgAAOSwU8hY4nuP/$_86.JPG.cf.jpg)
Edit: Frank will be along soon with a comment about Hobart mixers ... :D
How on earth did you remember that. It must be telepathy because I am indeed along with a
quote about the Hobart Mixer.
We use one in the Soil Mechanics Division of the Road Research Lab in the 1950's for mixing heavy
clays with cement. I even managed a reference to my first conference paper on the work.
Highway Research Record - Issue 36 - Page 71books.google.co.uk › books
Grimer, F. J., and Ross, N. F. , "The Effect of Pulverization on the Quality of Clay-Cement." Proc. 4th Internat. Soil Mech. Conf. , 2: ... Grimer, F. J. , "Studies of Factors Affecting the Strength of Cement-Stabilized Materials. " Dept. of Scientific and ...
1963 - ?Snippet view - ?More editions
They must have been good mixers since you can still buy them on Amazon.
😎
Cooks Illustrated agrees with the people here who favor Kitchen Aid.
[yt]https://youtu.be/F5mBOGte5Zo[/yt]
Quote from: Padraig on May 17, 2020, 07:19:37 AM
Cooks Illustrated agrees with the people here who favor Kitchen Aid.
[yt]https://youtu.be/F5mBOGte5Zo[/yt]
That was very interesting, thank you!
Quote from: Frank on May 17, 2020, 06:14:01 AM
How on earth did you remember that. It must be telepathy because I am indeed along with a
quote about the Hobart Mixer.
They must have been good mixers since you can still buy them on Amazon. 😎
Hobart originally made the KitchenAid mixers. Hobart sold the home division to KitchenAid and focused only on making mixers for restaurants and bakeries. After Hobart sold them, at some point KitchenAid reduced the quality of the product. However, they're still pretty good. Probably the best for home use. Just not industrial quality like they used to be.
Quote from: Padraig on May 17, 2020, 07:19:37 AM
Cooks Illustrated agrees with the people here who favor Kitchen Aid.
[yt]https://youtu.be/F5mBOGte5Zo[/yt]
That's a commercial grade one, not the ones people are going to buy in Target.
The same goes for tools you use in your garden; don't buy the "weed-eater"; lawn mower; hedge trimmer or other power tool at the big retail stores; they are basically junked down versions, made as cheaply as possible. Go to a commercial house and pay a little more money and get a descent machine that wont break down right away; can't be fixed; or isn't worth the price. You will have a machine that will last for years and will pay for itself in the long run.
Quote from: Michael Wilson on May 17, 2020, 03:15:33 PM
The same goes for tools you use in your garden; don't buy the "weed-eater"; lawn mower; hedge trimmer or other power tool at the big retail stores; they are basically junked down versions, made as cheaply as possible. Go to a commercial house and pay a little more money and get a descent machine that wont break down right away; can't be fixed; or isn't worth the price. You will have a machine that will last for years and will pay for itself in the long run.
Indeed. When I want to buy a tool, I ask those who use them professionally. Notice how many general contractors, who live and die by their thin margins, trust their livelihood to Milwaukee and Ryobi. I've never seen one with Black and Decker, for example.
I think the problem with the modern kitchen aids is they use plastic gears. The old ones were metal. I'd assume the industrial ones are too.
Quote from: Gardener on May 17, 2020, 01:15:03 PM
That's a commercial grade one, not the ones people are going to buy in Target.
You didn't watch the video.
Quote from: Maximilian on May 17, 2020, 03:20:52 PM
Quote from: Gardener on May 17, 2020, 01:15:03 PM
That's a commercial grade one, not the ones people are going to buy in Target.
You didn't watch the video.
Yes, I did. Of the 3 kitchen aids, one was the classic type people are generally going to get. The other two were from their various pro series and cost double to triple what the public generally thinks of when they think kitchen aid stand mixer. They've got more powerful motors and can withstand heavier/denser mixes. They're not the standard Kitchen Aid, which in its modern construction is basically nostalgic crap.
ETA: those particular models cost in the same
Ballpark as other commercial stand mixers, because they are commercial grade, which is what I've been saying to do all along.
Quote from: Gardener on May 17, 2020, 03:29:47 PM
Of the 3 kitchen aids, one was the classic type people are generally going to get.
Which was ranked second best out of all the models tested even though it cost the least.
Quote from: Gardener on May 17, 2020, 03:29:47 PM
The other two were from their various pro series and cost double to triple what the public generally thinks of when they think kitchen aid stand mixer.
The higher-end KitchenAid model which ranked first in their tests is sold everywhere you can buy appliances. It is not NSF-rated for commercial use. I have bought one in the past at Sam's Club.
I am starting to suspect that half of SD posters are Grimer family members...
[yt]https://youtu.be/Uesit15_mKQ[/yt]
Quote from: Maximilian on May 17, 2020, 04:53:28 PM
Quote from: Gardener on May 17, 2020, 03:29:47 PM
Of the 3 kitchen aids, one was the classic type people are generally going to get.
Which was ranked second best out of all the models tested even though it cost the least.
Quote from: Gardener on May 17, 2020, 03:29:47 PM
The other two were from their various pro series and cost double to triple what the public generally thinks of when they think kitchen aid stand mixer.
The higher-end KitchenAid model which ranked first in their tests is sold everywhere you can buy appliances. It is not NSF-rated for commercial use. I have bought one in the past at Sam's Club.
Seems we are talking passed each other. A 600-700 mixer, which costs the same and is marketed as professional, is not the run of the mill Kitchen Aid 4.5 quart classic. I've had the classic. It was NOT up to the task that the OP wants one for.
Were we to buy another, we would buy a truly commercial one.
Quote from: Gardener on May 17, 2020, 06:15:27 PM
Quote from: Maximilian on May 17, 2020, 04:53:28 PM
Quote from: Gardener on May 17, 2020, 03:29:47 PM
Of the 3 kitchen aids, one was the classic type people are generally going to get.
Which was ranked second best out of all the models tested even though it cost the least.
Quote from: Gardener on May 17, 2020, 03:29:47 PM
The other two were from their various pro series and cost double to triple what the public generally thinks of when they think kitchen aid stand mixer.
The higher-end KitchenAid model which ranked first in their tests is sold everywhere you can buy appliances. It is not NSF-rated for commercial use. I have bought one in the past at Sam's Club.
Seems we are talking passed each other. A 600-700 mixer, which costs the same and is marketed as professional, is not the run of the mill Kitchen Aid 4.5 quart classic. I've had the classic. It was NOT up to the task that the OP wants one for.
Were we to buy another, we would buy a truly commercial one.
From Germany?
Quote from: Heinrich on May 17, 2020, 07:08:59 PM
Quote from: Gardener on May 17, 2020, 06:15:27 PM
Quote from: Maximilian on May 17, 2020, 04:53:28 PM
Quote from: Gardener on May 17, 2020, 03:29:47 PM
Of the 3 kitchen aids, one was the classic type people are generally going to get.
Which was ranked second best out of all the models tested even though it cost the least.
Quote from: Gardener on May 17, 2020, 03:29:47 PM
The other two were from their various pro series and cost double to triple what the public generally thinks of when they think kitchen aid stand mixer.
The higher-end KitchenAid model which ranked first in their tests is sold everywhere you can buy appliances. It is not NSF-rated for commercial use. I have bought one in the past at Sam's Club.
Seems we are talking passed each other. A 600-700 mixer, which costs the same and is marketed as professional, is not the run of the mill Kitchen Aid 4.5 quart classic. I've had the classic. It was NOT up to the task that the OP wants one for.
Were we to buy another, we would buy a truly commercial one.
From Germany?
I trust German engineering, but I'm not sure if I trust Turkish factory putting-togethering:D
In all seriousness, we gave away the kitchen aid (after the meat grinder attachment choked on anything normative for to-be-ground cuts, the wife decided it was basically worthless compared to cheaper options). A handheld mixer handles the basic stuff and the wife mixes other stuff by hand, as is her choice. I fully support overspending on domestic needs, but she is indeed her mother's daughter.
I appreciate all the responses and discussion so far; it's been helpful.... thanks. I just have only had time to read through, and not respond thoroughly.
Heinrich, that little mixer is just the cutest thing ;D
(sad trombone noises):
I might have been wrong. Just stay away from the ole' KA.
http://www.thefreshloaf.com/node/15101/kitchenaid-pro-all-steel-gears
http://www.chadwrites.com/kitchenaid-just-doesnt-give-a-damn/ (pre-metal gears upgrade as noted here: https://www.amazon.com/review/R2FDDNXEN48LF1)
More if you google.
I'd look into other brands, and moreover mixers which are made with your intended usage in mind and have solid reviews that aren't based on nostalgia for a brand.
Quote from: Gardener on May 18, 2020, 07:08:31 AM
(sad trombone noises):
I might have been wrong. Just stay away from the ole' KA.
http://www.thefreshloaf.com/node/15101/kitchenaid-pro-all-steel-gears
http://www.chadwrites.com/kitchenaid-just-doesnt-give-a-damn/ (pre-metal gears upgrade as noted here: https://www.amazon.com/review/R2FDDNXEN48LF1)
More if you google.
I'd look into other brands, and moreover mixers which are made with your intended usage in mind and have solid reviews that aren't based on nostalgia for a brand.
So, so logical! :D
I thought the video had wonderful points though about the handles and the chute/cover and the shape of the bowl.
Quote from: Lynne on May 18, 2020, 08:21:56 AM
Quote from: Gardener on May 18, 2020, 07:08:31 AM
(sad trombone noises):
I might have been wrong. Just stay away from the ole' KA.
http://www.thefreshloaf.com/node/15101/kitchenaid-pro-all-steel-gears
http://www.chadwrites.com/kitchenaid-just-doesnt-give-a-damn/ (pre-metal gears upgrade as noted here: https://www.amazon.com/review/R2FDDNXEN48LF1)
More if you google.
I'd look into other brands, and moreover mixers which are made with your intended usage in mind and have solid reviews that aren't based on nostalgia for a brand.
So, so logical! :D
I thought the video had wonderful points though about the handles and the chute/cover and the shape of the bowl.
Yes, the ability of the attachment to reach all parts of the bowl is key. If one has to assist their mixer in mixing, it's problematic.
When we would use the KA for making whipped cream, I found it annoying to have to manually fold in portions which had been untouched.
Quote from: Lynne on May 18, 2020, 08:21:56 AM
Quote from: Gardener on May 18, 2020, 07:08:31 AM
(sad trombone noises):
I might have been wrong. Just stay away from the ole' KA.
http://www.thefreshloaf.com/node/15101/kitchenaid-pro-all-steel-gears
http://www.chadwrites.com/kitchenaid-just-doesnt-give-a-damn/ (pre-metal gears upgrade as noted here: https://www.amazon.com/review/R2FDDNXEN48LF1)
More if you google.
I'd look into other brands, and moreover mixers which are made with your intended usage in mind and have solid reviews that aren't based on nostalgia for a brand.
So, so logical! :D
I thought the video had wonderful points though about the handles and the chute/cover and the shape of the bowl.
yes, the test kitchen video was very helpful for pointing out the various design flaws and other little things to look out for. And, it definitely ruled out that Cuisineart I was looking at!
Quote from: Gardener on May 18, 2020, 07:08:31 AM
(sad trombone noises):
I might have been wrong. Just stay away from the ole' KA.
http://www.thefreshloaf.com/node/15101/kitchenaid-pro-all-steel-gears
http://www.chadwrites.com/kitchenaid-just-doesnt-give-a-damn/ (pre-metal gears upgrade as noted here: https://www.amazon.com/review/R2FDDNXEN48LF1)
More if you google.
I'd look into other brands, and moreover mixers which are made with your intended usage in mind and have solid reviews that aren't based on nostalgia for a brand.
Thank you. I'll take a look at these links sometime this week. I am definitely going to look for an industrial one. Brand name is not the main driving factor, but I'm not opposed to getting KA if that one really is worth it. My husband suggested the industrial route, too; as well as metal gears and low RPM, in addition to a high wattage motor. If money grew on trees, I'd drop the cash on a Hobart, like Frank talked about. Those are nice! But, it's beyond my budget. By the way....Frank, are you part of the Greg/Clau Clau cohort, as well?
I did do a quick search on craigslist for used ones, like coffeeandcig recommended further up thread, but it looks like most of the ones people are getting rid of, because they don't use them, are the "show piece" ones; not the "work horse" ones. I did see a really nice 20 qt. one, but that's a bit overkill for what I want ;D.
Quote from: MundaCorMeum on May 18, 2020, 12:09:37 PM
I did see a really nice 20 qt. one, but that's a bit overkill for what I want ;D.
Sounds good for the church hall. :)