The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

How much Mixer??

alabubba's picture
alabubba

How much Mixer??

 I am in the market for a new mixer. I have been using a Bosch Compact that I got off eBay. It was well thrashed when I got it but it was super cheap. That said it is in its last days. I has gotten to the point where it will not knead even small amount dough.

So I am looking around eBay and there are lots of choices. I figure my budget is under 200 bucks but that still puts lots of used mixers in my price range.

My question is, How much mixer do I need? I think the largest recipe I make would be in the 2 Kilo range ( 2 loaf)

I am looking at vintage kitchen aid K5, K45, Kenwood Chef 702, or just replacing my Bosch with a newer Bosch compact (um4)

Or are none of these going to give me satisfaction?

I would love to be able to plonk down and get an N50 or Bosch concept but I just don't have the cash now, and the mixer is done.

Another though, anyone know where to obtain service for the compact?

LindyD's picture
LindyD

I'd first check for a local shop doing small appliance repair.  Bosch parts are available through the Internet.   If you have a Sears in your area, call them and see if they can recommend someone.

I recently purchased a new Bosch compact and am curious how your mixer got trashed.   It's a pretty sturdy machine.

alabubba's picture
alabubba

LindyD, I think the only thing wrong with my Bosch is its just worn out. I think if I could have the armature turned and new brushes it would probably be good for a few more decades. I got the unit off eBay and it is one of the first generation compacts. I actually do like the little Bosch. I like that it doesn't take over my counter, My question was more about how much capacity i need for the baking that I do. I bake almost every day but its usually small batches. 1 loaf of bread, 1 pan of rolls, 1/2 recipe pizza dough. Most of the recipes I bake are around 1 kilo of flour or less. I used to bake big batches but since all the children have moved I don't.

If i could find a new Bosch compact I would probably just buy that.

LindyD's picture
LindyD

But at a price, Alabubba, if they are new.  If I found a stash as Jackie did, I'd buy them all and sell them at Amazon or eBay, and would probably triple or quad my investment.  I had seen two for sale by an Amazon seller and within days they were gone (at around $300 each).

I don't think you need more capacity than what your little Bosch offers.  David Snyder has the Bosch Universal and commented in another thread that he didn't think it would handle smaller amounts.  The people at Pleasant Hill Grain confirmed that in an email.

Here's a link to a place that sells Bosch mixer parts.  They even fix them.  Might be worth a call to see if they can help your Compact.

I hope you can find a way to get it running again!

Doc Tracy's picture
Doc Tracy

I have the smallest Kitchen Aid. While I've sort of outgrown it and will eventually get a Bosch Universal I will continue to use this for all the things that it can do, plus I have purchased so many attachments that I love and or will plan to use for canning season. The meat/food mill with strainer, pasta maker are excellent.

This blender was just a little over $200 and will make up to 2 loaves of heavier Jewish rye bread. Not bad. I sometimes have to split dough in half if going for a bigger or heavier dough but most of the time it manages just fine.

saraugie's picture
saraugie

Cuisinart-SM-55 Here it is for $224.99. IMHO, its worth the extra $$ if you can swing it to get a new mixer and this one is a work horse.

jackie9999's picture
jackie9999

I love my new Cuisinart 5.5 machine...I got it, refurbished, from Cuisinart/Conair sale (in Canada) for $150 and it's prefect for the small loaves, pizza dough etc that we like.  Prior to that, I used a Siemens (which was prototype for the Bosch) for 30+ years and is still running fine, but I wanted to upgrade to something shiny :) so went to the Cuisinart sale.

FYI I was in a Home Outfitters in Newmarket, Ontario the other week and saw a small pile of Bosch compacts on clearance for $99 ...I don't need one now, but isn't that always the way....

alabubba's picture
alabubba

 

 

 

Want to send me one???

jackie9999's picture
jackie9999

It wouldn't be wise for me to ship to the US (assuming that's where you are..you didn't say) First, shipping would be between $50~$100..and if there is a problem with the machine..then what? It appears to have been discontinued..to bad, it's a nice machine.  If old stock is available up here, I would think you could find it down there with a little digging. Good Luck!

jackie9999's picture
jackie9999

I was considering what LindyD said "If I found a stash as Jackie did, I'd buy them all and sell them at Amazon or eBay" and was googling prices and came across a sale on the bosch compact for $149 .. so I don't think there would be enough money in reselling on ebay to quit my day job :)

LindyD's picture
LindyD

Hi Jackie...

I had done the same and found a few at a lower price, but when I actually attempted to make the purchase, the order was rejected because it was not available.  This was the case with four different web stores.

That was with U.S. orders; since you found a supply at your local store, there may be a bigger supply still in existence in Canada.

Oldcampcook's picture
Oldcampcook

This is the place I used when I bought a used UM3 off Ebay.  Mom and Pop operation, very reasonable and very quick on the repair.  I needed brushes in the motor.

COOK'S BOSCH & REPAIR CTR
1720 ANITA
WICHITA KS 67217
316-264-9051 fax 316-263-4323

jackie9999's picture
jackie9999

LindyD you're correct, when I try and cart it ..I'm told it's unavailable..sorry to get your hopes up alabubba :(

saraugie's picture
saraugie

  • Cuisinart-SM-55 Again here it is for $224.99. it is a fine mixer.  I just made 3.5 lbs of J.H.'s oatmeal, cinnamon and raisin bread in it.  Very heavy dough and it handled it no prob.  Its warrantied and should there be a problem the customer service is first class.  What's your time and effort worth >?  Of course if its a game to find a obscure model, you like the hunt, sometimes I do, keep looking and GOOD LUCK !
alabubba's picture
alabubba

Just bought a vintage Kitchen Aid K5-A.

I think I wanted to go the KA route in the back of my mind. I grew up with one on my moms counter and think that played a big part in my decision.

There is so much negative press about the new KAs and that really got into my head. Hopefully the hobart made KA will live up to my needs and kneads.

I do still love the little bosch and I think I will keep my eyes out for a nother one but for now...

P.S. Dillards does not have any more of the 224 dollar Cuisinarts. But NEWEGG  has it for 239 with FREE SHIPPING and a free chopper attachment.

Thanks for all the input