The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

Kitchen Aid Classic Plus for making Bread?

NYJodway's picture
NYJodway

Kitchen Aid Classic Plus for making Bread?

I have been using my little Kitchen Aid 4.5 qt classic plus to make our daily use white yeast bread.  It seems to drag a bit during the kneading which makes me think that it will burn up 1) if I keep using it this way 2)if I use it even more than I do now for breads and 3) if I dare use it for a slightly heavier dough.

I need to be able to reasonably make between 5 and 10 loaves of bread weekly, for our household and some neighbors.  I've been thinking about getting a Viking or Bosch, exclusively for breads, and continuing to use the Kitchen Aid for things like madeleines and frosting...all the lighter-duty fare. 

Knowing that the new machine will be bread-designated, and knowing that I really don't want to spend more than $500, what is the smartest choice for a home baker like me? 

LindyD's picture
LindyD

Bosch compact at around $150.    Super little mixer for bread dough.   Purchased it because my KA Artisan was struggling with bagel dough.  The Bosch doesn't even get warm mixing a 58% hydration dough.  However, there's probably a waiting list developing for the next shipment.  Check it out at:

http://www.pleasanthillgrain.com/bosch_compact_mixers.aspx

It's small, but it sure is a strong little mixer.

NYJodway's picture
NYJodway

That looks pretty great, Lindy!  I'm sure my husband will like that it is 300 dollars less than the Viking I was eyeing!  Also good to know that the Artisan also struggles with some doughs, which confirms my suspicion that upgrading to an Artisan wouldn't help for what I need. 

I've seen the pleasanthillgrain site pop up here and there; it seems that they have a good reputation for customer service.  I wouldn't be too hesitant buying from them. 

NYJodway's picture
NYJodway

I just saw that the Breville 12-sp 5qt is on sale at Williams Sonoma for $250.  Has anyone used that guy for bread?

sourdoughnut's picture
sourdoughnut

DO NOT GET A BIGGER KA! Haven't tried anything else yet, but I'm on my 3rd architect in a year - they just keep on breaking. If it weren't for the free replacement under warranty, I would have started looking for a used hobart.