May 11, 2015 - 9:21pm
Should I ditch my Hobart N50 for an Ankarsrum?
Hello,
My wife and I currently have a Hobart N50 mixer at our home. I bake mostly bread and my wife bakes cakes. We have been considering ditching our N50 for an Ankarsrum Mixer mainly because of the bread capabilities, not to mention it is 30lbs lighter. Our N50 works great for up to about 6 cups of flour but much more than that and it really labors, especially when kneeding a low moisture dough. I was wondering if anyone has had experience with these mixers and how they do for cakes and frosting. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks a lot.
Chris
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I have not found anything that is expected of a mixer the Ankarsrum, by whatever name, cannot do, and do well.
cheers,
gary
Get the Ankarsrum for your bigger bread loads and hang onto the N50 for smaller jobs, like cakes. Each is a solid machine. And face it, there aren't that many N50s to be had.
Paul
First, I agree with all who recommend the Ankarsrum. When I got mine maybe 20 years ago it was purchased at an estate sale. I've no idea how old it was at that time. It still looks and runs as if new all these years later. My three brothers and I just surprised my SAB (serious avocational baker) sister a used one for $400. She loves it!
So, I agree with Paul (above) that you should keep the N50 (and even pay for having it cleaned and lubricated inside and out on occasion) and get the Ankarsrum. But before purchasing it new ($800!), spend some time searching for a used one. In many many years of reading this website, I've yet to see a single mechanical complaint about them. Do you know that Ankarsrum is only the latest name for a device which was called an Electrolux DLX when I got it?
The Ankarsrum is also called the Electrolux Assistent. When hunting for a used one on Ebay, for example, use all three names. Sometimes "Magic Mill" is also attached to the Electrolux name.
Thanks for all the great input. My dilemma is that I need one or the other... not both. Two reasons for this... without selling the N50 I can't afford a new mixer (or used) and then just space; my kitchen can't handle 2 mixers. I am not a professional nor is my wife, we just like baking and entertaining. So knowing that, is the Ankarsrum (Magic Mill, DLX, Assistent) a mistake?
Well I got rid of my Kitchen Aid after I got the Ankarsrum and I haven't looked back. I wouldn't hesitate to sell yours and upgrade to the Ankarsrum. But it's your decision.
You have to get used to it, though. The mixing of cake batters works like your usual mixers, it has a hard time beating only one egg white, but otherwise does just fine.
For bread doughs you have to adjust your usual approach, you need to add the liquid first to the bowl, and it's the bowl that rotates, not the hook or roller. Best check out some YouTube videos from users (not the company itself!) how this works, the manual you get with the mixer is about as informative as pharmaceutical advertizing - happy people and no details.
Karin
I agree with Rich you should look for a used DLX ( aka Assistent ). If you will be doing a lot of work with eggs, make sure the one you get comes with the plastic bowl and whisks that are used for beating eggs, some of the older models did not come with that bowl , drive shaft or hooks, or the parts may have been lost. You can actually buy the parts, but you should keep that in mind when buying used. I understand your space concerns, and for me, it would be the Assistent hands down, but I don't make cakes very often.
I am seriously in love with my Ankarsrum, I've had it now for around 6 months. I use it everyday for breads, cakes, biscuits, pasta and I've even made my own sausages lol. It's quiet and doesn't bounce around on the bench like my Kenwood used to. I can actually let my dough mix and leave the room now :-) It takes a bit of getting used to but once you master it there is no turning back :-) One tip is always use room temperature butter when baking.