Mixer advice needed
Hello wizards of TFL,
My old and trusty KitchenAid died tonight and I am trying to figure out what mixer to buy next. I would like for the new mixer to have the capacity to mix/knead dough for a minimum of 4 one-pound loaves at a time (could not do that in my old mixer), but also to mix smaller batches of dough for things like cookies. Being able to mix even more dough would be a plus. I have heard good things about KitchenAid Professional and would love to have the feedback of those who use it. I would also appreciate any advice on alternative mixers. I would consider spending on a pricier mixer for homebakers, or even on a professional mixer, but am wondering if I would still need a smaller mixer for smaller amounts of dough.
Thank you!
Kroha
We've had tons of discussions about mixers here - if you use "mixers" in the TFL search button, you'll have enough reading to keep you occupied for the next 24 hours!
I replaced my old 325hp Kitchenaid last year with the Professional 600, and I couldn't be happier. I regularly make 2 1.5-lb loaves of 100% whole wheat at a time, and this mixer handles it with ease. It doesn't even get warm. However, for whole wheat, 8 cups flour is the maximum recommended for the 6 qt mixer. This is about 36 oz of flour and makes barely 4 1-lb loaves using my recipe. If you are using AP flour, you can use up to 14 cups, so 4+ loaves of white bread would not be a problem.
Hi there,
There is a TON of stuff on here about mixers. All good stuff. That said, my quick answer is the 7 quart Cuisinart is excellent; and, because of it's tall and narrow bowl, it can deal with smaller quantities relatively well.
Also, I have the KitchenAid Professional 610, which comes only from Williams Sonoma and has a bit more power than the 600. I found it has a tiny bit more umph than my previous 600 did. Also, you can get a 3-quart bowl that fits this machine with a combination whip/blade attachment that does small batches of batters, eqq whites, etc. very well.
-David
I used my new Bosch mixer today love it. I made 7 one pounds loafs of cinnamon raisin bread without a problem. My KA could have never done this. I still use the KA for everything but mixing my yeast bread.
I LOVE my Bosch for bread making, but it doesn't do buttercream very well. I mix my buttercream for 10 minutes on a high speed and the Bosch couldn't handle it. The plastic "beaters" that hook onto the metal is what the problem is. I originally sold my KitchenAid, but then bought the KitchenAid Professional 600 6qt 575 Watt Stand Mixer! I have a use for both of them and LOVE both of them!