February 12, 2013 - 10:00am
Experience with Bosch Universal Plus and small batches
I am ready to take the plunge and purchase a new mixer to replace my KA. I have done so much research that I am more confused now. The Bosch Universal Plus is the one I think I want. I would like to hear from people that use this mixer for "small" batches. I usually bake 2 1lb loaves once a week. I am pretty new to baking bread, so I don't really know a lot about hydration levels yet, but I usually make sourdough From Hamlin's book "Bread." Can anybody that owns this particular mixer provide some insight into how well this machine works on smaller batches? I like the specs, I like the reviews I've read, I like the attachments it offers, but regarding small batches ive read some drastically differing reviews.
Thanks for the help.
Colauhu
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This web site addresses that http://cookingwithjim.simanco.net/ Kent
Is that the universal or the universal plus? i am looking at the universal plus specifically. Sorry if you mentioned that somewhere and i didnt catch it.
regards
Hi Kent, can you handle high hydratation doughs (such as 75-80%) with the Bosch Universal?
I have a Braun that works exactly like that, but so far all my attempts at high hydratation failed completely.
Nico
Have you considered the compact?
I am very happy with it. No problem with that size batch. Also has lots of attachments available. Cheaper too!
wayne
I own a Bosch Universal and do not use it unless 500 g or more of flour is called for. Let's say about a pound of flour. Less than that does not do well for me. Since I hardly ever do larger amounts these days I've decided to sell the Universal and get a Compact. I am usually around the 400g of flour, so my Universal just doesn't do a good job with that amount. Other than that the Universal is a workhorse.
Marty
thanks everybody for the valuable input. I will have to look into the compact. It has a couple of the accesaories that I would like to eventually get, so maybe for my needs that will be the way to go!
Another suggestion to go with the compact. You might like to look into the Bosch MUM 5. Someone just posted about them and stated that they are a step up from the compact if you want more capacity. Not sure they are available in the US.
I had a Universal but didn't like it for small batches or wet doughs...just didn't knead right. Replaced it with a compact but also got a DLX for larger doughs but found out the DLX handles just about anything I toss into it.
Good Luck
Janet
The DLX is out of my price range, unfortunately. I'm just a beginner breadie, so maybe i'd be better off just to start small and work my up. Since I only bake about two loaves a week, I am thinking that the compact will be a nice starter. I can also buy the accessories that I want to go with it, and still be at around the same cost as the universal plus alone! I will take a look at the MUM 5 and see what's that all about thought!