The Fresh Loaf

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Ankarsrum (Magic Mill, Electrolux etc.) - accessories question

AndyPanda's picture
AndyPanda

Ankarsrum (Magic Mill, Electrolux etc.) - accessories question

I've been using a classic Bosch Universal mixer for ages and have always wanted to try the Ankarsrum type so I picked up a used Magic Mill Assistent and I'm just getting familiar with it.   Hope some of you that have experience with it can answer a few questions for me.

Since I got it used, it's missing the bowl cover and the hand spatula and the drive shaft for the double whisk.  I was just about to order to replacement parts and a bit surprised at how expensive the parts are.  The spatula is $15 and I was just wondering if it really is useful enough to justify the cost vs a generic scraper like the L'equipe for $2.  

And is the bowl cover ($15) handy enough (for proofing in the bowl) vs just putting a plastic bag over the top of the bowl?  I wondered since the bowl cover goes a few inches down inside the bowl if the sides end up getting dough on them and tough to clean.

My Bosch has the blender and the meat grinder attachments - both of which I use.   I can't see spending the $85 for an Ankarsrum blender and $160 for Ankarsrum meat grinder attachments.  So I'm thinking I'll just keep using the Bosch for those things.  But anyone use the blender attachment? Comments on how well it works? 

Thanks ... I'll probably have lots of questions on technique as I get used to using the Assistent.  But so far I like how well it handles small batches and wet dough.  And I love how much easier it is to clean than the Bosch.

 

 

barryvabeach's picture
barryvabeach

Andy,  I have the special scraper, never use it.  The small notch can come in handy when you want to scrape something off the roller, but for the most part, the dough comes right off, and the few times I have made something like a mousse or whipped cream, I just wash the roller.  I don't see a need for the cover either - to use it. you would need to take out the roller and scraper, and that is just too much work for me, think you are better off with plastic bag.   I don't have any of the attachments  ( I have the plastic bowl and the double beaters for eggs and cookies - but don't count them as attachments ) so I can't speak to them, other that in my general experience, a good stand alone will usually do a better job than an attachment.  If you have the plastic bowl and the double beaters, the drive shaft would probably be a worthwhile purchase. 

AndyPanda's picture
AndyPanda

Thanks so much!   That's very helpful!

MichaelLily's picture
MichaelLily

Never use the scraper. Forgot it existed. The cover can be handy if you have it but is far from a necessity.

bigcrusty's picture
bigcrusty

Barry,

I have not used my Anscarum scarper.  I have a generic softer plastic scraper that is far superior.  It came from a Bakery Show and works just great.  I have the milling attachment which gives me great cracked rye and good coarse flour but I do not have the meat grinder.

 

Regards,

Big Crusty

Windischgirl's picture
Windischgirl

A heavy duty spatula and some clean fingers work just as well.

I didn't even know a lid existed!  My DLX is also second hand.

I happened to have a spare lid for my KAM 6qt and that fits loosely, so I use that.  I've also used plastic wrap and a rubber band, and one of those silicone covers for the microwave (they usually look like giant flowers).  I recently bought some dough rising buckets and I think that lid will work too.  Heck, in a pinch my family uses plates as lids when the seal doesn't need to be airtight and the item is being stored for only a few hours.  Save your money and spend it on whole grains and good butter instead!

thumper256's picture
thumper256

I use the same mixer and have only used the scraper once (the day I got it). I prefer using a silicone bowl scraper which does a cleaner job. The only thing I use the included lid for is to keep dust out of the bowl when it is stored in my cabinet. I usually ferment/proof my dough in a separate container, but the few times I have needed to cover the bowl I have just used a Silicone Suction Lid that I use for all my bowls.

I think you would be fine to save your money and use a generic scraper + plastic bag.