Swtgran,

Have you looked at the larger kitchenAids?  I have the Artisan and the Professional 600.  The Artisan has 350 watts and holds about 6 cups of flour- it's 5qt I think.  The Pro has 575 watts ( I guess they rounded up for the name) and a 6qt bowl.  I have used  5lbs of four in it - about 8 loaves.  It can make 13 dozen cookies.

I use the Artisan all the time and find it easier to use.  The Pro is mostly metal construction, so maybe it would be stronger.  I've only had them for about 6 months, so I can't speak for their durability, but so far, they're great.

I've also heard good things about Bosch's mixer. It also holds about 5lbs.

I think another good question is:

If we use these mixers daily, with fairly heavy loads, how long should we expect them to last?

Good luck, I hope you find the perfect mixer.

Marni

I just bought a new DLX from http://www.pleasanthillgrain.com/magic_mill_dlx_mixer.aspx
Zolablue suggested checking out the above source and they have been great. I didn't have any trouble but they were in stock and shipped the day I called. They seem to have all the add on accessories also.

Eric

Marni, thank you for the info on the KA.  I guess I am just wary of the KA since mine struggles with one loaf of WW.  It is good to know the bigger ones don't seem to have the same problems.  What is the price range of the Pro 600?  I will definitely keep it on the list to investigate more.

Eric, did you get the 600 watt unit and is it the same as the one that uses the 450 watts except for power?  Thanks

Terry

The Consumer Reports web page lists the Hamilton Beach Eclectrics 6322 series as a Best Buy.  Amazon.com has it for about $180.

 Are there any opinions here on it?

Colin

I agree with David in that if you want to mix larger batches you need to get the right equipment. I don't have any experience with a Bosch so I won't comment. I have had a KA for 25 years and it never gave me any trouble. Now that I am baking many breads I wanted to get a mixer that would handle a 8 pound batch of dough now and then. The DLX will do that and not break a sweat. The mystery of how it works is fun enough to watch that I am still surprised at how effective it is. Also you easily add flour and such from above without having to be careful or lowering the bowl/raising the head. I would say the DLX is the half way point to a Hobart 20 Qt.

I purchased the Electrolux Assistant from Pleasant Hill Grains in Aurora Nebraska on line. Very helpful and prompt.
Eric

swtgran - The Magic Mill name has been dropped and is now called Electrolux DLX Assistant. There are still a lot of references to Magic Mill online because it was called that for so long and many people are more familiar with that name. The machine is the same except for a change in wattage. It speaks well of the design of the machine that it has remained the same for about 50 years or more.

I have some really great info from someone who actually "test drove" various mixers at King Arthur and spent the day doing it. If you are interested I can post it here as she has given me permission. She is a very experienced bread baker, who taught classes at one point and has made some incredible notes on this mixer and others.

Having dealt with both a KA Artisan and DLX it is comparing apples to oranges. I don't think it matter which KA you have it just isn't the same as having the capacity, strength and versatility of a DLX or that type of mixer if you are mixing bread dough.

Zolablue, I would love to have you post the info you have.  I'm sure others would learn from your post also.  A new mixer strong enough to do more than one loaf of 100% whole grain breads is a big expenditure and it is for sure no one wants to waste money.  Thanks in advance.  Terry

How easy (or difficult ) is the DLX to clean? Any feedback on other mixers clean-ability?

Marni

Guys, I was trying to figure out a way to excerpt the most pertinent info from these threads but after reviewing them again I felt it would just be easier and better to post the links here and you all can read what you wish from them. (I have copied these threads for later posting should they finally slide off and the info is lost.)

Note these were posted at the end of 2005 but the information is super. Please note the posts by TriciaE, who is very accomplished at bread baking and at one time even taught classes. I think her posts are so well written and helpful because while she is now biased towards the DLX she also has owned and loved the Bosch mixer.

Both Bosch and DLX are apples to KA oranges (and don't forget I loved my KA mixer for what it could accomplish). If you take the time to scroll to her posts you will see the arguments she makes in favor of DLX and against KA based on solid personal use and side-by-side comparisons. That was important to me when I was trying to make my own decision and because I knew her from another forum where she is very well respected and always very fair.

I hope it is acceptable to post these links and then maybe there can be some discussion based on the things that are still in question or maybe you feel were not addressed. I really do think all this info will help and don't be fooled by the thread titles because they all discuss the DLX:

TriciaE discusses "test-driving" mixers at King Arthur kitchens:

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/cookware/msg1101380330845.html

TriciaE compares Bosch to DLX:

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/cookware/msg1223230331514.html

Zolablue, thank you for taking the time to post the information. 

I have had a small Ultra Pro KA for about a year and half.  Actually, I have had this one less than a year because it is a warranty replacement for the first one I bought.  I can't complain too much, as I bought it for $99 brand new. 

I have been baking for 35 years and had never used a stand mixer in all that time, until I came across this mixer.  I figured it wasn't that much more than a hand mixer, so I bought it.  Guess what I use?  A hand mixer and 2 bread machines.   I would rather knead by hand than use that KA.  As one of the links pointed out, it is awkward.  I never get the stuff in the bowl unless I stop the thing and tilt the head back or use a paper plate rolled slightly to make a funnel. 

I thought I was the only one in the world that had these issues.  I figured it was just a learning curve that I have never taken the time to master. 

Can you tell I am leaning toward the DLX?  I would love to see one locally though.  Does anyone know of any dept. stores that carry them?  Thanks again for everyone's info.  Terry

I just wanted to add that I regularly make 4-6 loaf batches of 100% whole grain breads with my DLX.  I have, a couple of times, made an 8 loaf batch without a hitch on the machine's part.  The dough does fill the bowl, though...  :-)

Nancy

I don't know of any stores that carry DLX. You can see a video here that shows how it operates and the attachments available as well.

http://www.everythingkitchens.com/electroluxvideo.html

I will always recommend buying from Pleasant Hill Grain because they were wonderful to me and I think customer support is crucial when you buy a higher priced appliance like the DLX or Bosch. Besides they just have a wonderful place to see in person (we are lucky enough to live only a couple hours drive away) with the most friendly and professional staff. I was very impressed with the way we were treated. It is located in the most beautifully and perfectly manicured farm you would ever imagine, like you opened up a little story book. They will send you a unit of your choice and I believe you have 30 days in which to decide if it works for you. It you don't like it they take the product back no questions asked.

I have had the Electrolux DLX for a couple years now. I bought it because my KA could not handle the Panettone I make for Christmas, it kept on overheating, which made me overheat lol. Anyway the dlx handled that same recipe with ease, in fact i now use a recipe that uses high gluten flour and has to be kneaded for a very long time and the DLX gets a little warm, but that is all. As a matter of fact I just got done with making over 4500 grams of Columba for Easter (about 10 pounds) which also uses high gluten flour, and I have kneaded iit for over 1 1/2 hours combined today which was no problem at all, then used the DLX for something else immediately afterwards. I can only review the KA professional and the DLX since those are the only ones I have, and the DLX is a great machine. I use my KA for smaller tasks, but mostly it stays put away.

The KA was a great mixer when it was made by Hobart.  the older ones had mad by hobart on the band.  they have gone down in quality since Hobart sold the divison.

i don.t know who is making them now.

the CLX is a good mixer bit i just don't like the spining bowl and the mixing action  But thats just me i guess.  i think the next mixer i am going to buy is a hobart n50 the hobart verison of the KA or i might just realy go all out and get the L120 the 12 quart hobart mixer but it costs as much as a used car about $2,000.00 i think

Hello Ebay.

that there is not one DLX i could find for sale on EBay. I have a K.A. Pro6 for about 8years. until the last few months I used it a handful of times. I originally brought for cakes and such. But being the gear whore that I am I had to get the top of the line model. It was a good thing I did because shortly after i got it I started experimenting with bread. still it sat quietly most of the time. After a failed experiment with a rye bread formula she is making funny sounds but still working fine. I can't blame this on the mixer it was user error on my part. Anyway I really want a DLX now. (gear whore) Just a wish for now because I have learned that wanting and needing are not the same. I am grateful for what I have and know the material items are not going to make me happy. I still want a DLX

Its tempting but like I said my mixer is working fine. When and if it gives out my next mixer will be a DLX.

Will