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how much dough can I make at once in 5 qt stand mixer?

Aravinda's picture
Aravinda

how much dough can I make at once in 5 qt stand mixer?

I just opened my new 5 qt KitchenAID stand mixer.  First time I've ever had one.  My main reason for getting it was to be able to make 3 loaves of bread at once - my bread machine will only knead dough for 1.5 x my usual recipe.

However I can't find any reliable info as to the limit that the stand mixer can handle?  I did triple my recipe yesterday - so 1275 grams whole wheat flour - and I was worried that the dough hook was squeaking erratically and I was afraid to put it on speed 2 or keep it on longer than a minute at a time.  I also felt the top of the mixer and it did feel warm though not hot.  I dont know how warm is too warm. SO I ended up kneading somewhat by hand which was not a bad thing to do but if I can't knead with it I don't really see the need for this fancy mixer. 

idaveindy's picture
idaveindy

Check the manual. It's in there. The limit for whole wheat is less than white flour.

For a tilt-head model, here is an example from: https://www.manualslib.com/manual/372167/Kitchenaid-Ksm150ps-Artisan-Series-Mixer.html?page=21#manual

"NEVER use recipes calling for more than 9 cups of all-purpose flour or 6 cups of whole wheat flour when making dough with a 5-quart tilt-head mixer"

So it looks like the limit is 2 loaves (3 cups flour each) for WW.

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For a "bowl lift" model, example: https://www.manualslib.com/manual/806754/Kitchenaid-Bowl-Lift-Mixer.html?page=10#manual

It says: "NEVER use recipes calling for more than 1.68 kg (12 cups) all-purpose flour or 840 g (6 cups) whole wheat flour when making dough with a 4.8 L (5-qrt) Stand Mixer.

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It is also a matter of hydration, where wetter doughs will be easier for the machine to knead.

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Hope this helps.

BrianK's picture
BrianK

I have a KitchenAid K5 (5 quart bowl-lift model) from the 1980s, still going strong.  I can't find the documentation that came with it, but I seem to recall it said I could make three loaves.  I'm forgetting the amount of flour it recommended.  However, I found that anything over two loaves caused the mixer to strain, especially when using a larger quantity of whole wheat flour.  If your motor whines or slows down, stop the mixer.  Don't let it struggle or it could end up failing.  But, for two loaves, mine does a good job.  And please remember that speed 2 is the one for kneading with the dough hook.

Aravinda's picture
Aravinda

thanks 

but if it can only handle 2 loaves I am quite disappointed.  I think I got this for nothing. 

also I can't seem to find my manual anywhere and dont recall ever seeing it when I opened the box so either it was missing or disappeared instantly.  so thanks @idaveindy for the link to the manual which I also searched for online but somehow could not find earlier. 

yes I read that I was supposed to use speed 2 but was alarmed by the weird noises and stuck to the lowest speed. 

so ... have to think hard now about whether to keep this.  the thing is my bread machine is pretty old and I only use it for kneading.  if it conks I thought why buy another bread machine, maybe I should get a stand mixer which seems to indicate that one has arrived.  and can also make more dough at once.  so even though it can only make a tiny bit more maybe the original logic still stands.  

and everyone else has one... 

BrianK's picture
BrianK

Can you please tell us the model number of your mixer?  I'm referring to what is printed on the silver band that goes around the mixer. It is usually something like, "ProLine", "Pro 500", etc.  What do you mean by "weird" noises?  There is usually a bit of extra noise with those mixers when the dough is kneaded, but if the mixer is not straining, pausing, stalling, etc. then it is usually OK.  The only time mine made the straining noise was when I was making dough for three loaves, so I knew then that what they say it can handle should be taken with caution.  Also, the newer mixers have a reputation of not being quite as sturdy or strong as the older ones when Hobart had the company.  Whirlpool made changes since their acquired the company, and some models use motors that have a higher-pitched, whining sound.

Aravinda's picture
Aravinda

Hi BrianK it is a Professional 5 plus

thanks for the details - I don't think it paused or stalled but the sound was higher pitched and somewhat discontented. 

I want to try again with only 2 loaves worth of dough - which will be 850 grams flour.  If even that is too much then I don't know if there is a different model I should try or give up the whole idea. 

Aravinda's picture
Aravinda

so I dug deep into the box below all the styrofoam and found a green card which said not to worry if the top got warm and if there was a smell emitted.  I had not mentioned the smell in my OP because I was too afraid.  Anyway this is a relief.  It also said that it would turn off if it was at risk for overheating.  SO for anyone still reading, it looks like I have probably not damaged the mixer in my first attempt at using it.  

BrianK's picture
BrianK

Hi again.  Thanks for the info about the mixer model and also about the card.  As KA has noted, the mixer might get a bit warm when kneading dough.  If you notice it is getting hot, you might want to shut it down for a few minutes.  The thing that would alert me is if it is making a grinding noise, like it is labouring, working too hard, slowing down, etc.  I've had my KitchenAid for over 31 years and it still runs perfectly.  We just have to remember not to exceed recommended limits on the weight of ingredients.  If your mixer has burnished metal attachments, I hope you will wash and dry them by hand, and not use the dishwasher.  Otherwise, they will turn dark and give off a powdery residue.

suave's picture
suave

I would not go a pinch over 800 grams of flour at normal hydration.  500 g if it's an Artisan.  Putting more is a surefire way to destroy the mixer.

Camarie's picture
Camarie

My Globe  SP05 can doa 4-lb dough  ball.