May 28, 2023 - 3:49pm
Looking for a multi-purpose mixer
Hello bakers!
I have been looking for a mixer that allows me to be able to make cookies, cakes and, more importantly, develop gluten for viennoiserie ( probably one that has a hook, paddle beater and whisker attachment). To be honest, my budget is $1500. I know sounds a bit difficult but If you were on my shoes, which one would you buy?
Thanks in advance, all advices are much appreciated it!
Happy baking
JC
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What capacity are you looking for? Also, is this to be used in a home or commercial kitchen?
Either way, I would look for some type of planetary mixer. It's what you will see being used in most places you look. I make breads almost exclusively, so I can get away with a spiral mixer or even a Bosch. But the most universal, accepted and economical methods for mixing a broad spectrum of doughs and pastry, without special attachments, still revolve around a planetary mixer.
Dave
Hi!
Thanks for your response. The capacity should be around 7-8q and is gonna be used for home kitchen. I used to have a regular kitchen aid stand-up mixer, it worked quite well UNTIL I started to make panettone with LM. I took it to the limit trying to develop gluten and finally, I killed it. So, now I'm at the point where I still want to be able to make cookies, cakes, mousses, and of course panettones with just one machine.
Thanks!!
JC
What model of KA did you have? Among the bread makers I know the KA Pro-Line gets great reviews, mostly because it uses metal gears and seems to handle all manner of dough. I don't own one so you might ask around. Link to the 7 qt model, which would work with your budget.
https://www.amazon.com/KitchenAid-KSM7586POB-7-Quart-Onyx-Black/dp/B008XF78UE?tag=foodal02-20
Another thing you might try is contacting Pleasant Hill Grain and telling them what your mixing needs are. They don't sell KA but may have a suggestion for you. Will probably be more expensive though.
https://pleasanthillgrain.com/
Dave
Hi there. On the KitchenAid site (and I can't find the reference right now), they have said they have discontinued the 7 quart Pro Line 1.3 HP model. They've introduced a new 500 watt 7 quart model. People seem to like it, although many feel that the 1.3 HP DC motor is stronger and doesn't have heat build-up issues. The Commercial 8 quart is the same mixer as the Pro Line 1.3 HP model, except it is NSF certified and comes with all stainless steel bowl tools (whisk, dough hook, beater).
Hello Rock!
It was one from the artisan series and to be honest it worked pretty well for years! Like I said, I started making panettone with lievito madre and to be able to develop gluten using a KA is super challenging. Not only because it takes a while but also because the mixer gets warm pretty quickly and the heat radiates to the dough super fast.
Oh and I already contacted pleasanthillgrain, and they are very knowledgeable, it seems a spiral mixer is what they recommend the most for breads like panettone and pandoro. Thanks for the suggestion!
Always fun to look for new equipment, glad to help.
If you do get a spiral mixer make sure you have a good spot for it and leave it there. Even the home models are very heavy!
Dave
Here is the link for the 7 quart Pro Line KA mixer. It has a special price, due to "close out".
https://www.kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers/bowl-lift-stand-mixers/p.pro-line-series-7-quart-bowl-lift-stand-mixer.ksm7586pfp.html?
Thanks Brian. Good information.
Dave
You're welcome, Dave. I thought I should mention that it's worth it to check the reviews for any mixer before buying, including the one-star reviews. I'm seeing some bad reviews for the 8 quart KitchenAid Commercial mixer (on the Kitchenaid.com site), but it's the same for almost any mixer. However, the good reviews are very high.
I have recently become interested in getting a stand mixer for bread dough and pasta. I make both by hand now (pasta using a Marcato Atlas roller and cutter). But I’ve read a stand mixer can be useful for kneading and for making pasta noodles like spaghetti. I make small loaves (500-750g using 300-400g flour) and small batches of pasta (about 120-140g flour).
Would the Kitchenaid Artisan series mixer work for me? I haven’t seen anything on the motor wattage or HP, so I don’t know how well it works with dough (pasta dough is a bit stiffer than bread dough). Any comments, recommendations or suggestions welcome.