I need a new mixer suggestion

[EricU]

I just stripped the gears on my very old (20+) Kitchen aid mixer.

I don't know if I am doing something wrong all of a sudden, but it is the second time in about two months after no problems mixing my dough two to three times a week for the last couple of years.

What is the best mixer to buy?

1. Another Kitchenaid? Big as possible?
2. Some other brand?
3. Should I just have mine fixed one more time? Maybe I got a bad gear or ???

I do have various attachments, pasta roller, ice cream maker (my kids love that one!) for the kitchenaid.

Like I said before, I mix some kind of dough (mostly sourdough) about three times a week. My amounts are usually around 1,800 to 2,300 gms total (Flour, water and salt)

Thanks for any suggestions, Eric.

[Les]

Re: I need a new mixer suggestion

Eric, I bought a new KA 6 qt mixer a few years back and I am not very happy. I had to return the first one because graphite was dropping from the gear box. Support was great but the replacement overheats on 2-3 batches of dough. In hind sight, I wished I bought an old Hobart and had it rebuilt. Good luck on your quest but I would stay away from KA.

[brickie in oz]

Re: I need a new mixer suggestion

I had a KA to start with and it seriously lacked power.
Ive since bought a Chinese copy of a 10 litre Hobart and this thing has got some serious grunt.

[Les]

Re: I need a new mixer suggestion

Al - if you don't mind, what did you have to pay? I was in China just last week but a mixer was furthest thing from my mind.

[brickie in oz]

Re: I need a new mixer suggestion

I think I paid about A$600 for the knock off, I put the KA on ebay and got A$400 so it all seemed to have paid for itself.

Also, new KA's sell here for A$700, thats for the big one.

[Faith In Virginia]

Re: I need a new mixer suggestion

Look for a Univex 12 Quart it is made in NH and is a work horse. Parts are still available. I have a 30 quart and a 20 quart and I feel they are better then Hobart.

[REE REE B]

Re: I need a new mixer suggestion

I would get a new kitchen aid they are great love mine

[Les]

Re: I need a new mixer suggestion

I would get a new kitchen aid they are great love mine

Ree Ree, have you made 3 batches of dough in a row? Mine shut down because of over heating - not fun when you are getting ready for a party...

[REE REE B]

Re: I need a new mixer suggestion

Yes I have for a super bowl party, I use 00 flour what type of flour are you using?

[EricU]

Re: I need a new mixer suggestion

Ree Ree, have you made 3 batches of dough in a row? Mine shut down because of over heating - not fun when you are getting ready for a party...

I think my troubles started when I started upping my mixing times up to about 12 minutes.

I looked over some off the commercial units and they weigh 300lbs???

Is that correct for a 12 qt model?

Eric

[Les]

Re: I need a new mixer suggestion

Yes I have for a super bowl party, I use 00 flour what type of flour are you using?

I use the stuff you guy's sold me, Caputo I normally use K/A but for special occasions I break out the good stuff.

[brickie in oz]

Re: I need a new mixer suggestion

I talked to one of our local bakers a while ago and he is prepared to sell me ready mixed dough done to my specs for A$2 per kilogram.

Sounds like a good option if having a big party.

[nissanneill]

Re: I need a new mixer suggestion

Hi Eric,

I looked over some off the commercial units and they weigh 300lbs???
Is that correct for a 12 qt model?

They are not designed to be lifted in and out of a cupboard but you have no option if you want reliability and performance. Your KA's I feel are more domestic suited and not for the hard yakka that dough kneeding requires.
I, like Al, bought a Chinese 10 quart mixer (it had all the whisks etc. but no dough hook so I made 2, a straight and a spiral), used it a dozen times and then found a broken 20 quart Hobart for $50. A day later I had it welded, stripped and repainted and now I use nothing else.
Do a search on the forum as this topic has been well documented before.

Cheers.

Neill

[Bacterium]

Re: I need a new mixer suggestion

I made sure the pantry in my new house could fit my 20qt.....wouldn't be without it

having said that....if it broke down I'd use the ready mixed stuff for big parties.

[EricU]

Re: I need a new mixer suggestion

I am looking for a used Hobart or similar 12 quart unit and will put it in the garage. I have a nice sized pantry, but my nephew has converted it to a bedroom (long story) so the garage it is! I don't think it will be too bad as it will be only for mixing bread dough about three times a week and the weekend pizza dough.

I will get the old KA fixed and use it for the less demanding mixing chores.

Thanks for the help, Eric.