Mixer vs Bread Machine (ingredients, cookie, stove, expensive)

[charlygal]

Today, I was making a double batch of soft pretzel dough. I was kneading the dough in a cheapo stand mixer and the kneading hook broke off.

I was eventually planning on upgrading to a better (and more expensive) stand mixer. However, I know that even some of the best mixers will have problems mixing heavy doughs. I've heard stories of mixers jumping around on counters or motors burning out. Yet, I've never heard of a bread machine breaking down.

Has anyone used a bread machine? I was thinking of getting a compact bread machine to use for my bread and other yeast doughs and save my stand mixer for the easy jobs.

[Emeraldmaiden]

I have a bread machine, and I do use the dough cycle on it (arthritis has stopped my hand-kneading). That said, I also have a KitchenAid stand mixer, which also does an excellent job on dough, since it's the Professional model (not the base level Artisan or Classic). It has a metal dough hook. Because of our lack of a real kitchen right now, I use the bread machine more frequently for dough; there's no good place to put the mixer, and so I use it for things like mashed potatoes, whipped cream, etc.

[talloolla]

I purchased a bread machine years ago when they were all the rage and even though I counted the minutes until I had one of my own, I think I used it only a dozen times. My Viking mixer, however, gets used at the very least on a weekly basis. It does a great job at kneading bread dough along with tons of other uses. If bread making is something you do often, invest in a powerful mixer that will use much more frequently.

[charlygal]

Originally Posted by Emeraldmaiden

I have a bread machine, and I do use the dough cycle on it (arthritis has stopped my hand-kneading). That said, I also have a KitchenAid stand mixer, which also does an excellent job on dough, since it's the Professional model (not the base level Artisan or Classic). It has a metal dough hook. Because of our lack of a real kitchen right now, I use the bread machine more frequently for dough; there's no good place to put the mixer, and so I use it for things like mashed potatoes, whipped cream, etc.

Yeah, I've seen recommendations for the Professional model KitchenAid. I was wanting to save some money by getting a smaller model like the Classic. Decisions, decisions.

[CMichele]

I also want a bread machine but another user here told me to get the mixer instead.

[charlygal]

I'm thinking about getting both. I just don't want to break my mixer over some stiff dough.

[Hedgehog_Mom]

I had a bread machine. I used it until it started to leak grease into the dough, which was several years. It was fine for making dough but I hated the way the bread baked in it...it made a big square loaf which resulted in slices too big for sandwiches and the crust was always tough. It was cheaper than a stand mixer but it only did one thing...make dough.

I have a KitchenAid Artisan (I didn't have enough counter height to get the Pro model) that I bought 7 years ago. I make dough in it three or four times a week. I have never had a problem with it. I also use it to make cake, cookie dough, frosting, marzipan, fondant, mashed potatoes, shredded chicken (just put the cooked chicken in with the paddle attachment and turn it on for a minute or so, much easier than the two forks). If it broke, I would repair or replace it right away...it's as necessary to my kitchen as the stove or sink.

I think when people have problems with the KA mixers breaking, it's because they didn't read and follow the directions...don't turn the mixer higher than 2 with the dough hook attached, don't overload the bowl, etc.

Before I got the KA, I killed six or seven cheaper mixers. When I bought the KA (it was my present to myself for quitting smoking, yay), I couldn't believe I had done without it for so many years. I've moved three times since I bought it, and it's always the first thing I unpack.

[Sonnenwende]

I use an Electrolux Assistent. It is fantastic.

[OpenD]

Apples and oranges.

A good stand mixer will mix the ingredients just fine, then you still have to let the dough rise, knead it, let it rise again, put it in the oven to bake, take it out when it's done.

With a bread machine you put the ingredients in and push a button. It signals you when to take the finished loaf out.

Each has a totally worthwhile place in certain people's kitchens, depending on what your needs are.

[brokencrayola]

I have a good breadmaker, but I have to be honest, I probably have only used it 6-8 times. It works great, I think I have just shoved it in the corner and forget about it. I should make some bread, I love the smell.