"Mike Avery" > wrote in message
news:mailman.3.1113404520.62570.rec.food.baking@ma il.otherwhen.com...
> Her Subj. wrote:
>
>>I am in the market to buy a KitchenAid standing mixer, but am unsure
>>whether I should go for the 5qt (450watts) professional model or the
>>6qt (525 or the newer 575 watt) professional model. I generally do not
>>make too many cookies, but I do a lot of yeast breads and doughs --not
>>in large quantities, but frequently enough dough for 2-3 loaves at a
>>time.
>>
>>Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
>>
>
> I'd look at the recommended maximum capacity of the mixers and see which
> can handle 3 loaves at a time. My old 4 1/2 quart KA can handle 2 without
> any real problems.
>
> However, it's time to bring up the old KitchenAid reliability question.
> Lots of people have complained that KA's just aren't what they used to be.
> I don't know, since I bought mine in the 1970's and it's still going
> strong.
>
> However, I do have a few observations. The KA manual warns you to make
> only a certain amount of dough at a time, and to rest the machine for a
> certain length of time after you have mixed the dough. (If memory serves,
> a 45 minute rest to cool off after making two batches of bread in my
> ancient KA 45.) If you don't follow that advice, you risk your machine's
> health.
> Why? Pretty simple really. My old Hobart 30 quart mixer had a less
> powerful motor than either of the mixers you are looking at. We ran it
> for hours on end. It's older than I am, and I don't like talking about
> how old I am.
>
> Why did it last, when so many more powerful, smaller, mixers have died?
>
> The commercial Hobart mixers have a single speed motor that always runs at
> its optimum speed. The speed of the mixing head is changed by using a
> transmission, much like a car has. You have to stop the mixer to change
> gears, and then start it again.
>
> The home KitchenAid has a variable speed motor. And, unfortunately, you
> have to knead dough at low speeds. Where the work demands high torque.
> And the motor has trouble delivering it. It's not KA being bad... it's
> the laws of physics.
>
> You might look at eBay for a used Hobart N-50 or 20 quart mixer, or for a
> knock-off of these product at professional supply houses. Or you might
> look at some of the other mixers on the retail market, such as the Bosch
> (which I'm not crazy about) or Electrolux Assistent (which I've heard good
> things about).
>
> Mike

Perhaps you might look at my recent pictures of the KitchenAid problem
4-15-05.
I am not saying I would or wouldn't recommend a KitchenAid, but just take a
look at my experience.
http://freepages.family.rootsweb.com...iaster2005.htm
Dee