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Chemiker

On Tue, 26 Jul 2011 17:01:02 -0400, wrote:

>I'm looking into getting a stand mixer. I'm looking at two Kitchen Aid models.
>One is a six quart, 575 watt model and the other is a five quart, 325 watt
>model. My question is,which one do I need for basic baking and hopefully bread
>making. They both come with a dough hook. It's only my wife and myself and we
>really don't do much entertaining. I'm retired and would like to get into
>baking. I already do all the other cooking :-) Any suggestions from those of
>you who own a stand mixer? Thanks.

We've had both the 5 and the 6 qt units, and every one we've owned is
still in the family and in use (4 kids, all of whom have KA's). To
make bread for 2, on an occasional basis, the 5 is perfectly OK. That
said, when you get into the heavy breads or wish to make 2 loaves at
once, or a 2 lb or larger loaf, then the 6 comes into play. There are
times I have found our current KA (a 6-Pro) to large for a single 1.5
lb loaf, but then I also have a big Zoji. I use the Zoji more than I
use the KA. This is because I use the Zoji dough cycle for my whole
wheats, then free form them, and when I make Ciabatta-type loaves, I
make a poolisih by hand the day before and then fold in the main dough
ball by hand. I found tha both the KA and the Zoji overbeat/knead the
dough, which is OK if you want a fine crumb. I prefer the Ciabatta
type open crumb, which IMHO must be done by hand.

Also, if you come to love your KA and want to add accessories like a
pasta roller, meat grinder or electric welder, then go for the 6. Know
in advance: to make 1 lb loaves for 2 on occasion, you will find the 6
qt bowl a little too large. YMMV.

Have fun. You won't lose either way. A KA is a real investment, but
worth it.

Alex, who'se never had the KA 4.5 mixer, but heard good things. Also
heard that the older KA's are better than the newer ones. Any opinions
on that?