America's Test Kitchen finally reviewed my Ankarsrum mixer!

[kenny]

FF to 15:05.

ATK says it's new to the USA.
But, no, I bought mine 11 years ago here and they were available long before that.
I've been lovin mine from day 1.
Quirky, but wonderful, just like me.
Brilliant design that turns the blow, not the beaters, which requires much less energy.

Sunlight being the best disinfectant, I'm glad ATK also mention how the KitchenAid motors are notorious for burning out after anything beyond medium duty use - a common complaint on bread baking fora.
The worm drive motor of the Ankarsrum can easily knead enough dough for 10 or 11 loaves.
Then I bake 1 or 2 loaves, but separate, seal, and freeze the rest for future bakes.

I'm glad the Ankarsrum Assistent (correct spelling BTW) is finally getting some long overdue mainstream attention in America.
It's about time.

 

[kenny]

For shoppers, ATK here elaborates on caveats affecting all, even the highest end KitchenAid mixers.

 

[Matata]

Ok, I gotta have a red one. Thanks Kenny.

When you freeze your bread dough, do you notice any difference in texture or taste when you bake it?

 

[kenny]

Ok, I gotta have a red one. Thanks Kenny.

When you freeze your bread dough, do you notice any difference in texture or taste when you bake it?

Cool!

No difference in texture or taste ... but perhaps how I freeze it is why ...

I separate the extra dough by scaling (weighing) it into one-loaf balls of raw dough.
Then I put each ball into one of those FoodSaver vacuum bags and suck the air out.
Then I use it within 4 - 6 weeks or so.

I thaw it in the refrigerator around 20.
Then bring it up to room temp, watching for rising.

Then I do two proofings (risings).
Then I just bake it as usual.

I have no idea how the bread from frozen dough would come out if you don't have a vacuum sealing thingie.
... but as they say, "Google is your friend."
Search for anything about using this Swedish cutie pie.

I like the red.
Mine is dark blue.

FWIW, if you are experienced making your own bread from scratch there will be differences to adjust to using this mixer.
Don't be surprised if it takes a few bakings to get it how you like it.
I'll post more later when I have time.

 

[kenny]

@Matata
There are many Ankarsrum videos from novices giving really bad advice.
While it is a brilliant design, it's so different that using it correctly is NOT intuitive to users accustomed to the usual mixer designs.
Also 11 years ago Ankarsrum's documentation left a lot to be desired.

IMO the best introduction video is from Ashley McCord, who IIRC owns the company Breadbeckers.
I bought their bread recipe book.

First video below is her newest one, a remake of her 12 year old video.
The new one is more comprehensive, and is a much better than the older one:

If interested here's Ashley's original video, the one that sold me on the mixer:

At the time her older video, was a globsend to get me started.
But my first few tries to make bread dough didn't go well.
It took me several tries to figure out things that you'll immediately get from her new video.

Even after 11 years of use issues remained that I've never ironed out; the new video addresses them and more.
For example, how far from the bowl's edge the roller should be positioned and locked so the roller does not bang against the side of the bowl as it spins.
But it must not be so close to the middle of the bowl that the roller can't apply the optimum pressure to knead the dough.
You'll learn to judge this critical Goldilocks roller position, and how to adjust it as you add more flour.

Be patient and you'll find your groove with this very clever but radically different machine.

Another link FYI:

Home

Ankarsrum's Stand Mixer combines quality, function & design. With a stand mixer from Ankarsrum you'll get a complete helper in the kitchen!

www.ankarsrum.com

 

[Matata]

Thanks for the info @kenny. I spent some time today watching vids. The design of the machine is genius. I told DH I was eager to get one and do the bread baking this winter that I never got around to last year. He isn't excited about the prospect. I'll have to give it some more thought to be sure I'd use it enough to justify the purchase.

 

[kenny]

Whatever you decide, thanks for having a looksee.

 

[Karl_K]

Interesting.
Its fairly well known these days that kitchenaid and really any conventional consumer mixer it will not hold up to a lot of dough work over time. Its been true for a long time.
Kitchenaid like everyone else has a lot of plastic in the gear train these days not the bronze gears of old.

For 750ish you can also pick up a used commercial mixer if you have room for it that will do anything that will fit in the bowl fast.

 

[kenny]

Interesting. ...

Interesting, indeed.
Clever how the motor rotates at very high speed but gears reducing the speed increases the torque; and it's force (torque) that's needed to move the dough, not speed.
Gotta love physics.

https://cdn2.webdamdb.com/md_0W2z0PLBlea1.mp4?1495819147

BTW, I once knew a woman in the rural midwest with a huge extended family.
She hosted big parties, holiday celebrations, and events for her community & church.

She actually bought a used massive floor-standing Hobart mixer for her home kitchen.
@Matata tell your DH this is what you really want; to make room you'll just make do without a refrigerator.

IIRC it was Hobart's 60 quart model, which is small compared to their really Big Boys!
I have no idea what she paid for her old used one, but a new ...

 

[Karl_K]

IIRC it was Hobart's 60 quart model,

Wow I knew someone with the baby 20qt and a few with the 10qt and 12qt bench top models but the 60 at home that's wow.
A local bakery has 2 60s and a bunch of bench tops.
The thing with Hobart is you can buy a fully functional one that's over 30 years old that works like brand new and if something breaks you can get parts.
Ebay has kinda killed the real steals on them but you can still find a steal.

 

[Matata]

@Matata tell your DH this is what you really want; to make room you'll just make do without a refrigerator.

My first thought when I saw the picture was "does it come in red."

 

[kenny]

I'm sure you could have it refinished in red enamel, after market.

But I recommend covering it entirely with pavé diamonds?
All it takes is .

 

[Matata]

@kenny
I ordered one today after hesitating since you first posted about it. I didn't know it came with options for ice cream maker and veggie grater/chopper. In time, if the reviews for the veggie attachments and ice cream maker are good, I might buy those and get rid of the cuisinart. Haven't looked at any reviews for the extras yet. I like the idea of one appliance with versatile uses that might replace 2-3 different kitchen appliances.

 

[kenny]

Kewl! ... @Karl_K your checks in the mail.

Hope you dive right in and enjoy the heck out of it!
What color didjah get?
I have the Navy Blue.

Are you, or will you be, a bread baker?

That reminds me, it's time to bake bread.
I usually make enough dough for a few loaves.
I'll bake only one loaf, and freeze the rest of the dough.

There's nothing like the smell of bread baking in the oven.

 

[Matata]

Hope you dive right in and enjoy the heck out of it!
What color didjah get?
I have the Navy Blue.

I could make up my mind between the blues or the red so I got the white LOL.
I intend to make a lot of bread and cookies.