The Problem With KitchenAid Mixers

The KitchenAid stand mixer has several problems. Yet, they outsell the competition in almost every category. I decided to look at some of the pros and cons of this popular kitchen appliance.

The Problem With KitchenAid Mixers

The Problem With KitchenAid Mixers

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The Problem With KitchenAid Mixers

The Problem With KitchenAid Mixers

The Cons:

One, they are huge. The average stand mixer takes up 2 square feet or more of your kitchen space. In today's modern houses that may not be a problem. But, if you have a galley kitchen "it's a real challenge.

Two, they weigh a lot. The average weight is 32 pounds. That makes them awkward and difficult to move easily. It is definitely not a one handed operation.

Three, the mixing bowl is too big. The smallest KitchenAid mixing bowl is four and one half quarts. If you are just acouple and you aren't having guests over the ideal size would be about 2 to 3 quarts. Sure, you can put a smaller batches in the bigger bowl. But, why buy a machine that is twice as big as you need for day to day Cooking?

Four, they cost a lot. A top of the line model can cost $ 499 brand new. $ 500 is a lot of money to spend on a kitchen appliance that sits on your countertop. A premium toaster is only $ 50 and you use it more often.

The Pros:

So why are they the most popular mixer on the market? There are several answers to that question:

One, they last and last. It's not unusual for a KitchenAid stand mixer to be in the same kitchen for 10, 20 or even 30 years. Family fights can start over who inherits theKitchenAid >.

Two, the mixing bowl is really big. According to the latest press release from KitchenAid you can buy a model with a mixing bowl that holds up to 7 quarts. If you are Cooking for a large group you can't beat being able to do all the mixing in one batch.

Three, the size and the weight of this stand mixer keep it stable on the counter top. You don't have to worry about it hopping and vibrating on you. It holds still while it mixes the toughest batches of bread dough.

The Problem With KitchenAid Mixers

Light and Fluffy Bread

This recipe is for a very light and Airy bread. I was raised in a donut shop (no pun intended) and have baked all my life.

Light and Fluffy Bread

Light and Fluffy Bread

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Light and Fluffy Bread

Light and Fluffy Bread

However, I just couldn't find or create a bread recipe to my satisfaction ... one that would knock your socks off, if you know what I mean ... that is until I found this one. I got this recipe from a very dear old Italian lady who was like a second mother to me when I was younger. She was always Cooking and baking and feeding teenagers.

This is the bread of love that you will love.

INGREDIENTS:

2-4 LOAVES (Depending on Size of Pans)

6 cups all-purpose flour

3 rounded tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoons salt

1 packages Fast-rising dry yeast

Combine the above ingredients in a mixer bowl first.

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3/4 cups buttermilk

1-3/4 cups water

Combine the above ingredients in a bowl or large measuring cup and heat to 125-130 degrees in the microwave to add to the mixing bowl.

Note: This amount will fit into the two medium sized bread pans and one large or two small bread pans.

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INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Combine the above in a Kitchen Aid or similar type of mixer bowl with a flat hook. If you don't have a mixer, you can do it by hand fAirly easily.

2. Blend the ingredients with a dough hook until it all comes together. Finish it up with oiled hands, flattening it out into the bowl. You will not be kneading thedough, but just blend it until smooth. It will be a very wet and sticky dough. Don't worry about getting too much oil from your hands in the dough; it helps the final product.

3. Let the dough rise in the pot or bowl in a warm place (an oven warmed to 90-100 degrees is perfect) for 30-40 minutes or until doubled.

4. Punch the dough down and forms to fit into greased baking pans, The pans should be about half full. Allow the covered dough to rise in a warm place until doubled, or the edges are to the top of the pan and the round is above the top.

5. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes or until done.

6. Remove the bread from the baking pans immediately and let cool on a rack.

Light and Fluffy Bread