Author Topic: Best mixer for low to high hydration dough (Read 4109 times)

AgPie · « **on:** September 08, 2011, 08:02:34 AM »

I am looking for a mixer, mainly to be used for making bread and pizza dough.
As I have been reading this forum, there are issues with both Bosh and DLX mixers regarding their ability/disability. Bosch is said to be better for low hydration dough (upto 65%) and DLX seems better for high hydration (65% and up).
Is there any mixer that can do any hydration and at the same time do small batches as well.

Jackie Tran · « **Reply #1 on:** September 08, 2011, 08:38:33 AM »

There are reports that the bosch with the metal dough bowl, made specifically for dough can do high hydration doughs. The smallest batch the bosch can do is approximately 400gm.

Chau

AgPie · « **Reply #2 on:** September 08, 2011, 09:23:27 AM »

Chau, any information on the highest hydration that Bosch metal dough bowl can handle. Any specific link for this info. Also there is another option of older model Bosch Mixer Stainless Steel Bowl, without center column ("ER1"). Is it any better than the newer version?
Link is here http://www.pleasanthillgrain.com/bumpers_on_u-plus.aspx

scott r · « **Reply #3 on:** September 08, 2011, 10:14:25 AM »

The older style bowl without the center column is the one you would want for higher hydration. Beware, as the other metal bowl offered by bosch is the same as the plastic one....just made out of metal. I have not personally tested the old style bowl, so I am not sure how much better it works. Maybe someone with one will chime in with their experiences. I am pretty sure you can buy an old style metal bowl without the center column that will fit on the new universal plus.

A globe sp5, or a hobart n50 should be great at a wide range of hydrations. also the esmach sp5 spiral mixer I have is great with a very wide range, and built to last forever.

AgPie · « **Reply #4 on:** September 08, 2011, 01:05:33 PM »

why is hobart N50 5x the price of Bosch and 3.5x as compared to DLX. Is it that good ? what are the things that it can do, that a Bosch or DLX can't

scott r · « **Reply #5 on:** September 08, 2011, 02:29:39 PM »

I would never buy a new n50, I see them used for about the same as a dlx. been around forever. What it can do that is special is make great dough through a wider range of hydrations. The n50 or the globe sp5 are just mini versions of the planetary mixers used in 99% of pizzerias around the country....

AgPie · « **Reply #6 on:** September 08, 2011, 03:01:22 PM »

Quote from: scott r on September 08, 2011, 02:29:39 PM

I would never buy a new n50, I see them used for about the same as a dlx. been around forever. What it can do that is special is make great dough through a wider range of hydrations. The n50 or the globe sp5 are just mini versions of the planetary mixers used in 99% of pizzerias around the country....

scott, are you game for dlx over bosch ?

scott r · « **Reply #7 on:** September 08, 2011, 03:24:18 PM »

only if you like high hydrations. If I could only have one mixer it would be my hands

.... still the best!

AgPie · « **Reply #8 on:** September 11, 2011, 04:32:49 AM »

Quote from: scott r on September 08, 2011, 03:24:18 PM

only if you like high hydrations. If I could only have one mixer it would be my hands .... still the best!

can I borrow your hands for some time

Jackie Tran · « **Reply #9 on:** September 11, 2011, 09:09:55 AM »

Quote from: AgPie on September 08, 2011, 09:23:27 AM

Chau, any information on the highest hydration that Bosch metal dough bowl can handle. Any specific link for this info. Also there is another option of older model Bosch Mixer Stainless Steel Bowl, without center column ("ER1"). Is it any better than the newer version?
Link is here http://www.pleasanthillgrain.com/bumpers_on_u-plus.aspx

AgPie check out dmaxdmax's response here at reply 5,

http://www.pizzamaking.com/forum/index.php/topic,14795.0.html

Chau

AgPie · « **Reply #10 on:** September 11, 2011, 12:53:12 PM »

Quote from: Jackie Tran on September 11, 2011, 09:09:55 AM

AgPie check out dmaxdmax's response here at reply 5,

http://www.pizzamaking.com/forum/index.php/topic,14795.0.html

Chau

Thanks Chau. It was useful

dmaxdmax · « **Reply #11 on:** September 11, 2011, 04:18:13 PM »

I just re-read my own post to make sure I hadn't changed my opinion and indeed I have not. I love the thing but only with the specialty ss bowl.

A nice benefit is that it's lightweight enough to fit on an under-counter plastic lazy susan which would be crushed by our 15 year-old KA.

barryvabeach · « **Reply #12 on:** September 12, 2011, 05:41:35 PM »

For small batches, I love the Bosch compact. I have the older Bosch Universal as well, but think the compact does a better job for small batches, and also handles high hydration better than the Universal. I usually make 2 or 3 small batches,( 200 grams of wheat flour ) one right after the other, each weekend when I experiment with different ratios of different types of wheat , and do 75% hydration with no problems. It can probably handle much bigger loads, though not sure of the upper limit.

AgPie · « **Reply #13 on:** September 13, 2011, 10:03:53 AM »

Quote from: dmaxdmax on September 11, 2011, 04:18:13 PM

I just re-read my own post to make sure I hadn't changed my opinion and indeed I have not. I love the thing but only with the specialty ss bowl.

A nice benefit is that it's lightweight enough to fit on an under-counter plastic lazy susan which would be crushed by our 15 year-old KA.

how do you fit this ss bowl on the newer bosch

AgPie · « **Reply #14 on:** September 13, 2011, 10:07:12 AM »

Quote from: barryvabeach on September 12, 2011, 05:41:35 PM

For small batches, I love the Bosch compact. I have the older Bosch Universal as well, but think the compact does a better job for small batches, and also handles high hydration better than the Universal. I usually make 2 or 3 small batches,( 200 grams of wheat flour ) one right after the other, each weekend when I experiment with different ratios of different types of wheat , and do 75% hydration with no problems. It can probably handle much bigger loads, though not sure of the upper limit.

there is not much to read about the Bosch Compact, anywhere even in this forum

barryvabeach · « **Reply #15 on:** September 13, 2011, 03:13:41 PM »

Agreed that there is not much on the compact on this forum, you can find a little more on the Perfect Loaf http://www.thefreshloaf.com/ . The posters there have a lot of positive things to say.http://www.thefreshloaf.com/node/19731/bosch-compact-mixer I am surprised that you don't see much more discussion here. since it ideal for those of us that experiment - you can make many small batches with no fuss. With the Universal, ( old version ) you are locked into bigger batches.

buceriasdon · « **Reply #16 on:** September 13, 2011, 07:17:23 PM »

One thing I have noticed about the Bosch Compact Mixer is lack of availability from time to time. Currently Amazon does not list it as available. I'm not saying it's not out there just that three sites I have checked in with say they have none in stock.
Don

Quote from: barryvabeach on September 13, 2011, 03:13:41 PM

Agreed that there is not much on the compact on this forum, you can find a little more on the Perfect Loaf http://www.thefreshloaf.com/ . The posters there have a lot of positive things to say.http://www.thefreshloaf.com/node/19731/bosch-compact-mixer I am surprised that you don't see much more discussion here. since it ideal for those of us that experiment - you can make many small batches with no fuss. With the Universal, ( old version ) you are locked into bigger batches.

barryvabeach · « **Reply #17 on:** September 13, 2011, 08:38:14 PM »

Don, you are a step ahead of me, I just checked several sites, and another forum, and apparently it can only be found as a package for a ton of money, or at overstock for $210 - it was about $160 when I bought mine earlier this year - but it apparently comes in, then sells out, and the pricing goes up.

dmaxdmax · « **Reply #18 on:** November 15, 2011, 11:18:40 PM »

Quote from: AgPie on September 13, 2011, 10:03:53 AM

how do you fit this ss bowl on the newer bosch

Sorry for the slow response. I've been AWOL

I dunno - it just fits.

steel_baker · « **Reply #19 on:** November 29, 2011, 08:37:57 PM »

I currently use a Bosch Universal Plus with the new style SS bowl for my dough. I use 409g of bread flour per batch at 67% hydration with no issues.

Don't know what the alleged issue would be with higher hydration dough.

Author Topic: Best mixer for low to high hydration dough (Read 4109 times)

buceriasdon