Looking at mixers, $500 cap

[DenaliPete]

Hi folks,

So here's where I'm at currently;

My KA mixer has been very faithful to me, and though I'm grateful to its service, it is starting to leak oil or something, and the impression that I have been given is that there are other mixers that are better equipped to handle pizza doughs.

Now, in november after completing nursing school, a relative was very kind and sent me a check for $500.  I was hesitant to accept the gift because that's no small amount of money, but have been assured that they wanted me to have it and an appropriate thank you would be to put the money into something I love.

I've decided that I would like to invest towards a new mixer, I feel like that is the next big step I can make towards improving my results at this point in time. 

I know there are several models in the $500 range, including Kitchen Aid, Electrolux, and Bosch.  Does anyone have any recommendations on a mixer that would give me the best bang for my buck?  I've never had any experience with a planetary mixer or any mixers with anything other than the standard KA C-hook. 

I'd welcome any advice on these mixers or any warning of schortcomings that I may come across.

Thanks folks,

Denali Pete

[pcampbell]

Scott R has a few on sale.  I would check those out!!!

[bicster]

save your $$ and get your hand kneading down.

in no time, you will realize that you have no knead for a mixer.

[scpizza]

I second that.

[Chet]

Scott R has a few on sale.  I would check those out!!!

  How do we get in contact with Scott R to see what he has, I was hoping to find a refurb Bosch

  Chet

[scott r]

you should be able to PM me.   Unfortunately the DLX is sold, but I still have the santos for 900.  The bosch is a great mixer too! 

[homeslice]

Hey Scott, I tried PM'ing you but your inbox is full.  Please tell me you still have the Santos, since I missed out on the DLX!  Also, I'm curious what commercial mixer you settled on?  Thanks!

Ryan

[DenaliPete]

Hey guys,

I ended up purchasing a DLX, which I took for its maiden voyage 2 days ago.  Amazing little piece of machine.  I can see that there will be a slight learning curve to get it perfect, but that's half the fun.

If I'd had the resources by which to do it, I believe Scott's santos is probably the best home mixer for doughs one will find.

[Matthew]

If I'd had the resources by which to do it, I believe Scott's santos is probably the best home mixer for doughs one will find.

You definitely made the right choice.  I have both (Santos & DLX) & use the DLX alot more than the Santos.  I can produce the exact same dough with the DLX than I can with the Santos; it just takes slightly longer.

Matt

[DenaliPete]

Just to update everyone:

I could not be more satisfied with my purchase.  I use the roller and scraper to make my doughs, which I can make effortlessly thanks to the large bowl and efficient kneading.  I was going to try and make some dough with the dough hook, but I cannot figure out how to raise the arm a little to bring the hook into place properly.

I have been continuously amazed at how effortlessly the mixer produces dough that eventually had my kitchen aid whining for mercy and leaking oil.

I'm eager to purchase and try out a few of the other attachments for the mixer (Mostly the blender and grater).