Mixer needed for homemade pizza dough - purchase help

MilitantSquatter · May 4, 2009

I was considering buying a mixer to attempt to make my own pizza dough following the process on Varasano's website. I get dough from the local italian market at $1.50/ea but I think the quality is not ideal for the type of authentic, traditional pizza I want as far as stretching to get a really nice thin, crisp crust. The local pizza places are pricey at $4-5 each. I've never had a need for a mixer before so aside from potentially making pizza dough I don't forsee using it for much else.

I was directed to Kitchen Aid mixers and I see they range from $200-$500+. This was much more than I expected they cost so I'd only be considering the lowest priced units from KA. I see I need a dough hook (not even sure what that attachment looks like).

Will the low end KA models do the job ? Are there other brands out there that might be cheaper but still work as good ?

Any help would be appreciated.

bbqfans · May 4, 2009

Squatter.......................-

Do you intend to make a great amount of dough(business?) or for personal use?

All you really need is some mixing bowls and a strong arm.

I rarely use the mixer for dough. :shock:

Good exercise too:!::wink:

Sledneck · May 4, 2009

I have this model and it works great for dough . You could find more uses for it like adding a meat grinder http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/kit...~25941/KitchenAid+Artisan+5qt+Stand+Mixer.jsp

Sledneck · May 4, 2009

Dough hook

Sledneck · May 4, 2009

$95 plus shipping http://newjersey.craigslist.org/hsh/1153874443.html

MilitantSquatter · May 4, 2009

Sledneck said:
I have this model and it works great for dough . You could find more uses for it like adding a meat grinder http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/kit...~25941/KitchenAid+Artisan+5qt+Stand+Mixer.jsp

Even better... you make the dough, and I'll stop by to pick it up after it's mixed. :biggrin:

Rick's Tropical Delight · May 4, 2009

pizza dough is one of the reasons i bought my ka mixer, but i keep getting the premade dough at the market because it's easier

SmokeInDaEye · May 4, 2009

Sledneck said:
$95 plus shipping http://newjersey.craigslist.org/hsh/1153874443.html

When did you start a blog? And how much pizza is Vinny eating these days? I'm so behind.

keend · May 4, 2009

I'm with bbqfans...you really don't need a mixer unless you are making a lot of dough.

Attached is a great web site for learning to make pizza dough. Lots of great pictures and detailed instructions. I have found that the step that makes the biggest difference is the Autolyse and Wet Kneeding. The different flour makes a little difference, but you can make great dough with AP flour.

This guy recommends the Electrolux DLX mixer over the Kitchen Aid.

Long article, but great read!

http://www.drjunge.de/Blog/pdf-kea/perfect_pizza_reciepe_detail_060919.pdf

Once I finally got your link to open for me, found that it was the same article I was talking about. daaa.

hockeyfox · May 4, 2009

I have used my Kitchen Aid and my bread machine to mix dough. I find no difference in the quality. What really made the difference is the addition of my own sourdough starter. Great flavor and makes a superb thin crust. I brush it with Olive oil and dock it, par bake for 5 mins at 550 and wonderful things happen.

EatonHoggBBQ · May 4, 2009

I make my pizza dough in my Cuisinart food processor. I think it does a far better job and a heck of a lot faster than my KA mixer. Makes dough for two large pizzas in one batch.

Peteg · May 4, 2009

In my experience, the low end KA mixers have performed better than the higer end models. I've had my $200 mixer for 9 years with no problems. In the last four years I've blown through 2 of the KA Pro 600 mixers at $400 each. Definately would not recommend the Pro model if they are still made with a plastic motor housing.

SaucyWench · May 4, 2009

I use our Cuisinart food processor, works fine for me, bgbob likes to use his vintage '96 Kitchen Aid. I don't taste huge differences, it's all better than pizza huh.

JD McGee · May 4, 2009

We've had our KitchenAid for 15 years and still going strong...plus there are a lot of cool attachments you can get for it...pasta, meat grinder...etc.

Hell Fire Grill · May 4, 2009

Forno Bravo offers a good dough mixer, from what I understand. It is very expensive but it dont hurt to look.

http://fornobravo.com/store/Magic-Mill-Assistent-Dough-Mixer-p-1-c-268.html

If you like wood fired masonry pizza ovens here is their home site:

http://www.fornobravo.com/#pizza_ovens

MAB52 · May 4, 2009

We bought our KA in 1980 for 149.99. I have acquired almost all the attachments, I think, and it is still going strong. Best investment we ever made.

Sledneck · May 4, 2009

MilitantSquatter said:
Even better... you make the dough, and I'll stop by to pick it up after it's mixed. :biggrin:

Let me check my schedule

thillin · May 4, 2009

I've heard of people using a bread maker to mix dough for bread and pizza. Use the machine for the mixing and turn off and remove dough and cook.

biggs98 · May 4, 2009

Kitchen Aid is the way to go. Well worth the investment and you can use it for so much

HoDeDo · May 5, 2009

We have this one, and love it... it is 600W, and larger bowl than the comparable KA. http://www.thebuzzelectronics.com/item.asp?item_id=141834&refid=1015

I will say it is VERY noisy. The motor in it is loud... but it works through just about everything. With Sears in the tank though, I think I would stick to kitchen aid or bosch, if I had to buy again. So I would know the warranty will be there...

Mixer needed for homemade pizza dough - purchase help

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