I am contemplating getting a stand mixer for baking purposes, and I’ve always known KitchenAid as the default choice here. I would instead want something European-made, but I am unfamiliar with the landscape.
Do any of you have any experience with European models, such as the Ankarsum or Bosch OptiMUM (what kind of name is that??), or any other?
I have a good food processor and blender from before, so I don’t need it to be able to handle all kinds of things that stand mixers are not meant for, but if there’s some extensibility beyond just kneading that I wouldn’t otherwise be able to achieve with those devices, that would be a plus.
I have considered it, but previous bad experiences buying expensive equipment used as well as well as a hesitance on my part buying food-related items used (although this is likely just irrational, as the equipment can be thoroughly cleaned) keeps me from doing so. It is also hopefully supposed to be one of these BIFL-type purchases so that it is not discarded after just some years.
That’s true, if you did go for it find a bowl-lift model as opposed to the more common ones where the head tilts up. Much more durable and generally more powerful. (Great for doughs especially firmer ones like bagel dough)