This article details a rigorous test of the Bosch Universal Plus stand mixer: the 9-loaf bread challenge. Originating from a Utah mixer shop, this challenge pushes the machine to its limits by demanding the creation of approximately 14 pounds of bread dough – a substantial undertaking for any stand mixer. The experiment aims to assess the Bosch's capabilities in handling such a massive dough quantity, focusing on its performance and the management of ingredient proportions for 1.5-pound loaves. A comparison with the KitchenAid Pro 600 informs the selection of the Bosch, highlighting its proven superiority in handling large batches.The challenge unfolds step-by-step, documenting the process from yeast activation to the incorporation of over 3500 grams of flour. The article observes the mixer's performance under intense pressure, noting both successes and challenges encountered during the mixing process, specifically focusing on achieving the correct dough consistency. Ultimately, the results demonstrate the Bosch Universal Plus's impressive capacity for large-scale baking, offering valuable insights for home bakers contemplating high-volume projects and comparing different stand mixer brands.
Pros And Cons
- Great for large batches of ingredients
- Can handle 12-14 pounds of dough (according to manual)
- Able to handle 14 pounds of dough in this specific test
- Motor may struggle with extremely large batches, requiring higher speed settings.
- Bowl may be too small for very large batches of dough, leading to dough clinging to the sides.
- Not ideal for small batches of dough
Read more: Hamilton Beach 7-Speed Stand Mixer Review: Best Stand Mixer for 2024?
The Challenge Begins: 14 Pounds of Dough!
The 9-loaf bread challenge, originating from a mixer shop in Utah, pushes the limits of the Bosch Universal Plus mixer. This challenge involves creating approximately 14 pounds of dough—a significant undertaking for any stand mixer.
This experiment aims to test the Bosch's capabilities with a massive dough quantity. We'll be making 1.5-pound loaves, requiring careful attention to ingredient proportions and the mixer's performance.
Mixer Showdown: Bosch vs. KitchenAid
Previous tests comparing the Bosch Universal Plus to the KitchenAid Pro 600 revealed that different mixers excel at different tasks. The Bosch proved superior for large batches, making it a prime candidate for this challenge.
While both mixers have their strengths, the Bosch's power and capacity are especially relevant for this bread-making endeavor. This challenge will test the Bosch’s limits, offering valuable insight into its performance with large volumes of ingredients.
Ingredient Assembly and Mixing Process
The recipe utilizes baker's percentages for accurate scaling, simplifying the process for a large batch. The initial steps include proofing yeast with warm water and sugar.
Subsequently, we add the remaining ingredients: sugar, butter, nonfat dry milk, and a large quantity of flour. This is a crucial stage where the mixer's power and capacity are put to the test.
The Mixing Challenge: Flour Power!
Mixing 3575 grams of flour presents a formidable challenge. The video highlights the sheer volume of flour required, filling the mixer's bowl to its absolute capacity.
The presenter carefully adds the flour incrementally, monitoring the mixer's performance and adjusting as needed. The mixer works hard, with the dough becoming quite thick and substantial.
Dough Consistency and Final Touches
Despite the copious amount of flour, the dough remains somewhat sticky. Additional flour is incorporated to achieve the desired consistency.
The presenter notes the mixer's performance and highlights challenges encountered in handling the exceptionally large quantity of dough. The dough is still sticky but workable, with the presenter adding additional flour.
Results and Final Thoughts
The final dough weighs in at 14.4 pounds, remarkably close to the target of 14 pounds. This demonstrates the Bosch's ability to handle large-scale breadmaking.
Despite minor challenges with dough consistency and the mixer's slight strain under the load, the Bosch successfully completes the challenge. The presenter discusses the possibility of the mixer's motor being able to handle it, but the bowl being too small for such a large amount of dough.
Bosch vs. KitchenAid: The Verdict
The Bosch Universal Plus shines in large-batch baking, handling the 14 pounds of dough successfully, though it strained at times. A KitchenAid would struggle with this quantity.
The conclusion emphasizes that the choice between Bosch and KitchenAid depends on individual needs. Home cooks making small batches might prefer a KitchenAid; those regularly working with large quantities may opt for a Bosch. Ultimately, for serious bakers who need both options, owning both mixers is the best solution.