The Best Stand Mixer for Home Bakers: an Ankarsrum Assistent Review
When it comes to choosing the best stand mixer for home baking, few options compare to the Ankarsrum Assistent Mixer in terms of versatility, durability, and superior performance. Originally designed in Sweden in the 1940s, the Ankarsrum Assistent has stood the test of time and remains a favorite among serious home bakers. If you're looking for a high-quality stand mixer for bread dough, cookies, and cakes, this machine is a game-changer.
Superior Design and Engineering for Perfect Mixing
Unlike conventional stand mixers that use a tilting head and planetary mixing action, the Ankarsrum Assistent Mixer features a unique, bottom-driven motor and rotating bowl. This innovative stand mixer allows for better gluten development in bread doughs while preventing overmixing. The large 7.4-quart stainless steel bowl can handle up to 18 cups of flour, making it perfect for large-batch baking, while also excelling at smaller recipes.
Unmatched Versatility: More Than Just a Mixer
The Ankarsrum Assistent is not just a stand mixer; it's a multifunctional kitchen appliance. It includes all the essential attachments like a dough roller, scraper, dough hook, whisks and cookie beaters, making it out-of-the-box for all mixing techniques, from sourdough to meringue. And with optional add-ons such as a meat grinder, pasta maker, and blender, this best stand mixer for home bakers goes beyond baking to become a must-have all-in-one kitchen tool.
Powerful Motor for Heavy-Duty Baking
With a 600-watt motor, the Ankarsrum Assistent runs efficiently and with less noise, even when mixing stiff doughs. Unlike common stand mixers for bread dough that struggle with strong bread and pizza doughs, this machine handles sourdough, whole wheat dough, and thick batters with ease. Its motor-in-base design applies direct power to rotate the bowl, which enhances stability while minimizing stress for extended long-term reliability. Even under heavy loads, this design will power through many years of mixing.
Built to Last: A Stand Mixer That Outperforms Competitors
The most common stand mixers sold in the US are fine for whipping cream and mixing the occasional cake batter or cookie dough. But when needed to perform a tougher range of baking and prep tasks, most will experience overheating, nylon gear wear-down or motor burnout way sooner than you'd think. They simply aren't designed to handle that kind of work. The Ankarsrum Assistent Mixer is, which is why it's built with all-metal construction and a robust direct-drive motor system. These features ensure long-lasting durability, making it one of the best investments for serious home bakers. With proper care, this mixer can last for decades, significantly outlasting many competing brands.
Easy to Use and Clean
Despite its powerful capabilities, the Ankarsrum Assistent Mixer is remarkably user-friendly. The open-bowl design makes it easy to add ingredients, and its intuitive speed and timer controls allow for precise mixing. Additionally, the attachments are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.
Why the Ankarsrum Assistent is Worth the Investment
While the Ankarsrum Assistent Mixer comes at a premium price, its unparalleled performance, proven longevity, and versatility make it the best choice for serious home bakers. Whether you're baking cookies, cakes, or artisan bread, this machine delivers professional-quality results. If you're searching for the best stand mixer for bread dough, high-volume baking, or general home use, the Ankarsrum Assistent is the top choice for elevating your baking experience.