kitchenaid issue

Ann, I, too, have to use the machine to do the work, as my shoulder doesn’t like it otherwise.  My KA mixer is circa 1980s, meaning the guts are most probably metal, not plastic or nylon.  I do 2-l0af batches, two batches in one day.  It does warm up some, but since I mix about 10 – 15 minutes at a time for each addition (hydrated flour, yeast, salt, porridge) and have time (~1/2 hr) between batches, it cools down.  Sometimes the first mix takes longer, but since I am tearing the hydrated flour into Pecan-sized pieces, the mixer isn’t working so hard.

I have been doing two 2-loaf batches sent I started donating. When I start around 7 AM, I usually finish about 2 PM. There is lots of hands off time, just not leave the house time ☺

I have a 5 qt. KA which I have been using for Community  loaves.   I am making 2 loaf batches husin the modern formula, and this is what is working for me and my old, small mixer.  Before I start, I spray the top and bottom of the plate on the dough hook with olive oil cooking spray.  I cut the autolyse into 1 inch strips, then pull off pieces the size of a pecan.  Mix on low for 20 to 30 minutes.  Add yeast,mixing  about another 10 to 15 minutes.   This is where I have the most trouble with the dough hook crawl.  I just stop and scrape it down.  Add salt and mix about 10-15 minutes longer.  At this time, I usually have a really nice window and my mixer isn’t very warm to the touch. Add the porridge, mix 10-15 minutes more or until it looks well combined. I usually start the second batch autolyse mixing after adding the yeast to the first batch. This seems to give the mixer time to cool down. My bread making experience is not at a expert level, but my loaves are turning out very well and my mixer , though nearly 40 yrs old, is still going strong.

I have both of my KA 7 quart Pros at Ajax in SODO.  One seized on my last bake.  I have been doing 4 loaf batches x 8 all year, and am thinking they have finally taken their toll.  Sigh.

There is an amazing KA repair shop in the SODO area.  Old-school and really good. I googled it before I took mine there and it and has great reviews. If you can’t find it, let me know and I will help you find it.

Hi Laurin, My kids and I used to be patients of yours!  Who knew we would meet up again in a bread-baking forum?  Did your mixer come back on?  I have a 6-qt. Kitchen Aid that has stopped working in the midst of mixing CL for the second time in a year.  I had it repaired last Deember and it has been working fine if I only knead two loaves at a time.  Well, I overdid it last week and it won’t start now.  I’m debating having it repaired or getting a new mixer.