If you're a bread enthusiast, you know that making the perfect loaf goes beyond quality ingredients—it also depends on the right tools. At the heart of any serious bread-making setup is a powerful, reliable stand mixer. But not all mixers are created equal, especially when it comes to handling dense, heavy dough.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what makes a great stand mixer for bread baking—and why the Ankarsrum Assistent Original is a top choice for bakers who mean business.
Why Bread Dough Needs a Special Kind of Mixer
Bread dough is tough—literally. Unlike cake batters or cookie mixes, bread dough demands strength, consistency, and endurance from your stand mixer. Here's what to look for:
1. Motor Strength and Torque
Kneading dough puts a heavy load on the motor. A mixer built for bread should have not just high wattage, but also excellent torque for smooth, consistent motion without overheating.
2. Large Bowl Capacity
Bread recipes often call for large batches, especially if you're baking multiple loaves at once. A spacious, deep mixing bowl is essential to keep the dough contained and moving freely.
3. Effective Kneading Action
The way a mixer handles dough makes a big difference. Planetary mixers mimic hand-kneading, but not all are equally effective. A machine that mimics the stretch and fold action gives you better gluten development and rise.
4. Durability and Build Quality
Bread baking is a long-term commitment. Look for a stand mixer made with durable materials like stainless steel or cast aluminum—not plastic.
5. Quiet Operation
Bread dough takes time. A quiet motor lets you multitask around the kitchen without the constant hum or rattle of a struggling machine.
What Makes Ankarsrum Ideal for Bread Bakers?
The Ankarsrum Assistent Original checks every box—and then some. Made in Sweden and time-tested since the 1940s, it’s built from the ground up with serious bakers in mind.
✔️ Built for Bread
Ankarsrum’s 600-watt motor is deceptively powerful. Its gear-driven design creates impressive torque that allows it to knead up to 11 lbs of dough without breaking a sweat. You can make multiple loaves in one go—perfect for batch bakers and sourdough lovers.
✔️ Unique Mixing System
Unlike most mixers, Ankarsrum features a rotating bowl with stationary mixing arms, which gently stretch and fold the dough. This mimics traditional hand-kneading better than many planetary systems, ensuring superior gluten development and texture.
✔️ Spacious Stainless Steel Bowl
Its 7.4-quart bowl is large, stable, and easy to clean. You’ll never feel cramped when mixing big batches of dough or adding ingredients on the fly.
✔️ Cool, Quiet, and Long-Lasting
The motor runs surprisingly quiet, even during long kneading sessions. Plus, its all-metal construction gives it a sturdy, premium feel—and ensures years (if not decades) of use.
✔️ Hands-Free Flexibility
Need to multitask? The Ankarsrum lets you set it and forget it. Its steady kneading action means less hands-on time, letting you prep other ingredients or tend to rising dough while it works.
Final Verdict: Ankarsrum for the Win
If you’re serious about baking bread, the Ankarsrum Assistent Original is an investment worth making. Its power, bowl size, thoughtful design, and unmatched durability make it a favorite among home bakers and professionals alike.
Sure, it might take a minute to get used to the rotating bowl setup—but once you’ve mastered it, you’ll wonder how you ever baked without it.