Is the Ankarsrum Assistent the Best Stand Mixer You Can Buy? A 6-Year Review

[@HotVoodooWitch]

The roller/scraper does the best job of creaming butter that I've ever seen, and I've been cooking for ~60 years. Unwrap your cold butter, dump it in the bowl, then cover (with the very handy included cover) and ignore until you're ready to bake (the butter needs to be soft). Cream on highest speed, dialing it down when you need to add ingredients. If you're creaming butter and sugar together from the get-go (as some recipes specify), you can throw the sugar in with the butter while it softens. Trust me, it's a fluffy thing of beauty. As to moving the arm a few times to pick up flour, I think it's a lot less fuss than stopping the machine to use a spatula. In fact, the only mixer I've never had to assist in that way is my little Bosch Compact. I guess my point is that you don't have to worry about what corresponds to various paddles on other mixers; the roller/scraper really does do it all except for cutting butter into flour for pastry (which can be done with grated frozen butter in the plastic bowl using the batter whips, pulsing on a low speed). Another nice feature is that there's almost no minimum amount that the big bowl can mix--it may be a PITA to deal with because of its size but it handles very small amounts.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Ohhh this is super valuable. Love that. Thanks for commenting and sharing your experience! Great tips.

[@HotVoodooWitch]

@@TheCultureofCookery we all benefit from sharing our experiences. 😊

[@MarkHernandez62024]

I actually make pie crust dough in my Ankarsrum with the spatula and the roller. It does a great job. I use frozen fats, cut into small cubes and GP flour that is stored in the freezer. I did this after watching multiple youtube videos showing people making pie crusts in Kitchenaid mixers (with a paddle attachment), so I figured if a KA mixer could do it my Ank should too (especially since the spatula and roller mimic hand kneading). I take the dough out of the bowl and finish it by hand, but it makes a lot of pie dough (I triple the "double crust" recipe) at one time, freezing extra dough for future pies. It works great and makes very flaky crusts.

[@Pmwalls46]

@@HotVoodooWitch Your comments were awesome !!

[@HotVoodooWitch]

@@MarkHernandez62024 live and learn!

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Would you be interested in a tutorial video for the Ankarsrum? The way you knead dough in one of these is just slightly different than you would in other stand mixers. Let me know!

[@missjellykaren]

Yes yes yez! :)

[@sashineb.2114]

Yes, please. That would be helpful. Thank you!

[@ginablanken3120]

yes that would be good

[@lynnesandifar9481]

Yes

[@ArizonaBorn1358]

YES!!!!!

[@Danielen91]

My mom have had it for 40 years this february, and its still making 4 large breads every week. Maybe more when we were all kids. I bought mine yesterday. Hope it survives my life time.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

It's a classic for a reason!

[@patburke5733]

I have had mine for a few years now. Basically for bread making. I found that stand mixers couldn’t take the strain or bulk of doughs. I don’t think the Ankarsrum is as pretty looking as a stand mixer but it’s a proper workhorse. I use the roller and scraper nearly all the time and love it. The roller is supposed to imitate ‘knuckles’. I base all my bread making on 1Litre of water and just add as much flour etc., as I think I may need. I’ve never had a bad loaf since. It was expensive (£600) (UK) But it’s great. I love it.

[@clkbunny6766]

Bread making was the primary reason I bought my Ank. Second is the wide open bowls.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Thanks for the comment! Yes, I couldn't agree more. I've found this is an awesome workhorse when it comes to making bread. The roller definitely works better on certain doughs than others.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Agreed. I love the easy access to whatever you're mixing. It's just dangerous/tempting when making cookie dough...haha

[@cajewi]

We still have my grandmothers, bought late 1950’s.

[@VonnieBlasingame]

I have been baking/cake decorating, even professionally, for over 40 years. I think this is the first time I have seen this! I don't do much bread making, but since I got rid of my 20 qt hobart I have depended on my kitchen aid for making frosting. I am looking at upgrading my 25+ year old kitchen aid and thought I knew what I wanted. Now I will do some more research, thanks for your insight!

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Wow that's great! Glad this was helpful 😁

[@salazam]

Why would you ever get rid of a Hobart? That's just silly. You're a silly person.

[@HotVoodooWitch]

@@salazam she didn't post that she was getting rid of her Hobart, she posted that she's been upgrading the KitchenAid she uses for FROSTING. DO try to keep up.

[@salazam]

@@HotVoodooWitch You'd think one of the requisites of commenting on the internet would be _knowing how to read_ but apparently this isn't true in your case.

[@HotVoodooWitch]

@@salazam 🤣You just keep thinkin', Butch--that's what you're good at.

[@Ramentheawsome]

This was a really well thought out review. You thought of a lot of real pros and cons most people skip over. Thank you very much for sharing!

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Thanks so much @Ramentheawsome ! Definitely took a while to put out, but glad you enjoyed it!

[@mathiaspetersson2195]

I have had mine for little over 13 years now, though it wasn´t called Ankarsrum at the time (they have changed name from time to time) and it still works great. One reason why I got one instead of some other brand was because it´s the kins of mixer that both my grandmothers have had and used for as long as I can remember (I´m from Sweden btw) so I knew about the quality and longevity of the thing. And it also meant that I could grab some spare attachments from my grandmothers that they were not using any more, like the meat grinder and stuff like that. Even though it is atleast a generation of years apart from my version and theirs, the attachments are still interchangeable. I have a very slippery counter top so my machine will move about a bit when I´m working heavy doughs on too high speed, so I usually put a damp towel under it and it stays put (and after I have a damp towel close at hand to wipe up any accidental mess I might have made). For me it´s the scraper-roller combo for most things, I have tried the hook thingy from time to time, but it´s not for me.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

You know what, I totally agree haha. I've recently been playing around with using the scraper-roller combo, and I have to say I've been surprised with what it can do. I guess the only thing that I haven't tried is whipping cream, but as far as doughs and such, it's been doing a pretty good job!

[@mathiaspetersson2195]

@@TheCultureofCookery I have whipped cream using the roller-scraper combo, but only for the purpose of making butter. When I want whipped cream there are more suitable tools for the small amount that I´m whipping.

[@mjremy2605]

Try a silicone mat for anti slip.

[@jakobfredslundkobbernagel5502]

My Electrolux Assistent ( which was their name Way back😊) is from 1970 - and still works like a champ😊

[@MaeV808]

I appreciate this comprehensive and longitidudinal review. This, aside from Lasix, will be my gift for myself after graduating from nursing school. 🙂

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Glad I could help! I have to say, I've really enjoyed using it myself. Are you a big bread maker as well?

[@pettergrundstrom7739]

you forgot to mention that the Ankarsrum assistents last for decades or even generations. We have one in our family that is from the 1950's and still working. They are built like tanks and will last forever if you take care of them, so the higher price is motivated

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Decades? That's cool that yours has lasted so long! Yeah, I'm the only one in my immediate circle of friends (or even acquaintances) that has one of these. Most people I know, have no idea what I'm talking about when I bring up this mixer. Must be because I'm Canadian...

[@jmkhenka]

Mine is from 1970's. its nice the mountings are identical, so if something breaks you can buy new even today. And with addons like the mincer etc its really usefull.

[@jmkhenka]

​@@TheCultureofCookery The look of the machines have changed somewhat. More boxy and "old" looking. but it has 4 speeds and a timer with two buttons on the front. I think they where called Electrolux Assistent in sweden originaly, but ankarsrum took over the production and modernized the look. Mine is brown, moms is orange.

[@DulceMonterrubio]

Just bought an Ank after using it for a pastry class in Paris. I bake a lot of enriched dough breads and pastries and can't wait to try it this week.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Ohhhh super exciting! Let me know how it all goes! I've loved mine as well!

[@sydt4562]

fellow Canadian here! thanks for the great review, I’m gonna save up for one. Getting to the point in my baking where a stand mixer would save me so much time and I’d like to invest in something that will last. Stoked to have found your channel!

[@HotVoodooWitch]

Look for Lynn Junk's YT video; she's the Canadian distributor.

[@janarinehart6888]

And Kitchen aid is now made in China!

[@SmokeyTreats]

You would benefit from the most popular Facebook user group about Anks. I don't do FB any longer, but that group was invaluable for tips, help, advice, recipes, etc. Most people use the roller since their beginning in 1940 since no hook was included, the hook only being an afterthought much later for the American market since they're so used to them. The national Ank rep never uses the hook or advises others to. The magic of the Ank is the roller, simulating hand kneading so well. I usually make 1 or 2k batches & often use my hand to press the roller towards the bowl to get a hollow ring going in circles to knead it more thoroughly, though it's not needed but saves some time. The roller also makes short work of making butter on high speed, but be ready to turn the speed way down when the liquid separates or it'll come spraying out...LoL Luv my Ank, it's a tank so I named him Hank. Thanks for your vid!

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Thanks for stopping by the channel and offering such awesome insight! TANK THE HANK haha I haven't named mine yet. It'll definitely go on the list of things to do! I have to say I really do love the fact that the Assistent is so robust and can handle such heavy doughs - a definite plus for sure. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@allieg.1656]

As a European, the customer service ones told me that the dough hook was made for the american market, because people over there tend to eat softer bread. In Germany and at least the other northern european countries we love to eat darker bread which have a heavy dough which you dont use the dough hook for. I used the dough hook just once and I make bread almost every day and I just use the roller and the scraper.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Ohhhh interesting! Never heard that! After reading a lot of the comments, I've been giving the roller and scraper a second chance. I definitely think it works great for doughs that are heavier in nature. Still on the fence 😅

[@FarrowLW]

I’m enjoying mine. For the storage thing, I just keep both bowls on the ankerstrum it’s self. The smaller bowl fits into the bigger one, and then I pop the lid on to keep the dust out.

[@PastaMakerCordy-qy4uz]

The dough hook was not added until it was available in the US

[@michaelmcnally1242]

The roller/scraper with 75% or wetter bread doughs is miraculous. It makes wet dough actually easier than stiffer dough.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Cool, thanks for the tip!

[@jmkhenka]

These are really common in sweden (they where originaly made by electrolux), I have a model from 1970's and it still can take 2022 tools. I have the "maxed out" version, given to me and my wife from her grandmother wich never used it. The plastic tools might need to be replaced soon, the roller and scraper primary has gone ugly but still works. The "topped out" version comes with a meat grinder, sausage stopper and also puree makers. To use those additions you turn the machien on its side, it has a foot on the mixing arm. There is also a mixer addon, atleast on my version. There is acctualy a 2nd drive spindle on the side of the machine with additional gearing to mix ice, milkshake etc. I dont have the whipping addition, they where lost sometime but if i want i can buy it. I use it to mince meat from hunting (its not as good as a specific grinder, but it works great. Its massive steel), bake bread and grind potato, carrots etc for purees etc. So considering it's 50 years old, it works great. I might buy some new tooling (wich are relatively cheap). I only have the stainless bucket.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Very cool! 50 years old!? Wow! Yeah, I've been meaning to get the grinder, but haven't been able to justify the purchase yet. I don't hunt (living in the city) so there's not a whole ton of usage for me, unless I got into making my own sausage? Cool to hear that yours is still working well, Henrik! The Assistent/Electrolux community always has some good tidbits of information for the new home cooks!

[@jmkhenka]

@@TheCultureofCookery tbh never used the sausage addon, and i don't think is that usefull. Making sausage is hard enough, it's better to use a plunger-style tool as it will be difficult to avoid getting air in the sausage. The grinder works well if everything is freezer cold, but for large amounts - say 200 lbs, a proper grinder is better as they often do one job really well.

[@MrMario616]

I'm curious about the blender attachment. Can it blend hard stuff like nuts?

[@nopahrefa4466]

@@MrMario616 I've never had any issues with it (ankarsrum are the motor supplier for vitamix, as to their blender credentials) and it has other attachments that lets you flake oats and mill flour and grind nut flours.

[@HotVoodooWitch]

@@jmkhenka the grinder is necessary for some of the other attachments, e.g. the grater and the strainer.

[@jennasaisquoi73]

Thank you for this very helpful video review. I have had an Assistent for 18 years. It is starting to die and I wondered whether to replace it with the same thing. Your review plus the fact that it has outlived its warranty more than twice have sold me I'm getting another one. 😃👍

[@TheCultureofCookery]

I'm glad the video was helpful! Yeah, I love my assistant mixer!

[@gellawella]

I might be too late and you already bought a new one, if so never mind me. But if not, you could leave it for repair. Or replace the plastic tools, roller and scraper, and/or bowl. The new ones will fit your 18 year old machine. At the same time I’m a bit surprised that it has started to go bad already at 18 years. So sorry to hear that. I hope it wont put you off buying a new one.

[@vha42]

18 years? That sounds a bit short to me. We had one at home, in 70s orange colour. At the time these were sold as Electrolux Assisstent, but think Ankarsrum always have produced them. Last year my mom gave the assistent away to one of her grandchildren. And it still works, after almost 50 year. So consider your choice of colour with care 😂

[@bozohead4702]

this is reminiscent of the electrolux kitchen assistant which my mom has been using since the 1970s and she still uses that same machine today -never looked to change it out. It also came with an adjustable grain mill, citrus juicer etc. One of the best machines I have ever seen

[@HotVoodooWitch]

Electrolux used to make these! I think the factory that was doing the actual manufacturing eventually bought out the division from Electrolux.

[@KinGzeDK]

I gave my wife one of these 10 years ago and it still works like new. My wife's grandmother has one that is at least 40 years old.

[@ninaromo9227]

Thank you for all the information in this video. I am debating buying one and would love a tutorial on how to use it.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

I'm so glad it was of help! Nina, for you, we'll make this video happen! Thanks for taking the time to comment 🙏

[@janarinehart6888]

I got one for Christmas this last year. Then I had surgery and have not been able to do much so far. But I just bought a bunch of the extra attachments and plan on making lots of bread and making sausage. The price of them just went way up. Like everything else.

[@KT-wr3cv]

Great video. I'm considering purchasing the Ank & yours is the only review with a chef using the dough hook rather than the roller which made this really interesting.

[@42judge]

I've had mine for just over 20 years. Had to replace a couple of accessories that my dogs chewed, up other than that it's like new. I did add a second stand mixer (discontinued Breville) for cakes and cookies, because while the Ank will do the job, it's not perfect for it. It is perfect for any kind of dough, and has way more grunt. We broke two Kitchen Aid pro models in a week long ago which is why we ended up with this. (Kitchen Aid switched to plastic gears) Ours says Magic Mill on it, but it's identical.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Magic Mill? Never heard of that one! Are you living in Canada?

[@blumenaue7590]

Thanks so much. Been eyeing this thing up for quite awhile.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Glad to be of help! It's a pretty sweet mixer, definitely worth the money for sure!

[@vickyburton2434]

I wanted to know how this compares with the Bosch Universal?

[@TheCultureofCookery]

I've actually never seen a Bosch mixer in any of the stores in my local area 😬. There's been a couple comments that have talked about that company, but I'm not sure how to get my hands on one. All that being said, on it's own merits, I love the functionality of the assistant in comparison to the kitchenaid.

[@fredlenz4743]

Both dough hooks are origin attachments. The hook is for high hydration doughs. Whole princile of the arm is so that you can move it to incorporate the ingredients.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Good to know! Thanks!

[@wildstar1063]

I bought my Ankarsrum Assistent about four years ago and have made many loaves of bread with it. I was at a garage sale a couple of years ago, and bought an older DLX 9000 for $25, the price was too good to pass up even though I already had the newer model. I gave it to my sister and she just just let it sit around for a year or so, I think she was afraid to try something new, but now that she has finally tried it she just loves it.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Yeah it’s really been reliable for me as well. $25?!? WHAT A BARGAIN. That’s insane. Glad she’s finally using it though!

[@talkingstick2u]

When making sourdough bread, how does it do with working in chopped olives, pumpkin & sunflower seeds, red peppers, herbs, nuts, corn or any other add ins?

[@JonasSahlstrom1]

I bought mine this black Friday on sale for 500€. As I bake all my gluten-free bread (I really detest the store bought) myself I am interested in how this will go.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Awesome! 🙌🏽

[@mareegodleman1347]

As a Coeliac, I'd love to hear feedback on your GF bread baking. Has your Ank use improved your bread results? TIA. 😊

[@Atlantis95]

Great review, I've been contemplating on getting one since my parents have had one for over 30 years, but it's quite the splurge and hard to know if the new ones are as robust. This has definently gotten me closer comit

[@richleonard55]

I've bought an Ank because my planetary mixer's gearbox ate itself. I'm going to fix it with a new gearbox, but basically I pushed the button on the Ank because I hate to see the planetary mixer (Kenwood) putting itself through so much mechanical stress when mixing larger amounts of dough, and at higher speeds. It makes eventual failure of the gearbox inevitable. The Ankarsrum action doesn't put that stress on its mechanism, so for larger quantities of dough it does the job with less noise, vibration and wear and tear. That appeals to me - I don't like to be cruel to machines.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

That's what I've loved about it as well! It's definitely been a very consistent and well-built machine. Haven't experienced any problems in the 6 years of owning it!

[@PastaMakerCordy-qy4uz]

I absolutely love my Ankarsrum. I’ve made bread, cookies, cakes, butter, whipped cream and more with it.

[@PastaMakerCordy-qy4uz]

And it takes less flour

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Agreed! When you add the liquid first, you definitely end up using less flour!

[@carriefisher2644]

I am looking at getting one because my KitchenAid is just not cutting the proverbial mustard. I make a lot of cookies for Christmas, does the Ank handle large batches of cookies?

[@goaticorn8702]

Have you ever used a Hobart / would you suggest buying one new or used?

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Hey @Goaticorn! Unfortunately, no I've never used a Hobart. I suppose if you're super serious or have a business it might be a good investment? They seem pretty pricey 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@SLam-ve3yp]

The beauty is that it has ZERO pieces made in China. I have it and I love it!

[@TheCultureofCookery]

It really is a well made machine for sure!

[@dulcihrt]

Do you review the blender? Trying to decide if I want to put money in to replace the blender cup.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

I'm trying to get my hands on one of those for cheap, the only issue is I already have a Vitamix, so it's a bit hard to justify buying another one haha. If I can get my hands on one though, I'll definitely post it!

[@tgchism]

I can see that you have a kitchenaid in the background so I guessing you use both. What, if anything, would you use the kitchenaid over the Akarsrum?

[@shervin6711]

Did you create an ankarshum how to video?

[@gerdahalliday5113]

What is the height compared to the kitchen aid artisan?

[@MNIU_]

please post more videos on this I really want this but don't see enough youtube videos on this.. I would like to also use the meat grinder attachment to make my own sausage

[@TheCultureofCookery]

I'll definitely see what I can do! I don't yet have the meat grinder either but will definitely see if I can get my hands on one!

[@wowsers64]

I bough the Ank 18 months ago and I've used the dough hook twice and don't like it. I make a lot of bread and use the roller exclusively and I think it work best for me.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Yea, each of the “dough hooks” work well for different applications. What kind of breads do you typically make?

[@itsmematet7699]

Is this also good for making frosting??

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Certainly! I probably wouldn't use steel bowl, and would opt for the plastic one as that's what the whipping attachment works in. A heads up though, the plastic bowl has a smaller capacity and in my experience, when whipping large amount of frosting there is a possibility that it could overflow. It's only really happened for me when I tripped the recipe? Hope that helps!

[@RDens4d]

Your Ankarsrum appears to be the cream color. Is it more of a light yellow as it appears to be yellow in the pictures and your video? My kitchen is light yellow and would prefer it to be light yellow

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Yeah this one is definitely more of a cream colour. Kind of a 50s Vintage vibe? Ankarsrum does come out with a lot of great colours though! You should check out their website.

[@suhakhaled1984]

I got mine for 350$ because people where I live knows nothing about this weird-looking machine and they never wanted to get it so it went on discount and that’s how I got it for such a great price! Thanks my folks for being so ignorant 🙃

[@TheCultureofCookery]

That is a steal of a deal! Wow! Nicely done! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@kkirsch3583]

Score! I just got mine and made the BEST Rye loaf I’ve ever made - Go, Ankarsrum ❣️

[@PastaMakerCordy-qy4uz]

Wow. Good job.

[@PastaMakerCordy-qy4uz]

I always use the roller and scraper. Never used the hook

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Hey, whatever works!

[@illyannadeshields9835]

I just saw this mixer on a site here on KZbin and found it on Amazon for around 749.99 and attachment set was 459.99 it has a nice amount of colours to pick from. I love that open bowl that's what caught my eye it's that price tag and wondering if it's worth it or stick with the KitchenAid but thanks for the info.😄

[@TheCultureofCookery]

In all honesty, I honestly think they both do an amazing job. I personally really enjoy having the open bowl as it just allows me to keep a better eye on what's happening. Also, I'm a little bit OCD, and I hate when I spill even a little bit of flour on the counter..haha. If you have a KitchenAid already, I'd just suggest continue rolling with it until it gives up. Or sell?? That's my two cents 😁

[@illyannadeshields9835]

Thanks for the two cents funny, the open bowl is really the reason I may consider.

[@johndoe1909]

i haveone built in 73. it has passed 3 generations, and can be inherited by children...

[@FrenchEros]

Thank you for sharing your experience. The only thing, so far, stopping me for buying this mixer is that it only uses soft butter. In order to make my flaky pie dough I need to use very cold butter. Have you tried to make flaky pie dough? Can it be made in with this mixer?

[@MarkHernandez62024]

(I just posted this when I saw your comment). I actually make pie crust dough in my Ankarsrum with the spatula and the roller. It does a great job. I use frozen fats, cut into small cubes and GP flour that is stored in the freezer. I did this after watching multiple youtube videos showing people making pie crusts in Kitchenaid mixers (with a paddle attachment), so I figured if a KA mixer could do it my Ank should too (especially since the spatula and roller mimic hand kneading). I take the dough out of the bowl and finish it by hand, but it makes a lot of pie dough (I triple the "double crust" recipe) at one time, freezing extra dough for future pies. It works great and makes very flaky crusts. (I purchased my used Ank a few years before Covid via ebay for about $100, I just could not stop myself :) before that there was almost a brand new one listed on Craigslist for $100 that I missed out on, the owner was moving overseas, I was sad for a long time that I missed out). Good luck Michel, but it really is a lovely machine if you can get one.

[@FrenchEros]

@@MarkHernandez62024 Thank you very much for your reply. It's greatly appreciated.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

I've never actually used it to make pie dough. I usually throw all my ingredients into a food processor. Glad to to hear that it works well for @mark though!

[@42judge]

It has way more grunt than any residential stand mixer, we got ours after breaking two KA Pro models with cold butter (using a recipe from a famous cookbook written for Kitchen Aid misers.)

[@HotVoodooWitch]

@@MarkHernandez62024 if you don't mind grating frozen butter, you can use the plastic bowl with the single wire beaters. Pulsing the mixer is no problem.

[@thebrunner8013]

nice review. Agreed quite to many things. but nope both bowls can be stored one in the other (plastic in stainless steel) Just those days the whipping bowl is also available in stainless steel. A big pro is also the various atachements besides the mixing and whipping.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

I just saw that you can do this! It’s a shame it took my 6 years to figure it out haha

[@guufylvr]

Just curious why there's a KitchenAid mixer on the counter in the background.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

I had borrowed it from a friend for another video that I was working on. All in all though, the Assistent has been really good to us!

[@sharonmacintyrebarrett8572]

I have the Kitchenaide and have had it now for 16 years. Works as well today as it did when I got it.

[@monawahlstrm2151]

My kitchenaid broke down after 8 years, and I did not use it much because I also had Kenwood.

[@daytrippera]

My oldest Kitchenaid is an Artisan, I've had it for 8 years, and it works perfectly. I'm a Pastry chef so I use it every day multiple times. Works like a charm. The Pro 600 is noisy and the motor is not as powerful as the Artisan, but it does it's job. Now I'm waiting for the Heavy Duty model to arrive to start using it (8 quarters one). Tbh, I don't like the design of this mixer, looks weird to me, but it does look like it's very well built. 🤔

[@akleo78]

​@daytrippera if you use your KA for bread dough, it is guaranteed to break after some time specally if you work with slightly lower hyderation doughs (50 to 60%). The gears in KA are notorious for going bad and losing teeth. I am always nervous about my KA greas going bad when I make dough. There are 3 to 4 gears depending on your model and any of them can go bad. There is also an Electric circuit board that can go bad too ($70-$80). I have learned how to replace them by myself but it is very messy since you have to clean a crap load of grease between the gears and inside the gear head, apply new food safe grease, replace the bad gear ($10 -$30 for part) and etc. I shouldn't be a KA mechanic after paying so much money for it.

[@carolynkaufman2668]

My mother’s Hamilton Beach circa 1960 was very similar. The bowl sits on a turntable that has a lever to position the attachments either center or to the side. With the double metal mixing blade offset the bowl itself rotates at a nice pace. You can easily insert a scrapper by hand occasionally while it’s mixing and never have to stop the scrap down the sides at all. It’s all metal and still working well. Why more high end brands don’t offer this kind of stand mixer today is puzzling?

[@mainghiem9865]

Can’t mix cake dough in this machine. Please show how. Thanks.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Will do, started working on the video this week!

[@antonellamedici1276]

Hello!!! I just bought an Ankarsrum Assistant but I think I do not know how to use it properly... I just made my first dough and it seems that it was so difficult for the machine to combine all the ingredients ( I put liquids and then flour). The dough was very dry and It was difficult to roll out. I used to do it in my Kitchen Aid, but it broke so I decided to buy an Ankasrum. I am a bit disappointed to the point where I might return it. Can you give me some advice? I really do not want to return it. Thank you!

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Hi Antonella. If the dough was dry, then I might try backing off on the dry ingredients. One thing that I've learned with my Ank is that often I don't use the same amount of dry ingredients that it says in the recipe. Because it get hydrates so well during the mixing process, there's often dry ingredients left over. I think you do need to get used to fussing a bit with the dough. Hope that helps!

[@HotVoodooWitch]

There are quite a few videos here on KZbin; you should avail yourself of them.

[@highdesertdroneservices4497]

Thanks for the review! I’m getting my wife one for Christmas. 👍😎

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Glad I could help out! I'm sure she'll love it. Best of luck haha 🤞

[@clkbunny6766]

Yes I would be interested in tutorials. I have had the Ankarsrum for about a year now. I don't use the dough hook but use the roller for my sandwich bread making. I don't use it for my sourdough recipes. I really like the timer for kneading the dough. Makes it soo much easier. I found a simple sourdough recipe which mixes, folds and rises in a single container. I also use the roller for heavy cookie dough, i.e oatmeal or chocolate chip. I am not fond of the plastic bowl. I find it awkward to pour batter's out. I am not real happy that I can't put the clear plastic bowl in the dishwasher. In today's world why do I have to wash this by hand.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Love this! I'm actually a little bit on the opposite end of the spectrum 😅. I always use the dough hook and plastic container haha. I'm actually not a big fan of the roller, but you've got me thinking that I might need to change my ways..

[@DrMTechnik]

Actually you can put the clear plastic bowl in the dishwasher. It says so in the manual and I have cleaned mine countless times in the dishwasher without any damage. Only the beaters and the gears have to be cleaned by hand.

[@WhatWeDoChannel]

I thought that was a really good review! I make fairly large batches of dough, I wouldn’t dream of putting 4KG of dough in my wife’s cookie making Kitchen Aid! Although my batches are quite large, they are not big enough to justify one of the huge Italian mixers. I am seriously considering getting an Ank to fit my level of production, and if my wife wants to use it for cookies or cake that’s okay with me!

[@waxalchemy]

If anyone has been using the plastic bowl, can you tell me if it goes dull after a while? I really want this machine so I’m saving up for it 🇨🇦

[@HotVoodooWitch]

I rarely use the plastic bowl but I'd think if you hand-wash it, it shouldn't dull over time. FWIW you can replace it with a stainless steel model--you could save for it if you like.

[@marneyplue]

Just got mine a few days ago... the second bowl in the new one fits inside the stainless bowl.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Ohhhh seriously?! That's actually a game changer. It would make a world of difference especially for storage. Does the bowl cover fit both bowls?

[@jwaroff]

@@TheCultureofCookery Yes. All of the attachments fit in the plastic bowl and the plastic bowl and lid fit in the SS bowl. Hook the dough scraper and dough hook on to the side of the machine and everything is nice an compact. No extra space needed. Loving my 2 mo old Ankarsrum.

[@akmadsen]

@@TheCultureofCookery Came here to say exactly this. Yeah, it all fits together neatly. If you buy a new one, I'm think it's all packed neatly with everything inside the plastic bowl which is then inside the steel bowl and the plastic lid on top. At least that's how I remember it but it's been a few years since I bought mine so I could be wrong. :)

[@mattmotta859]

How are they with pizza dough?

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Pretty good, I'd say! I've found that it's been great for kneading and heavier doughs for sure!

[@pkguy3]

So which machine do you actually use the most for dough making at home, the Ank or the Kitchenaid? If you had to choose one over the other as your only mixer in your kitchen which would it be?

[@TheCultureofCookery]

So personally I own the Assistent. I love the build and I think that it's better at dealing with bigger amounts of heavy doughs. That being said, if you're more a cookie dough maker or follow a lot of the Food Network etc, the KitchenAid is typically the mixer of choice which makes it easier to follow instructions. If you're interested in me doing a direct comparison of the KitchenAid and Ank, let me know!

[@rdfoto3]

Ank, Ank, Ank. The KA will eventually fail; I've lost two to dough. With the Ank i don't need to stick a spatula in to knock down the dough that climbs up the center on the KA. And just try to get in the spatula while your KA is moving. Nope. Need to stop it, scrape, adjust, and start again. The Ank just works . . .

[@allieg.1656]

It depends on what you want to make for like bread, pizza dough and in general yeast consistent doughs I would highly recommend the Ank, if you are more into cake I would use the Kitchenaid. for an inbetween check out the Kenwood. I own all three so kenwood cooking chef xl, kitchenaid artisan and the assistant . I use my kenwood more often. the assistant I use for bread baking.

[@Fatip2023]

Hiç şefi olmayan birisi bu üçünden hangisini tercih etmelidir?

[@paula3427]

I’ll have to watch it again to understand the roller. Also I see a red kitchenaid mixer on the counter! Lol

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Yes, I'm working on a video comparing the functionality of the roller vs the dough hook. I think I might be changing my mind, both work really great actually! And yes there is haha. I borrowed it from a friend for a review unit 😁

[@WingburenArcade]

Nice review. Waiting for the money dough recipe though 🤑❤️

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Hahah coming soon, Gustav! Coming soon! What kind of dough are you interested in?

[@sweett4rt]

@@TheCultureofCookery Well..I'm looking for that BIG money dough recipe myself..;p

[@TheCultureofCookery]

@@sweett4rt that one is definitely tricky. I think moderate money dough would be the best I could do 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@thihal123]

Why is the smaller bowl made out of plastic? Not great to beat meringues in.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Actually the shape is great for aerating the meringues. You’re right though, capacity is a little bit smaller. But I suppose you can’t have two big bowls?

[@thihal123]

@@TheCultureofCookery I’m sure the shape is fine. Plastic is the problem. It’s hard to thoroughly get grease out of plastic and you know grease and meringues don’t mix well together.

[@staciejackson7497]

It is polycarbonate, and the rep says it cleans very well for meringues, etc. there is also a stainless beater bowl available.

[@lenawahlberg6109]

You can get it in metal too

[@RickWDonovan]

Thank you for the review 😀.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rubychung5126]

Thank you for your review, I am happy with the Ank. It stopped working for me after a few months which was disappointing. The dealer fixed it straight away, changed a chip inside the machine and I had no issue since then. I haven’t used the dough hook, from what I heard in one of the yt video, it was added for the US market. I have it for over a year now and have made a lot of bread which I probably can’t do with other popular brand mixers. The roller is suppose to do the manual kneading action which is more gentle than the hook. I agree that it whips efficiently, the only thing I don’t like is scraping the batter or meringue out of the batter bowl which is not open. I want to use it more and not think of the inconvenience as it’s a very good mixer. I’m contemplating to get a cheaper mixer just for ease of use for cake batters and whipping, we’ll see. I am reducing the kitchen equipments which makes the Ank a good choice with the extra attachments available to suit your kitchen needs.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Love this, Ruby! Sorry to hear that it failed you but they were able to fix it right away. I completely agree, the plastic bowl is a little bit clunky especially when you want to get the mix out of it. As far as cake batters I just use the cookie attachment in the plastic bowl and it has never failed me

[@HotVoodooWitch]

I don't know if using a cheap mixer is easier for batters, etc. but I use the roller for everything, including batters. Disclaimer: I whip egg whites and cream by hand but I believe you can even use the roller for them.

[@rubychung5126]

@@HotVoodooWitch thank you, I will give it a try.

[@HotVoodooWitch]

@@rubychung5126 I think you’ll be happy; it’ll certainly save you the cost of a second appliance. 😊

[@rubychung5126]

@@HotVoodooWitch that is encouraging 🙂 I really don’t want to add another appliance in my kitchen that’s why I ‘invested’ in the Ankarsrum. I just need to use it more aside from bread making to appreciate its features.

[@datigboman4671]

Is it better than the kitchenaid?

[@TheCultureofCookery]

I suppose it would really depend what you're wanting to do. If you're really into big batches of heavy doughs - I can't say enough good things about the Ank. If you're more small batches and maybe a beginning cook - I'd say go for the KitchenAid? I'm not sure that really helps... 😅

[@Bi-Anca]

@@TheCultureofCookery so will it manage 5 kilos of dough being kneaded for 1 hour? Thanks

[@staciejackson7497]

How would he know? You should ask the company.

[@momma636]

The roller can be fixed to the side of the bowl or in the middle off the bowl, or let it roll free in the bowl to kneed the dough that is what i have learned so far with my Ankarsrum. Only had it since febuary when my dad passed away, I also have an Electrolux that is similar to KA but stronger, might be a gadget neard haha keep on collecting kitchen machines and yes i use them all. But DO NOT wash the metallbowl in the dishwasher haha the text will wash away hahahahaha oupps!!

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Great tips! Thanks! Don't have a dishwasher, so it's never a problem for me haha So sorry to hear about your dad! Cooking is a great way to relive memories though, what do you use your assistant for most?

[@momma636]

@@TheCultureofCookery baking bread, cinnamon buns and pizza dough. Have also made pitabread. Have to many machines haha but usinf my Ankarsrum assistent so I can learn how it behaves. Saffron buns is on the list for today

[@sashineb.2114]

Very interesting, thanks for sharing this. Is your mixer the creme or light creme? It's hard to tell on my computer monitor. I don't have one of these, and I've never seen one in the shops, but I know they are highly regarded, particularly for making bread doughs. I've heard a rumour that they are going to replace the plastic gear system for the smaller bowl, with metal. That should help to reduce the number of breakages that occur with the plastic gears. I wish they would also make the smaller big in stainless steel, and make it a bit bigger, maybe 4.5 quarts. Glad you're enjoying your mixer!

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Hi Sashine, thanks for commenting. Honestly, it’s been six years since we bought it, but I’m pretty sure it’s the light creme colour. Yes, it’s definitely been a fantastic tool in our kitchen. I’ve appreciated the solid build all these years. I’ve never actually had any problems with the plastic bowl. That being said, it would be nice to see the same level of craftsmanship in that bowl as well. A smaller stainless steel bowl would also be so great! Maybe you should work with the Ankarsrum marketing department haha

[@sashineb.2114]

@@TheCultureofCookery Thank you! It's a beautiful colour. The computer monitors can be difficult for giving accuracy with shades of colour. I saw the creme one in a video and it looked like pale yellow. I hope they will change the smaller whisk/beater system to steel gears, including the hub where the beaters attach. And a stainless steel bowl would be nice, maybe 4 1/2 quarts instead of 3 1/2. I doubt Ankarsrum would be interested in my suggestion. I mentioned it to someone who has a bit of a connection to the US company and she seemed miffed that I was suggesting changes. Have you seen the Ankarsrum USA video about cookie dough for both bowls? It is very good. She notes that the smaller bowl can crack if there is too much stress from a heavy load in it.

[@dianamartina3019]

As far as I understand it doesn't have plastic gears but is belt driven.

[@ChapelHillForge]

Loved this review! Thanks!

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Awesome, thanks for the feedback!

[@pjfuscoonthenews1693]

Good review. I agree on everything.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Good to hear!

[@adamjackson82]

What do you use the KitchenAid mixer (in the background for the entire video) for? ;-)

[@schoolsout15]

Recently acquired one of these. Used to be my Mom's. Makes fantastic bread, but not so great for meringues. I know there are metal whisking bowls you can get that might be better, but I'm seriously contemplating just getting a stand-mixer.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Yes! They're great and they last so long from my experience. No problems yet! To be perfectly honest, I haven't made too many breads in it - but something that I'm working on!

[@philipp594]

How does it compare to the KitchenAid?

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Good question! I've thought about maybe doing a comparison video, so stay tuned for that 👍

[@Argyll9846]

I can see the Kitchen Aid mixer in the background of your video so guess the Ankarsrum isn't your go to mixer.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Good eye! The kitchenaid was actually one that I borrowed from a friend to make my kitchenaid video 👍🏽

[@chaparra71]

The roller needs to be adjusted so that the dough doesn’t ride up the side of the bowl.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Yes! Just off the edge. Even still, not my preferred attachment 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@PastaMakerCordy-qy4uz]

I absolutely love my Ankarsrum

[@TheCultureofCookery]

🙌🏽

[@khrenaud]

It's a 1940 design, not -49. And it has been manufactured in Ankarsrum since 1969.

[@cynb.347]

I love this machine. The kitchen aid is scrap....motors burn out too fast and they are not sturdy. The dough hook was added after they started dealing with the US because people wanted it. It was not originally a basic attachment.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Yeah I've noticed the sturdy build quality of the Assistent as well. I heard that the dough hook was a later addition as well, but in all honesty, I'm glad they added it. I'm not 100% sold on the roller and spatula attachment combo yet. I don't like having to constantly touch the dough to make sure that it's mixing in properly 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@rubychung5126]

@@TheCultureofCookery I am the opposite, I haven’t used the dough hook, just the roller.

[@henrik-j1l]

Weird to see the Ankarsrum in the window and the kitchenaid ready to use.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Hahah gotta be ready at all times! Also, the one on the window was for another review 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@mattymattffs]

A nice bit of info would've been minimum and maximum quantities. E.g . If you whisk only one egg white or little cream, kitchen aid can't do it well

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Good to know, thanks for the feedback!

[@davidseverson8653]

Why is mine called an Electrolux assistant

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Yeah it seems to be called different things in different countries. I'm not quite sure either. If you ever get the answer, let me know!

[@PastaMakerCordy-qy4uz]

I love an Ankarsrum.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

🙌🏽

[@monicahesse9664]

i have a 1970's kitchen aide before whirlpool bought it out. i have been watching how whirlpool is slowly messing up the home mixer and they are doing the same with the professional mixers. First customers were complaining about the oil leak into the batter from the planetary head. come to find out that they use MASSIVE amounts of oil splattered on the gears (the grease they use is like a dark jelly) then they decided to use white grease (they claim its food grade). Now i see that they no longer put spring and washer on the paddle attachment rod. They say that it is not a necessity which isnt the case at all. If the kitchen aide mixer doesnt have the spring and washer, the attachment will have enough play that it will ruin it. They even quit manufacturing it! So if you get a kitchen aide after 2016, there is at least one company that is having it manufactured for another company that runs youtube concerning repair and maintenance. Mr Mixer. I wont be surprised if whirlpool does another dumbass thing to cut corners and customers will no longer be buying them. So im glad that this mixer is a great alternative to KA.

[@brianphillips1864]

Little ones being little ones in the background... keep rocking bruh (pretty cultured for a LEAF). 😂

[@guufylvr]

I have yet to make a decent loaf of bread, but I'm not giving up.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

That's the way to be! Definitely takes time!

[@bobp284]

The clear bowl fits inside the metal bowl and takes up no extra storage space. If it's so hard to push the roller arm once or twice in an occasional recipe to incorporate the flour in the middle you shouldn't be baking. It's easier than having to scrape the sides of the bowl. Baking isn't a no hands on thing. If no hands on is important then get one of those little bread making machines. I've had my Ankarsrum for over seven years and I've added almost all the attachments for it. It replaced three different KItchenAids that had gear failures and leaking grease and oil.

[@artyom108]

"expediates"? :)

[@TheCultureofCookery]

😁😅

[@kristoffaninkama3883]

Great review. 👍 Just subscribed to your chanel.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Ohhh that's awesome! Glad I could help. Thanks Kristoffa! Appreciate the sub!

[@marauderslide5782]

You didnt mention that the machine is made to last. Literally for decades. Mine is forty years old and works as new. Almost all new accessories for new Ankarsrums will fit on my machine. Bad news of you are design conscious, because it will outlast the fashion. Good news is that it will still work when the design come back in fashion again. If you live that long.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Great point for sure! I've only had mine for 7ish years now, so I can't speak to its ability to last a decade. But thus far, I've really loved it's ability to keep going!

[@akmadsen]

Good thing about timeless classics is that they're ... well ... timeless. 😊 That's why people also still buy Eames chairs and Panton chairs and lamps. Good design is always good, trendy or fashionable design not necessarily so.

[@PastaMakerCordy-qy4uz]

I’ve made bread, cakes, cookies, butter, and whipped cream so far.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Mmmmm delicious 👌🏽

[@dekeyed]

IT Was invented back in 1950 by Bernadette and Bjørn, sold under the name Ballerup Master mixer. Later sold to Elektrolux

[@Mindy56743]

The warranty alone is reasonable for the price

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Totally agree!

[@AltimaNEO]

Its such a weird design. I feel like the plastic bowl and whisks are kind of cheaping out, given the price of the machine.

[@thihal123]

It looks a bit like a Bosch mixer

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Yes, maybe a little bit? I think the materials are higher quality though

[@peterthomas5792]

No it's not. About the only thing it's good at is mixing dough for multiple loaves of bread. I have the Ankarsrum and a Kenwood Chef - the Ankarsrum has unused for 2 years. It's well made, quality-wise, but the whole concept is faulty.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

That's really interesting! I've really enjoyed mine!

[@koipond6718]

Sup my N-word person. Have you ever made Pizza dough with this or Mashed potatoes?

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Can't say I've ever done mashed potatoes. But definitely done it with pizza dough. Mixes like a dream 👍🏽

[@lenawahlberg6109]

Mashed potatoes: the roller

[@k9m42]

These mixers good for bread, pretty bad for cake batter and cookie doughs. Cheap plastic bowl and horribly cheap fragile paddles. Also attachments typically used by KitchnAid mixers are just not available or well designed on the Ank. They can’t do the creaming stage of mixes effectively either. They were designed for bread. Everything else was an afterthought.

[@disbandthestrand]

Lost points the moment you called it “retro.” It’s European design, they’re forward not retro

[@velocitygirl8551]

And the… making money doughs… lolol

[@shayannah]

It’s cast aluminium and not steel.

[@TheCultureofCookery]

Hey Chantal, thanks for the comment! Actually, you’d be surprised at Ankarsrum’s workmanship. I’d check out the official Ankarsrum website. It seems like both the base and the bowl are made up of steel 👌🏽 www.ankarsrumoriginalusa.com/store/pc/Ankarsrum-Original-Mixer-AKM-6230-2p53.htm

[@alanwood4968]

HOW MUCH TODAY if the price is above 100$ don't buy it you can get others cheaper.

[@prspastor]

Get what you pay for. Some folks would rather buy once and cry once; never to buy again. Others are happy to buy cheaper alternatives and replace more often.

[@inka87871]

NO.... stay in sweden !