I am so excited for this new series! I have been a bosch mixer user since before I was born. My Mom and Dad got theirs for a wedding gift and it’s still going strong! They replaced the blender once (it got dropped) and recently replaced the spur gear, and that’s it! My Mother in Law got hers as a wedding gift too and I used it the first few years we were married and the first year we lived here in UT when mine was in storage.
But FIRST, this week Bosch sent me a NEW universal mixer to play with so I could share some of the new features with you! You guys!!! I’m SO excited, not only to get to play with a new Bosch mixer, but they have made some really fun improvements (not that there was much to improve).
Meet Vera!!!
My favorite by FAR is that you can now twist and pop the bottom off and pull out the drive shaft to make cleaning easier. Seriously AMAZING! I went over to my sisters today and taught her how to do it and cleaned. It’s AWWWWWWSOME!!!
Last week after my post my sister asked why her new Bosch didn’t have a section to wrap the cord around. Turns out there is an open section in the bottom of the Bosch, you just push your cord back into (not that Betty has often been unplugged and had to USE the cord wrap around).
It also has SUCTION cups on the bottom and holds it even BETTER than it did before on your counter. And it’s more compact and sleek.
They also added a safety feature too, you HAVE to have the motor drive cover covering the blender motor or it won’t turn on. I’ve never come close to being hurt BUT extra safety is always a good thing, right?
Now I know a lot of you have loyal feelings for a kitchen aid (I’m so sorry) so I though I’d share some of the common reasons I’m given when I ask why people choose the kitchen aid over the bosch universal mixer (hereafter referred to simply as THE Bosch). For these examples I’m using the Kitchen aid professional 600 because it’s the only one that comes CLOSE to the power, ability and strength of The Bosch mixer.
Myth 1. The Bosch is so BIG
The kitchen aid is actually 5 inches taller, 2 1/2 inches deeper and weighs 10 lbs more (you’d think it would be more stable with those extra 10 lbs but I find it tall super wobbly compared to the shorter, squat Bosch). Also I can fit the dough hook, whisks, cookie paddles and batter whisks all in my bowl with the lid on to store everything, so it doesn’t take much room at ALL!
Myth 2. That center post would bug me
More than the GINORMOUS HEAD over the top of your bowl? or the HUGE beater that is always in the way when you try to scrape the bowl? Maybe I’m just a dork, but I can NEVER get the bowl off a kitchen aid without losing half the contents all over the counter and myself and end up swearing! The Bosch is easy to scrap the sides AND center without anything getting in your way (esp with the new, and awesome scraper).
And don’t get me started on the fact that you can’t COVER the kitchen aid, so flour is flying EVERYWHERE. The Bosch has a guard and a lid so NOT huge mess! As for the pretty part? Yes the kitchen aid comes in colors and is sleek, but give me a hard worker over showy ANY day of the week! (although mine is the old design, I think the new one is prettier, but Betty will probably outlast me so why replace her?)
Myth 3. They are basically the same thing, the kitchen aid is just prettier
NOT! The BEST kitchen aid out there is only 575 watts, while The Bosch is 800 watts. It’s just over HALF the strength! The Bosch has a larger 6.5 quart bowl, holds 20 cups of flour (vs 14) and can work 14 lbs of bread dough faster and better than any other mixer out there. In fact it kneads the dough and gluten so well you only need ONE RISE for your bread, that’s 90 mins to fresh bread! Not to MENTION is has an AMAZING blender (more on that in a few posts)
Myth 4. I don’t make bread so I don’t need a Bosch
Wrong again! I use Betty DAILY, period. Cookies, brownies, cake batter, frostings, shakes, dressings, mayo’s, grating (cheese, veggies, chocolate), whipping, beating eggs, grinding grains and nuts, breads and all other dough’s, etc… It handles 1/2 batches just as well as triple, quadruple or sometimes larger batches with ease. In fact I RARELY use it for bread, but it is often used more than once a day at our house. Recipes I make using my bosch
Myth 5. Yes, but I don’t own a food based business like you so I still wouldn’t use it much.
I used it daily before I started my cake business. I use it for cakes, yes, but also all my other desserts (you know how much I love desserts) but also dinners, breakfasts, homework assignments (it’s happened). Seriously don’t limit this amazing machine.
Myth 6. It costs so much.
This is where comparing it to the professional 600 is key, We’ve already determined that the BEST kitchen aid out there isn’t even CLOSE to the awesomeness of The Bosch… RIGHT? and yet it’s MORE expensive than The Bosch. So when you say it’s too expensive your talking about the weak, not-even-worth-it kitchen aids, and comparing them is like comparing chocolate to broccoli- not even in the same worlds.
Don’t forget that you’ll replace your kitchen aid a few times, while the Bosch will mostly likely last you until your eating pureed food in a nursing home (and it will also puree your food with ease) and your great grandchildren will inherit it from you! So cost more? I don’t think so!
Myth 7. The Kitchen aid has better attachments.
While the kitchen aid has a few MORE attachments I wouldn’t say BETTER. I’m going to spend the next few week sharing some of my favorite Bosch accessories. If you have one you want to see let me know! I’m super excited to get myself the sifter…
Myth 8. I simply don’t need to make 14 lbs of dough
If your main concern is that you don’t need to make big batches (hello 6 loafs of bread in ONE DAY! who doesn’t NEED that) they do sell a compact mixer, 400 Watt Motor, 4 speeds, 6 lbs of dough, 4 quart bowl… That’s not as strong as the largest kitchen aid, but stronger than the smaller versions. I’ve never used it but I’m going to say it’s pretty awesome itself (it even has blender, shredder/slicer and meat grinder attachments too. It’s so cute and little! Prob the future going-to-college gift for my kids!
Myth 9. It’s hard to clean up.
except for the dough hook it’s all dishwasher safe… EASY PEASY!
Break it down
800 watt, high torque drive motor – built in circuit breaker
3 year motor warranty, 1 year on parts
6.5 quart capacity mixing bowl
DISHWASHER SAFE!!! (expect the dough hook)
holds 20 Cups of flour
easily mixes and kneads 12-14 lbs dough
4 speeds plus pulse (my old machine only has 3 speeds)
PURE AWESOME
what else do you want me to review? the sifter? food processor? meat grinder? pasta? there is just so much share what you want me to try?
I bought my own bosch universal mixer years ago, and I’m sharing it because I love the machine. Bosch did send me a new machine (AFTER I wrote this post) to try out, with no expectation to write about it. I am not being compensated for this review. but I am an affiliate and if you click over and buy something I do make some money, just FYI
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Bonnie P
I LOVE my Bosch!!!!! My mother in law bought it second hand and wasn’t using it so she gave it to me. That was at least 15 years ago. So I’m not sure how long this thing has been running. I make 10 loaves of bread at a time every two weeks plus buns etc. I had to replace the beaters once because “i” overworked them with a huge batch of peanut butter cookies. When I should have been using the dough hook 🙂 I also replaced the bowl lid once because of warping. I don’t put my new lid in the dishwasher. Not sure if you know anything about that. If by Bosch were to die, I would not think twice about a new one. I have used a Kitchen Aid at my daughter. It’s okay but i love the open bowl. Maybe they’ll start making the Bosch in cool colours too 🙂
Ashlee
The only time I’ve had to replace my whisk is for the same reason, I was silly and tried to mix a dough that had HUGE chunks of brown sugar. the Bosch motor can totally break up brown sugar, the whisks were just the wrong tool! I’ll ask about the dishwasher warping, it hasn’t been a problem in my dishwasher. And I would LOVE if at least the bowl came in another color!!!
Valerie
Hi Is it ok to put/place Bosch blender in frig.?
Ashlee Marie
I put the blender in the fridge after mixing my crepe batter all the time
Pamela
That looks so awesome, it kinda looks retro! But at the same time totally convenient and easy to use.
Ashlee
The newer style is a bit more sleek, and even a bit smaller, but in the end the same guts, and they both work AMAZINGLY well!
Erin @ DIY on the Cheap
I’ve never heard of this product, so thanks for sharing! It looks like something I need to have!
Ashlee
Too many people tell me that! My mission is to convert the world 😉 Seriously though amazing machine!
Heidi Maloy
I too LOVE my Bosch!! And I got mine after my beloved Kitchen Aid died… I can’t wait to see what you are going to share with what you do with Betty!!
Ashlee
I don’t know how people bake/cook without one! Since I grew up with one I just thought it was standard!
Summer
Ashlee you have me completely convinced! I don’t have either mixer yet but have been saving. I like your rundown of all of the myths and now I have officialy decided that it is a Bosch I want. Maybe I can convince my husband to get me one for Christmas??
Ashlee
YAY!!! They do have great sales, like the mothers day one, and one at Christmas! It’s totally worth the money in the end. Mine saves me so much time because it does everything so much faster than other machines!
Kara
I love my Bosch! I use it waaay more than I do my Kitchenaid. Can’t wait to see the attachments you use!
Ashlee
YAY! I should make a button for all of us Bosch users!!! I’m seriously excited to share them all! I thought EVERYONE had a bosch it wasn’t until I became a bloger that I learned the dirty truth 😉
Vivienne @ The V Spot
I stopped by their table at SNAP and I am definitely intrigued. Thanks for this info. (And I would never compare chocolate to broccoli, btw.) 😉
Ashlee
Seriously an AMAZING machine! I went a few years without one, when were were in Japan, and I almost quite baking all together, I burnt out like 5 hand mixers in a year!
carolyn ~ homework
Thanks for introducing me to this product. I love the features – it makes sense to have a cover!
Ashlee
I think if I was more patient and slowly upped the speed I could handle no lid, but I’m always turning it on high and making a mess (when I’m at someones house with a kitchen aid)
Linda Hines
LOL…..just used my hand mixer to make a red velvet bundt cake…..cocoa and red food coloring all over everything! I was diagnosed with carpal tunnel in both hands two weeks ago: I really need to invest in this machine!
Ashlee
GAH! I hate that, cleaning up flour and cocoa is bad enough, but red food coloring is the WORST (well almost the worst, black is the WORST, but red is right after). I seriously use my machine every day!
Leanne
Great post! Now I want one!
Ashlee
you don’t WANT one, you NEED one 😉 they are amazing!
Courtney
This looks amazing- I definitely need one!
Ashlee
totally, I couldn’t live without mine!
jyl from @momitforward
This totally reminds me of a bread mixer my mom has had since I was born. I need to find out the name of the brand. It 100% reminds me of her and the amazing things she made for us growing up (and to this day). She’s an amazing cook!
Thanks for sharing!
Ashlee
It is incredible. a total workhorse and it makes feeding my large family so easy! I love it.
Erica
Ohhhh this is SO going on my wish list!!! Thanks for sharing!
Ashlee
It’s totally worth it. I wish I could afford to give it to all my friends as wedding gifts, it’s seriously the best kitchen tool out there!
Steph @ Crafting in the Rain
I have one and love it too! (and I’ve been putting my dough hook in the DW…ooops?!) It currently makes an aweful sound when I use it because TWICE I have spilled milkshake down the blender side. Still works though 🙂
Ashlee
gah, spilled milkshake!!! I’ve had to clean out that side a lot, a little machine oil could help.
Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later!
Ashlee, this is such a cute post. I really need to get a bosch!
Ashlee
yes you do (everyone does) it’s amazing for people who spend a lot of time in the kitchen should have one.
lukpras
Hi, just found your website when doing search of bosch mixer. What tipe of bosch mixer that you put the pictures of? And what price is that? I live in Australia and i dont think i found the same model here
Ashlee
The ones in this review are from the older universal mixer, they don’t make this bulkier style anymore, now they make this more streamlined model (pictured in this post http://ashleemarie.com/bosch-universal-mixer-bowl-whisks-paddles-hooks-love-bosch-series/ I’m emailing them now to see if they ship to Australia!
Vaughn Emett
I just took our Bosch Universal Mixer in for its THIRD SWITCH REPAIR. The person at the front desk agreed to have the repairman replace the switch (at my cost, of course), but was unsympathetic to my complaint about so many switch failures. It turns out the switch is extraordinarily poorly designed and is made of soft plastic internally. A few too many turns and the plastic breaks off inside. What happened to that impeccable German engineering I thought I was paying so much money for?
Ashlee
That is so weird! I’ve used 5 different models over the years (my own 2, my mom’s, my sisters and mother in laws) and I’ve never had a problem. I am so sorry to hear that! did you try the bosch customer service (not a store that sells bosch)? That’s the first I’ve heard of this. I hope they get it fixed so you don’t have that problem again!
Roberto
I bought my Bosch six years ago. I researched and chose the Bosch. I was tired of shopping for Christmas, birthday, anniversary and graduation gifts, Is is the right size, color, fit? Will they like it? Did I spend enough, too much, etc. I have never had anyone express anything but complete rapture when I present bread, cake, pie, cookies, brownies, fudge, muffins, bagels, pretzels, biscuits, scones, etc.
One of the most well-received gifts is logs of homemade ready to slice and bake cookie dough! If you are going to the lake for a weekend, take a couple of inexpensive plastic pitchers full of waffle/pancake batter. Everyone will love it, and you. The Bosch has saved me at least 10 times its purchase price.
How anyone can say it is too expensive is beyond me. Isn’t one’s time in the kitchen worth at least minimum wage? Isn’t an edible enjoyable result the whole point of baking and cooking? Knowing I am not wasting time or ingredients motivates me to bake are share the bounty.
When a wife asks her husband to put up a few shelves and he needs a drill, he takes that as permission to buy the most expensive cordless model with the carry case, extra batteries and the hard hat. After he does the one job, it sets for how long again? Buy the Bosch, then the Nutrimill.
I have a Cuisinart and a Vita-Mix so I did not need a lot of the Bosch attachments. I bought the stainless steel bowl, the cookie paddles and the batter whisks. I just acquired the dough divider and the scraper, the sifter, and the slicer/shredder bowl, the whisck and the dough hook. The smaller bowl is great for cinnamon rolls. We are constantly innundated with a barrage of products which promise to be life-enhancing. The Bosch delivers.
Ashlee
YAY! love hearing wonderful things about the Bosch! I totally want the stainless steel bowl! I want the pasta attachments next! I just got the sifter and love it! and I totally get it, people love homemade gifts, so much better than just finding something for the sake of finding something!
sarah
I wish you would have disclosed your promotional relationship with Bosch and their big marketing push
in the intro to your unbiased “review.” I was wondering why anyone would bash trusty, reliable kitchen aid which
has been in professional use for catering and personal by me for the last 30 years without a hitch, and thousands of other women I know! In fact, one sees perfectly wonderful “vintage” machines everywhere and they hold their value.
Literally millions have them and I personally have never heard a complaint about them! They are different machines, and reasonably people would not expect the same performance from either. I clicked on your site as my mother would like a Bosch after seeing Chef Brad. I have been telling her that unless she plans on making 4 loaves a batch, the machine will simply not pick up the dough properly. I will buy it for her as she is 80 and apparently still ambitious…I just want her to know it has definite drawbacks according to other reviews I have read on the web researching this. It is not necessary to bash another company that has a good reputation, in order to push a favorite forward. You preferred choice can still be a good choice without trying to denigrate an American kitchen staple.
Ashlee
I’m sorry you took so much offence to my post. I never bashed the kitchen aid, they work great for some people I know. The whole post is myths I’ve heard said about the Bosch that I’ve found to be untrue, so I am giving MY experience with the machine, and comparing it to the kitchen aid because that’s what people compare it to the most when they ask me about my choice. I took everything, the measurements, wattage, price, etc.. straight from the kitchen aid site itself, I even compare it to their best model trying to be fair.
I personally have never had a problem with small batches, or I would have mentioned it. I make HALF batches of cakes, frostings, cookies and bread dough all the time, as well as quadruple batches just as easily. I don’t know why others would have a problem with smaller batches, but personally I never have.
As for a disclosure, there IS one right there in the post, at the bottom. When I wrote this post is where it legally should be. Since then they have changed the laws and from now on disclosures have to be at the top. I wrote this post on my own, for free, with a machine I bought with my own money because I love the Bosch, AFTERWARDS they approached me, sent me a new model and I became an affiliate with them. I have bought every single accessory myself to try as well.
Chelsea Alexander
I have a kitchen aid and I love having a big machine (I have the 600 series) but there are definitely things I hate about it. And I haven’t ever used a Bosch! I’m surprised you’ve never heard a complaint about them, though. Mine walks, it doesn’t mix evenly, and I hate the bevel in the bottom. I’ve even gone as far as buying a third party scraper blade to help mix things better and that only helps marginally. So, yes, I own an expensive kitchen aid, but if I found a different machine that didn’t have those issues, I’d switch in a heartbeat. I’ve said several times to several people that I don’t understand how kitchen aids became the diamonds of kitchen appliances. They really aren’t all that great.
That being said, I just bought a second hand Bosch at an estate sale today (the price was too good not to) and if it works better, I have no issues with selling the kitchen aid I’ve had for 10 years.
Ashlee
I can’t wait to hear what you think of your Bosch!!! I started with a used one, the only issue I had is sometimes the new whisks and cookie paddles didn’t match up with the older driver, so I just bought a new driver with the new paddles and it works great!
Jon Allen
I’ll bash kitchenaid. The machines are poorly designed and poorly made. A planetary gear stand mixer will not properly knead dough. They are too top heavy and can launch themselves off a countertop if they become unbalanced. The open bowl throws flour everywhere. Pro bakers use a spiral mixing machine which has two spinning hooks. The bosch uses a unique triple hook that does an excellent job with dough.
Overall, if you want something that is an expensive colorful object to look at, get the kitchenaid.
If you want a single “kitchen machine” to last a generation, get “The Bosch”. A used Bosch from a garage sale runs circles around the newest kitchenaid. The attachments are equally good quality.
The argument about small batches is untrue. You agree that you have never used the machine so could not possibly know. It seems like you are trying to make an emotional argument instead of a factual one.
Cheryl
I have also been putting dough hook in the dishwasher, oops! Why is this wrong?
I have had my Bosch for probably 15 years. I love it too! I just recently started a cottage business of bread making. Just a few weeks ago I noticed a crunching sound
Ashlee
I’m not sure! I never thought to ask. I think it just changes the color of the metal, like washing cake pans in the dishwasher does. I don’t think it hurts the integrity of the piece, but I’ll double check on that. And a crunching sound? uh oh, have you tried taking out the center post and cleaning it? is it in the bowl or the machine itself? I’d email bosch and ask for a suggestion, they do have a lot of parts for sale on the site that might fix your problem.
Chelsea Alexander
It’s because it’s aluminum. When heated, aluminum can start to wear down. Ever get it out and have a white powdery film on it? That’s only grin the heat of the dishwasher. If it is heated while touching other metals, it can also ruin it.
Ashlee
THANK YOU! I knew there was a good answer and I was just missing it!
Ramona K
I just received my Bosch today. Will be baking tomorrow. I have owned two kitchen aid mixers and the 7 quart viking mixer. I thought it was time that I spent my money on something that would last. I do a lot of baking and cooking for our church and other organizations. Thanks for your review of the bosch. I am so looking forward to buying the attachements.
Ashlee
YAY!!! Let me know what you think! I know it takes a bit of getting used to if your used to other machines, but it’s SO worth it and so much fun!!! What did you make first?
Alicia Carlsen
I bought a Bosch Concept 7 in 2000. I gave it to my Granddaughter 2 years ago because she has a family and bakes bread all the time. She loves the mixer. I was enamoured by the beauty of the KitchenAid. So I bought a $600.00 six quart professional lift bowl mixer. WELL it lasted only one year. I took it for repairs and the guy said that all the newer KA mixers have plastic gears and it would have cost me almost$300.00. The man said in his opinion it was not worth getting repaired. He also said KA are not a bread kneading machine. They are OK if you make the occasional loaf of bread but if you bake bread all the time you should get a machine for kneading dough. I bake bread twice a week. KitchenAid really heat up and after awhile the give up the ghost. I had my KA for 13 months which is one month past the warrantee so I was S.O.L. What a piece of junk. I didn’t abuse it either, I used it mainly for kneading bread. I only make 2 loaves at a time. But it was so pretty. It weighed a ton. I think KA must put led inside it to make it weigh so much. I think they do it to give people the illusion that because it weighs so much it must be good. Not so. After that fiasco I bought a Bosch Compact. I love it it is perfect for making one or two loaves of bread. We are only 2 people. Yesterday I ordered a Bosch Universal. I really miss my big Bosch. I am starting a cottage industry. I will bake bread, cookies etc. and the big Bosch is the perfect machine. It is truly a bread kneading machine. I don’t think I will be taken in my pretty looks anymore.
Ashlee
I’m so glad to hear from another Bosch Lover! I’m sorry you had to go through such a rough experience though! That’s really terrible, I would have expected them to last longer too! And good luck with your cottage business, that so exciting.
Alicia Carlsen
My new Bosch Universal arrived yesterday. There are quite a few changes since 2000 when I bought the Bossh Concept. OK this is not a bitch but it takes up more room than the concept because of the blender tower thingy. I own a Bosch Compact and already have a blender for it. I also own a KA blender. I just wish they would not have put that stupid thing on because it takes uo room. It’s not as though you can store the blender on it, even if you could it would be to tall to fit under the kitchen cabinets.
Ashlee
It’s an amazing blender though, I love it and couldn’t live without it. I just keep my blender next to my Bosch, of course I use both the bowl and the blender every day so it’s never bothered me. Could you sell the compact and blender and kitchen aid blender then get the blender attachment for the universal? I never had a concept, I grew up on my mom’s universal so I never gave it a though. I hope it’s not too annoying for you in the long run.
Becky Wolfe
I have had my Bosch for over 27 years. My family got it for me as a wedding present – then we got my mom one for her birthday. We actually added the meat slicer on hers and I wish I had that with mine. My mom is gone now and her machine went to one of my sisters. I have loved it all of these years and use the mixer and bread hook the most and it is still going strong. I have never had to replace anything on this machine. I am looking to get a newer model, though and have looked at the Kitchen Aide, but the Bosch has a long history with me. It is a great machine.
Ashlee
The new model looks more sleek, and I love that you can pop out the center metal post in the bowl, but I miss being able to wrap my cord around the back. I’ve wanted to try the meat slicer too, and the meat grinder as well, maybe next year!
Dawn
I was THRILLED to find your site and another human being that HATED that flippin ginormous head, the huge beater being in your face so you can’t scrape the bowl. Every time I used my KA, I swore and cursed and vowed to go out and get something else. The problem around here, New England, is that almost every store you go in, they’re the only game in town. After a little research, I decided on the Bosch. I did start to worry after ordering it that I made a mistake because I don’t make 52 loaaves of bread at a time so I was really excited to find your site and those myths busted, but what happened to the myth page? I was looking to show some girls today and I can’t find in anywhere.
Ashlee
RIGHT!!!! I just don’t GET it! but so many people love them… Booo. SOOOO do you love your Bosch???? And what myth page? This post is the same as it’s always been, with the myths’ I’ve heard and why I think they are wrong.
Jonathan Cruse
Is the Compact as durable and flexible as the Universal? Also, I heard the Universal isn’t very good at smaller batches. Sometimes I’m cooking for just me and my girlfriend, but then we also have three kids running around part of the week. If the Universal can handle a single batch of cookies or pizza dough, I’d probably get that. I’m just curious. I also don’t like to buy something more than once; I want to future-proof my stuff!!
Ashlee
I’ve never used the compact, but I bet it is, Bosch is known for their quality products! And I’ve never had a problem with small batches, I make a half batch of frosting all the time, it just takes a bit more scraping. For me it’s worth it for when I WANT larger batches to scrap more I also do quadruple batches of stuff all the time as well, in fact I wish they made it even BIGGER most of the time (but I do bake for a job). If your going to be cooking for a med/large family at some point the universal is a great way to go. BUT they also have GREAT resale so a compact now, then reselling when your ready to size up is a great way to go too! you can look up what they are reselling for to see how they hold their value.
Julie marie
I have been wanting/ needing a Bosch mixer for a long time now, however, I could not pay 400 for it. Right before Christmas it went on sale and I got it for less than 300 dollars. I was so excited. I have a kitchen aid too and I use it for mixing up lighter things. My daughter is going to use the Bosch mixer for mixing up and selling whole wheat bread to help pay for college. She is 14. We have the nutrimill as well. I bought that used and love it. Thanks for the review.
Kimbooly
I really, really wish I knew which sale you were referring to. I have saved up over $300 for a bosch, but have not seen any sales of the main bosch for less than the normal price of $400. I’ve only seen the cookie paddle or something like it be thrown in “for free.”
Where did you find this sale? I’d honesty REALLY love to know. It was not on sale at Thansgiving, Christmas, or New Years.
Ashlee
This post was written last year, so it was referring to the mothers day sale they had going on at the time. They usually only have sales at Christmas and mothers day (but not always)
Ashlee
YAY! It’s not easy to find them new on sale, usually the Thanksgiving/Christmas time of year and Mothers day is it! so good for you, and good luck saving for college, i have 5 so saving up is HARD!
Rickey
I got mine over 20 years ago, sill awesome. Got a metal bread bowl attachment as well. Found a second at a going out of business sale, still in the box for the second half of my life when my daughter moves out and takes it with her. I actually have a kitchen aid too, each has it’s purpose but Bosch is a league of its own!
Ashlee
I had two bosch, but in my basement apartment I just don’t have the counter space, maybe when we finally move I’ll be able to get a second one again! they are amazing machines!
Glenda
I LOVE my Bosch and have used it (for 6 loaves at a time) for more than 15 years, plus every other mixing job in my kitchen. I have the old model, like you, and it is the only appliance that stays out on my counter. It’s a daily-used workhorse. Great post!
Ashlee
mine never gets put away (not that I have anyplace to put it in my small kitchen) and it totally get’s used every day, at LEAST once!
Becky
I love my Bosch too! Mine is named Herman, because he is a beast! (Like Herman Munster). We use him a lot, and he stays on the counter all the time! I still am in shock over people who still use KitchenAids!
Ashlee
I don’t get it either (the kitchen aid love) but whatever, more Bosch for me 😉 They are amazing machines!
Val
I own both machines and love both for different reasons! When I’m making bread, definitely pull out my Bosch! Holiday baking….The Bosch! lighter baking and cooking I grab my KitchenAid. I do really love both machines very much and couldn’t imagine having one one over an another. I do have to say though when I am making bigger, larger batches of doughs, cookies, etc, my Bosch handles the load much better and doesn’t overheat. That is why I got it after trusting my KitchenAid for years.
Ashlee
I know a lot of people who like both, I simply don’t have the room (and that overhead head drives me batty) but glad it works for you and so many others!
Brett
Ashlee, I’ve wanted a Bosch Universal mixer for a long time…then I read a review that suggested it was messy if you had to add ingredients during mixing….reviewer suggested that the stuff tended to be thrown out rather than mixed in. Check it here: mixer-review.toptenreviews
Your blog has encouraged me again, and I’m wondering how you would comment about this issue as a long time user? (I’ve never had anything but a hand mixer…)
Ashlee
If you have it on high and leave the lid off then yes it would throw stuff around, but what machine wouldn’t? the kitchen aid does too! I love the double lid, the outer ring holds most of that in so that you CAN add things while mixing without too much worry. AND because it’s open, without a big HEAD covering up half the bowl it’s super easy to add ingredients while mixing! BUT I would say I keep it on 1 (low) or 2 when adding ingredients while mixing, NOT 4 (high) and 3 would be a maybe… I’ve even added FLOUR when mixing without issue!
Phil
Found another good use for my Bosch. I make sausage. Mixing the meat by hand nearly gave me frostbite. Then I saw my Bosch sitting get on the shelf. DOH!!! Why didn’t I think of that before??? Easily handles 5 pounds of ground pork, and no more (near) frostbiten hands! Works great for my bread and cookies too. It’s getting that season to start making large batches of cookies!!!!
Ashlee
Mmmmm For sure, I love sausage, I’ve been wanting to try the meat grinder for awhile! and yup cookie season, YAY
TJ
PLEASE answer me this: Can you make your own flour with the Bosch universal mixer? And if you can do you need a special attachment for it?
Ashlee Prisbrey
to make your own flour you need the nutrimill, so seperate from the Bosch Mixer, but made by the same quality brand.
Mirry
hi! I’m so in love with the Bosch mixer after reading this! I have been thinking of buying the kitchenaid but after reading this, IM A CONVERT! I love how classic it looks! Btw, may I know what’s the mixing bowl is made of? PLEASE REPLY THIS! THANK YOU IN ADVANCE! 😉
Ashlee
this mixing bowl is plastic, they do have a metal one available, but I’ve never needed it.
michal
Is the newer model same quality?
Ashlee
YES! I love it! The added benefit of being able to take out the post and clean it is awesome, I do miss being able to wrap the cord around, I never take the time to push it back into the machine, but that’s a minor thing.
Fan
can i make ice cream with this machine?also is there a juicer attachment?
Ashlee
It doesn’t have an ice cream attachment. it does have a citrus juicer, slicer shredder, food processor, meat grinder, berry press, grating attachment, sifter, cereal mill, sausage stuffer, pastry press and noodle/pasta attachment http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=445066&U=692785&M=44804&urllink=
Arlene Szot
I have gained a lot of info from all the comments that has been very encouraging. Have had the Bosch Kitchen Machine since 1983, at which time I also bought the Magic Mill and the Bosch Slicer. I used the mixer for a while making whole wheat bread and Potato bread for the kids and when I had take a full-time job stopped making bread. Also had a KA so the Bosch got put in the closet. Even tried to sell it and nobody wanted it. Back in the closet. I’ve started making bread for the Farmer’s market and needed a bigger machine and got the six qt KA –had it for a year and it overheated and klunked out. So, I dug out the Bosch and started making the six loaves of my famous Honey Oat with flax seed. I really like the Bosch so much that I would like to get another one –maybe a little bit bigger bowl . Is the stainless steel bowl larger and better to use? What model would you recommend? I have found that it is so much faster to make a batch of bread in the Bosch than in the KA and it turns out better. My next adventure is to make glutten free breads. I’ve made them before and they have to be beaten a lot and the Bosch should do a better job than the KA because of it’s design. Thanks for the info.
Ashlee
the universal mixer is the biggest one they have, that’s it. and yes it makes bread fast cause it kneads it better and gets the gluten to interact more quickly. The stainless steel bowl is the same size. Sorry i’d love a bigger one too!
Glenda
Do you have any experience with a Bosch MUM86R1? I’m currently in Thailand and looking at getting a Bosch, but can’t find a basic universal (older model) that I’m used to using back at home. The biggest one I can find here is a MUM86R1. I’d love to hear if they work the same and how they compare to the standard version.
Ashlee
no I’m sorry I’ve never used the smaller one, just the universal. I’ve heard good things, but never tried it. Any chance someone could ship you one to use with a converter?
Lucy
Hi, I’m a homeschooling/homemaker. I have a large family (6 kids) and I love to cook and bake. Years ago (about 7yrs now) I bought the 6qt pro kitchenaid. Making bread in it was always difficult because it would just spin or stick to the bottom. You have to add more flour to prevent it from sticking so much, which gives a less desirable result. But it works well for other jobs so I just made my bread by hand or I’d drag out my old bread machine to make my dough. My friend wanted a KA and couldn’t really afford it, so I sold her my KA for a lot less and upgraded to the commercial 8qt. and I even bought an extra 5qt bowl to go with it. I thought surely the motor on a commercial machine will be stronger and I’ll be able to make our daily bread in my mixer now. This thing is sooo heavy. I noticed that it sounded labored if I tried to make really heavy dough like bagels or flour tortillas. When making sourdough it got really, really hot! And that’s with one loaf!! So I went back to making dough by hand or dragging out my bread machine because I didn’t want to kill my KA. I recently found out about the Bosch. I didn’t even know that it existed. It had a dough extender for our daily loaf and I could make lots of loaves like when I bake bread for our congregation. It really peaked my interest.
My dilemma: I had to convince my husband to let me upgrade my KA because I couldn’t use it for all my bread making needs. How was I going to convince him that I now needed a completely different mixer!?
Well I read all the reviews I could find and saw all the videos too. I was convinced and I had all this info to state my case to my husband. I said “you’re probably going to say no, but please hear me out first”. I poured out all my reasons and all the reviews I read. I even had him watch some of the videos. To my surprise, he said “I’m getting a bonus next month, go ahead and make the purchase”. I was elated!! I ordered the scraper, cookie paddles, both the plastic and metal whisk type cake batter paddles and the dough extender.
I’ve had my Bosch for 3 weeks now. I’ve made countless loaves of breads, cookies, pie crusts, biscuits, pancake batter, english muffins, cakes, cinnamon swirl bread for making french toast, shredded chicken, mashed potatoes,……and on…..and on….and on…… I love that I can make my bread with less flour resulting in a much softer and fluffier loaf the way my family loves it. The dough doesn’t stick to the sides even with less flour. I’ve made up to 6 loaves at one time, and the machine never failed me. I’ve also made one loaf with the same superior results as the large batch. This thing is a beast and doesn’t even break a sweat. So I’ll keep my KA. It has it’s uses. But for strength and reliability, I’ll turn to my Bosch.
I do have a question though. I’m afraid to try and do some things because of my KA “trauma”. How will the Bosch handle pasta dough, bagels, and flour tortillas? Will it be able to knead such tough and heavy dough and not overheat and die?
Ashlee
pasta dough is delicate so I hand make it, the strength of the bosch would make a very tough pasta (that and flaky pie crusts I also hand make) but I use the Bosch for bagels all the time and flour tortillas. Seriously don’t hesitate
Kristin
I JUST received this machine for my 40th birthday – I’ve been waiting for it for a while!
I haven’t had a chance to play with it much yet.
I just made a batch of bread dough – it is much louder than my Kitchenaid – almost sounds like the motor is working really hard. Is this normal?
I can’t wait to do some more playing and see how fabulous it really is!
Ashlee
really? I never thought about it, it is loud, but the motor is much stronger and easily makes at least twelve 1 pound loaves or eight 1 1/2 lbs loaves so it shouldn’t be having trouble… also the strength of the motor often means less flour and less rise time because of how well it works the gluten
Becky
So I JUST replaced my old old artisan with a Kitchenaid 7 Quart. It’s huge and powerful but I noticed today it takes a LOT of scraping to get things combined. And, when I had to beat a small amount of oil with sugar to start a cookie recipe, I couldn’t get them whipped up enough, the beater wouldn’t reach close enough to the bowl. This is only my second time using it, I’m worried!! It was so expensive!! How does the Bosch handle these issues? I’m very intrigued. Never saw this mixer once while doing my research!! I noticed yours in the sugar cookie video and was mesmerized by your mixer!
Ashlee Marie
of course the whisks and beaters don’t touch the bottom of the bowl – it would damage the whisks or the beaters, or the bowl – there has to be a space between – but yes I feel that the bosch handles small and big batches well, and I love the scrapper attachment. I have a full review here http://ashleemarie.com/bosch-universal-mixer-review-love-bosch-series/. Their website is here http://bit.ly/Ilovemybosch or you can find it on amazon too http://amzn.to/210Eyra
Karen Jackson
Can I use a store bought cake mix in a Bosch Universal mixer or do I have to use a recipe that calls for more ingredients. Thank you kindly,
Ashlee
you totally can! it will mix/beat/cream/fold anything!
Heidi
I just got my Bosch Universal mixer and love how easily it mixed a double batch of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Question: I have read that it is easy to overmix cake batter. How much should I reduce the mixing time in a cake recipe?
Ashlee Marie
I’ve never had a problem with it. You just watch the batter – each recipe is different. Don’t just go by the recipe – go by the way it looks!
sandy martin
How do I keep my bread dough from getting down the center shaft? My machine is the older model and you can’t easily remove it.
Ashlee Marie
use the dough hook extender