Is my Kitchenaid 325 watt K5SS mixer up to making bread?

Hi,

I have had my Kitchenaid mixer for about 22 years and never used the dough hook until this week! I have been using my bread machine (a Zojirushi) and it has been turning out a decent loaf but I'm just getting bored with it. I have been yearning to make a loaf of bread the "old fashioned way" but I have always been intimidated with the idea of using yeast, just thought I couldn't do it.

Well, on my last visit to BJ's Wholesale Club, I found a nice book, the "Kitchenaid Baking Companion". Since it is endorsed by the manufacturer of my mixer, I gained the courage to tackle making bread from scratch. I made one recipe of basic white bread and to my utter surprise, the loaves turned out really well and I had rave reviews from family and my neighbors (and my daughter's boyfriend)!

Then, I looked at reviews of Kitchenaid mixers (I should NEVER check things out so thoroughly, just makes me crazy) and I saw it mentioned that the 325 watt mixers really aren't up to making bread even though they include a dough hook. Reviewers said when they started making bread, that's when those mixers failed. The reviews, I'm sure, were for mixers newer than mine so I'm hoping that makes a difference.

I checked the motor after kneading the dough and it didn't even get warm, never mind hot. Since it is older, it is made in the U.S.A., not China. The model is K5SS and it has a 5 quart bowl (lift bowl type). I purchased it in Costco (then Price Club) for $230.00 and I LOVE this mixer and don't want to lose it after all these years! It is just a plain old white mixer but it has served me well for so long that I would be extremely upset if something happened to it. But it is still only 325 watts and that has me worried but now I really want to try some of the great recipes on BYC, including the one I saw for Gump's bread that everyone is raving about!

Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks! Genie

I have a 17 year old Kitchen Aid and I've used the heck out of it including making bread. Mine needs some repair work which my son can do, I just have to buy the parts and pin him down to do it. The old machines are way better than the new ones so I really wouldn't worry. If you made your bread and it didn't even heat you mixer up then I say go for it. Why have a great old machine like that and be afraid to use it.

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Hi,

Fortunately, my mixer doesn't need and has never (yet) needed repairs. I think you're right, from what I've read, the old machines are better. I think I will try some more bread and just keep an eye on the motor, it it's not straining and doesn't get hot, I will continue. I made some awfully heavy cookie dough with it once (much heavier than the bread dough) and it didn't even "blink an eye". However, I have a feeling that I haven't used mine as much as you have used yours. Thanks and good luck with your Kitchenaid! Genie