KitchenAid vs. Bosch vs. Ankarsrum: 3 Top Mixers for Bread Making
Deciding which heavy duty stand mixer to purchase for bread making is a BIG decision.
These are expensive machines and you want to pick the right one for your needs!
Watch the video where I compare features side by side of three top contenders: KitchenAid, Bosch, and Ankarsrum. Each one has its strengths – and it quirks, and having used all three, I share not only the specs, but what I have learned from day to day use over the years to help you arrive at the best decision for your household.
Making Bread the Old-Fashioned Way
Both of my grandmothers baked their family’s bread supply by hand on farms in North Dakota in the 1930’s forward. My German Grandma used a large enamel wash basin to mix up 8-10 loaves every Saturday for her family and the hired hands, along with other German-from-Russia ethnic treats like kuchen, kechla, kase knoephla, and cookies.
My Norwegian Grandma used a bread pail like this one. Watch the video to learn more about this antique bread maker!
The best way to learn bread making is by hand. Mixing bread dough by hand acquaints you with how the dough feels and helps you develop your baker’s intuition, a set of skills that helps you recognize what the dough is doing and what adjustments you need to make in order to to make good bread. Those skills transfer over to a mixer.
Once you have process of making bread by hand down pat (if you’re physically able) then is the time to consider a mixer. If you have physical limitations that prevent you from making bread by hand, then by all means skip ahead to purchasing a machine to help you!
Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission for qualifying purchases.
All 3 Brands Are Quality Machines
Each of the three mixers is backed by a reputation for excellence in the home kitchen. Your task is to match your needs with a mixer that will work with you within your budget.
1st Contender: KitchenAid Artisan
Makes 2 sandwich loaves at a time.
KitchenAid was introduced by Hobart in 1919 and is currently owned by Whirlpool. Every KitchenAid mixer is assembled at the KitchenAid factory in Greenville, Ohio from die cast parts manufactured around the world. (If you can get your hands on an older Hobart-built mixer, those are built like a tank.)
2nd Contender: Bosch Universal
Makes up to 5 sandwich loaves at a time.
Bosch was introduced in Germany in 1952 and is now made in Slovenia, a small country in southeastern Europe south of Austria.
3rd Contender: Ankarsrum Assistent
Makes up to 7 sandwich loaves at a time.
The Ankarsrum was introduced in Sweden in 1940. The body is made from 100% recycled materials. Each mixer is assembled by hand at the factory in Ankarsrum, Sweden. Note: The Ankarsrum has formerly been known as Magic Mill, Electrolux, Vernona, and AEG 2000.
Shopper’s Comparison of 3 Top Heavy Duty Stand Mixers
Use the handy chart below to compare features of all three when shopping for a heavy duty stand mixer.
Watch the video to learn the basic breadmaking procedure for each machine, along with more information learned from years of experience with each one in my kitchen at Chocolate Box Cottage.
I am in the process of filming/editing a series of videos for each mixer, so stay tuned!
KitchenAid vs. Bosch vs. Ankarsrum
KitchenAid® Artisan | Bosch Universal | Ankarsrum Assistent | |
Price (April 2022 in the U.S.) | $449 | $449 | $749 |
Colors | about 14 | white or black | about 12 |
Bowl | 5-quart stainless steel | 6.5-quart sturdy plastic bowl with some flex | 7.5-quart stainless steel bowl + 3.7-quart Triton copolyester bowl |
Standard accessories | enamel flat beater, enamel dough hook, metal whisk | dough hook, wire whips, dough hook extender, splash ring, bowl lid | roller, scraper, dough hook, custom spatula, cookie whisks, balloon whisks, reversible lid |
Footprint | 14″ x 8 1/2″ x 13 3/4″ high | 18″ x 15″ x 15″ high | 10 1/2″ x 15 3/” x 14 1/4 ” high |
Weight | 25 lbs. 8 oz. | 12 lbs. 12 oz. | 19 lbs. |
Power | 325 watts | 500 watts | 600 watts |
Motor type | gear driven | belt drive transmission with overload motor protection | worm gear transmission |
Motor placement | overhead | in the base of the unit | in the base of the unit |
KitchenAid® Artisan | Bosch Universal | Ankarsrum Assistent | |
Capacity | 7-8 cups of flour or 12 egg whites, realistically | 14-15 cups of flour, realistically | Stainless steel bowl: 21 cups of flour. Plastic bowl: 12 egg whites. |
Quantity of 8”x4” sandwich loaves | 2 loaves | 5 loaves | 7 loaves |
Noise (1=silent, 10=unbearably loud) | 5 – medium level of noise | 7 – loud; cannot carry on a conversation while using | 3 – fairly quiet; can carry on a conversation while using |
Cleaning | Bowl and beaters are dishwasher safe. Restore shine to bowl with Barkeeper’s Friend. | Bowl is slick; cleans easily. Standard accessories are dishwasher safe except for dough hook. | Bowls and standard accessories are dishwasher safe. |
Warranty length | 3 months to 2 years | 3 year motor, 1 year parts | 7 year motor, 1 year parts |
Expected life | 10 years | 20 years | Lifetime |
Add-on accessories | meat grinder, ice cream bowl, sifter & scale, pasta maker, spiralizer, sausage stuffer, and many more | stainless steel bowl, blender, meat grinder, citrus juicer, spiralizer, food processor, pasta maker, and more | meat grinder, berry screen, pasta maker, ice cream bowl, citrus juicer, flake mill, blender, and more |
Special features | Iconic kitchen design. Easy to learn to use. Will serve most home cooks well for a variety of purposes. Most published recipes are written specifically with KA in mind. | Unique ergonomic design. Lightweight, easy to move. Suction feet grip the counter for stability. Handles small batches as well as large. Pulse function. Accessories less expensive than those of the Ankarsrum. | Classy workhorse at home in a modern kitchen or retro setting. Roller and scraper mimic hand kneading for softest bread. Timer allows you to multitask. Quiet motor. Very stable, will not rock or walk. |
Drawbacks | If stored under cabinet, mixer needs to be pulled forward to tilt head up. Do not use recipes calling for more than 6 cups whole grain flour. Heavy loads may cause mixer to walk. Watch for motor strain to avoid damage. Beater doesn’t quite reach bottom of bowl. | Functions differently than KA, requiring patience to master. Vigorous mixing action may not be suited to ancient grains. Bundt shaped bowl is not always practical. Motor is loud. Available in 2 colors only. | Functions differently than KA, requiring a patience to master. Speed control knob lacks directional marking. Bundt shaped plastic bowl is not always practical. Accessories are expensive. Plastic bowl is delicate. |
Tell Me What You Think
I hope this comparison is helpful to you. Would you do me a favor? Let me know in the comments which mixer you chose and what you appreciate about it and what you consider its chief drawback.
🌸 🏡 🌸 Blessings, Michele
24 Comments
I have had my Ankrarsrum for about 20 years in the AEG Assistant incarnation. At the time of purchase I was comparing it to the KA’s, the majority of which had plastic gears except for the very highest professional models. Bosch wasn’t even on my radar then.
I’ve been very happy with my machine. There was a bit of a learning curve but with time and practice I’m in a comfortable place. I typically make 4 loaves of bread at a time. I did buy a Bosch Compact a couple of years ago and use it for small jobs.
The Ankarsrum stays on the counter, the Bosch easily stows away in a kitchen drawer. It’s a powerful little mixer with almost a toy like appearance that’s deceiving.
Hi Susan, thanks for letting me know about your experience with the AEG incarnation, along with the Bosch Compact. These machines really are built to last. Being comfortable with the way your mixer functions is so nice. It makes the breadmaking process easy and enjoyable. Four loaves is a good amount. Do you freeze the extras? 🌸 Michele
Up to now I have always had a kitchen aid. The negatives are the fact the mixer doesn’t go to the bottom of the bowl and so can take forever to get it all mixed up needing to stop constantly to scrape the sides and even bottom. The other negative is that I found it very loud.
I have just finally bought the Ankarsrum which I am still learning. So far I find it amazing compared with the kitchen aid. Quiet, great at mixing and easy clean up. Time will tell.
Hi Veronica, congratulations on your new Ankarsrum Assistent! The more you get acquainted with it, the more you will fall in love with it. I have a couple of recipes/videos on the Ankarsrum that might be helpful to you. If your goal is to bake large batches and freeze the extra loaves to save time, your Ankarsrum will allow you to do that. This video will help you learn your mixer. https://chocolateboxcottage.tv/videos/buttermilk-bread-ankarsrum-mixer/
It makes a VERY large batch, so I recommend starting with the KitchenAid version of the recipe first since it makes 2 loaves.https://chocolateboxcottage.tv/videos/buttermilk-bread-kitchenaid-mixer/
And if you’d like to make fabulous rolls, here’s a great recipe for you:
https://chocolateboxcottage.tv/videos/matrimonial-rolls-ankarsrum/
Happy baking!
Michele
Where did you buy the Ankarsrum? I would like to buy one but not sure which website is best
Hi Nadia, I’ll get a link for you and put it below. After you click it, type Ankarsrum into the search bar and it will bring up the mixers and let you choose a color. I’m excited for you! ~Michele
https://www.pjatr.com/t/8-12416-273845-206096?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpleasanthillgrain.com%2Fankarsrum-swedish-stand-mixer-heavy-duty-kitchen-mixer
Where is the best place to purchase the Ankarsrum?
Here is a link to a reputable business that I really like. After you click it, type Ankarsrum into the search bar and it will bring up the mixers and let you choose a color. Have fun shopping!
~Michele
https://www.pjatr.com/t/8-12416-273845-206096?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpleasanthillgrain.com%2Fankarsrum-swedish-stand-mixer-heavy-duty-kitchen-mixer
I bought the Ankarsrum six months ago after my second Kitchen Aid died. I love it. I was a little apprehensive at first as there is a learning curve, but it won me over. Until now I don’t think I ever knew what creamed butter looked like, and I have made the best buttercream frosting I have ever made. So far I have been unable to bog it down with any amount of ingredients I throw at it. I considered the Bosch but for the attachments I would have needed for how I bake, it would have figured out to be about the same price as the Ank. I do think both are quality machines. I would advise logging all you use a mixer for for a while to really see what your needs are. We only have one child left at home still and some would say the Ank is an overkill. Do your research. There isn’t much in the way of true quality in a smaller size. Power going down and plastic parts going up:/
Six months is a good trial period. It sounds like you’re giving your machine a workout. Good for you. I know it seems a bit large or overkill for smaller households, but for those who like to bake and cook it is so enjoyable to use. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Hi Everyone! Michele, I’m so glad I found your site – it’s a pleasure! I would LOVE to purchase an Ankarsrum mixer, but am having difficulty justifying the cost, as I don’t bake as often as I’d like. Does it ever go on sale around the holidays? Also, I bake primarily cakes and cookies. Can they be made in the stainless bowl? The spatula looks like a dream come true! Thank you!
Hi Amy, welcome! The manufacturer sets the price for the Ankarsrum and it does not go on sale. It is the same price regardless of where you buy it. Occasionally a discontinued color may be discounted about $25 but you never know when that will happen and if you are going to purchase such a nice mixer as this you probably want a color that is special to you. Once in a while Bread Becker’s offers a few open box units – mixers that have been returned for one reason or another. Those will be discounted, depending on the condition of the mixer.
I waited until I was in my 50s to buy a stand mixer. Always wanted one but didn’t have the room in my kitchen. Then we remodeled and I treated myself to the largest KA that was made for home use — equivalent to the 600 Pro today. Got a great deal on a galaxy black model; it came with a coupon for an free full-sized SS mixing bowl. (This was handy when I helped my daughter audition recipes for a wedding cake she was making.) This was 19 years ago. That KA served me well and now I am 76, still making 3 loaves of whole wheat bread every week, alway finishing the kneading by hand. Then there is a variety of cookies and other desserts — love to try things from the King Arthur website! We live in a retirement community and any home-baked item is a special treat for our neighbors.
THE KA has been a reliable soldier but that kneading at the end of the prep is annoying the arthritis I am developing in my wrists. I am thinking about the Ankarsrum. Your comparison video and chart are very informative. Thank you!
It sounds like your Kitchenaid has served you well. Best wishes on your decision!
Hi! Thanks again for your post, this is a wealth of information.
What about for small batches? I am primarily looking for the kneading and baking purposes but I make small quantities (serving size of 3-6)
Thank you so much!
Hi Manju, any of the 3 mixers will be a good choice for your family size. What do you primarily use a mixer for?
I went down a rabbit hole today and wound up here. Email from Pleasant Hill Grain this morning mentioned a sale on Bosch due to a sudden big shipment from the manufacturer filling several back orders all at once. I’ve been using my KA for sourdough and don’t like hearing it work that hard and noisy, knowing that I’m pushing it. After watching some Bosch videos, I also watched several for Ankarsrum but wanted a comparison of both. You not only provided that, but included my KA as well, even showing all three side-by-side. I think it is clear the Ankarsrum is next for me. Thanks from eastern Oregon!
Tom, the exact same experience—the Pleasant Hill Grain email, rabbit hole research, etc. Too funny! Also leaning towards Akarsrum now, especially since Pleasant Hill Grain now shows them as being “out of stock.” I guess their promotion email worked very well for them.
Hi Tom, it is an amazing sale, so for anyone leaning in the direction of a Bosch with cash on hand this would be a wonderful time to purchase. It sounds like you have made up your mind for an Ankarsrum Assistent – you won’t be sorry. A heavy duty mixer is a purchase you live with for many years, so you want to be sure to get the right one for your needs.
My husband just ordered the Bosch for me. I choose it after watching a video and loved the open top (as I mainly make cakes) and the fact that it is light-weight. I will update you after I use it. Have had a KA most of my life, so kind of excited to branch out! This comparison was very helpful, thank you!
I have a large family and we like to bake a lot….bread, cookies, cakes, etc. I have a 6qt KA now and it’s loud and overheats when I try to make two loaves of bread (10 cups of flour). I’m interested in the Ankersrum, but I was wondering if you can use the large stainless bowl for things other than bread. It looks like the accessories for things like cake and cookies would go with the plastic bowl and the large bowl is mainly for kneading. Any help with this would be appreciated! Thank you!
Hi Nikki, that is a good question. The roller and scraper are the most-often used accessories with the Ankarsrum mixer for all types of cooking and baking tasks. You can use them for mashed potatoes, banana bread, cookies, meatloaf, and more.
I have had three Kitchen Aids, and purchased the first (lift up top) in 1983. I gave that to our son in the 90’s when I upgraded to a larger Pro one.
The upgrade Pro burned out in 8 years, but the original is still working for our son. I replaced the upgrade. It, too, constantly overheated (even on stiff c.ch.cookie dough) there was a reset button on that pro model , which I quickly learned was almost a necessity, as it frequently overheated and shut down…almost every time I used it for cookie dough or a loaf of bread!
I bought a Bosch Universal to make doughs in. I have no real complaints about the Bosch, other than I had to pay to upgrade the hook to stainless steel right away, as it left gray streaks in dough and needed hand washing. It is a workhorse, and will make stiff and double or triple doughs. I don’t care for the other attachments that came with it, either, as they are flimsy and AlSO needed upgrading. Then I heard about Ankarsrum…
I bought an Ankarsrum, solidly constructed of all the best materials AND multifunction. It is, hands down, my favorite! It does everything quietly, and it doesn’t “walk” on the tile counters. It has a large bowl, but takes up less counter space than the KA.
The first week i had the Ank i gave my Kitchen aid pro to a friend with NO mixer who does light baking. I put my Bosch in a cupboard, and will probably only drag it out for holiday baking parties. Oh, did I mention all the Ank attachments are DW safe, and a nicely made Ankarsrum hardbound cookbook and how-to manual are included in the box with the mixer.
I’ve had my KA for nearly 50 years. I used the grain mill attachment for quite a few years until I purchased a Nutrimill for larger quantities. I bought the Bosch several years ago, but rarely use it. The Bosch cookie paddles cracked after a couple of months. I’m not sure if the newer KAs are the same quality as the old ones.
I also use the KA pasta roller attachment, both for pasta and for crackers.