Stepping into the world of serious baking often leads to a quest for the ultimate tool, and for many, that journey culminates with the Ankarsrum Original Stand Mixer. This isn’t just another appliance on your counter; it’s a testament to Swedish engineering and a true workhorse designed to transform your baking experience, especially when it comes to tackling demanding doughs and large batches. If you’ve been dreaming of perfectly kneaded bread or effortlessly whipped meringues, the Ankarsrum Original might just be the partner you’ve been looking for.
The Unconventional Genius: How the Ankarsrum Redefines Mixing
The Ankarsrum Original Stand Mixer stands apart with a design philosophy that flips conventional mixing on its head. Instead of the attachments orbiting a stationary bowl, the Ankarsrum features a robust motor housed in its base that rotates the bowl itself, while the attachments remain mostly stationary. This innovative approach, deeply rooted in its heritage, provides unmatched power and efficiency, particularly for tasks like kneading.
A Legacy Forged in Sweden: The Ankarsrum’s Rich History
The story of the Ankarsrum Original Stand Mixer begins in 1940s Sweden. Originally known as the Electrolux Assistent, it quickly gained a reputation for its unparalleled durability and unique mixing action. Over decades, it has been refined and perfected, maintaining its core design while embracing modern advancements. This enduring legacy means that when you invest in an Ankarsrum, you’re not just buying a mixer; you’re acquiring a piece of baking history, known for its consistent performance and a design built to last for generations. Its robust construction and long-standing presence in kitchens worldwide speak volumes about its reliability and the trust bakers place in it.
The Ankarsrum Original, with its distinct design, represents a significant investment for any serious home baker looking for a stand mixer that delivers superior performance, especially for heavy-duty tasks like bread making.
The Core Design Philosophy: A Rotating Bowl, Stationary Attachments
What truly sets the Ankarsrum Original Stand Mixer apart is its ingenious design: the bowl rotates while the primary mixing arm and attachments, such as the dough roller and scraper, remain stationary. This unique mechanism is engineered to mimic the highly effective process of hand-kneading, gently yet thoroughly working the dough against the side of the bowl. This not only ensures uniform mixing but also significantly reduces strain on the motor, allowing it to handle substantial quantities of ingredients with remarkable ease.
This open-top design, free from an overhead mixer arm, offers unparalleled access to the bowl during operation. You can effortlessly add ingredients, scrape down the sides (though the included scraper attachment often makes this unnecessary), and closely monitor your dough or batter without interrupting the mixing process. It’s a game-changer for bakers who value control and efficiency. The generously sized 7.4-quart (7-liter) stainless steel mixing bowl can accommodate an impressive 21 cups of flour, or up to 5 kilograms (over 11 pounds) of dough, making it ideal for large-batch baking.
“The Ankarsrum’s rotating bowl and stationary roller isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a meticulously engineered system that mirrors the natural stretch and fold of hand kneading, resulting in incredibly well-developed gluten structures in bread dough,” says Chef Anya Petrova, a renowned pastry chef.
Attachments and Versatility: Beyond Just Bread
While the Ankarsrum Original Stand Mixer is often hailed as the “bread maker’s best friend,” its versatility extends far beyond yeasted doughs, thanks to a comprehensive suite of included and optional attachments.
Mastering Dough with Precision
The primary dough attachments—the dough roller, dough knife, and dough hook—are where the Ankarsrum truly shines. The dough roller is designed to gently press and fold the dough against the bowl, delivering a kneading action that’s perfect for delicate brioche or robust sourdoughs. For heavier, drier doughs like pizza or rye, the sturdy dough hook performs admirably, stretching and pulling with powerful efficiency. The integrated scraper works in tandem with these tools, constantly pushing ingredients back into the mixing path, virtually eliminating the need to stop and scrape the bowl manually. This combination ensures that every ingredient is thoroughly incorporated, resulting in consistently excellent textures.
Whipping, Beating, and Creaming with Finesse
For lighter tasks, the Ankarsrum comes equipped with a separate 3.5-liter plastic double beater bowl assembly. This accessory features a gear-driven, dual-whisk system that rotates around a central shaft, providing a thorough and incredibly fast whipping action. The balloon whisks are perfect for achieving stiff peaks with egg whites (handling up to 18 at once!) and whipping cream in record time. For cake batters, frostings, and cookie doughs, the single wire whips are your go-to, creaming butter and sugar to fluffy perfection. While earlier versions had some concerns about plastic whisk gears, newer models have seen improvements to address durability, allowing for reliable performance across a range of applications.
Expanding Culinary Horizons with Optional Accessories
The Ankarsrum Original Stand Mixer can transform into a true kitchen powerhouse with an impressive array of optional accessories. From a robust meat grinder to a versatile blender, a citrus juicer, and even an ice cream maker or vegetable shredder, these add-ons unlock a world of culinary possibilities. Many of these attachments connect to a separate power take-off on the side of the machine, often requiring the mixer to be oriented on its side—a unique design element that further enhances its functionality.
Power and Performance: A True Workhorse
At the heart of the Ankarsrum Original Stand Mixer lies a robust motor, engineered for unparalleled performance and longevity.
A Motor Built for the Long Haul
The Ankarsrum boasts a powerful 600-watt motor (some newer models even feature 1500W motors), intelligently positioned in the base of the machine. This lower center of gravity contributes significantly to the mixer’s remarkable stability, preventing the “walk” or wobble often seen in less stable mixers when tackling heavy doughs. More importantly, this motor delivers exceptional torque—the rotational force crucial for pushing through dense mixtures without bogging down. It handles even the stickiest sourdoughs or largest batches of cookie dough effortlessly, without overheating or struggling.
“The low-mounted motor and high torque of the Ankarsrum Original are critical for its enduring performance. It’s designed to deliver consistent power where it’s needed most, translating to less wear and tear and a much longer lifespan,” explains Dr. Marcus Thorne, a food science engineer.
Precision Control and Enduring Durability
Precision is key in baking, and the Ankarsrum delivers with an adjustable speed control dial that offers a wide range from a gentle 45 RPM to a vigorous 130 RPM. A convenient 12-minute timer allows you to set it and forget it, while a dedicated half-speed setting is perfect for delicately folding in ingredients.
Crafted from high-quality chrome and steel, the Ankarsrum Original Stand Mixer is built to last a lifetime. Its robust construction is evident in every detail, from the solid base to the durable stainless steel bowl. This commitment to quality is underscored by a generous 7-year warranty on the motor base, providing peace of mind and affirming its status as a long-term investment in your culinary journey.
Using and Maintaining Your Ankarsrum: A Guide to Mastery
Embracing the Ankarsrum Original Stand Mixer involves a slight learning curve, but mastering its unique operation unlocks a world of effortless baking.
Navigating the Learning Curve
If you’re accustomed to planetary-style mixers, the Ankarsrum’s rotating bowl and stationary attachments will feel different. However, this initial adjustment quickly gives way to appreciation for its intuitive design. Many users find that once they understand the dynamics of the dough roller and scraper, the mixer becomes incredibly user-friendly and efficient. It’s a journey from familiarity to a deeper understanding of how dough truly behaves.
Tips for Optimal Use
To get the best out of your Ankarsrum Original:
- Order of Ingredients: For doughs, typically add all wet ingredients to the bowl first, then gradually incorporate your dry ingredients.
- Flour Adjustments: Due to its efficient kneading action, you may find that recipes require slightly less flour than initially called for, especially when using the dough roller. Always observe your dough’s consistency.
- Butter Temperature: When using the whisks for creaming, always ensure your butter is at true room temperature, not just softened. This will yield the best results for cakes and cookies.
- Embrace the Scraper: Trust the scraper to do its job. It’s remarkably effective at keeping the sides of the bowl clean and ingredients incorporated.
Effortless Maintenance for Lasting Performance
Cleaning the Ankarsrum is surprisingly straightforward. The open-bowl design means there’s no bulky head to lift, providing easy access. While there are more individual components to clean compared to some mixers, they are generally easy to wash by hand or are dishwasher safe (check specific attachment guidelines). The stainless steel bowl is a breeze to clean, and the robust exterior simply requires a wipe down. Proper maintenance ensures your Ankarsrum remains a gleaming, high-performing centerpiece in your kitchen for decades.
Why Choose an Ankarsrum Original Stand Mixer? Benefits for Every Baker
Investing in an Ankarsrum Original Stand Mixer brings a multitude of benefits that can genuinely elevate your baking.
The Baker’s Advantage
- Superior Dough Development: The unique roller and scraper system provides an unparalleled kneading action, resulting in perfectly developed gluten for light, airy breads and resilient doughs.
- Massive Capacity: Its 7.4-quart bowl handles large batches effortlessly, making it ideal for holiday baking, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd without splitting recipes.
- Ease of Ingredient Addition: The open-top bowl design allows for continuous addition of ingredients, even while mixing, without splashes or spills.
- Built to Last: With its heavy-duty chrome and steel construction and a powerful, reliable motor, the Ankarsrum is a long-term investment designed for a lifetime of use.
- Quiet Operation: Despite its power, the motor in the base contributes to surprisingly quiet operation compared to many heavy-duty stand mixers.
- Versatile Beyond Dough: While a bread-making champion, its range of attachments allows for everything from delicate meringues to hearty meat grinding, making it a true all-in-one kitchen assistant.
Ankarsrum vs. The Competition: A Head-to-Head with KitchenAid
For many serious bakers, the choice often comes down to the Ankarsrum Original Stand Mixer or a top-tier KitchenAid. Both are formidable machines, but they cater to slightly different baking priorities.
Where the Ankarsrum Leads
The Ankarsrum stands out for its unbeatable performance with bread doughs. Its unique bowl-driven action and the powerful torque of its motor allow it to knead large, heavy, and sticky doughs like sourdough or pizza dough with remarkable ease, often where planetary mixers might strain or overheat. Bakers praise its ability to avoid issues like dough climbing the hook or the machine “walking” across the counter. The larger capacity of its main stainless steel bowl (7.4 quarts vs. KitchenAid’s professional 6-7 quart models) and the open-top design make adding ingredients and monitoring the mix a seamless process. Furthermore, the Ankarsrum typically comes with a significantly longer warranty on its motor (7 years compared to KitchenAid’s standard 1 year), signaling confidence in its durability. America’s Test Kitchen, a highly respected authority, has even ranked the Ankarsrum as its #1 stand mixer, particularly for serious bakers.
KitchenAid’s Strengths and Differences
KitchenAid mixers, with their familiar planetary mixing action, are renowned for their versatility and wide array of color options. They excel as excellent all-around performers for a broad range of tasks, from creaming butter for cookies to mixing cake batters and whipping smaller quantities of cream. The KitchenAid ecosystem also boasts an extensive collection of attachments that connect to its power hub, transforming it into everything from a pasta maker to a vegetable spiralizer, though the Ankarsrum also offers a growing range of similar accessories. For many casual or general home bakers, the KitchenAid’s lower initial learning curve and aesthetic appeal make it a popular choice.
The Verdict
Ultimately, while both are high-quality machines, if your passion lies in bread making, large-batch baking, or heavy-duty dough tasks, the Ankarsrum Original Stand Mixer is widely considered the superior choice and a more robust long-term investment. For general baking and a broader range of readily available attachments, KitchenAid remains a strong contender. “If bread baking is your religion, the Ankarsrum is your sacred text. For those who prioritize powerful kneading and superior dough development, it simply has no equal,” remarks Eleanor Vance, acclaimed baking blogger.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Your Ankarsrum
To truly unlock the full potential of your Ankarsrum Original Stand Mixer, consider these expert tips:
- Experiment with Hydration: The Ankarsrum’s gentle yet powerful kneading can handle higher hydration doughs beautifully. Don’t be afraid to experiment with slightly wetter doughs than you might be used to; the results can be incredibly tender and open-crumbed.
- Utilize the Timer: The built-in 12-minute timer isn’t just a convenience; it’s a precision tool. Consistent mixing times lead to consistent results, especially for recipes like brioche or sourdough that benefit from specific kneading durations.
- Explore All Attachments: Don’t limit yourself to just the dough roller. Get comfortable with the dough hook for stiffer doughs and master the double beater bowl for light-as-air meringues and perfectly emulsified buttercreams. Each tool is designed for a specific purpose, and knowing when to use which will elevate your results.
- Batch Baking is Your Friend: With its generous capacity, the Ankarsrum encourages larger batches. Make extra bread dough to freeze, whip up double batches of cookie dough for later, or prepare enough cake batter for multiple celebrations. It’s a time-saver that pays dividends.
Common Questions About the Ankarsrum Original Stand Mixer
You’ve got questions, and we’ve got answers. Here are some frequently asked questions about the Ankarsrum Original Stand Mixer:
Q: Is the Ankarsrum Original Stand Mixer worth the price?
A: For serious home bakers, particularly those who frequently make bread, large batches, or challenging doughs, the Ankarsrum is widely considered a worthwhile investment due to its durability, power, and superior kneading capabilities.
Q: Is the Ankarsrum hard to learn to use?
A: There can be an initial learning curve if you’re used to planetary mixers, as its design is unique. However, most users find it intuitive and easy to master after a few uses, appreciating its efficiency and ease of access.
Q: What can the Ankarsrum Original Stand Mixer make?
A: It excels at kneading all types of bread doughs (sourdough, artisan, pizza), but also handles cake batters, cookie doughs, whipped cream, meringues, and, with optional attachments, can grind meat, make pasta, juice citrus, and more.
Q: How does the Ankarsrum compare to KitchenAid for bread making?
A: The Ankarsrum is generally considered superior for bread making due to its unique rotating bowl design and powerful motor, which provides better kneading action and handles larger, stiffer doughs more effectively than most KitchenAid models.
Q: What is the warranty on an Ankarsrum Original Stand Mixer?
A: Ankarsrum typically offers a generous 7-year warranty on the motor base, reflecting its commitment to quality and durability. Specific attachment warranties may vary but are usually 1 year.
Q: Is it loud during operation?
A: While powerful, many users find the Ankarsrum to be relatively quiet, especially when kneading heavy doughs, compared to other high-capacity stand mixers, thanks to its well-engineered motor placement in the base.
Conclusion
The Ankarsrum Original Stand Mixer is more than just a kitchen appliance; it’s an investment in your baking passion. Its distinctive Swedish design, powerful performance, and unparalleled ability to handle even the most demanding doughs make it a standout choice for anyone serious about elevating their culinary creations. While it may have a slight learning curve, the rewards of perfectly kneaded bread, effortlessly whipped creams, and the sheer durability of a machine built to last a lifetime are immeasurable. Take the plunge, and let the Ankarsrum Original Stand Mixer transform your baking journey, inspiring you to create and share delicious moments for years to come.