BOSCH Universal Plus Stand Mixer 500 watt, 6.5-Quarts

I’ve been using this for my home bakery for a year now. It’s great for sourdough breads, bagels, and pastries. More durable than the kitchen aid that I had before.

I bake whole grain bread, at least once a week. Alas, my efforts proved too much for my Cuisinart stand mixer (which was purchased before I caught the bread bug). We chose that particular mixer because it had a more powerful motor than the KA Artisan, but still, over time, it began to labor and overheat. Eventually, it would shut down mid-knead, and wouldn't start again until it cooled off. I knew it was a matter of time, so off I went to find a powerful mixer that could withstand the heavy dough I was preparing.Of course, I first looked at the industry leader, the KA brand, specifically to its "Pro" line. Seemed plenty powerful, but yikes, the price. Still, I was willing to shell out the dough (so to speak) to get something that would last. Alas, the size of the mixer was such that I couldn't fit it into the spot where my previous mixer was stored. In reading the reviews, someone somewhere mentioned this Bosch Universal Plus, which I had never heard of before. Bosch, on the other hand, I know well. In addition to being a bread maker, I have done some woodworking as well, and have a number of Bosch power tools. They are outstanding in every way, so I figured I'd at least have a look at this.Well, the initial impression was: what the heck is this? This isn't a mixer. The design is certainly not in keeping with the overhead armature we all have come to know. Instead, the motor is beneath (and alongside!) the mixing bowl, and a vertical shaft extends upward. The reviews were great, and a quick YouTube search revealed that there were folks making as many as 9 loaves of whole wheat bread in a single batch. Since I only make 2 at a time, I figured surely this would work for me. And, it would fit on my counter. Given the Bosch reputation for quality and the good reviews, I pulled the trigger.Can I say: I love this machine. It is considerably quieter than my previous blender, but clearly has plenty of power (800W). I can mix up a batch of dough in about 25% less time than before, and the dough comes out beautifully. You might find that you need to modify your recipes slightly in terms of kneading or mixing time, because this machine does a pretty efficient job in less time. The dough hook is industrial-strength, and the mixing paddles that come with it do a great job with thinner batters and such.I honestly don't know why Bosch doesn't market this more aggressively (maybe they do so in Europe, but it the states, I've never seen one before). The bowl and attachments are easy to clean, another plus in my book. You can get a blender/food processor attachment as well, but I own a BlendTec blender so don't need that. If you're in the market for a powerful mixing appliance and don't mind thinking outside the box, you really ought to give this machine your consideration. Nope, I don't work for Bosch or have any relationship with them other than as a customer. But when I find a tool that exceeds my expectations, either in the woodshop or the kitchen, I don't mind bragging on it. The Bosch Universal Plus Kitchen Machine is, for my money, a wise investment. Now, if you'll excuse me, it's time to take my Oat/Whole Wheat bread out of the oven!

I received this mixer. Made pizza dough in it but it did not mix well in the center. I realized this particular packet only has 2 tools (wire whisks and dough hook). There is another package that has all the tools for only $20 more. So, instead of sending this mixer back I just went ahead and purchased the additional tools which I ended paying about $70 more dollars. Also, the reason why my 1 batch of pizza dough didn't mix well...I needed the dough extender which is included in that other package you will find in the search engine. All of the extra attachments are needed in my opinion...so get the bigger package deal if you can. The ease of cleaning the unit and bowls are a breeze. I bought this because my kitchen aid just couldn't handle the bread dough and bounced around on my counter (yes, we tried to fix it) . I am very happy about the suction cups that keep this bowl unit in place. I make a lot of cookies, mashed potatoes, mixing meatloaf to combine all ingredients and other things. I've only had it for a few days now, so I haven't made everything yet, but based on the reviews and the strength of this motor. I don't believe I will have a problem with it. This will stay on my counter for ease of using it often. I do wish they had an attachment that would clip on the lid cover that would drop the flour in the bowl without it being poured on the spinning attachments but other then that.....EXCELLENT UNIT!

I've purchased two machines in two weeks. First I bought the Kitchen Aid Artisan Series stand Mixer. I pulled it out of the box and was impressed -- it's a beautiful machine. I made a quick cake recipe with it -- no problem. Then I tried to make two loaves of honey oat maple bread -- total failure. The machine overheated and kept grinding to a halt as it attempted to kneed the dough. It actually smoked and set off my fire alarm. I was really disappointed so I sent it back for a refund (Amazon, by the way, was wonderful about the return).Enter the Bosch Universal Plus. As soon as my refund was processed I turned right around and ordered this machine. I really really want to make bread for my family and, to that end, I was determined to find a machine that could handle whatever kind of bread I choose to make. Anyhow, this thing came in the mail yesterday and I removed it from it's packaging. It is totally NOT as pretty as the Kitchen Aid. My wife told me, as a test, I ought to make the exact recipe that had nearly killed the Kitchen Aid machine. So, after setting it all up, that's what I did. When I flipped the power switch to the first speed I was a bit anxious. Was it going to struggle? NOPE! In fact, it went right through that dough like it was nothing at all. It ran for 7 minutes and never even broke a sweat. This was two loaves of combination whole wheat and conventional flour with a cup of oats incorporated. I wouldn't call it a particularly tough recipe, but it also isn't light.Bottom Line: If all you want to do is make some cakes and whip frosting then go for the kitchen aid. It's cheaper and it's prettier. If you want to make thick, tasty bread PLUS everything else under the sun then get the Bosch Universal Plus. It's a bit more expensive, and it's not as pretty, but boy does it work! I am very very impressed.Side Note: I own a vita-mix blender so I saw no purpose in getting the Bosch Universal Plus with the blender attachment. I have no idea how that motor works and I don't anticipate finding out. I just want to make lots and lots of bread.

I love this machine, makes holiday baking a snap! the whisks are fantastic and the mixer itself is a powertool in the kitchen! The value, weight and features are stellar. It has strong suction cups on the bottom keeping stable and in one place no matter what is getting mixed in the bowl. Such a time saver too!