Bosch Universal Kitchen Machine Review

What the Reviewers Like:
Reviewers say the Bosch Universal Kitchen Machine is a rugged unit that doesn't balk at multigrain bread doughs (which can be a test for mixers). Owners say that this unit is easy to clean, and they like its versatility. The Bosch Universal comes with two whisks of different weights and a dough hook.

What The Reviewers Don’t Like:
Some say the Bosch Universal Kitchen Machine is apt to "walk" across the counter if the load becomes unbalanced, and the mixing bowl is somewhat difficult to remove. If you are accustomed to a Kitchen Aid-style mixer, the Bosch's unusual design will take some adjustment. This unit is oversized for small dough batches.

Bosch Universal Kitchen Machine review highlights

Experts say that when it comes to mixers, design is crucial. In professional tests, the Bosch Universal Kitchen Machine did a good job with kneading, but in creaming and whipping tests, it failed to incorporate ingredients, which were flung to the sides of the mixing space. The lid tended to trap condensation, affecting the texture of bread dough. Most owners posting to Amazon.com and Epinions, however, love their Bosch Universal mixers, awarding them high marks for versatility and ease of use. Owners say that the Bosch Universal does an especially good job with large quantities of bread dough, but using this machine for a small quantity of cookie dough or meringue seems like overkill. We found more consistent reviews overall for the KitchenAid Professional 600 (*est. $350) and Cuisinart 5.5 Quart Stand Mixer (*est. $350) models.

Cook's Illustrated has included the Bosch Universal Kitchen Machine in its rigorous comparative tests; unfortunately, Consumer Reports has not. We read about a dozen owner-written reviews of this appliance, which has a doughnut-shaped mixing space, at Amazon.com and Epinions. In contrast to the expert reviews, most owners are enthusiastic about this machine.

Also see full report: Mixers

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Cook’s Illustrated
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Mix Masters -- Standing Mixers
Editors of Cook's Illustrated
Nov. 2005

This review covers stand mixers that compete with KitchenAid, and the majority of the tested models cost $350 or more. Eighteen mixers of varying size and price are rated on their ability to whip cream, mix cookie batter, and knead rustic bread dough, among other tasks. The Bosch Universal Kitchen Machine earns a rating of "recommended with reservations" for its tendency to fling ingredients against the sides of the doughnut-shaped mixing space instead of incorporating them. It did a commendable job with bread dough.

2. Amazon.com
Bosch Universal Kitchen Machine Reviews
Contributors to Amazon.com

A handful of owners have posted reviews of the Bosch Universal Kitchen Machine, most of which are positive. It's hard to tell, however, which model owners are reviewing, as some say that they have owned their Bosch mixers for 10 years or longer (the Universal hasn't been on the market that long). Owners praise the machine's powerful motor and report that it does an excellent job with bread dough. They caution, however, that when it comes to small batches, this unit does a poor job incorporating ingredients.

3. Epinions
Bosch Universal Kitchen Machine Reviews
Contributors to Epinions

A handful of owners have posted reviews of the Bosch Universal Kitchen Machine at Epinions. Owners say that the Bosch doesn't balk at heavy multi-grain bread doughs. One owner notes that this machine does not come with a beating paddle, but a paddle accessory is available from another manufacturer, Delrin.

Also see full report: Mixers

Bosch Universal Kitchen Machine Review