I have been making bread with bread machines for over 20 years. I have never baked the bread in the machine, so this time decided to get just a kneader. It is more expensive than a cheap bread maker, so I was hesitant.
After many loves, I can say it was not a waste of money. It is much more sturdy and does a good job of kneading. I feel the mixing blade and the place where it attaches to the bowl is of much higher quality than machines that are designed to also bake. I feel this one will last longer than any of my previous “home bakeries.”
It mixes very differently. There are no pauses that give the flour time to drop back down to the middle, so I have to use a spatula to push the flour or dough down in the beginning of the kneeling. Once all the ingredients are mixed, I don’t have to watch it any more, so it only takes my time for the first few minutes of the kneading process.
I really like the plastic lid. It keeps the moisture (and mess) in.