As someone who bakes weekly, this dough mixer has become my silent sous-chef. The first time I used it, I was shocked by how effortlessly it handled 5 cups of flour for my sourdough—no more wrist pain from hand-kneading! The motor hums like a contented bee, even when tackling stiff whole wheat dough.

The fermentation function is where this machine shines. Last Sunday, I forgot about my pizza dough mid-rise while chasing my toddler. When I returned, the mixer had maintained the perfect warm cocoon—my dough had doubled beautifully. That little top window? Genius for drizzling in olive oil without the usual flour-cloud explosion.

Cleaning is surprisingly satisfying—the stainless steel whisk wipes clean with a damp cloth, though I wish the bowl had handles for easier lifting when full. While it struggles with single-loaf batches (I sometimes cheat by making extra to freeze), the consistency it achieves makes up for it. My cinnamon rolls now have that bakery-perfect chew.

Pro tip: For whole grain recipes, I pause halfway to scrape the sides—the thick doughs need this TLC. It’s not a stand mixer replacement (I miss making buttercream in mine), but for dedicated bakers craving reliable dough? This black beauty earns its counter space daily.