This article contains links to our partners Kenwood, directly to their site or through their Amazon page although our opinions here are genuine. We have used a Kenwood Chef for over 10 years because we think it is the best product on the market. We will receive a commission if you click any of the links in the article and purchase a Kenwood product. We use this money to continue investment into the running of this site. So it helps us to keep cooking and writing!

The equipment to make great bread every time without the mess and strain.

Making homemade bread is so satisfying, the feeling of a great dough after its second prove, the smell as fresh bread comes out of a hot oven.  In our house it is almost impossible to keep people away and let it cool down, everyone is so eager to try it with a bit of butter or a bit of cheese.  We have so many great recipes on Cook, Eat, Repeat! But very few come close to a classic loaf straight out of the oven with some melted butter on.

The downside to making bread without any help is the effort and mess in getting the dough from a wet mess to an elastic well shaped dough, all that kneading and getting hands sticky.  Some people love it, but many of us want a cleaner, quicker and more reliable way to get great dough.

Having the right equipment is crucial. There are hundreds of different types of bread makers on the market – but in our experience they always produce a cakey texture, and then you have the great big hole in the bottom where the paddle goes.

So, what else can you use?  We recommend a hybrid bread making process where you make the dough with a stand mixer or food processer with a dough hook and then knock back and shape by hand.  And our first choice is a Kenwood Chef.

Stand mixers for bread making

When it comes to bread making, having the right equipment can make all the difference. Stand mixers and food processors can be quite bulky and expensive, so your choice needs to include what else you can use the machine for and how much space you have.  Then there is longevity and accessories, does your brand have the right accessories and will it last a long time?  When looking at all these factors, one brand stands out amongst the rest – the Kenwood Chef range. I’ve had a Kenwood Chef for around 15 years now and I can attest to its durability, versatility, and performance, it’s one of the most used pieces of equipment in our kitchen and hasn’t needed repairs or any work on it during that time. If you're looking to up your bread making game, keep reading to discover why the Kenwood Chef range is the best choice for you too.

The Importance of Quality Bread Making Equipment

Bread making is about consistency and trying to ensure that your bread turns out perfectly every time. With its powerful motor and wide range of attachments, the Kenwood Chef allows you to effortlessly mix, knead, and shape your dough to perfection.  The dough hook and adjustable head means you can easily set it to mix your dough effectively, plus the Chef also has the option for pasta making attachments, whisks, K paddles and creamers.  Its sturdy construction and durable materials ensure that it will withstand the test of time, making it a worthwhile long-term investment.

It isn’t just our opinion either, both the Kenwood Titanium Chef Baker XL and the Kenwood Chef XL Titanium were given 5/5 vs Kitchen Aid’s 4.5/5 in BBC Goodfood Magazine’s Kitchen Aid vs Kenwood buyers’ guide.

Our choice pick of the range: The Kenwood Cooking Chef XL

The latest generation Kenwood Cooking Chef XL is packed full of useful features.  It is an induction mixer – the first of its kind. Which means the bowl can be heated while mixing (up to 180C).  Great for Italian meringues and at 20C perhaps even about right for first proves.  It also has a built-in weighing scales, allowing you to add ingredients directly to the bowl while still on the mixer.  It is Wi-Fi enabled and has a touch screen control system. VERY cool! If you purchase directly through Kenwood you also receive a decorating pack worth £99 too.

Standards such as dishwasher safe tools, adjustable head and easy lift mechanism make this a great choice for home bakers. See the video below for the full features!

Things to consider when choosing your Kenwood Chef

The Chef range is very wide and is aimed at providing a suitable option for bakers, whatever their budget range.  Often Kenwood products come with bundles and a wide range of accessories thrown in too – the higher in price point you go, the more is included with the bundle, with some even coming with two bowls and attachments. A Kenwood Chef with dough hook means bread recipes are fun and easy.

So, what should you think about before buying?

How many times per week will you use your Kenwood Chef?

The more use it will get, the higher the budget you should set for your purchase, see it as an investment into your kitchen.  Our Kenwood has so far lasted over a decade, and cost around £500 at the time, we use it at least once per week, so it has easily justified its purchase price.

What will you use your Kenwood Chef for?

These are extremely versatile machines, they can handle almost everything you will need in terms of baking and mixing, from meringues through cake mixes to making homemade pasta.  If you know what your main function for your Chef is, then you can ensure you get the right features and the right attachments to suit you.

How technological are you?

One of the great things about the Kenwood Chef range is how broad the product models are.  Are you a super technical gadgetophile?  Great! Then you should choose a Chef with touchscreen, heated bowl, downloadable recipes and preset controls – this Cooking Chef XL will be right up your street.  Are you the opposite?  Do you just want a few mechanical levers, a dial to set speed and away you go?  No worries – the Titanium Chef Baker in Black is probably for you.

For really consistent baking, use really consistent bread making equipment.

To summarise then, baking bread is a very satisfying alternative to shop bought and opens up the possibilities of all sorts of different types of bake to try.  To make bread consistently well it’s best to have support in kneading the dough – the best support to have is a Kenwood Chef with dough hook!  It’s the perfect and most logical way to create great loaves every time.

Other questions people ask about using a Kenwood Chef

What Speed Should I Knead Dough When Using A Kenwood Chef?

Kneading dough is easy, once you have measured your ingredients in the mixer bowl, simply lower the hook and splash guard into place and start on the lowest speed (1 or 2) to bring the flour together and start the mixing process. Once the dough is beginning to combine, increase the speed to between 5 and 7, and keep an eye on it to ensure it is kneading properly. The wetness of the dough will determine the minutes on speed you will require. You should keep kneading until the dough is not longer sticky and completely combined.

What is the Order of Ingredients for a Bread Machine?

When mixing your bread ingredients into the Kenwood chef mixing bowl, use the following order for the best results:

1. Weigh out your bread flour and add to the bowl

2. On one side of the flour add your fast action yeast or fresh yeast, depending on your bread recipe.

3. On the other side add your sea salt

4. Gradually add in your lukewarm water a little at a time, bringing the mix together as you go. You may not need all the warm water, it depends on the humidity and type of bread flour. You are looking for an even mix, not to dry, not too wet.

5. Add in any other ingredients your recipe requires such as olive oil or unsalted butter.

6. Once the dough has come together - place into the Kenwood Chef, lower the dough hook and follow the process above

7. Happy baking!

Cook, Eat, Repeat! Recipes Featuring the Kenwood Chef & Major Ranges

How to make Shokupan Japanese Bread: The Kenwood with a dough-hook is invaluable here!

How to make a Japanese Fluffy Black Forest Gateau: You can use the Kenwood’s stand mixer to beat the cream into a gorgeous chantilly.

Easy Pork Gyros with Homemade Flatbread: The Kenwood is perfect for mixing the flatbread dough.

How to make Chicken, Cheese and Bacon Mini Picnic Pies: Create the initial dough with the Kenwood and a dough hook.