We Tried the KitchenAid Bread Bowl—Here’s What We Thought

Anyone who’s made bread at home knows the challenges of getting a perfect rise, an irresistibly crunchy crust and a tender, pillow-soft interior in a homemade loaf of bread.

Over the years, our Test Kitchen tried various ways to create a bakery oven-like environment. Our first success gave us Crusty Homemade Bread. We then tried a Dutch Oven version that was equally as delicious. Both recipes are simple and give great results.

The only downside is all the back and forth between mixer and bowls and proofing vessels. But one gadget solves this hassle: the KitchenAid bread bowl attachment.

What Is the KitchenAid Bread Bowl with Lid?

Kitchenaid Artisan Stand Mixer Bread Bowl

KitchenAid has added another must-have accessory to their repertoire with Bread Bowl with Baking Lid.

This beautifully designed bowl does everything (mixing, proofing and baking) all in the same vessel. As with all KitchenAid products, made to last and is impeccably designed.

The sturdy, chip-resistant ceramic bowl attaches to all KitchenAid 4.5 and 5-quart tilt-head stand mixers. Its 5-quart capacity means you can make most bread recipes calling for up to four cups of flour, which is roughly a pound loaf.

Trying the Bread Bowl in My Own Kitchen

Kitchenaid Ceramic Bread Bowl For Artisan Stand Mixer O

Right out of the box, I loved the design. It comes in a grey color speckled with brown, which matched nicely with my stand mixer. Since I was anxious to try it out, I grabbed the instruction booklet and preheated the oven.

First, fill the bowl with hot water and wipe it dry. Warmth is great for encouraging yeast to grow. After a quick dry, I set the bowl on my kitchen scale, dropped in the ingredients and then attached it to my mixer.

After a few minutes, I popped on the lid and set the bowl aside to allow the bread dough to proof. Lines etched inside the bowl make it easy to see when your dough has doubled in size.

After punching down and shaping the dough, it goes back in the bowl to proof a second time.

Now came the only tricky part of the whole operation. Before baking, you need to flip the dough gently onto the lid that is covered with parchment paper. My first attempt I realized I didn’t flour the dough enough before the second rise, so it stuck a little to the bowl. It deflated some when I was trying to unstick it but eventually, I got it placed onto the lid. You then invert the bowl then and use it as the cover as you slid it into the oven.

After baking for a time, you’re supposed to remove the lid, which is where I ran into my second snag. Remember I said I didn’t flour the top enough? Well, it came back to haunt me again. When the dough rose in the oven, it touched the bowl walls and stuck, so I had to gently cut around the bowl edge to loosen the bread.

It finished baking, uncovered, on the lid. While it wasn’t the prettiest-looking bread, with its gnarly, mangled edges, it really was delicious.

Undeterred, I took another stab the next morning. I made sure to flour the dough well this time and I had no issues with sticking. What I was rewarded with was a beautiful, golden-brown loaf with a crunchy exterior and tender crumb.

KitchenAid Bread Bowl Features: Pros & Cons

Despite a few hiccups with my first loaf, I found a lot to love with each subsequent loaf and just a few minor drawbacks.

Pros:

Chip-resistant
Dishwasher-safe
The closed bowl is perfect for proofing without worrying about drafts
Marks inside the bowl show you when the dough has doubled
Oven safe up to 500°F
Quickly heats and retains it evenly throughout the baking process
Pairs seamlessly with 4.5- and 5-quart tilt-head stand mixers

Cons:

At $129.99 it’s an expensive bread tool (but it makes a great gift for bread fanatics)
Only available in one color unlike many KitchenAid appliances and gadgets

The Final Verdict

Having made numerous more bread loaves over the past few weeks, I can’t say enough good things about the KitchenAid Bread Bowl and Lid.

I did have a few more sticking issues but that was my fault more than the bowl (I tried a high-hydration bread that spread a little too much and I over-proofed another loaf.)

If you’re aspiring to make bakery-quality loaves, it’s a nice addition to your baking arsenal.

Shop Now

Get Inspired with 100 Bread Recipes

1 / 100

French Loaves

My kids love to help me make this delicious bread recipe. It's quite easy, and they enjoy the fact that they can be eating fresh bread in less than two hours! —Denise Boutin, Grand Isle, Vermont

Recent in Recipes