Why Does Bread Dough Climb Beaters?

[susiequsie]

Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas why the dough from a gluten-free bread dough mix would climb up the beaters, getting into the bottom of the mixer? This happens repeatedly when I make bread from a mix. I've used 2 different brands, so I don't think that is the problem. I bought a stand mixer, but even so, it still keeps happening. I follow the directions exactly as written.

Surely this has happened to some others. What in the world is the problem? I don't know where to go to get an answer. Can't someone help me?

[Rosewynde]

You need a bread dough hook, one came with my mixer. The one I have has a hook at the bottom and a large flat circle at the top of the beater to prevent the dough from climbing past it and into the machinery.

[cruelshoes]

What brand/type of stand mixer did you get? Usually, dough climbs up the beaters because they are not rotating with enough force/speed to prevent it. It may be that your mixer lacks the power and capacity for stiff gluten-free doughs. Which attachment are you using? gluten-free dough works best with the flat paddle attachment, not the hook or the whisk. We really do not "kneed" our dough, so much as beat air in to it.

[Franceen]

Yes, it happened to me with my very old and "weak" stand mixer. I started using the special dough beaters instead of the regular beaters. If you have "dough hooks" or dough beaters that are different than the regular ones, use them. If not, you may have to get them for your mixer. Since I started using them, the problem is completely fixed.

[susiequsie]

You need a bread dough hook, one came with my mixer. The one I have has a hook at the bottom and a large flat circle at the top of the beater to prevent the dough from climbing past it and into the machinery.

Hi Rosewynde, actually I did get dough hooks with my mixer, but nothing to prevent it from going into the mixer. I was using Bob's Red Mill gluten-free Wonderful Bread Mix and it said to use the regular beaters, not the dough hook on it. Actually, I've tried it both ways with the dough hooks and with the regular beaters and the result is the same.

Thanks for responding.

[susiequsie]

What brand/type of stand mixer did you get? Usually, dough climbs up the beaters because they are not rotating with enough force/speed to prevent it. It may be that your mixer lacks the power and capacity for stiff gluten-free doughs. Which attachment are you using? gluten-free dough works best with the flat paddle attachment, not the hook or the whisk. We really do not "kneed" our dough, so much as beat air in to it.

Hi Cruelshoes, thanks for responding to my predicament. I bought a Sunbeam Heritage stand mixer at Wal-Mart and it came with both dough hooks and regular beaters. There was no paddle or whisk. I didn't want to invest a fortune in it because I bought it specifically to make only gluten-free bread after having the same thing happen with my portable mixer.

I was using Bob's Red Mill Wonderful gluten-free Bread Mix and it specifically said NOT to use dough hooks. Actually, I've tried both ways at different times with the same results. It says to mix for 3 min. at medium speed. My mixer doesn't have a setting called medium, but as I advance the speed it seems to take less than a minute to start climbing the beaters. I end up stopping at that point to protect my mixer, so it never gets fully beaten and I don't get the speed up really high. (Amazingly, it rises and bakes fine, it's just that it's such a mess!)

I tried e-mailing Bob's website last week, but have not received a response.

Any further thoughts? Thanks.

[susiequsie]

Yes, it happened to me with my very old and "weak" stand mixer. I started using the special dough beaters instead of the regular beaters. If you have "dough hooks" or dough beaters that are different than the regular ones, use them. If not, you may have to get them for your mixer. Since I started using them, the problem is completely fixed.

Hi Franceen: Thanks for responding to my problem. As you can see from the posts above, my mixer is brand new and I have tried using both types of beaters with the same results. Maybe in my quest to "beat at medium speed" and the fact that this dough starts climbing in less than 1 minute, I never get the speed up fast enough. Any thoughts on that?

Also, since I am brand-new to your forum, I wonder what the "Warn (0%)" is at the top of my posts. Have I done something wrong?

Thanks for posting.

[Tim-n-VA]

The warn 0% means you haven't done anything wrong.

I have wondered about the dough also. I think it might be something about the design of the mixer. I've heard people say the Kitchenaide doesn't have this problem. I bought a Sunbeam because it was cheaper (by a lot) and had a more powerful motor. That makes me doubt the power/speed explanation but I don't have a better one. I have used the dough hooks despite the package saying not to use them and it eliminated the climbing dough and I couldn't tell a difference in the finished product.

[MNBeth]

Hi Folks,

Susie and Tim, I really hate to say it, but I think Sunbeam makes a very poor stand mixer. I had one when I was first married, and was soooo happy when I was finally able to replace it. Whatever they may say about a "powerful motor," I don't believe the mixers are very sturdily constructed. It's been years since I've used one, but there are lots of reviews on Amazon that would suggest that the problem is the same now.

I also think the two beater design is ill-suited to gluten-free breads. I have a Kitchen Aid hand mixer that can handle stiff cookie doughs, but gluten-free bread dough always climbs the beaters, and I've never been able to find a way to prevent it.

I really don't think a dough hook is the right option in any case. I don't think a dough hook can do the thorough mixing and aerating that gluten-free bread needs.

I wish I had a good recommendation. I'm looking at a replacement myself at the moment, as the huge mixer I have was wonderful for whole wheat breads, but doesn't seem very well suited to gluten-free bread, either. Right now I'm looking at a Bosch Universal or maybe a KA. Bosch mixers have a great reputation for power and durability, and you can get a Bosch Compact for about the same price as the Sunbeam.

Not what you wanted to hear, though, I'm sure!

Sorry!

Beth

[susiequsie]

The warn 0% means you haven't done anything wrong.

I have wondered about the dough also. I think it might be something about the design of the mixer. I've heard people say the Kitchenaide doesn't have this problem. I bought a Sunbeam because it was cheaper (by a lot) and had a more powerful motor. That makes me doubt the power/speed explanation but I don't have a better one. I have used the dough hooks despite the package saying not to use them and it eliminated the climbing dough and I couldn't tell a difference in the finished product.

Hi Tim,

I think you and I bought the Sunbeams for exactly the same reasons! Wal-Mart had a Kitchen-Aid, but it was $100 more, so I opted for the Sunbeam. I guess I should have researched it. If I hadn't destroyed the box, I think I would return it. I haven't had it that long.

Thanks for your thoughts.

[susiequsie]

Hi Folks,

Susie and Tim, I really hate to say it, but I think Sunbeam makes a very poor stand mixer. I had one when I was first married, and was soooo happy when I was finally able to replace it. Whatever they may say about a "powerful motor," I don't believe the mixers are very sturdily constructed. It's been years since I've used one, but there are lots of reviews on Amazon that would suggest that the problem is the same now.

I also think the two beater design is ill-suited to gluten-free breads. I have a Kitchen Aid hand mixer that can handle stiff cookie doughs, but gluten-free bread dough always climbs the beaters, and I've never been able to find a way to prevent it.

I really don't think a dough hook is the right option in any case. I don't think a dough hook can do the thorough mixing and aerating that gluten-free bread needs.

I wish I had a good recommendation. I'm looking at a replacement myself at the moment, as the huge mixer I have was wonderful for whole wheat breads, but doesn't seem very well suited to gluten-free bread, either. Right now I'm looking at a Bosch Universal or maybe a KA. Bosch mixers have a great reputation for power

and durability, and you can get a Bosch Compact for about the same price as the Sunbeam.

Hi MNBeth,

You're right; it's not something that I want to hear right now since it is brand new. I guess about the only thing I can try that I haven't is to get the speed up faster near the beginning of mixing. Maybe when it's slower, it lets the dough climb. As I mentioned, I am amazed that the bread raises and bakes the way it does despite the little mixing it gets and the mess it makes!

I actually prefer the Gluten Free Pantry bread mixes because they require less ingredients, but the Bob's were on sale and considerably cheaper. Even the Gluten Free Pantry mix, though, climbed up the beaters with my hand mixer. I have not yet tried it with the Sunbeam stand mixer.

I normally don't frequent Amazon's site and, obviously, should have. It never entered my mind that simply getting a stand mixer wouldn't solve my problem.

Thanks so much for answering!

Not what you wanted to hear, though, I'm sure!

Sorry!

Beth

[susiequsie]

Hi Beth:

I guess I somehow managed to answer your post "within" your post, so look for it there. Sorry, but I'm not real knowledgeable with this forum yet.

[MNBeth]

Hi Susie,

How recently did you purchase your mixer? Do you think it might be worth trying to return it? Seems like it couldn't hurt to try.

[susiequsie]

Hi Susie,

How recently did you purchase your mixer? Do you think it might be worth trying to return it? Seems like it couldn't hurt to try.

Hi MNBeth:

I dug out my receipt and it was July 1. Do you know what I am thinking and planning? I'm going to return that sucker! I retrieved my box and am tapking it together.

Now, what model of Kitchen Aid do I need to get? I've looked at 2 different models today and neither mentioned a gluten setting. Does anyone know what model that would be?

Thanks a bunch!

[susiequsie]

Hi MNBeth:

I dug out my receipt and it was July 1. Do you know what I am thinking and planning? I'm going to return that sucker! I retrieved my box and am tapking it together.

Now, what model of Kitchen Aid do I need to get? I've looked at 2 different models today and neither mentioned a gluten setting. Does anyone know what model that would be?

Thanks a bunch!

Whoops! It would appear (after reading more posts on your site) that it is the Kitchen Aid bread maker that has the gluten-free setting, NOT the mixer. I've read so many posts that they are beginning to run together.

Therefore, does anyone have a particular model/s to look for? I don't bake a lot (weight conscious), but would want one that does the job for my gluten-free bread.

[susiequsie]

Sorry, I meant what model of Kitchen Aid MIXER do I look for?

[Ginsou]

I use a KitchenAid portable hand mixer that has dough hooks, and have not had a problem with it. Model KHM5APWH7, cost approx. $49. I also use an old Sunbeam stand mixer that has dough hooks, and have not had a problem with dough creeping up. Is it possible the bowl you are using is too small...or too large? My old Sunbeam has 2 different bowl sizes, and there are different holes on the bottom of the circular disk that holds the bowl.....small and large. I have to remind myself to check to make sure I'm using the proper hole...and bowl.

I'm not readyto move up to a KitchenAid stand mixer yet.....am doing great with what I have.......after burning out the $12 WalGreen hand mixer!

[MNBeth]

Sorry, I meant what model of Kitchen Aid MIXER do I look for?

Sorry, Susie; we've had 8 houseguests and then the forum was down.

While I am always happy for anyone who is happy with what they're using, I personally would not recommend a hand mixer. It can work, but I think a stand mixer is going to be easier to work with. I am not aware of any Kitchen Aid mixer that would not be suitable for making gluten-free breads; I would expect one of the cheaper models to be just fine.

I bought the one I used to have many years ago, though, when there weren't so many to choose from. Perhaps someone else will chime in, or you could look at reviews elsewhere. What you're looking for is durability - there isn't going to be one that's better for gluten free than the others. They all work in the same manner.

Have you returned the other mixer, yet? Hope they don't/didn't give you any hassle!

Beth

[susiequsie]

Sorry, Susie; we've had 8 houseguests and then the forum was down.

While I am always happy for anyone who is happy with what they're using, I personally would not recommend a hand mixer. It can work, but I think a stand mixer is going to be easier to work with. I am not aware of any Kitchen Aid mixer that would not be suitable for making gluten-free breads; I would expect one of the cheaper models to be just fine.

I bought the one I used to have many years ago, though, when there weren't so many to choose from. Perhaps someone else will chime in, or you could look at reviews elsewhere. What you're looking for is durability - there isn't going to be one that's better for gluten free than the others. They all work in the same manner.

Have you returned the other mixer, yet? Hope they don't/didn't give you any hassle!

Beth

Hi Beth, thanks so much for following up on my post. Yes, I returned that Sunbeam stand mixer; it had only been about 2 weeks since I had gotten it and Wal-Mart is quite good about returning things. They should have been! I turned right around and 'invested' another hundred dollars and got a Kitchen Aid stand mixer. It's not once of the 'super duper' models, but is quite adequate. I made bread a couple of days ago and had NO problems whatsoever. It just mixed up that dough like it was nothing!

So, I am a happy camper again! Thanks so much for your interest and help. Now that I've found this site I have been reading many posts and someday, who knows, I may get up the nerve to quit using the bread mixes and start making my own!

Susie

[susiequsie]

I use a KitchenAid portable hand mixer that has dough hooks, and have not had a problem with it. Model KHM5APWH7, cost approx. $49. I also use an old Sunbeam stand mixer that has dough hooks, and have not had a problem with dough creeping up. Is it possible the bowl you are using is too small...or too large? My old Sunbeam has 2 different bowl sizes, and there are different holes on the bottom of the circular disk that holds the bowl.....small and large. I have to remind myself to check to make sure I'm using the proper hole...and bowl.

I'm not readyto move up to a KitchenAid stand mixer yet.....am doing great with what I have.......after burning out the $12 WalGreen hand mixer!

Hi Ginsou, thanks so much for answering my post and for your suggestions. Actually, I WAS using a Sunbeam stand mixer, had tried both the regular and dough hooks at different times, but always had the same result; a mess! It only came with one bowl.

So, completely disillusioned, I returned it and went ahead and 'invested' (much like we nowadays 'invest' in a tank of gasoline!) in a Kitchen Aid stand mixer. I made bread 2 days ago and it worked like a charm. What a difference!

The fact that the Sunbeam stand mixer works for you is a mystery to me unless perhaps you are not using the prepackaged bread dough mixes like I am. You've probably been at this long enough to be making things from scratch! I haven't ventured that far yet. Who knows, with a few folks like you on this board, I might take the plunge at some point!

Thanks again,

Susie

[MNBeth]

Susie,

I'm sooo glad you're happy with your new mixer. Takes a bit of the stress out of it, doesn't it? Can't wait to get a new one myself, but I can't decide what to get.

I'm sure you'll have no problem moving to baking from scratch, but mixes make a great transition tool. They'll give you a good idea what to expect the dough to be like, which is really helpful. And there's a lot to be said for something easy ; there's plenty 'nuff in all this that's complicated!

Congratulations on a successful outcome!

Beth

[Ginsou]

Susie,

I'm guessing the new Sunbeam is not a good product to consider buying for gluten free mixing.I'm glad you were the guinea pig for the rest of us who were considering a Sunbeam. My old Sunbeam was purchased at a thrift shop, and most likely is 15 years old. A new stand mixer isn't in the budget right now, but I think I'll buy myself a KitchenAid stand mixer for myself for Christmas. I also have 3.....count 'em....3 bread machines!! I'm retired, and travel the country in a motor home, so have 1 machine in the motor home, 1 in storage, and 1 in the home we just bought.

[Fiddle-Faddle]

Hi Susie,

I was going to suggest the KA mixer, but see you've already taken care of it!

So the next helpful thing is to attach a great recipe for a quick (start to finish 30 minutes!) gluten-free flatbread that I adapted from a recipe I found here on this forum!

Here it is:

Gluten-Free Flax Bread

1/4 cup flaxmeal

1/2 cup brown rice flour (preferably superfine grind) (I use Bob’s Red Mill and it was fine)

1/4 cup potato starch

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. baking powder

1 heaping tsp yeast (for flavor, not for rising)

1/2 tsp. xanthan gum

1/2 tsp. fine sea salt

1 tsp. sugar

3/4 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup plain whole milk yogurt plus 1/4 cup milk)

1 large egg

2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

Cornmeal for dusting pan (optional)

Sesame seeds, to sprinkle on top before baking (optional)

Preheat the oven to 450

[susiequsie]

Susie,

I'm sooo glad you're happy with your new mixer. Takes a bit of the stress out of it, doesn't it? Can't wait to get a new one myself, but I can't decide what to get.

I'm sure you'll have no problem moving to baking from scratch, but mixes make a great transition tool. They'll give you a good idea what to expect the dough to be like, which is really helpful. And there's a lot to be said for something easy ; there's plenty 'nuff in all this that's complicated!

Congratulations on a successful outcome!

Beth

Whatever you decide to get, make sure it's a Kitchen Aid!

Thanks for being so helpful.

Susie

[susiequsie]

Susie,

I'm guessing the new Sunbeam is not a good product to consider buying for gluten free mixing.I'm glad you were the guinea pig for the rest of us who were considering a Sunbeam. My old Sunbeam was purchased at a thrift shop, and most likely is 15 years old. A new stand mixer isn't in the budget right now, but I think I'll buy myself a KitchenAid stand mixer for myself for Christmas. I also have 3.....count 'em....3 bread machines!! I'm retired, and travel the country in a motor home, so have 1 machine in the motor home, 1 in storage, and 1 in the home we just bought.

Hi Ginsou,

No, I certainly would not consider the Sunbeam a good choice for gluten-free mixes. Maybe they used to make them a whole lot better than they do nowadays. (Isn't that true of a lot of things?)

You are really big into making bread with 3 machines! Sounds like you'll never be caught without one.

Thanks again for all your help.

Susie