<p>If your mom tends to bake in small quantities (one loaf/twelve rolls), the Cuisinart is the way to go. She’d use the steel blade in that case, not the dough blade, which is for bigger batches. It does a superb job and the dough comes together very fast. I always finish the dough by kneading a minute or two by hand – not sure this is strictly necessary, but your mom may enjoy the old school touch, as do I.</p>
<p>If the majority of your mom’s recipes entail rich or sticky doughs or yield multiple loaves, then the Kitchenaid excels. If you do buy one, make sure it has the spiral dough hook, not the one that is C-shaped. It incorporates ingredients and kneads much better.</p>