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Choosing a Breadmaker

Some Things to Consider When Buying a Breadmaker

Today, most breadmakers (sometimes called bread machines or bread making machines) will do a good job. They will do what they say on the tin - bake you a loaf of bread. If it doesn't do that, then you have good cause to return it as it is "not fit for purpose". So what do you get with the more expensive machines? You get better warranties, a little better construction, and more bells and whistles.

So then, how do you choose a breadmaker? First, if you are not sure whether this is for you and you are going to use a bread machine often, then go for a cheaper model to start with. This does several things for you. Firstly, it gets you started without spending too much money. Secondly, it will give you a chance to see if you like bread machines at all or would rather bake by hand and finally it gives you some experience so that if later on you want a more expensive model, you have a better idea of the features you want.

Also, don’t let the bells and whistles influence your decision too much. Remember, to start with, you only want to bake a loaf of bread. If your machine has the white bread or basic cycle, a manual or dough cycle, and a timer, then this can be achieved. Everything else is a gadget or additional "nice to have".

If possible, try to look at the user manual to make sure it is easy to use and check out the cooking times. Some machines have a preheat cycle which can make the whole process take a long time and use extra power. This is OK if it just takes a few minutes but some machines can take 45 minutes or more just to preheat.

So, do look at the cycles and features and be aware that a lot of them aren’t that great. Below is a list of cycles and features you will find on bread machines. You decide, it is your money and you have to use the machine.

Quality

Does the machine appear to be of good build quality? Does the manufacturer's guarantee look adequate? On average you can expect your machine to last for at least 3 years. At 3 loaves a week, that's 150+ cycles. Some machines may last a lot longer.

Design

The machine’s design can make a lot of difference. A good design means you can make almost any type of bread, cakes maybe jam and more. Do you like the shape of the pan? Is the control panel easy to read? Is it easy to program. Will it fit in with your decor and available space?

Motor Size

Some machines are better at handling 100% whole grain breads because heavier dough’s may strain the motor. If you intend making mostly whole grains, choose a machine with more power.

Bread Pans

Also look at the type of pan. What shape is it? Is it going to make an good shaped loaf? Choose a machine with a pan which suits the loaf type you want to make, oblong, round, rectangular or square for example. You can buy both horizontal and vertical pans. Horizontal pans bake a more useful loaf of bread. If you’re going to make most of the stuff on the dough cycle, then pan shape doesn’t matter as much and if your plan is to make gluten-free breads then your best choice is a 1-1/2 pound vertical machine.

Also consider what the pan is made of. All bread machine pans are aluminum with a non-stick coating but remember that some are thick cast alluminum, which gives a thicker, darker crust, while some are thin alluminum, which tends to make lighter thinner crusts.

Windows

A machine with a window means that you can see what is going on inside your machine. This is great for the first couple of times but they are not easy to seee through without a torch and they do tend to steam up. It is easier to open the lid and look but do remember not to open the lid during the bake part of the cycle.

Timer

Timers are useful if you want to time a loaf to be ready when you come home from work or when you get up in the morning. Experience the smell of a freshly baked loaf first thing when you wake up on a Sunday morning and you will appreciate the benefit. Experience a power cut over night and wake up to nothing and you will know the meaning of disappointment!

Cycles

Cycles. This seems to be the biggest area of confusion. The main cycle used on a bread machine is a basic or white cycle. You may also use a manual or dough cycle. All breads and dough products can be made using just these two cycles. However, some of the extra cycles on some machines enable you to create jams, cakes and quick breads (baking powder/soda). These cycles are convenient features and should be considered if that is what you intend to bake.

So here is quick run down of the cycles and what they do: -

Basic or White.

This is the cycle used for most bread. You can use it for almost any type of baking.

Quick or Rapid. This cycle reduces cooking time by about an hour, i.e. about 2 hours in all.

Whole Wheat or Whole Grain. This cycle gives a longer rising times for heavy breads. If you don't have this cycle you can ake manual adjustment by stopping and restarting your machine after the first kneading cycle.

French Bread. Lowers kneading time and increases rising time. For recipes lower in fat and sugar, makes bread with a crispy crust.

Dough or Manual. This cycle will mix and knead the dough, and allow it to rise but then you can shape the dough by hand and bake it in a conventional oven.

Raisin or Nut. Simply beeps or signals when it is time to add fruit or nuts before baking begins.

Bake-Only. Used to bake shop bought or pre-prepared and frozen dough.

Sweet Bread. Compensates by reducing the rising time and baking temperature due to the presence of sugar.

Jam. Allows you to make your own jam.

Rice. Does what it says!

Cake. Make sweet breads, banana bread and more.

Pasta. Kneads the dough–you roll it out.

Pizza Dough. Makes the dough ready for you to roll out, top, and bake.

Programmable. Allows you to program your own cycles, giving you control over kneading time, how the dough rises, rising times, etc.

The Manual

Have a look at the manual if you can. You can often dowload PDF versions of manuals online. In fact it is the intention of this site to dig some out and make them avalable here soon. Make sure that tha manual is understandable, educational and written in English. Look for clear concise diagrams enabling you to bake breads that consistently meet your expectations. It shopuld also cover the after care of the machine, including what to do when machine parts become clogged or dysfunctional and who to call for advice or repairs.

It is also handy to have program and timer charts showing you how each cycle is broken down.

A recipe book with recipes for your machine is essential. There should be several recipes for each main type of bread.

Also look for a companion web site. These are often better than the manual. You can usually find recipes online, try our recipe section, and maybe print some off and maybe laminate them and keep them handy in the kitchen. Sadly these days, user manuals are so bad that you are better off without them (what ever happened to proof reading? - ed). Anyway, you have this site at your disposal and all of those in our partners section, so you should be OK.

Crust Color Selection

This feature allows you to control the crispiness of the crust. With some machines, a lighter setting can result in breads that are pappy on top, especially sweet breads. The crust control is a nice feature to have. Generally, you get three crust settings light, medium, and dark but most don't seem to make a lot of difference, so don’t expect too much from this feature, but it is a nice to have.

Power Saver

The power saver is a device that saves your bread in the event of power interruption, such as an accidentally pulling out the plug. The power saver in some machines gives you just 10 seconds to restore power, in others it gives you up to 10 minutes. If power is restored within the set time, the cycle will continue where it left off. Otherwise, if you lose the power during the baking process, you will have to discard the bread and start again.

Price

Bread machines range in price for £40 to more than £100. #Remember more money doesn’t always get you the best machine. Decide what you want to spend and decide why you want a bread machine, and buy one that will do just that.

OK, so you've read the facts, now go and have a look and see what is available in our breadmaker shop

Good luck and happy bread making.