Marcia A. Jess
Bread has been a staple in the human diet for centuries, but the process of bread making has not changed much-until recently. The introduction of automatic bread machines for home bakers has revolutionized the world of bread making. Bread machines have become one of the most innovative new small kitchen appliances in recent years. Their sales have increased rapidly along with sales of bread flour and yeast. With minimal effort and mess, you can have a freshly baked loaf of bread in just over two hours.
With over 30 models of bread machines from more than 15 manufacturers, selecting a bread machine may be a bigger job than you first thought. Before you run out to purchase a bread machine for yourself or as a gift, peruse this buying guide to familiarize yourself with some of the available features and how the bread machine operates. Use the comparison chart as you begin to shop.
Start your search by asking, "Why do I want a bread machine?" Is it because your best friend has one? Do you love the aroma of baking bread? Do you want to be able to control what goes into the bread your family eats? Do you prefer freshly baked bread to store bought? Do you want to surprise that special someone with a new appliance? People purchase bread machines for a variety of reasons. Just remember-a bread machine is one more small appliance that will require space in your kitchen. It may also require a rather large investment compared with other small appliances.
All bread machines are similarly designed-a metal box with an area for programming, much like a microwave. There is a powerful stirring blade to mix and knead the dough right in the pan in which it will be baked. The machine sets the right temperatures to proof and bake the bread. All you need to do is measure the ingredients into the bread pan, select the appropriate cycle, and remove the bread when baking is complete. Variations in design and the addition of special features, however, are important considerations when selecting your machine.
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| Figure 1. A typcial bread machine has a mixing/rising/baking compartment and a control panel for setting the cycle, delay start timer, and bread color. |
The shape of the loaf is one of the most obvious features of a bread machine. Bread machines generally produce a nontraditionally shaped loaf-tall with a rounded top. One manufacturer has introduced a bread machine that makes a traditionally shaped loaf. Shape varies from round to square or rectangular. New bread machine owners are often surprised to see a hole in the bottom of the loaf left by the stirring paddle. The indentation is a trademark of bread baked in a bread machine and does not affect the quality of the bread.
Most bread machines are classified as 1, 1.5, or 2 pound machines. This refers to the weight of the finished loaf of bread, although finished loaf weight may be slightly less and varies according to ingredients used. Generally, larger loaves use up to four cups of flour, while the smallest loaves require about two cups of flour. Larger bread machines also make smaller loaves, although using the full capacity produces the best loaf. A removable bread pan makes cleanup easier because the pan is filled and emptied outside of the unit, reducing the chance that crumbs and flour will fall into the cavity of the machine. A few models have a slide-out tray in the bottom of the unit for easier cleaning.
Some models now feature a two-loaf capacity. This may be too much bread at one time for small families, but larger families may find it a real convenience. Consider how much bread your family consumes. Remember, unlike commercial breads, your homemade bread will not contain preservatives and will have a shorter shelf life.
Most bread machines offer several different cycles to provide just the right combination of mixing, kneading, resting, and rising times. If you plan to make breads other than plain white, you will need extra cycle options. A list of some of these options follows:
Decide what kinds of bread you will be making in your bread machine. This will guide you as you consider the different cycles available. If you don't intend to make cake or jam in your bread machine, this cycle may not be an advantage and you may end up paying more for it. On the other hand, if your family likes pumpernickel or whole grain breads, a machine with a whole wheat setting will be necessary.
Because you may not always be there when your bread is done, you might want to look for a "keep warm" or "cool down" cycle. Both provide a solution to soggy bread when it cannot be removed immediately after baking. Some bread machines also offer power interruption protection in case of a power failure. Most will only recover from a five- to ten-minute interruption.
For serious breadmakers, the self-programmable feature allows the operator to adjust the machine to adapt to his or her own recipes. This allows for experimentation with recipes not developed for a bread machine. This feature is generally available on higher-priced machines.
The delay start feature allows you to load the ingredients when convenient, then delay the start of the bread-making process. Some models can be preset up to 14 hours in advance. Recipes that call for milk, eggs, or other perishable ingredients should never be used with the delay start feature.
The control panel should be easy to use and understand. Often, just a few buttons are needed to set the cycle, crust color, delay start, and turn the machine on. Look for a control panel that is easy to read, easy to clean, and conveniently located.
Bread machine manufacturers offer a variety of consumer aids for new owners. The use and care manual and the recipe book are extremely helpful, and you will likely refer to them repeatedly. Read the use and care manual before you make your purchase. Flip through the cookbook to see the variety of recipes it contains. Does it include the kind of bread your family enjoys? Other cookbooks are available at bookstores and housewares departments, but it is a good idea to begin with the recipes that were designed for your machine. After you become familiar with your machine, you may enjoy experimenting with other recipes. Ask to see the supplemental materials that come with each bread machine you are considering. Some manufacturers also offer a toll-free hotline to answer your questions or a videotape on how to use your new bread machine.
Most bread machines make good bread but do not think that you will save a lot of money by making your own bread. A Consumer Reports article suggests that it costs about the same per slice as the average store-bought loaf. If you enjoy fresh bread, however, a bread machine may be in your future. Determine the features that are most important to you and your family's lifestyle and preferences, and do some comparison shopping.
Staff. (1993, December). Breadmakers. Consumer Reports, pp. 790-795.
Bach, A. (1991). Breadmakers: A convenience appliance (HE-489). North Dakota State University Extension Service.
Badenhop, E., & Daly-Koziel, K. (1993). Bread machines. Cooperative Extension Service, University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture.
Staff. (1992, November/December). Big dough in bread machines. Cleanliness Facts, p.3
Staff. (1993, Winter). Tips for buying a bread machine. The Magic BreadLetter. pp. 1-6.
Bread Machine Comparison Chart |
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| Take this chart with you as you do some comparison shopping before you buy. Determine which features are important to you. | |||
| Features | Model 1 | Model 2 | Model 3 |
| Brand/manufacturer | |||
| Model number | |||
| Cost | |||
| Loaf size (1, 1.5, 2 lb) | |||
| Variety of cycles (whole wheat, rapid rise, sweet bread, quick bread, dough setting, cake, jam setting) | |||
| Variable crust setting | |||
| East-to-use controls | |||
| Delay start timer | |||
| Self-programmable | |||
| Useful support materials (use and care manual, recipe booklet, "how-to" video, 800 number) | |||
| Viewing window | |||
| Power interruption protection | |||
| Cool down/keep warm cycle | |||
| Ease of cleaning (removable bread pan, lid, crumb tray) | |||
| Outside dimensions | |||
| Weight | |||
| Other features/notes | |||
Staff. (1993, December 4). Breadmakers. Consumer Reports, pp. 790-795.
The article by Consumer Reports, generally accepted as a reliable source of consumer information, is thorough in its explanation of breadmakers and how they work. It discusses many of the features of breadmakers, shows pictures of breadmakers, rates a sampling of common models, and makes recommendations. Not all models are available for testing, and by the time the magazine is printed newer models become available. However, this article gives some important considerations for consumers looking for a breadmaker.
Staff. (1993, December). A guide to electric breadmakers. Current Comment, pp. 1-4.
This article gives a concise list of some common features of breadmakers and may be helpful to consumers unfamiliar with this appliance. They define terms such as cool down cycle, time delay cycle, etc. The article also goes into information about ingredients, which could be very important once you have a breadmaker. Some reference to the Canadian Standards Association do not apply to American consumers.
Bach, A. (1991). Breadmakers: A convenience appliance (HE-489). North Dakota State University Extension Service.
This fact sheet explains how a breadmaker operates, advises on safety, and discusses how to shop and compare. The fact sheet lacks details on various features of breadmakers and may be less helpful to consumers having no experience with the appliance.
Badenhop, S., & Daly-Koziel, K. (1993). Bread machines. Cooperative Extension Service, University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture.
This fact sheet asks questions to make you consider why you want to purchase a bread machine. For example, do you want a bread machine because your neighbor has one? A comparison chart is a useful part of this fact sheet.
Kummerer, L., & Scholoth, (1994). Choosing a bread machine. In L. Pizzorno (Ed.), The complete book of bread machine baking (pp. 1-6). Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing.
This book includes five chapters of recipes for some unusual types of bread, such as vegetable breads, fruit breads, and herb breads. Other chapters include information on choosing a bread machine, troubleshooting, and purpose of ingredients. Only one chapter deals with selection and it includes a limited list of features to consider.
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Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension.
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