The Bread Machine Buyer’s Guide – Find Your Perfect Machine
Are you ready to make the jump from baking once in a blue moon to becoming a bread machine master? There are many bread makers on the market today. But how are you supposed to know which one is right for you?
Bread machines can be a bit intimidating at first. But trust us when we say that a bread machine is something you can get used to. Bread machines can be expensive, which is one of the reasons so many people steer clear of them. But, believe it or not, they aren’t that expensive if you know where to look. And, they will make it worth your while with all the fresh bread you’ll be making!
There are so many different bread makers – models and brands to choose from. The best bread machine for you will depend on a variety of factors. So, what are the different types of bread machines, or the key features to look for when making your purchase?
In this post, we’ll cover the basics of bread machines, including the types, features, and price range. If you want to know more about the best bread machines there are read on!
What is the Benefit of a Bread Machine?
One of the most common kitchen appliances is the bread machine. It is a kitchen machine that makes homemade bread. It’s a great way to have freshly baked bread without the hassles of kneading and waiting for the dough to rise.
These devices simplify the process of making fresh bread with little effort. They can also save you time, and give you the gratification of eating a freshly-baked loaf of bread each day, whatever your preference may be. You can make your own bread and eat it too! You can eat dinner rolls, sourdough bread, white bread, and whole wheat bread whenever you want! And you can make a gluten free loaf, whole wheat loaf, or whatever kind of bread loaf you want in your own kitchen, on your own time, on your own terms! You could even experiment with your own artisan dough.
However, not everyone knows about the variety of bread machines on the market. And not everyone knows about the different types of bread machines. Once you know what to look for in a bread machine, you’ll be able to find the perfect model for your needs.
What Can a Bread Maker Do?
A bread maker can do more than just make bread. If you’re looking for a versatile machine, then this is the appliance for you! Bread machines can do a lot! They can knead the dough, bake biscotti, bake bread, bake cake, cinnamon buns, and even jam. If you want to make sweet bread like banana bread or zucchini bread, then a bread machine is the way to go. It’s also great for making gluten free bread.
When you buy a bread machine, you’re not just getting an appliance that bakes bread. It also keeps your bread warm until you are ready to serve it.
Most bread machines offer the basics, like a bread pan or a loaf pan, a kneading paddle, or even an automatic fruit dispenser. Additionally, depending on the machine you get, it may also have other features like a timer or an LCD screen.
This is the perfect kitchen appliance if you want something that can tackle all of your cooking needs.
How To Choose the Right Bread Machine for You?
The first step in buying a bread machine is to decide what type you want. There are two main types of bread machines: home and commercial.
Home-use machines are for those who enjoy bread baking at home. Commercial machines are for people who want to make large quantities of bread at one time, but they’re also more expensive. How much bread you need depends on the number of people you are feeding!
There are three main types of bread machines for home use:
- Stand-alone: These models make a single bread loaf at a time, so they’re best for smaller families.
- Countertop: These models can make up to three loaves of bread at one time and are great for medium-sized families.
- Freezer: If you want to bake bread ahead of time, freezer models are the way to go. They’re also perfect if you want to make large batches of dough at once.
What Is the Difference Between a Bread Maker and a Bread Machine?
A bread machine is a kitchen appliance that makes bread without the need for kneading or waiting for the dough to rise. A custom loaf bread maker, on the other hand, combines all the ingredients to make bread without kneading or rising.
A bread maker and a bread machine are two different things. A bread maker uses a dough cycle that is timed for the specific dough you want to make. The bread maker does not require kneading, rising, or shaping of the dough.
A bread machine, on the other hand, is a kitchen appliance that makes fresh-baked bread- it’s simple and easy to use! You simply pour your ingredients into the bread machine, set it to the desired setting (usually white or wheat), and voila: fresh homemade bread in less than an hour! You can also choose from a variety of customizable crust settings.
Another difference between the two machines is usually their size and price tag. Bread makers are often cheaper than bread machines and typically smaller in size. So, if you’re looking for something small and inexpensive, it may be best to go with a bread maker.
What to Look For When Buying a Bread Machine
There are a lot of bread machines on the market to choose from, but that doesn’t mean you should just buy the first one you find. There are a few things to consider before making your final decision.
Bread machines come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you need to make sure you know what size is best for your needs. If you want to make only small loaf sizes, a two-pound machine will work better than a four-pound machine. If you don’t have much counter space, a vertical bread machine might be more convenient for storage. You also need to take into consideration what features are important to you. Different models have different features like delayed timers, gluten-free settings, multi-purpose flour dispensers, and crust settings.
The last thing to consider before buying is price. Bread machines can range anywhere from $25-$400 on average. As long as it’s made by a reputable brand with trusted quality and reliability ratings, it doesn’t matter how much it costs because investing in one is worth all the benefits!
Flexibility
The first thing you should consider is how often you plan to use the machine. If you’re not a bread-maker, but want a machine for emergencies, you’ll want one that doesn’t require much work or preparation. Something that you can just toss in all the ingredients, set the machine, and go about your day.
If you’re a bread-maker on the regular and want your machine to do more than just bake bread, look for one with features like delay timers (so your bread is freshly baked when you wake up!), setting options for light or dark crusts, and more.
One of the best things about a bread machine is deciding on all the specifics. When you purchase a bread machine, it will come with a basic recipe for all-purpose white bread. But if you want to make your own, you’ll be able to load it up with your favorite ingredients. Even better, if you like to experiment in the kitchen and find new recipes, there are plenty of home-baking blogs out there with great recipes for your machine! More on the recipes coming soon!
Also, what type of dough will the machine produce? Does it only make bread dough, or is it a more versatile bread machine – can it make pizza dough, crepe, pasta dough, focaccia, sourdough?
For example, if you want gluten-free loaves or wheat-free loaves instead of traditional white bread, all you need to do is switch out some of the basic ingredients. You can also choose how much whole wheat flour as opposed to regular flour and raise or lower other ingredients like oil or sugar.
Recipe Book
Does the bread maker come with a recipe book? Since every bread maker has its own settings, it may be a good idea to look for one that has a recipe book, or that you can find many recipes online. Most bread makers do come with a recipe book, and that should make your baking process easier.
Whether you prefer brown or white rice flour over wheat flour or want more honey than sugar – you can customize your recipe so that it’s perfect for you. This means that even after using your bread machine for years, it will always feel fresh and new because your recipes will never be boring or monotonous!
User Friendly
How easy is the model to use? If you are a beginner, getting a simpler, more straightforward model is a better idea, since you first need to learn how to work the machine, and then go for a more versatile bread machine. Even the best bread machines can’t do the job for you if you have never made bread before.
Bread Variety
One of the best things about a bread machine is the variety of choices it offers. Some machines allow you to make dough for pizza, French bread, and even homemade pasta.
While some machines might be more expensive than others, you’ll find that most models offer affordable options for those who are new to the world of home-baked goods.
The more expensive models are also nicer-looking and typically come with more features. But if you’re not looking for something too fancy or pricey, there are plenty of affordable options available.
One of the great things about a bread machine is that you don’t have to make the same type of bread all the time. You can test out different types to find your favorite. The majority of bread machines on the market today are capable of making two, one-pound loaves at a time. And if you want an even bigger variety, you can also buy models that offer gluten-free and multi-grain options.
So if you want a gluten free loaves on a more regular basis, look for a model that can make it. Plain wheat bread is not the same thing as making a fresh loaf from other types of dough. Especially the kind without gluten, keep that in mind!
Machine and Loaf Size
What loaf size does the machine make? This is an important question since the loaf size depends on the size of the machine. A smaller baking pan will result in a smaller loaf size. But if you have a big family, and need a bigger loaf size bread, opt for a bigger automatic bread maker to save time and enjoy your baked loaves.
You might want to purchase a larger model if you plan on baking more than one loaf in a single day. If you’re not sure which loaf size is best for your needs, take measurements of your kitchen space before purchasing so you know how much space you have available for storage and baking.
When it comes to variety, be sure to look for features like crust color, crust thickness, and preset cycles so that you can bake whatever flavor suits your tastes each day.
Bread Quality
The quality of the bread you can bake in a bread machine depends on the type of flour you use and the speed.
We recommend using unbleached all-purpose flour, like King Arthur flour, which will produce a hearty, chewy loaf of bread. You want to make sure your machine has a high enough speed to knead the dough. This will give you a higher rise, which means more bubbles and better texture in your loaves of bread.
It’s essential to know what you want out of your loaf of bread before choosing a machine that fits your needs.
Of course, the most important thing to consider is how your bread will turn out. That’s why it’s important to know what kind of settings to look for and what kind of flour you’ll need.
There are a few different types of dough that the machine can make: white, wheat, gluten-free or whole-wheat.
Use white flour if you want a dense loaf that doesn’t rise as much. If you’re looking for something fluffier with a higher rise, use wheat flour. For gluten-free or whole-wheat loaves, check the settings on the machine and make sure it has those options available.
Before starting your search for a bread machine, think about what type of bread you want to ensure you find a machine that will be able to fulfill your needs.
It’s also important to note which features are important for you in a bread machine–things like how many loaf sizes it offers or if it has an automatic fruit and nut dispenser could be essential depending on your needs!
Customer Service
One of the most important things to consider when buying a bread machine is customer service. If you have any questions about your purchase, you want to be able to contact someone who has the answers. Some bread machines come with an instructional book, but it can be hard to know what you’re doing if you’ve never used one before. Luckily, many bread machine manufacturers offer free customer service for the life of your machine. This way, if you have any questions about anything from how to use a specific function on your machine to whether or not your warranty covers that particular problem, you can call and ask for help.
Reviews
When you narrow down to a couple of models, make sure to check out what other people are saying about them. If the model is very new there probably won’t be many user experiences, but you can always check one model below to see how people are satisfied with the overall use. You may find that a certain machine is perfect on paper, but what people are saying about it won’t do good for you.
Durability
When it comes to bread machines, durability is a must. If you’re going to be using your machine on the regular, you want it to last. A good bread machine should be able to produce quality bread that won’t crumble when you slice it and the casing should be able to handle everyday wear and tear.
Bread machines are delicate kitchen appliances, but they don’t have to break or malfunction easily. Your bread machine should provide a warranty in case something happens while it’s in use. You can also look into bread machines with a long lifespan so that you won’t have to stress about replacing your machine every few years.
Look for any defects in the material of the machine before purchase. If any scratches or parts are missing, put them back on the shelf!
Durability is super important when you’re getting a bread machine. You want to be sure that the appliance not only suits your needs but also will last. A good bread machine should have a long warranty of at least three years and be made to withstand use in a kitchen.
If you’re planning on using your bread maker for more than just making dough, search for a model that can work with multiple types of ingredients like pasta dough or pizza dough.
Also, if you’re buying it to make gluten free bread or other special types of bread, look for one that has specific gluten free setting.
The Best Bread Maker for Beginners
If you’re just getting started, it can be a little tricky to figure out which bread machine is the best for you. Most bread machines are compatible with a beginner who is eager to learn, but you should be aware that there are professional machines on the market that will only confuse you.
If you don’t have any idea what type of bread machine to buy, we recommend starting with an inexpensive model. There are plenty of more expensive models that give you the same features as an inexpensive model, so it’s better to just start with something basic and then upgrade later on when necessary.
When shopping for a bread machine, look for one with a basic set of features. It can be a machine that is for home use, and you shouldn’t go overboard with the price. Search for an affordable machine that makes delicious bread without any fuss!
How to Use Different Flour in Your Bread Maker
You can use many different flours in your bread maker. Bread flour is a little denser and chewier than all-purpose flour, for example. But, you can also use whole wheat flour or gluten free flour if that’s what you prefer. Check out the instructions on your bread maker to see which type of flour it recommends. There might be some settings or suggestions that will help you get the right result.
To convert white bread to whole wheat, grind 2 tablespoons of whole wheat flour with 1 tablespoon of unbleached all-purpose flour in a food processor or blender until they are completely combined, and add this mixture to your bread, water, and yeast mixture before you pour it into the machine pan. You’ll need to experiment with how much whole wheat flour to use based on how much white flour is already in the recipe. You can always make some test loaves to see what you like or dislike.
If you want to make bread without gluten, then simply replace 1 cup of regular all-purpose or bread flour with an equal amount of a gluten free substitute like rice, quinoa, sorghum, amaranth, etc, and make sure that your machine is on gluten free setting.
These Bread Makers Are Our Shortcut to Home-baked Bread No Matter What Kind of Loaf You Love
Bread machines have been on the market for years but only now are they getting popular among people who want homebaked bread. The new generation bread machine can accommodate a dozen loaves of bread ranging from sweet bread and quick bread and even pizzas.
Best for gluten free bread – Pohl Schmitt 14-in-1 Stainless Steel Bread Maker Machine
This machine gives a great bread texture, it has a silent machine warm function, but it does have a learning curve. If you are an absolute beginner, maybe first try a simpler machine, or try kneading the bread with your hands for the first dozen times, to learn the texture that the gluten free bread should have.
You know, gluten free bread can be tricky. This protein helps proof the dough to generate air bubbles from the gases released from the yeast and it hardens at cooking to give it its final shape. Gluten is not necessary for baking great bread but certainly helps.
There are numerous breadmaking machines with specific programs to make gluten free bread including Pohl Schmitt’s 14-in-1 machine. This high-tech stainless steel machine has 14 programs (including a gluten free setting) that are designed to simplify bread making, a fruit-and-nut-mixer to make mixes, and a window through which you can watch your fresh bread be made.
Best Programmable – Breadman 2-Pound Professional Bread Maker
This simple bread maker is perfect for smaller bread loaves. As it can hold only 2 pounds, it will make a small loaf size, enough for two people. However, because it can make smaller loaf sizes, it also takes up less counter space with the 14 x 15 x 15-inch diameter.
There are three crust settings, and you can customize how brown you want your bread to be quite easy. The Breadman Professional Bread Maker has the most options, and if you can’t find a pre-programmed option you like, you can modify the settings to fit your preferences. This machine includes a 15 Hours Delay in Start Option and a 1 Hour Keep Warm Option. It also has a window for you to enjoy baking bread without lifting the lid.
Best for Classic White Bread – Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker
This Zojirushi bread maker certainly is one of the best bread machine on the market currently. It feels sturdy, it gives flawless results almost every time, and it even has a heated top for evenly browned bread.
This Zojirushi home bakery has many settings, and can make everything you can possibly think of- from plain white bread, to gluten free bread, to whole wheat bread, to banana bread, pizza, and even jam! Like most bread machines, the Zojirushi home bakery virtuoso comes with a recipe book. This book, however, has a recommended order in which to put the ingredients. And the recipes are foolproof.
With its quick bread setting, you can be baking bread, and eating it within an hour! The Zojirushi home bakery virtuoso is a really virtuous machine! It has many extras, such as an automatic fruit and nut dispenser, an integrated kneading paddle, and measuring cups.
Best Compact – Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread maker
Homemade bread is a favorite of many, but few people have the time to prepare it. But with Cuisinart is as easy as a breeze. In addition to a selection of crust colors and loaf sizes, this tiny automated bread maker has 12 preprogrammed menu options. Gluten-free and artisan bread and jams and sauces may all be made using these foolproof recipes. The scent of freshly baked bread can be waiting for you when you wake up thanks to a convenient 13-hour delay-start timer.
Best Budget – Oster ExpressBake 2-Pound Bread Maker
Oster ExpressBake is the best budget-friendly machine with 12 bread settings and 3 crust settings for making a variety of bread, dough, and even jams. With the express bake setting, it bakes bread in under an hour. Or you can set the 13-Hour Delay Timer to wake up to freshly baked bread in the morning.
ExpressBake has a large LCD display and intuitive button controls for easy operation. It effortlessly mixes, kneads, rises, and bakes up to a 2-pound loaf of bread all in one unit. You don’t have to knead the dough yourself.
It prepares a wide variety of homemade bread and you can choose the crusty loaf you want to make your bread just the way you like it!
Best Mini Baker – Zojirushi Home Bakery Mini Breadmaker
The Zojirushi Home Bakery Mini is the best bread machine if you have very limited space. The Zojirushi bread maker features one window where you can watch the bread rising in the bread pan, a user-friendly LCD display panel, as well as programming timers. Options on the menu include basic bread (regular or firm), soft bread, French bread dough, artisan dough, and cookies and cakes.
Zojirushi home bakery is an automatic bread maker that is easy to learn, easy to use, and will make perfect bread every time!
Best Features – Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker
The Breville custom loaf bread maker is an amazing machine. It has intelligent control mechanisms, a collapsible dough kneading paddle, gluten-free settings, and yeast-free options. One of the downsides may be that the dough kneading paddle may be tricky to clean.
The Breville custom loaf automatic bread maker also has customizable crust settings. It makes bread loaves of 4 pounds that can be a gluten-free loaf, a yeast-free loaf, or even sweet loaves. You can even make artisan dough and ultimately make artisan loaves.
This bread maker has many functions and allows for customization and simple operation.
Easy Recipes for Bread Maker
One of the perks of owning a bread maker is that you have an easy time making recipes and you don’t have to worry about unevenly baked bread anymore.
If you’re new to bread machines, don’t worry! Our simple recipes are easy for anyone to make. You can just throw all the ingredients into your bread maker, set it up and wait for your dough to bake.
There are tons of recipes that work with a bread maker, so if you want to try something other than bread (like pizza dough or rolls), we have those too!
The easiest way to make bread is with just four ingredients – flour, instant dry yeast, water, and salt.
All of these are crucial for your bread to rise properly, and bake.
You can try to make a salt free bread, but salt is important in helping the gluten in the bread be more elastic. So, I do not recommend baking a salt free bread. Salt needs to be at 8-10% of the overall amount of flour. The right measurements will give you the best result!
But, don’t overcomplicate bread making, either. The best bread is also the simplest one. Just put water, flour, yeast, and salt into your bread maker and turn it on for the best bread you have eaten.
Is It Worth Getting a Bread Maker?
A bread maker isn’t for just anyone. If you enjoy cooking and want to experiment with new ingredients, a bread maker is a great investment. But if you want to rely on the convenience of pre-made foods or are looking for something that can make other types of foods, maybe opt for a professional bread machine with multiple settings.
If you enjoy cooking, then getting a bread maker is perfect! You can experiment with new ingredients without having to take time out of your day to do the kneading and waiting process. Plus, it’s always nice to have fresh-baked bread around the house. It’s important to know that not all bread machines are created equal. Some models only make 1 type of bread while others make up to 6 different kinds.
The benefits of owning a bread maker? They’re perfect for any level of cook in the kitchen – from beginners who are just learning how to use one, to more advanced bakers who love using fresh ingredients instead of boxed mixes.
A bread maker is great if you want a fast, easy way to make homemade bread. It’s also a good option if you’re planning on making a lot of loaves in one sitting.
Conclusion
The best way to make bread at home is with a bread machine. It’s a simple, convenient, and hassle-free way to make fresh, delicious bread in the comfort of your own kitchen. The bread machine is a great kitchen appliance to have. If you enjoy baking bread, you can do so from start to finish with minimal effort. We hope this buyer’s guide has helped you understand the kinds of machines out there and the best one for you!