Making your own loaf from scratch can be a fun experience; however, it can be messy and time-consuming. While some solutions to facilitate the process were known (such as stand mixers), the true solution to this dilemma came only in 1986. This year, the first breadmaker was presented. As a result, new opportunities for home bakers became a reality, as the machine could perform everything from mixing and kneading to resting and baking on its own.
How to pick the best bread machine: essential features
Before you buy a breadmaker, there are quite a few aspects to consider. From making sure you have enough space for the machine to finding the optimal set of baking programs, we explain the differences between various models and how to find the right one.
Machine size and weight
While compact bread makers do exist, most models are quite bulky. Consider whether you’ll store your machine permanently on the counter or put it out of sight. Make sure the dimensions match the space available.
The weight is another aspect to consider, especially if your breadmaker won’t be on permanent display. Most models weigh 5-6 kg, but some can be over 8 kg. Choose a model in the weight range you feel comfortable carrying.
When looking for a space on the countertop, it is also advisable to leave a few extra centimeters around the machine when it is working. Some breadmakers slightly wobble during the kneading phase, and might even walk off the counter.
Finally, most breadmakers open vertically; this is a thing to keep in mind if you have eye-level cupboards installed above the counter.
Loaf shape
Modern bread makers can be classified in two groups. They make either squarish, vertical loaves or horizontal, rectangular ones.
Vertical bread machines are great for smaller kitchens. The loaf may sometimes have a peculiar shape that might not fit in your toaster. Some models can also suffer from uneven baking, producing bread with darker bottom and light top.
Horizontal bread makers deliver loaves that visually look similar to what you can buy in a grocery store. Thus, they work better for toasters and standard-looking sandwiches. However, they require more counter- and storage space. Horizontal models also usually prepare larger capacity loaves. However, a horizontal bread pan can pose a challenge for kneading if the machine has only one paddle.
Kneading paddles
Most breadmakers will have only one paddle, but the high-end models can have more. Some doughs behave differently from others, and specialized paddles allow more even kneading.
Typically, the paddle remains in place during baking. You have to remove it when the bread is ready, and a small hole remains in the loaf. Some models will have special hooks to alleviate taking the paddle out; you can also lightly oil it to prevent sticking. However, if you want loaves without any holes, look for a model with collapsible or removable paddles.
Loaf size
Homemade bread won’t last as long as store-bought since it doesn’t contain preservatives. Therefore, it is best to select the loaf size considering how many mouths you have to feed. Most breadmakers have 2-3 loaf size options. However, some are tailored for larger capacities (1 kg and more), and some will make only small to medium loaves (500-900 g).
Bread machines for larger loaves will also have higher power requirements. Higher power also helps when it comes to making dense bread or bread with added nuts, fruits, and seeds. Smaller bread maker models tend to be more economical.
Crust color settings
Depending on the type of bread being made and individual preferences, the darkness of the crust can differ. Therefore, nearly all models offer 2-3 settings, from light to medium.
Most common baking modes
At a minimum, you want a machine with special programs for white bread, whole grain (or wholewheat) bread, and a dough cycle. However, most breadmakers nowadays feature a range of programs way above that minimum and allow creating various bread types. Here are some of the most common programs:
- French – softer and airier than most types of white bread. It is typically made without adding oil or fat and is also characterized by its light and crispy crust.
- Gluten-Free – if you have ever tried making gluten-free pastries, you’ll know that the dough behaves differently. Getting a bread machine with a gluten-free setting is useful if there’s someone with allergies in your household. Some models will have just one program, whereas others may offer several ones, depending on the type of gluten-free flour you use.
- Express or Rapid setting – on Standard mode, your loaf can easily take 3-4 hours to make. Since there can be situations when you don’t have that much time, most models will also have one or several options that shorten the process to 1-2 hours. Although be aware that the texture and taste are usually inferior to what you get after a full cycle.
- Sourdough – having a tangy, rich taste, the sourdough bread has a soft center and thick crust. Making it is quite time-consuming, because you’ll need to prepare the starter in advance and let it sit. Unfortunately not many bread machines are optimized to make it.
- Rye – darker and denser than wheat bread, rye bread is higher in fiber, and not all models can prepare it well. If you’re fond of rye bread, it’s best to look for a model with a specific program.
- Brioche – this is a sweet bread with a tender texture of French origin. Brioche has a higher egg and butter content than most bread types; thus, it requires a different cooking cycle.
- Custom Programs – some high-end bread machines allow creating your own custom programs. This means you can choose the duration of each stage of the baking cycle.
Extra modes
- Dough Cycle - nearly every bread machine will be able to prepare dough without baking it. The most advanced models may have specific dough cycles for pizza, pasta, and other pastries.
- Jam – This setting allows easy preparation of preserves from fruits and berries. You’ll just have to pour them in jars afterwards.
- Yogurt – in this setting, the machine will maintain the right temperature to ferment milk and prepare yogurt.
Additional features
Modern bread makers also come with quite a few functions that are non-essential but make the process more automated and convenient.
Automatic dispensers
If you love bread with added ingredients (such as nuts, dried fruit), look for a model with an automatic ingredient dispenser. You’ll just have to fill its container with pre-chopped goodies before starting the program, and the machine will add them to the dough at the right time.
Some high-end models will also have a separate yeast dispenser. This allows adding the yeast after the initial mixing is done and prevents it from activating too soon.
Delay timer
If you want warm, freshly baked bread with your breakfast or after work, a breadmaker with a delay timer is a must. This allows weighing all the ingredients and putting them in the machine at a convenient time. Then, simply select the hour when the bread must be ready, and the breadmaker will deliver it.
Memory recall
If there is a momentary power loss or someone switches the machine off by accident, most models will stop the cycle, and you’ll have to start from the beginning. However, some breadmakers can resume the process from where they were left.
Viewing window
Most home bakers feel the urge to check on the progress from time to time. Thus, many bread maker models feature a glass viewing window that allows you to observe the process.
Keep-warm setting
It isn’t always possible to perfectly synchronize the eating time and the end of the baking cycle. Therefore, many models allow keeping the just-baked loaf warm for up to one hour.