Kitchen Electric Appliances Blog

Making bread in a bread maker is very easy and with so many great models on the market to choose from, we thought the fillowing article should help you in your search for bread making machines.

"What are some features in bread making machines that you should look for?"

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Functions and features vary from model to model so it is important for you to understand what features you require. The following guide to features will give you an idea of what's on offer and help you decide what type of bread maker is best suited to your circumstances. It will also give you an idea what to look for when you compare bread machines.

* Loaf Weight: How big a load do you need? ~ will you be making bread for a large family or just yourself? The amount of people you need to serve will decide the loaf size your will buy. As a general guide in a 1-pound loaf you get about eight slices and in a 2.5-pound loaf you get about 20 slices. A different kind of bread maker is now on the market so not only can you enjoy the aroma of fresh baked bread any time of day, but you can make 2 different kinds of bread simultaneously ~ great if you have a large family or gathering to feed.

* Programs - Most bread makers will come with at least 10 pre-programmed baking or kneading cycles that will cover a range of baking options suitable for a fantastic variety of breads. There are also options for experienced bakers who would like to customize the settings instead of choosing from a pre-programmed option.

* Bread types - Bread makers are ideal for anyone on a special diet (low carb, etc) or allergic to gluten, as you can use them to make gluten-free bread and bread rolls. Other features can include special cycles for specialty breads, crust control, nut breads and many speciality savory and sweet loaves. One of the great features of the bread maker is its versatility - you can use a bread maker to bake a range of bread styles, from the classic to the exotic.

* Control panel - the control panel on a bread maker makes it easy to select the right program to bake the bread for the size of loaf, flour and crust color at the push of a button.

* Pasta, cake and jam functions - Not only can you bake bread but you can also make pasta, cakes and jam. For pasta a unique feature is a bread maker that can mix your dough ~ but not cook it. This is great if you want to make rolls (sweet or savory) or pizzas. Bread makers can also mix and knead pasta dough. However, you will still have to roll it out and flatten it, using a pasta machine, then cook it in the usual way. If you are interested in making homemade jams in a bread maker you need to choose a bread maker that that has a jam cycle already programmed into it. The fruit and sugar cook at very high temperatures and the finished product has a pleasingly home-made taste. For cakes either a cake program cycle or you can choose the 'rapid cycle' on the bread maker.

* Crust - On some bread makers they have a programmable crust function. With this function you can select a crust type for your bread (either dark, medium or light).

* Variable baking time - Lets you control the baking time, so you can determine when you'd like your tasty fresh bread to be ready. Also included in this is the rapid bake function.

* Rapid /fast bake - Some bread makers offer this option for fresh bread in around 1 hour less than the standard baking program. I find that the end result is not as good as a bake on a standard program. It is very useful if you are in a hurry and can't wait for the standard bake. Always good if you have unexpected guests.

* Time delay - A timer with a long delay is one of the most helpful controls you'll find on a bread maker. It is ideal if you want your bread ready either for dinner later that day or fresh for breakfast the following morning.

* Keep warm function - You need a keep warm feature so that when the bread is cooked and you may not be around it keeps your bread deliciously warm after baking, so it can be served fresh at any time.

* Viewing window - Without lifting the lid (and reducing the temperature, which compromise how well it rises) you can look at the bread at varying stages of the bread making process.

* Countdown display - Lets you see how long it will be for the bread to be ready and you to be enjoying eating it.

* Add-Ingredients Signal - this tells you when to add nuts, etc. that you don't want mixed into the dough. At times you need to add ingredients during the bread making process so a bread maker that tells you when to put in the ingredients is a great feature.

* Cool wall - although bread makers have an insulated outer wall for your safety that keeps the outer sides cool while the bread maker is baking still be careful and take care around the bread maker as they still get warm.

* Recipe booklet - Many models of bread maker now include a free recipe booklet, for a range of great bread making ideas to help you get the most from your bread maker.