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With a bread maker like Zojirushi BB-PAC20, you can prepare delicious bread without any effort. It is a nice option for both novice and expert bakers due to its ease of use and versatility. Knowing all the ingredients in the bread helps you live healthier while enjoying delicious and nutritious food.
Design
The appliance is made of steel, so it’s very sturdy and durable. The silver and black housing makes it an excellent choice for any kitchen decor. Anyway, this model is quite bulky, so it occupies more place on the countertop. Also, it is pretty heavy – has a total weight of 20.8 pounds. The LCD control panel is very intuitive and allows you to program and monitor the baking with ease. For monitoring the baking process, you can also take a quick look through the large viewing window.
Baking Performance
The appliance is designed to automatically knead, rise, and bake the bread for you. Due to the fact that it can bake a 2-pound loaf, this machine is suitable for larger families. Furthermore, you can select the desired color of the crust to prepare the bread just as you want.
- 2 kneading blades: for a more rigorous kneading process. Most appliances come with only 1 kneading blade.
- Multiple built-in programs: allow you to prepare a variety of bread – including gluten-free and wheat bread, and other recipes – like jams and cakes. The quick cycle makes your bread in just over 2 hours while basic white bread can be ready in 3.5 hours.
- Home made setting: makes it very versatile as you can select the desired knead, rise, and bake time, according to your preferences.
- 2 heaters: comes with one heater on the bottom and one on the lid, providing an even baking.
User Convenience
Making bread has never been easier with this machine. Once you carefully measure the ingredients, just add them in the pan, choose the appropriate baking program and customize the settings. When you are all set, press the start button. Features like delay start and keep warm are really helpful as they make the machine more practical.
- Count-down timer: lets you know how much time has been left until the bread is ready.
- Audible signal for adding more ingredients: in case you want to prepare complex bread recipes with fruits and nuts, the appliance will let you know when it’s time to add them.
- Non-stick coat pan: for easy cleaning.
PROS
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CONS
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- Features an extra heater on the lid
- Comes with 2 kneading blades
- You can memorize 3 setting in the home made menu
- Convenient audible signal for adding fruits or nuts
- Includes an instructional DVD
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- Heavier than the other models selected
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VERDICT
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Stylish appearance and multiple programs to customize your loaf. Additionally, it comes with many built-in features including delay timer, keep warm function, crust settings, and so on. The design is very attractive and is well-made. However, it is a little bit heavy, so moving it around may be more difficult.
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With this bread machine, you can eat delicious and healthy bread at home. It is versatile as you can choose from many programs and functions and pretty stylish as well. It has a silver finish and a nice LCD display with push buttons. It measures approximately 18 x 12 x 15 inches. The lid can be removed and it has a little viewing window to see the baking process. The pan and paddle and can also be removed for quick cleaning.
You can customize the bread as you want because you have the possibility to choose its size – 1, 1.5, or 2 pounds – and crust – light, medium, or dark. At the same time, you can program it with a delay. The start can be delayed up to 13 hours.
The machine allows you to prepare many types of bread including white, whole wheat, and gluten-free. It also makes cakes, pasta dough, and jams. Additionally, you can use the machine to bake dough or just to mix the dough and then bake it in the oven.
The machine will notify you through 5 audible signals to add the additional ingredients like raisins or seeds. It will also notify you when the kneading is complete to remove the kneading paddle if you want or when the bread is ready.
PROS
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CONS
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- The handles are cool to the touch
- The pan and paddle have a non-stick coating
- 13-hour delay start feature
- Features a power failure backup
- Multiple programs available allow you to prepare many types of bread
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- The beeps are pretty loud
- Bulky design
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VERDICT
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The machine mixes the dough very well and it is very easy to use. It has a sturdy design and multiple features to make the bread just as you want.
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This machine is affordable and very easy to use. There are many people who consider this machine to be a great deal when it comes to improving their lifestyle and starting to eat healthy foods. The 12 settings available offer you various baking options in two different sizes: 1.5-lb and 2-lb.
Just as the most expensive models, it also allows you to select the desirable crust by choosing between the 3 options available. The 12-hour delay time is long enough to set the machine so that you can eat a fluffy loaf at breakfast, and the keep warm feature can easily maintain the bread warm for another hour.
Besides the fact that it features a cool body while operating, it also comes with non-slip feet and it has a large viewing window that allows you to take a pick at the process from time to time. The audible reminder for fruits and nuts is also a great addition because you can diversify your bread whenever you want.
At the same time, the machine comes with an extra kneading paddle, so in case you have one in the dishing machine, you can always use the other.
The conclusion is that this machine will surely surprise you with its interesting characteristics and soon enough after purchasing it will become your best friend in the kitchen.
PROS
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CONS
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- Features nonslip feet
- Announces you when it’s time to add mix-ins
- Lightweight
- Cool touch design
- Comes with an additional kneading paddle
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VERDICT
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Great choice if you’re looking for a cheaper machine. It works well and comes with all the standard features. It even has a convenient audible signal that lets you know when to add the fruits. This models comes in black and features a lightweight design. The only major drawback is that is made of plastic while the other models are made of steel or stainless steel.
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Just like the other machines selected by us, this one too comes with some pretty nice features. You can opt for it if you’re a beginner in the bread making with a machine as this model is intuitive and versatile.
It features an elegant design that will look great on the kitchen’s countertop. You have the possibility to choose from 19 automatic programs, including basic, French, gluten-free, rice bread, knead, or defrost.
There are 3 loaf sizes available 1lb, 1.5lb, and 2.0lb. The 3 crust settings allow you to make the bread exactly how you want it: light, medium, or dark. For more convenience, there’s a 15-hour delay timer, and a 1-hour keep warm function. In case there’s a power outage, you can rest assured as it has a 15-minute power backup.
With the help of the LCD control panel, which is very easy to use, you can select the desired setting. In order to increase its stability, the manufacturer added nonskid feet. The bread maker features a PP food grade housing, while the pan features a nonstick coating.
The lid has a viewing window to monitor the bread making process. It comes with a kneading blade, a metal hook, and measuring cup and spoon. Neither the pan nor the parts are dishwasher safe but they are made of easy-to-clean materials.
In the included user manual you will find 19 recipes, one for each of the programs. The appliance is 13 inches tall, 11 inches wide, and 9 inches deep. It weighs 8.6 pounds. For peace of mind, it comes with a 2-year warranty.
PROS
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CONS
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- Multiple program settings that make it more versatile than other models
- Comes with a 15-minute power backup
- LCD control panel
- Audible signals to add extra ingredients and to let you know when the bread is done
- Covered by a 2-year warranty
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- Pan and accessories are not dishwasher safe
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VERDICT
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This machine comes with many programs and options to customize it according to your preferences. It is solid, easy to use, and it features a long warranty. It is not the cheapest option to go with but is less expensive in comparison to the top bread machines. The only inconvenience is that you will have to wash the accesoreies by hand as they are not dishwasher safe.
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A reliable option to make delicious bread at home is this machine made by Sunbeam. It makes rectangular-shaped bread with a size of 1.5 or 2 pounds. For more versatility it features 12 settings that include basic, French, whole wheat, quick, sweet, express bake 1.5 and 2 pounds, dough, jam, cake, sandwich, and bake.
Therefore, you can prepare various types of bread and make tasty sweets without making a mess in the kitchen. Like many other models, the machine allows you to choose the desired crust color from 3 setting available – light, medium, and dark.
Also, there’s a 13- hour delay function, so you just have to add the ingredients and the machine will start the backing process when the time comes.
You can operate the appliance with the help of the button controls. The LCD display will show you the setting selected and keep you updated on the stage of the baking process. For added convenience, it features a glass viewing window to monitor the bread without opening the lid.
The non-stick backing pan is quite large and is very easy to clean. The included kneading blade made of metal and fetaures a non-stick coating. Besides the user manual, you will also receive a recipe book where you can find the exact ingredients and their quantitates. The machine comes with a 1-year warranty.
PROS
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CONS
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- 12 pre-programmed functions for multiple baking options
- Large LCD display and easy-to-push buttons
- Features a 13-hour delay timer
- The lid features a large viewing window
- Non-stick baking pan and kneading blade
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- It tends to shake while it kneads
- The non-stick coating wears off pretty easily
- No gluten-free setting
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VERDICT
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The machine has basic features but it performs pretty well and it comes at an affordable price. There are plenty of pre-programmed settings that allow you to prepare multiple recipes. However, it has no gluten-free setting and it tends to vibrate when kneading. Also, the non-stick coating is poor quality.
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This is a versatile bread machine that will help you make the perfect bread for the entire family. It is 13.7 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 11 inches tall and weighs 9.1 pounds.
The design of the machine is very simple and elegant, featuring an LCD display and touch buttons that allow you to select the size of the bread – 1, 1.5, or 2 pounds – or the color of the crust – light, medium, or dark.
You can also use the controls to access the menu and to start, stop, or pause the machine. Once you start the unit, the kneading blade begins to rotate at a speed of 4.2 rotations per second, making sure the dough is thoroughly kneaded.
With this unit, you can prepare various types of bread, including multigrain, sugar-free, French, and soft bread. Anyway, you can also use it to make yogurt, cakes, jams, and so on. There are no less than 19 programs you can choose from.
Additionally, just like most other machines, it features a delay time up to 15 hours and a keep warm function up to 1 hour. Besides the machine, you will also receive a cup, a spoon, and a hook. All the accessories are dishwasher safe. For this product, the manufacturer offers a warranty of 2 years.
PROS
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CONS
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- Features a non-stick pan which is coated with ceramic
- Multiple programs to choose from
- You can return it within 45 days from the date of purchase and receive your money back
- Features non-skid feet to improve its stability on the countertop
- Cool to touch design
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VERDICT
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Overall, this machine is very nice and practical. It is very solid and features an easy to understand menu. Although it is not the cheapest option, it is available at an affordable price.
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Similar to Hamilton Beach 29882, the machine can make delicious home bread at the touch of a button. It is easy to use, versatile, and very well made. Unlike the 29882 model which has 2 loaf sizes, this one has 3 – 1, 1.5, and 2 pounds. Additionally, it includes 2 extra programs: artisan and rinse. The first one allows you to make artisan dough for baking it in the oven and the other to rise dough or to speed the rising process of frozen bread dough.
For making the perfect bread, you can select the desired crust shade – light, medium, or dark. At the same time, you can delay the start time and eat fresh bread in the morning or when you arrive home from work. Once the bread is baked, the machine automatically keeps it warm for you.
The machine is 12 inches tall, 9.5 inches wide, and 14.5 inches long, so it is not bulky at all. It features an LCD display with countdown cooking timer. The interior pan features a non-stick coating which makes it very easy to clean and to remove the bread. It comes with a measuring cup and spoon, as well as a tool to remove the paddle.
PROS
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CONS
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- Artisan program for preparing the perfect dough
- The bread pan is dishwasher safe
- Delay timer and keep warm feature
- Indicator lights to keep you updated with the bread making process
- Viewing window
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- The top is made of plastic
- The lid is low quality
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VERDICT
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Even though it has multiple settings and features, the machine has an intuitive design. It is easy to clean and doesn’t occupy too much space on the countertop.
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The Cuisinart CBK-200 is another option worth taking into consideration as it produces the best tasting bread in no time, all without requiring no effort from your part. It’s a 680W appliance that makes for an amazing addition to any modern kitchen due to its immaculate design.
In order to ensure perfect results each and every time you use it, the bread maker automatically adjusts the timing and speed as it’s needed. It features a convection fan that circulates the air during the baking process, ensuring that the texture and color of the crust will be perfect.
It offers an impressive 16 preset menu options that you can choose between. The 3 crust colors that it puts are your disposal are light, medium, and dark, while the 3 loaf sizes that you can choose between include 1 pound, 1.5 pounds, and 2 pounds.
If you’re the type of person who pays increased attention to what you eat and you like to avoid certain foods, you will be glad to know that among the 16 preset settings you have low carb and gluten-free options as well.
To ensure that when you’re preparing certain specialties you will add the extra ingredients at the perfect time, the bread machine sets off an audible alert. It features a 12-hour delayed start timer that allows you to wake up or arrive home to freshly baked bread.
In case there’s a power outage, there’s no need to worry that you have to start the baking process from the beginning because the machine features a power failure backup. When it comes to the warranty aspect, know that the manufacturer covers it during the first three years after you purchase the bread machine.
PROS
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CONS
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- Impressive number of programs
- Features a power-failure backup
- Audible alert for adding fruits and nuts
- Cool-touch handles
- Long warranty: 3 years
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- Bulky design
- The control panel is rather complicated
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VERDICT
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You can consider this machine if you want to pay less while enjoying the advantages of a respectable brand. It features 16 menu options, including a gluten-free program. Furthermore, you can pause it for 15 minutes and delay the baking process for up to 12 hours. This model comes with a long 3-year warranty and the necessary accessories, thay is a measuring spoon and cup. However, it is a little bit voluminous and the control panel is crowded.
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The Oster CKSTBRTW20 is among those devices that deliver excellent results at a very affordable price. It’s rather hard to make a product that meets all the needs of the clients without involving high costs.
The model allows you to choose from the 12 available programs and to select one of the three different loaf sizes, 1-lb, 1.5-lb, and 2-lb, just by pressing the Loaf Size Button. Also, the 3 crust options give you the possibility to control the color of your future bread.
At the same time, you can delay the cooking process up to 13 hours, so you can be sure that you can eat a fresh loaf every time you want.
Another remarkable thing about the Oster CKSTBRTW20 is the fact that it can successfully bake a 2-lb dough in less than an hour, which is quite fast considering the fact that the other machines can deliver your bread in a longer period.
The LCD control panel is easy to use and you can watch the loaf on the large window while it bakes, thus being able to see the entire baking process. In case you want to add some fruits or nuts, the machine will announce you by an audible signal when it’s time to safely put them into the dough.
In terms of design, we can say that it is rather simple and elegant, without any complicated lines, which make it perfect for every kitchen décor.
PROS
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CONS
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- Alerts you when it’s time to add the fruits
- Lightweight
- Convenient loaf size button
- Has 12 built-in programs
- Budget-friendly
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- Can’t make gluten-free bread
- Few features
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VERDICT
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This machine works pretty well if we consider its price. It is much cheaper in comparison to the other models but is efficient and solid. While is true that is has fewer advanced options and is less versatile than other models, it comes with all the standard features. Additionally, it is lightweight and you can choose from 3 loaf sizes.
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Another bread maker that you’ll surely like is the Breville BBM800XL because it differentiates from the rest in terms of technology, innovative features, and excellent results. With it, you can bake a wide range of bread loaf types, including gluten-free and whole wheat in four sizes: 1-lb, 1.5-lb, 2-lb, and 2.5-lb.
Although it has only 1 kneading blade, you can be sure it will offer great results every time you push the start button. The 13 included programs and the 3 crust settings give you the possibility to choose from a wide variety of possibilities and what is even better is the fact that you can store up to 9 custom settings in case you want to make your own recipes.
Also, due to the 13-hour delay timer, Breville BBM800XL can be programmed to start baking the bread anytime you want, so you can enjoy a fresh loaf in the morning or in the evening after you come home from work.
The generous smart LCD display is beautifully made to help you read the data easier and the large viewing window with the light will allow you to observe the baking process every time you want. Additionally, it has an automatic fruit and nut dispenser attached to the lid, so it incorporates the ingredients into the dough automatically.
At the same time, the collapsible kneading paddle is ingeniously designed so that after it mixes the ingredients it collapses, so the hole at the base of the bread will be significantly reduced. As you can see, the Breville BBM800XL is a great machine for everyone who wants to eat healthy bread.
PROS
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CONS
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- You can choose from 4 loaf sizes
- Features 13 programs
- Quick cycle timing can be adjusted according to your preferences
- You can modify the preset temperatures in certain phases
- The fruits are added automatically
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VERDICT
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This model has it all. From standard features as keep warm function and viewing window, to collapsible kneading paddle and automatic fruit dispenser. Additionally, it features a simple design that matches any kitchen decor. The stainless steel material makes it very durable while the wide variety of programs and settings makes it the most versatile unit.
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Aicok Programmable Bread Maker
11. Aicok Programmable Bread Maker
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This machine is definitely worth considering if you want to enjoy great performance at an affordable price. It comes with 15 pre-set programs including quick bread, gluten-free, cake, and even yogurt.
You can choose the size of the bread from the 3 ones available: 1, 1.5, and 2.2 pounds. The crust color can be easily controlled by selecting between light, medium, and dark color.
In case you want to delay the start, there’s absolutely no inconvenience as this model allows you to program it with up to 15 hours in advance. The keep-warm feature is a nice addition as you will be able to enjoy delicious warm bread even if the dinner is not ready yet.
Like most bread machines, it features a viewing window to watch the baking process. It features a large digital LCD display with an indicator light and highly-responsive buttons.
The lid is detachable for an easy cleaning. Besides the bread container and the kneading blade, you will also receive a measuring cup and spoon, and a hook. All the accessories are dishwasher safe. The non-stick inner pan is very easy to clean and is made of high-quality materials.
This product is warranted for a period of 2 years.
PROS
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CONS
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- Features a 15-minute power interruption recovery
- Features a memory function
- You can select from 15 programs, 3 loaf sizes, and 3 crust setting
- You can remove the lid to clean it much easier
- Keep-warm function
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- The provided instructions are rather hard to understand
- A little bit noisy
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VERDICT
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Stylish and versatile. This bread maker machine is a nice addition to any home. You can prepare various types of bread but you can also make home yogurt or cake. It is easy to use and clean and features a solid design. Unlike most machines that come with the standard 1-year warranty, this one comes with 2 years.
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Our next recommendation is T-fal PF111 because this machine is among the best options for all those who want to take advantage of the latest bread making technology. To start with, the machine is capable of making two different loaf sizes: 1.5-lb and 2-lb, and it features 12 programs, including the gluten-free and sandwich programs. This makes it a smart investment if you don’t want to pay too much for the gluten-free you usually buy from stores.
Furthermore, it comes with the longest delay timer, offering 15 hours instead of 12 or 13 hours. At the same time, after the bread is done, the machine can keep it warm for an extra hour.
Just like the other models, it features a large viewing window and a non-stick coated baking pan with handle, so cleaning it will be very easy. The loaf comes out in a vertical square shape and the quickest cycle lasts for only 1 hour and 28 minutes.
However, in case you are in a hurry and you want to bake your bread faster, you can also use the adjusted time button that will allow you to choose the desired time when using the programs 8 and 10.
Besides the measuring cup and spoon for adding the exact amount of required ingredients, the T-fal PF111 also has a special tool for removing the kneading paddle, thus minimizing the hole in the bread. Furthermore, the great thing is that you can enjoy the many advantages just by spending a reasonable amount of money, offering one of the best price-quality ratios.
PROS
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CONS
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- Up to 15 hours delay timer
- You can select the weight of the loaf just by pressing a button
- Programs 8 and 12 feature an adjustable timer
- Comes with a tool that simplifies the kneading paddle removing process
- Stylish design
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VERDICT
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With this machine you can select from 2 loaf sizes and no less than 12 programs. It features a generous delay timer, up to 15 hours, and other helpful features that make the entire baking experience much easier. Besides the measuring cup and spoon, you will also receive a nice tool that allows you to remove the kneading paddle with ease. However, this model is quite expensive considering the features it comes with.
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What’s Behind Our Ratings
In order to better understand how we have ranked our choices, here below we will tell you more about the criteria that stand behind our classification. These will help you learn more about the most important aspects of these machines and not only.
- Capacity: the capacity of a bread maker represents its ability to bake different loaf sizes. Usually, most units have a capacity ranging from 1-lb to 3-lb, but in general, a small family of up to 4 persons can easily opt for a machine that is able to deliver 1.5-lb or 2-lb loaves. Usually, in comparison with the bread that you buy from the store, the one that you make at home won’t resist for a long time, so it’s wiser you don’t make large loaves. However, the units that feature a larger capacity are a great choice for families with more than 6 members, or if you want to try a wide variety of loaf recipes. Fortunately, all our products give you the possibility to choose the loaf size, every one of them having at least 2 sizes.
- Programs: a device that comes with multiple baking choices is definitely better than one that can only make common loaves. This is why, all our models are specially designed to help you choose a certain program, so you can easily have your own bakery shop in your kitchen. Therefore, besides the fact that you can bake basic bread, you can also opt for more complex recipes, such as whole wheat, french or gluten-free. Also, your option won’t end here because you can even prepare pizza dough, pasta, cakes or jams. And as if this wouldn’t be enough, you can make your own recipes by adjusting the rising or kneading times. Additionally, you will surely enjoy the fact that all our models have a rapid cook setting that can deliver fresh loaves in half of the normal cooking time.
- Crust settings: when it comes to the shade of the bread it’s always good to have more option in order to choose the one that you like. Usually, the most common options that come with most machines are light and dark, but all our models feature 3 crust option for added convenience. In this way, you can choose the color of the crust when the baking process is finished.
- Delay timer: this feature is definitely worth to consider because it can bring you great benefits. Therefore, in case you want to have your bread ready at a certain time of the day, you can simply program the machine to start the baking process after 1,2, 3, or more hours, and the result is that you’ll have freshly baked bread exactly when you want. Usually, most models feature a 12, or 13-hour delay timer, but it can also be longer and the best example in this situation is the T-fal PF111 which comes with a 15-hour delay timer.
- LCD control panel: the control panel allows you to select the loaf size, the program, the crust setting, and so on. This is why it’s very important that a bread maker uses the latest technology, allowing you to select your favorite settings in an easy way. All your preferences will be shown on the LCD display that can also show the timer and other important features.
- Features: in order to make sure that a certain product delivers great results every time, it’s very important to consider its features. As you can see, our favorite product comes with unique features, such as viewing light, automatic dispenser, and even a collapsible kneading paddle. All these unique characteristics are innovative additions that are meant to ease your work and offer you great versatility.
A bread maker is a great appliance that has the main purpose of baking bread in an easy and fast way. Lately, this small appliance has become as popular as the microwave oven because it improves our lives by preparing healthy homemade loaves, which is by far a better alternative than buying commercial bread. Therefore, a good machine is one of the best additions that you can make to your kitchen, delivering a very pleasant aroma and tasty bread every time you use it. So, here are some of the most important things you should know about these units.
- A bread making machine is an electronic device that is totally safe and is meant to help you in the bread-baking process.
- In general, most devices consist of a pan where the loaf bread is baked and one or two paddles placed in the center of the pan in order to easily mix the ingredients.
- Every machine comes in different sizes, meaning that each of them is capable of baking various loaf sizes. Usually, the basic sizes range from 1-pound to 3-pound loaves.
- Recent models are improved versions of the previous ones, thus they are able to bake the bread symmetrically and evenly every time you use them.
- They feature different pre-programmed settings that allow you to choose a certain cycle, and the most common ones are basic bread, french, gluten-free, whole wheat, cake, jam, pizza, and so on. Also, you can select the desired crust color, or set it to start at a certain time.
- In order to achieve the desired results, it’s advisable to be cautious whenever you add the ingredients and to follow the recipes because otherwise your loaf will not be baked as it should be.
- Most devices available on the market come with recipe books and other helpful accessories, so you can use them in the baking process and enjoy the final result.
- The advanced models come with all sorts of innovative features, which is quite great, considering the fact that the main purpose of this appliance is to help us eat healthy food without too much time spent in the kitchen.
The Advantages of Using this Appliance
There are many advantages of using a bread machine, including the fact that it delivers healthy bread whenever you want, allows you to prepare pizza dough, cakes and so on, and requires minimum manual intervention. So, if you want to know more about the advantages of using this appliance, read the lines below.
- Quick bread-baking: with the help of this a machine, you will be able to enjoy fresh, healthy food very fast. Most models have a quick cycle that can bake the loaf in 1 or 2 hours, depending on the model. Also, some can be programmed to start the baking process at a certain time, so you can have tasty bread when you wake up in the morning or when you come back from the office.
- Variety: another great thing about using this appliance is the fact that this wonderful device allows you to also prepare pizza and pasta dough, cakes, jam and so on. Therefore, you have the possibility to choose from >various baking options, which is a great thing for the entire family.
- Convenience: manual bread-baking usually takes time and this a machine eliminates all the work because the only thing you have to do is to set a certain program, place the ingredients in the machine and turn it on. The appliance will knead and bake the dough until it’s ready. Also, it can even keep the bread at the perfect temperature for up to one hour until the meal is ready and you want to eat.
- Healthy bread: due to the fact that you can control what ingredients you add to the machine, you will have a much healthier bread in comparison with the commercial one. The homemade dough doesn’t contain any preservatives and artificial flavors that are normally used in order to make the bread last for a longer period of time. At the same time, you can also add all sorts of fruits, nuts or seeds, making it more delicious.
- No kitchen mess: since such a unit is able to mix, knead and bake all by itself, you will only have to clean up the pan, which is removable and very easy to clean. By manually preparing and baking the bread, you will end up with more dishes to wash, which can be frustrating.
- Money saving: by regularly making bread at home, you will be able to save money in the long run. Usually, buying commercial bread can be quite expensive, especially the gluten-free one. Fortunately, the machine is able to successfully deliver a tasty gluten-free loaf, delicious cakes, and other recipes, without involving high costs. Also, these devices are quite affordable these days, so you don’t have to spend a fortune on your own machine.
Learning more about what exactly each program can do, will help you better decide what to choose in order to achieve the best bread and not only. The bread makers are complex and performant machines that offer you a wide range of cycles to choose from. Staring with classic bread and ending with jams, such a unit is the perfect kitchen companion.
- Basic/Basic Bread – you can use this program for making basic bread from white bread flour. In general, people tend to use this program more often because it features a shorter baking time and it delivers a delicious loaf.
- Whole Wheat – the whole wheat cycle is recommended for bread made of whole wheat flour. Lately, more and more people choose to eat wheat bread because it’s much healthier. Since this type of bread needs more time to bake, the program is longer than the basic one.
- Gluten-Free – this program is only for making gluten-free bread and for this you need to use non-wheat flour. Although some machines don’t feature this program, it’s great for those people who have gluten intolerance.
- French – with the help of this cycle you can prepare different types of European bread, such as French bread. Since the French bread requires a different baking time and other settings, this program is specially made to deliver a soft inside and a crusty outside.
- Sweet – featuring a lower temperature, this program is perfect for both sweet bread and other recipes that contain cheese or eggs. For sweetening the bread you can use more sugar, fruits, chocolate, and whatever else you like.
- Dough – instead of manually preparing the dough, you can let the bread machine do it for you. However, when the dough is done, you have to bake it in the oven. Furthermore, you can easily make pasta or pizza dough and prepare delicious meals. Some models feature separate cycles for pizza, pasta, or bread dough.
- Quick – when you’re out of time and you want to prepare your bread faster, you have the possibility to choose the quick cycle. However, this bread may not rise too big because it doesn’t contain yeast, so you may want to add some baking powder.
- Cake – homemade cakes will be much easier to do with the help of a bread machine. For using it, you just have to add the required ingredients and the machine will mix them and then bake the cake.
- Jam – with the help of this cycle you can make all sorts of jams. Instead of buying commercial jams that contain all sorts of preservatives, you can prepare your own jam from your favorite fruits.
- Others – the number and the name of cycles can differ from one model to another. Among other common programs, you will find homemade bread, bake only, crusty loaf, and some others.
Useful Tips for Maintenance
If you end up buying a machine to make bread, know that there is some maintenance work that you have to do to keep the appliance in a perfect shape for as long as possible. If you want to learn how you can properly protect your investment, read te following lines and apply the advice given in them.
- Keep the appliance clean: what you should know right away from the start is the fact that most bread pans aren’t dishwasher safe. In case the model you go with comes with a pan that can be cleaned in the dishwasher, this fact will be mentioned on the spec sheet. Otherwise, you have to do the procedure manually. In order to keep the appliance in a top notch shape for as long as possible, make sure that you manually clean the pan after every use. What you have to do is to take a damp cloth and simply remove any gunk present on the pan and let it dry before the next use.
- Take good care of the paddles: the kneading paddles are probably the most important parts of the appliance, being mandatory for you to take proper care of them in order to ensure that it will perform excellently for a long time. Some kneading paddles are dishwasher safe, while others aren’t, but this is a fact that you can easily check on the spec sheet. In case the paddles aren’t dishwasher safe, manually clean them in the sink using water and dish detergent after every use.
- Check the instructions manual for more information: all products of this type come with an instruction manual that gives you more info regarding the operation. To make sure that you are going through all the maintenance work required to keep it in a perfect condition, you have to check the instruction manual. It will offer all the info that you need, and as long as you actually do what it says in this manual, you will enjoy top quality homemade bread for years to come.
Choosing the best model for your needs may be a difficult task if you don’t know too much about these amazing machines. However, we thought about this aspect and we’ve gathered here the most important factors to consider when looking for a bread making machine.
- Consider the capacity: among the most important aspects to consider is the capacity. In order to find out what you need, you have to determine how much bread does your family consume on a regular basis. Usually, the machines capable of making 1.5-lb or 2-lb loaves, thus being the perfect choice for average families.
- Determine the intended use: once you know what exactly do you want to bake, you will be much closer to choosing the right bread machine for you. Therefore, it’s very important to pay attention to the settings of the machine and see if it’s capable of doing the recipes you want. Most of them can make loaves, sweets, jams, but there are some who can also make gluten-free or french bread.
- Check the included features: the included features will increase its performance and utility, giving you the possibility to take advantage of some very interesting options. Features such as crust settings, delay time, keep warm, quick cycle, homemade menus and so on, are very helpful and they add more convenience to the machine.
- Don’t forget about the warranty: another thing to consider is its warranty. So, make sure the one you buy has at least one year warranty against the manufacture’s defects. In general, these are durable devices, so you don’t have to worry about this aspect, but it’s always helpful to give attention to its warranty.
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Zojirushi
Undoubtedly, the Zojirushi brand has gained more and more popularity over the years, the proof being its presence in the manufacturing industry for more than nine decades. The latest technology used by the company has resulted in truly impressive households that are meant to ease the customers’ everyday life. From electric water boilers to rice cookers and bread makers, the company’s products are carefully made so that people all over the world use high-quality cooking appliances. As a result, the brand’s bread machines are widely known for their innovative features, such being the case with the Zojirushi BB-PAC20 which is the latest version available.
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Breville
Breville brand is definitely a very popular one in the household field and its main purpose is to manufacture and sell truly impressive beverage, cooking and food preparation products. The company is also dedicated to constantly developing better and better items for people all over the world, being a trustful name for all those who want to make sure that their investment is a wise one. The BBM800XL is the company’s sole bread machine but it features great settings, making it a perfect addition for every home.
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Oster
As the company says, the products sold under this brand are designed to last in people’ homes, and this happens ever since its foundation in 1924. Over the years, Oster has been involved in the manufacturing process of many products, such as hair clippers, trimmers, blenders, toasters, kitchen appliances, and even pet care utensils. Of course, these are only some products sold by the company because their list of products is truly impressive. The brand differentiates itself from many others due to that it stands for high-quality and reasonable prices, addressing to a wide variety of customers. In what concerns the bread making machines, they produce two models, among which the Oster CKSTBRTW20, which is definitely a model worth looking at.
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T-fal
T-fal brand is worldwide known for its various appliances that are meant to make our lives easier and to help us deal with the everyday activities in an easier way. The company is manufacturing cooking appliances, cookware, and kitchenware, as well as linen care products. They are> highly concerned about the environment and they are constantly looking for new ways to make their products better and better. Such is the case with T-fal PF111 which is among the best machines one can purchase and this is mainly because it features innovative settings while being the perfect addition to a modern kitchen.
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Hamilton Beach
When it comes to top brands on the market we definitely have to mention Hamilton Beach which manufactures and sells a wide variety of ingenious products under the name of many brands, including the Hamilton Beach brand. We will only mention a few, such as blenders, coffees makers, slow cookers or bread makers, and you can be sure that all of them are designed to offer many reliable options to all those who want to ease their life. The Hamilton Beach 29882 is a great machine that comes at a reasonable price while offering impressive features and versatility to the cooking process.
The bread makers selected by us come with multiple programs, impressive features, and useful accessories. The best model is Zojirushi BB-PAC20 as it is the best combination of functionality and attractive design. On the other hand, Cuisinart CBK-100 is one of the most popular options and the price is affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
?When It Is Recommended to Use the Delay Timer?
The delay timer is a great feature as it allows you to delay the start up to 12 or 13 hours. This means you can eat freshly baked bread when you wake up in the morning or when you come home from work. However, it is not always recommended that you use this setting with dough, gluten-free, jam, or cake programs. Also, never use it when you add perishable ingredients. The rapid function is not compatible with the delay timer.
?How Durable is a Bread Machine?
The top-rated models are very durable, so you can expect them to last for many years. Of course, the lifetime of a bread machine can be influenced by many factors. You have to properly maintain the bread maker and to always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer if you want to enjoy the same performance for many years.
?How Many Days Does the Bread Last?
Considering the fact that you don’t add any preservatives when you make the bread, it will for 2 or 3 days. A good trick to make it last for more days is to wrap it in a foil as this will prevent the bread from drying out.
