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Here are the best bread machines according to hours of bread-making tests. If you use your bread maker semi-regularly and take good care of it, it can last up to 10 years or even longer. But if you use your machine a lot—say, for example, every day—it’ll probably last closer to 5 years. In any case, be sure to read your bread machine’s manual to ensure you’re maintaining and cleaning it properly to keep it in its best shape as long as possible. You also get a yeast-free option to make quick breads and a “crusty loaf” function for a more artisanal crust.
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The 4 Best Bread Makers of 2022, Tested and Reviewed
The paddle should knead the dough thoroughly, reaching every bit of the pan, so no patches of flour are left in the corners. The machine also needs to maintain an even, gentle warmth as the dough rises so that the loaf doesn’t come out leaden and under-risen or overproofed and collapsed. And finally, the machine should bake the bread to an even, golden brown on the medium setting, with no hot spots. Like any other baking project, bread made in a bread machine requires precision. Haphazardly dumping in ingredients without careful measuring is likely to yield an uneven loaf at best . A bread machine is also not great for making super chewy, crusty, artisan loaves, which require much slower rising times and hotter oven temperatures.
Some machines also have a ‘rapid’ feature for quick breakfast loaves, and the ability to pre-program your own recipes. But, before investing in one of the best bread machines, there are some things to consider. Some models offer various settings, such as different loaf sizes or crust tones.
Best for Beginners: Secura Bread Maker
This machine has two kneading paddles to make sure no bits of flour are left unmixed, and a 13-hour delay timer so you can wake up to hot, fresh bread for breakfast. A large window even lets you check the progress of your bread as it bakes. All you need to do is add the ingredients, such as flour, water, yeast and salt, in the machine, adjust the settings, and wait for a few hours to get lovely fresh bread.
Bread makers can fulfill all of your carb dreams, so consider finding one that provides options to ensure you get maximum use. You'll want to know if the machine makes different types of loaves, different sizes , and different crust shades . Each machine has its own menu of settings, so you should know what will make the best experience for you.
Breadmaker reviews
But even at this price you get an LCD display that’s easy to program. Let the fresh-baked bread cool completely before wrapping it for freezer storage. Wrap the loaves in plastic wrap and then place them into an airtight freezer bag.
My family always requests this light, tender bread with a hint of lemon. For a healthy change of pace, try this moist, nicely textured loaf that's flecked with pretty carrot pieces. This feature shows the stage of the bread-making process in the electronic display window. This is the recommended retail price at the time of testing, but shop around because you might be able to find a better deal. We also give you good and bad points for each model, and our Recommended list will help you quickly see which models come out on top. Where you store your food can impact how long it stays fresh and reduce your risk of cross contamination.
Hamilton Beach HomeBaker 2-Pound Breadmaker
It's normal for wholewheat breads to be slightly smaller and denser than a white loaf. The dough setting will perform the mixing/kneading/punch down and first rise automatically. You can then shape the dough into rolls, plaits, bagels or whatever you like, allow to rise a second time, then bake in a conventional oven. This common feature allows a user to control the browning of the crust. Depending on how brown you want the crust, a bread maker provides three crust settings―regular, medium, dark.
Larger-capacity, higher-power ones generally take up more counter space and are heavier, though clever design configurations can save space. Smaller machines are easier to store out of sight when not in use—some even have a portable carrying handle—but they may have fewer settings and not be able to make large loaves of bread. By simply adding all of the ingredients and pushing a few buttons, a bread machine does the rest of the work for you—actually making the bread—rendering the process quicker and easier. Plus, you can control what's going into your bread and try your hand at several varieties, from white bread to artisan loaves.
The Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus is a top-of-the-line machine. Unlike many other bread makers, it makes a standard 9-by-5-inch loaf, and its two kneading paddles, powerful motor, and even temperatures yield lofty, golden-brown breads every time. It’s a hefty, pricey appliance, but if you’re committed to making your own bread regularly, it’s the most consistent and durable machine we’ve found. Do you want to bake different types of breads such as gluten-free bread, whole wheat bread, pizza dough, artisan bread, dessert loaves, or cakes?
Donna Currie, a writer for The Spruce Eats, is a bread-making expert. Not only did she review a couple of our top picks, but she also wrote Make Ahead Bread, which breaks down the bread-baking process for readers. Donna occasionally likes to ditch the recipe book and experiment and loves that the Zojirushi bread maker was up to the task. Bread machines should be cleaned after each use to keep them sanitary and looking new. After use, unplug the bread machine and let it cool completely before cleaning.
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