Bread machines are amazing. Most people use them because they are extremely efficient and very easy to use. These kitchen appliances help you control the ingredients, so if you follow a gluten-free diet, this interesting device is exactly what you need. Furthermore, a bread machine helps you save lots of money over the long run. Therefore, if you are interested in purchasing a quality bread machine, check bread machine reviews and keep on reading the following bread maker buying guide to find out what is important to consider in the product you want to buy.
The shape of the loaf
There are hundreds of bread machines on the market, that is quite difficult to choose only one model. Therefore, before you go shopping make sure you already know what you want. For example, you need to decide whether you want a taller or a smaller loaf. Some bread machines come with a vertical shape, which results in a tall standing loaf, while the vertical models provide you with a smaller loaf. The Zojirushi BB-PAC20, for example, makes the best horizontal loaf. Also known as “Home Bakery Virtuoso”, this incredible bread maker is one of the best models on the market. It has everything a quality bread machine needs. It is efficient, durable and very easy to use. Plus, it comes with a plethora of impressive features that will surely meet all your requirements.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a vertical machine, have a look at the Oster CKSTBRTW20 model. Besides the incredibly low price, this bread machine is extremely efficient and does a great job. It allows you to select from 3 different loaf sizes, including 1 lb, 1.5 lb and 2 lb, which makes it suitable for large families.
Bread maker features and settings
Choosing the right bread maker can be an exciting yet complicated task as there are too many models on the market. Each model comes with a plethora of features and programmable options that will make the baking process much easier. With these programmable options, you can control the color of the crust, for example how light or dark you want it to be or how long you want it to rise or bake. You can even choose to knead the dough without baking it or bake it without kneading it. There are so many options that after using one of these machines you couldn’t go back to your old maker anymore.
Delay timer
The delay timer is an important feature for all those people who want freshly baked bread for breakfast. It is a nice feature that allows you to choose when to start baking the bread. For example, before you go to bed, you can add all the ingredients you need for the bread and set the timer to start the baking process in the morning. In simple terms, the purpose of this function is to program your machine to make bread overnight or during the day while you are too busy to bake bread.
Preset programs
The preset programs are very useful for all those people who like different types of bread, including white bread, whole wheat, meatloaf, gluten-free and multigrain bread. Some models have programs for jam, pasta and even chocolate while others are equipped with dough settings which can help you make pizza dough and other stuff that you can bake in your oven.
Auto dispenser
To easily make the type of bread you want, including a bread with fruits and nuts, you need a bread maker that comes with an auto dispenser. If you are using the delay timer for baking, make sure your machine is equipped with an auto dispenser for the fruits and nuts. On the other hand, if your favorite model doesn’t have this function, make sure it has at least an alarm to announce you when to add these ingredients.
Warranty and support
If you are looking to purchase a bread maker, make sure it comes with a good warranty. Some products carry a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty while others come with a 2 to 3-year limited warranty which covers only defects in materials and workmanship. More than that, it’s recommended to do some research and read several reviews to find out whether a brand has a good customer support or not.
