Do-it-yourself operation and repair of a bread machine

What is a bread machine for and how does it work?

A bread maker is a small electrical appliance that is used for baking bread at home. Modern devices have many functions that allow you to automate the cooking process as much as possible and get an excellent product, regardless of your culinary skills.

Baking ovens operate using a special element that heats the internal chamber. Almost all such equipment is equipped with temperature sensors. This device allows you to control the temperature and maintain it throughout cooking.

In addition, the standard model consists of the following elements:

• Baking chamber in which the dough is kneaded and baked;
• A bucket in which all the necessary ingredients are placed;
• A lid that closes the bread machine during operation;
• Control Panel.

To make a standard loaf of bread, you need to place the ingredients in a bucket and knead the dough. After this, a suitable baking program is selected and the cooking process starts. It usually takes from one to five hours, depending on the power of the device and the weight of the product.

The working principle of a bread maker

Every day, more and more equipment appears on the market that independently performs various tasks. Due to its growing popularity, many housewives began to become interested in how a bread maker works and what it is needed for. Thanks to it, you can prepare bread without any effort. Depending on the model and your own desires, you can choose a bread recipe with various additives. For example, bread with nuts, raisins, olives, etc.

The housewife only needs to choose a recipe, throw the necessary products into the bread machine and set the program. Within a few hours (depending on the recipe), the equipment itself, without human intervention, will prepare delicious, hot bread. The operating principle of the bread machine is as follows:

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  First, the technique kneads the dough and leaves it for a while so that it “fits.”

• Then repeats the kneading procedure to remove excess air bubbles.
• After the dough has rested again, the equipment begins to bake bread.
• Upon completion of operation, the bread maker leaves the finished bread warm for several hours.

When comparing several models, significant differences may be observed. For example, in some variants the food should be added one at a time, and even topped up as it cooks. Other models cope with this activity themselves. In addition, in some options you should put liquid food first, and in some dry food.

Regardless of the model you choose, you can bake delicious, crispy bread. The main thing is to choose the right recipe and choose good products. The right choice only affects how long the equipment will last and how quickly and easily you can bake bread in it.

Types of bread machines

The main difference between bread machines is their dimensions and shapes of the finished products.

Standard

Regular models are designed to cook one loaf per cycle. They have 10-15 baking programs and a standard, rectangular baking pan.

The power of such devices is optimal for preparing bread for a family of three.

The advantages of such electrical appliances:

• Energy saving;
• Availability of the most necessary programs;
• Small size;
• Attractive price.

Their disadvantages :

• There is not enough power to bake bread for a large number of people;
• Lack of additional features.

Baking two loaves at the same time

These devices are large in size, as they are equipped with an additional container for kneading dough and baking bread. Since it must cook two loaves in one cycle, manufacturers have increased its capacity.

Interesting! The second form can be whole or divided into equal parts. This is necessary so that each department can run its own baking program.

Advantages:

• Increased power;
• Possibility of baking more products at a time;
• Simultaneous use of different recipes.

Flaws:

• High energy costs;
• Large device size;
• Increased price.

Baking round products

To bake bread similar to Easter cake, there are special bread machines with a round container. There you can prepare not only bread, but also various pies, loaves and other products.

Advantages of this option:

• Possibility to bake unusually shaped bread;
• Good power;
• Additional cooking equipment.

Its disadvantages :

• Increased dimensions;
• Higher power consumption;
• Less common on shelves.

Baking several buns or baguettes

These models feature a container that is divided into several smaller parts for preparing buns or cakes. Also, such devices usually have additional functionality for baking baguettes.

Such models have the highest power of at least 1.5 thousand watts.

Advantages:

• Simultaneous preparation of a large number of products;
• Maximum power;
• Additional functionality.

Flaws:

• Increased dimensions;
• The need to independently mold products;
• High energy costs;
• High price.

Brief instructions: how the bread maker works in the video

As stated before, most work almost identically. The differences begin in the degree of functionality. In the store you can see not only what types of stoves there are, but also conduct a test drive. If it is not possible to do the second, then you can obtain the necessary information as follows.

Before buying a bread machine, you should watch videos on the Internet about what characteristics it has and how it works.

A keen eye and attentiveness to the technical description will allow you to find out everything you need:

1. If one oven makes a standard “crust,” then the other allows you to adjust the degree of its richness. To do this, you need to look at the number of loops of the heating element.
2. The more rotational “blades” there are at the bottom of the mold, the greater the choice of dough kneading methods.

Purchasing an oven for baking baked goods will be a profitable investment if a detailed inspection of the gadget is carried out before purchase.

Basic criteria for choosing a bread maker

Also, modern devices have different technical characteristics. When choosing the most suitable option, it is worth starting from individual wishes and capabilities.

Power

The power of bread makers varies from 450 to 1500 W. The higher it is, the faster the baking process proceeds, and the higher the price of the device.

Before purchasing, you need to decide how much time you have to prepare the bread and how often you will bake it.

• In a device with a power of 500-700 W you can cook one loaf in 3-4 hours. It is also worth considering that such devices will not be equipped with a large number of programs;
• Higher power units, from 800 to 1500 W, can cook larger quantities of bread in less than 3 hours.

Baking weight

When considering this criterion, you need to calculate how much baked goods your family usually eats. After the calculations, the following recommendations will help you choose the right bread maker:

• The device, which bakes products weighing from 500 to 700 g, is suitable for a family of two;
• For a family of 3-4 people, an oven that bakes 800-1300 g of bread will be sufficient;
• For families of five or more people, a stove capable of cooking products with a total weight of up to 1.5 kg is suitable.

Inner chamber size

The working bowl is made of aluminum or stainless steel and coated with a non-stick coating. An aluminum bowl is cheaper, but wears out faster. A steel bowl is more durable, but significantly increases the cost of the device.

Recommendation! Before purchasing a stove, be sure to inspect the non-stick layer. It should be absolutely even, smooth, without scratches or bumps and, preferably, thick.

Containers can be:

• Horizontal. This option produces products that are most similar to store-bought rectangular loaves;
• Vertical. Here the bread will look like Easter cake.

The shape and material of the inner chamber do not affect the taste and quality of the finished products.

Number of blades

One or two spatulas can be installed inside the container for kneading dough. If the device has sufficient power, it can easily cope with the task with just one spatula. If the power is minimal, it would be more advisable to choose a device with two mixers.

Experts also noticed that in devices with two blades, the rubber gasket covering their shaft becomes thinner faster. This causes the container to leak and increases the risk of breakage.

One spatula for kneading dough

Two spatulas for kneading dough

Control

Bread makers can have buttons:

• Sensory;
• Touch in glass;
• Pseudo-sensory.

Each type of button is convenient in its own way. All processes are displayed on the display. Budget models often lack a display.

Dimensions and weight

The volume of the bread machine determines how much bread it can bake. This parameter directly depends on the needs of a particular buyer. You should choose a device depending on how much bread you and your family need daily.

You should not purchase a large device for a small kitchen, as it will take up quite a lot of space, which can be used to greater advantage.

Housing and internal coating material

This technique can be made:

• Made from stainless steel . This device is stronger and looks more presentable. But this material is a device, and increases its cost;
• Made of plastic . A body made of this material is lighter, easier to maintain, cheaper, but less wear-resistant.

Stainless steel

Made of plastic

It is important to know! Inner bowls are most often made of Teflon or ceramic. The second option is considered more reliable and easier to use.

Set of programs

Any model has four basic programs:

• Standard. The most basic program, including all stages of bread preparation;
• Accelerated. It allows you to prepare the product in about 2 hours, but such a loaf will turn out less fluffy and tasty;

• Kneading the dough. Different models can be designed to prepare different types of dough. There are also multifunctional options, equipped with additional blades for preparing any type of dough;
• Bakery. Thanks to this program, the bread maker prepares any type of baked goods.

Further, the number and variety of functions depends on the model:

• French bread. This program takes a long time, but the result is very soft and tasty products;
• Cupcakes. Some appliances can only bake muffins, while others can both knead and bake;
• Jam. Preparing jam in a bread machine allows you to preserve vitamins during food processing. However, this is a fairly energy-intensive process;
• Program for making rye bread. To bake this bread, you need special settings that allow you to make it as airy and tasty as possible;
• Baked goods with additives. This program allows housewives to use their imagination and prepare many unusual baking options;
• Degree of crispiness of the crust;
• Kneading pizza dough;
• Kneading yeast-free dough;
• Kneading pasta dough;
• Extinguishing;
• Porridge.

Recommendations on how to choose a bread machine: expert advice

As reviews show, such an acquisition must have a certain reserve of power. Everyone knows this, but not everyone understands exactly what kind of reserve is needed. For example, the operating principle of the professional model is based on a reserve of up to 2 kg.

If we talk about household consumers, then the specified volume is not needed. It will be enough to have a reserve of 0.5-0.7 kg.

In addition, even in a budget version, the available power should allow you to change parameters such as kneading duration, rising and baking speed.

Do not forget that budget bread machine models cannot bake rye bread

If the consumer still does not know which reliable bread maker to choose, then it is necessary to rely on the following practical tips:

• Availability of a system for automatically selecting optimal parameters;
• Availability of the “control baking” option - in different models, the section responsible for quickly preparing bread or rolls has different names;
• If you like culinary experiments, then you need to make sure that the characteristics allow you to manually set the necessary parameters;
• The presence of an automatic dispenser - the option consumes little electricity, while allowing you to taste fresh bread in the morning.

In his pursuit of the functional component, the potential buyer of bread machines ignores the technical description provided in the kit. Depending on gastronomic needs and financial capabilities, a choice is made in favor of a model with different functionality. It must be remembered that a more efficient oven requires more electrical power, which leads to increased costs.

Additional functions of the bread machine

The bread maker can be equipped with various options:

• Timer. Allows you to delay the start of the program;
• Dispenser . Additional compartment into which you can add ingredients during the cooking process;

• Child protection . Fixing the cover of the device during operation;

• Viewing window . It is located on the lid and allows you to monitor the cooking process;

• Memory reserve . In the event of a power outage, the bread maker can operate for another 30-40 minutes without power supply;

• “Favorite program” mode . Allows you to program your own bread making algorithm;

• Keeping warm . Additional heating of the finished product so that it can remain warm for several more hours.

Rating of the best bread machine manufacturers

Budget models

Middle price segment

Premium models

Basic recommendations for choosing a bread machine

• Choose bread machines taking into account the weight of bread you require;
• Prefer more powerful models, as they are able to knead dough faster and cope with baking baguettes and rye products;
• It is best to choose devices with an expanded range of programs, a timer and a heating function;
• Pay attention to whether there is a dispenser;
• When purchasing, check the reliability of the bucket and the integrity of the non-stick coating.

Watch a video on how to choose a bread machine