How does a bread maker work?

Bread from a traditional Russian oven has long been considered the decoration of the table and the pride of the housewife, and family recipes for delicious baked goods are still passed down from generation to generation. But not every modern person can find time to accomplish culinary feats. Compact electric bread makers come to the rescue and have won the trust of many owners.

The working principle of a bread maker

A bread maker is a household appliance designed for baking bread based on yeast and unleavened dough. This oven is designed for use at home, does not require special culinary knowledge and is designed to simplify the work of its owner who wants to enjoy home-made aromatic pastries.

Human participation in bread preparation is minimal: this smart device not only bakes bread, but also mixes ingredients.

The only thing the owner of a miniature oven needs to do is measure out the required amount of ingredients and add them to the bowl of the device. After which the bread maker will knead the dough and switch to one of the baking modes. Information about the cooking process will appear on the display. A sound signal will indicate readiness.

The device has different temperature modes depending on the type of flour product and the corresponding program.

On average, it takes up to 4 hours to prepare a loaf of bread. Devices with high power can reduce the process to 2 hours, but such bread makers require high energy consumption, which means they are less economical.

To make fluffy bread that will remain soft for several days, you need to choose a recipe using yeast. However, few people know how to knead yeast dough that will not fall off during baking. A bread maker makes this task easier. After mixing the components, the device will allow the dough to “breathe” so that fermentation processes take place and the dough rises. After preparing the dough and re-kneading, the baking process begins.

Advantages

The main advantage of a bread machine is the saving of time and energy: not everyone is eager to knead the dough themselves, run around the oven and frantically make sure that the bread is baked and not burnt.

Bread makers improve not only the taste, but also the aesthetic qualities of the product, and bake bread to a specific taste: they provide a function for choosing the color of the crust - from light golden to crispy.

Some models are equipped with a device such as a dispenser, which adds additional ingredients to the dough, such as chopped nuts, raisins, and candied fruits. The oven user only needs to pour the ingredients into the dispenser; the device itself will add it to the dough at a certain moment.

The oven's repertoire is not limited to making bread. This kitchen appliance is suitable for baking muffins, mince pies, making jam and even yoghurt.

Flaws

Before purchasing this useful device, it is recommended to pay attention to the following points:

• The more powerful the bread maker, the higher the power consumption.If the expense item does not provide for such expenses, you should choose a more economical model;
• a bread machine requires additional space in the kitchen;
• Regular consumption of flour products can negatively affect the condition of blood vessels and lead to excess weight, so it is more useful to replace recipes with lower calorie ones.

Types of bread machines

Bread makers are distinguished by the weight of the finished product, which can range from 300 grams. up to 2.5 kg. Basic models with a small shape are suitable for a family of three.

There are bread makers on the market equipped with a glass lid that allows you to monitor the cooking process. Some analogues have an additional shape for a French baguette. However, these additional options increase the cost of the unit.

Important! If there are children in the family, you should pay attention to models with a lid lock function. With it, the child will not be able to open the bread maker on his own, which will protect him from burns.

Detailed article about choosing a bread machine.

Technical characteristics of bread machines

A standard bread maker consists of a housing equipped with a heating element. Power varies from 450 to 860 W. Weight ranges from 4 to 7.5 kg. The body is made of plastic or stainless steel.

The bowl has a Teflon or ceramic non-stick coating. Ceramics has a number of advantages: it is more environmentally friendly and resistant to high temperatures - it can withstand up to 400 degrees. Control is carried out via keys. Expensive analogues are equipped with touch controls, which are easier to maintain and operate.

Important! To avoid damaging the protective coating, do not clean the bowl or surface of the bread maker with abrasive agents.It is recommended to use hypoallergenic dishwashing gels and soft sponges.

Which type of bread maker is better?

Among the models that have proven themselves on the market, Philips HD9046 stands out. Its advantages include the large mass of the finished product (up to 1 kg), 14 programs, and the presence of a delayed start. The Mystery MBM-1202 stove of the Russian-Chinese brand is a budget version of the previous model and is not inferior in characteristics. However, these models do not have a dispenser or child lock feature.

Panasonic SD-2501 is equipped with wide functionality, which includes 12 programs, a dispenser, and the ability to lock. The weight of the finished product is 1250 g.

Midea AHS15BC belongs to the middle price category; offers 13 programs, delayed start, but does not have a dispenser. The maximum weight of a loaf is 1 kg.

The leader is considered to be the Kenwood BM450 model. The manufacturer equipped it with 15 baking programs, a dispenser, and a metal case. Touch control. Finished product up to 1 kg.

Conclusion

A bread maker is a real find for lovers of home baking and healthy eating enthusiasts. When choosing a model, you should pay attention to such parameters as the power of the device, bowl capacity, body material and the presence of additional functions.