Bread from a traditional Russian oven has long been considered a table decoration and the pride of a hostess, and family recipes for delicious pastries are still handed down from generation to generation. But not every modern person can make time for culinary feats. Compact electric bread machines come to the rescue, having won the trust of many owners.
The principle of the bread machine
A bread machine is a household appliance designed for baking bread based on yeast and yeast-free 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 feast on home-made fragrant pastries.
Human participation in the preparation of bread is minimal: this smart device not only bakes bread, but also mixes the ingredients.
The only thing that needs to be done to the owner of the miniature oven is to measure the required amount of ingredients and add to the bowl of the device. Then the baker kneads the dough and goes into one of the baking modes. Information about the cooking process is displayed. A sound will indicate that it is ready.
The device provides various temperature conditions depending on the type of flour products and the corresponding program.
On average, preparing a loaf of bread takes up to 4 hours. Devices with high power can reduce the process to 2 hours, but such bread machines require high energy costs, which means they are less economical.
To prepare lush bread that will remain soft for several days, you must choose a recipe using yeast. However, few people can knead yeast dough, which will not fall off during baking. The bread maker simplifies this task. After mixing the components, the device will let the dough “breathe” so that the fermentation processes go through and the dough rises. After preparing the dough and re-kneading, the baking process begins.
Advantages
The main advantage of the breadmaker is the saving of time and energy: not everyone is eager to knead the dough on their own, run around the oven and frantically make sure that the bread is baked and not burnt.
Breadmakers increase not only the taste, but also the aesthetic qualities of the product, and bake bread for a specific taste: they provide the function of choosing the color of the crust - from light golden to crispy.
Some models are equipped with such a device as a dispenser, which adds additional ingredients to the dough, such as chopped nuts, raisins, candied fruits. The oven user only needs to fill the components into the dispenser, the device itself will add it to the dough at a certain point.
The oven’s repertoire is not limited to making bread. This kitchen appliance is suitable for baking muffins, stuffed pies, making jam and even yoghurts.
Disadvantages
Before purchasing this useful device, it is recommended that you pay attention to the following points:
- the more powerful the baker, the higher the power consumption. If the item of expenses does not provide for such expenses, a more economical model should be chosen;
- a baker requires extra space in the kitchen;
- regular consumption of flour products can negatively affect the state of blood vessels and lead to the appearance of excess weight, so it is more useful to replace recipes with less high-calorie ones.
Types of Bread Makers
Breadmakers are distinguished by the weight of the finished product, which can be from 300 g. up to 2.5 kg. Basic models with a small form are suitable for a family of three.
On the market are bread makers equipped with a glass lid, which allows you to follow the cooking process. Some analogues have an additional form for a French baguette. However, these additional options add to the cost of the unit.
Important! If there are children in the family, you should pay attention to models with a cover lock function. With her, the child will not be able to independently open the breadmaker, which will protect him from burns.
A detailed article on choosing a bread machine.
Technical characteristics of bread machines
A standard bread maker consists of a case equipped with a heating element. Power varies from 450 to 860 watts. Weight ranges from 4 to 7.5 kg. The case is made of plastic or stainless steel.
The bowl has a teflon or ceramic non-stick coating. Ceramics has several advantages: it is more environmentally friendly and resistant to high temperatures - withstands up to 400 degrees. Management is via keys. Dear counterparts are equipped with touch control, which is easier to maintain and operate.
Important! In order not to damage the protective coating, it is forbidden to clean the bowl and the surface of the breadmaker with abrasive products. It is recommended to use hypoallergenic dishwashing gels and soft sponges.
Which type of bread machine is better
Among the models that have proven themselves in the market, Philips HD9046 stands out. Its advantages include a large mass of the finished product (up to 1 kg), 14 programs, the presence of a delayed start. The Mystery MBM-1202 furnace of the Russian-Chinese brand is a budget version of the previous model and is not inferior in characteristics. However, these models lack a dispenser and a child protection feature.
Panasonic SD-2501 is equipped with wide functionality, which includes 12 programs, a dispenser, the ability to lock. The mass of the finished product is 1250 gr.
Midea AHS15BC belongs to the middle price category; offers 13 programs, delayed start, but does not have a dispenser. The maximum mass of a loaf is 1 kg.
The leader is the Kenwood BM450 model. The manufacturer equipped it with 15 baking programs, a dispenser, a metal case. Touch control. Finished product up to 1 kg.
Conclusion
Bread maker is a real find for lovers of homemade cakes and adherents of a healthy diet. When choosing a model, you should pay attention to such parameters as the power of the device, bowl capacity, housing material and the presence of additional functions.
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