Bread machines - input?

desertmom · **Bread machines - input?**

I'm REALLY thinking of getting a bread-making machine. Is it a good idea? Or should I save the space and money and just use a mixing bowl and bread pans? It seems like the bread machine would be better and more energy efficient than heating the oven and kitchen.

What features should I look for? What brands are pretty good? I don't want to spend a lot (no $300 Zojurishu machines or whatever they're called).

Bucsnpats · 07-06-2007, 01:03 PM

I have one...its a Welbuilt....it is a very simple one with 4-6 settings. I don't use it as often as a should. But when I do everyone loves it. I use the quick bread setting the most and the bread is done in under an hour. But that is only good if you are doing white bread. The other kinds that I have tried don't usually turn out that great on the quick setting so I use the full three hour setting. Mine is probably 5-6 years old...so I am sure there are some better ones out there. But I would recommend it. I love it!

mommy2mercedes · 07-06-2007, 03:44 PM

I have 3 of them and love them all.........I forget the brand its chrome and I got it at Target ........one from wal mart.........and the other was a thrift store find.....all work great.

Although I use mine more in the fall and winter......I use all 3 ALOT!!!So I would vote get one!!!

jennifer1027 · **Not sure...**

I've never used a bread machine I just do mine by hand & then put it in the oven. I own a grain mill & grind my own wheat. I also have a mixer with a heavy duty dough hook. I enjoy making "healthy" bread for my family. A grain mill is the best investment I've ever made, having freshly ground wheat so I can make not only bread but muffins, pancakes, ect. is wonderful!

Artie · 07-06-2007, 06:59 PM

I've used my food processor, my Kitchen aid mixer, and just yesterday my bread machine to make bread. For some reason, I've been having trouble making it with my food processor (the bread seems to get too heavy and dry out too quickly...not sure if it's the yeast, though I've tested it, and it was fine or that I'm not mixing it long enough...I've been troubleshooting). Back a few years ago, when I made bread way more often, I had great luck using my food processor. Then, last week, I tried a new recipe and my kitchen aid mixer. It worked really well, but the bread was more white flour than WW, which I didn't like. At the end of last week, I ran into an old friend at the park, and we started talking bread. She asked me if I had a bread maker, to which I said I didn't. She offered me one...she actually had it in her car (apparently Good Will wouldn't take it). I tried it yesterday, and it was AWESOME!! The bread turned out so nice! I used the dough setting, then I took it out to shape, placed in a loaf pan, let it do the final raise (which only took about 20 mins), and baked it in the oven. PERFECT loaf of bread! I made 2 loaves yesterday. Now, I just need another bread maker or two!

As far as whether or not I'd recommend one for you, it really depends upon how often you think you'd use it. You may be able to find one really cheap somewhere, and then I'd recommend it. You can also make pitas or pizza dough with it. Lots of things. Although, if you have a food processor, you may want to try that method first. I can send you my recipe to try. Like I said, it used to turn out just fine for me, so obviously there's something I'm doing differently now. My MIL also uses this recipe all the time with great results. (Oh, and you can use your bread machine to make almost any bread recipe, as long as it fits in the machine and you add the ingredients in the order recommended in your manual.)

Oh, and mine is a Panasonic. I've seen a lot of good reviews on it, so it must be a good one.

LuvMySoldier · **To Buy, or NOT to buy...$10 Bread Machine**

I've never priced bread machines, but yesterday I saw one at the thrift store for $10. It looked a little dirty (not rusty), so it shouldn't be a big deal to clean it up. I'd love to have an easier way to make bread, pizza crust, etc. (kneading hurts my arms after a while) and I'm sure $10 probably isn't that much for one. Thing is, I don't know what brand it is, and I don't think it's got the instructions with it. Should I buy it?? (Before someone else snatches it up???)

Oh, and I have a question about whether or not I can use my OWN ingrediants, or if I have to buy the packaged bread mixes. I don't want to have to do that!

flybygrace · 07-11-2007, 05:09 PM

you dont have to buy the prepackaged mixes - you can definately use your own ingredients. google bread maker recipes online and you'll find tons of them - more than for just bread. there's quick breads, bagels, english muffins, dough for rolls, sweet rolls, pizza dough, foccacia bread, etc. most bread makers have the same order of adding ingredients to the maker and i'm sure there's something on the maker somewhere that will tell you the company name, if nothing else. nowadays you can likely google the company to find more information. before you buy, check to make sure all parts (mixing bars, pan, etc) are there and see if you can plug it in to make sure it works, or take it home to test it and bring it back the next day if it doesn't. i'd buy it - you can recoup the $10 price by making your first 5 loaves of bread instead of buying them. oh, and another thing - i've NEVER used bread machine flour in my ventures with the machine and everything i've made has turned out super great.