NPR: If you have a bread machine

TessieF · January 2011

I made some cinnamin raisin swirl bread this weekend, and while it came out ok, it didn't rise as much as it was supposed to. I'm not sure what went wrong, the yeast was new, I put in a warm enough spot -- who knows, I find yeast bread to be pretty moody. I was thinking of purchasing a bread machine to insure more even results but I wonder if it would just take up space in my small kitchen.

So if you own a bread machine, do you use it? How often? What make/model did you purchase, and are you happy with it?

lynn97 · January 2011

I can't recall my exact bread machine (Regal, I think is the brand?). I've had it for 10 years and use it several times a year. I get on homemade bread kicks every so often and use it a lot. I've been very happy with it.

Yeast bread is definitely particular. I'd suspect that your temps were off on your liquid (too warm or too cool and the yeast won't rise properly). The bread machine isn't foolproof, though. You have to make sure your liquids are the proper temperature and your ingredients must go into the machine in the proper order.

deo · January 2011

I have a bread machine, it's a Black & Decker All in One model. I use it about 2 to 3 times a month, sometimes more, sometimes less. It was a gift from MIL.

Most of the time I use just the dough cycle and then finish baking it in the oven so that the loaf is nicer looking. I can't remember the last time I actually cooked the bread in the bread machine.

I make Pizza dough in it whenever we have homemade pizza and it comes out perfect every time.

mbritto4 · January 2011

I have had mine about 9 years and love it. I don't use it non stop but I like using it for the knead/first rise cycles for things like French bread & pizza dough. With my pizza stone they do good work

the recipes for even just starting in a bread machine are different, but I've found some good recipes in a few cookbooks and allrecipes.

croberts22 · January 2011

I don't remember what brand mine is, but its older. My Grandma gave it to me because it sat in their storage and never got used. DH and I go through periods where we have a lot of fresh bread and then won't for a while. When we are eating it, I make a loaf every couple days. Even though my machine is older, I never have trouble getting the bread to come out normal. I usually put the ingredients in before bed and its done in the morning when I get up or before I leave for work and its done when I get home.

Molluskwrangler · January 2011

I don't have a bread machine but I am a chef and have made bread daily in the past. Yeast bread is very finicky and any small change can throw it off. I could make the same recipe daily and have a slightly different outcome.

Like PP said it could be something as simple as your temps not being right on for your liquids. Also, be sure there is zero draft where you leave your dough to rise. I do mine in my laundry room, I actually create my own proof box by putting a damp towel in the dryer on high, it elevates the temp to the room and adds moisture which is what bread dough loves.

citychicks · January 2011

I have a black and decker bread machine and use it a few times a week. I make all our bread, bagels and pizza dough rather than getting the store bought stuff because the stuff we make has way less salt, sugar etc. By going more natural with our breads, baking, fruits and veg, I don't feel as bad letting my kids have fast food once or twice a month. The bread makers make it really easy. Put the ingredients in (takes about 5-7mins) hit start and come back 3 hours later (many machines have a delayed start if being back in 3-4 hours is a problem).

Carbaby411 · January 2011

I LOVE MY BREAD MACHINE! I have a cuisinart and I use it at least once a week and every time we have company over I make some for dinner and some for them to take home. It have sort of become "my thing". I have also used it ot make pizza dough and that work great too.

(If I am impatient and use the quick cook it sometimes doesn't rise all of the way - but it is still good!)

grace_smith03 · January 2011

I do have a bread machine, i use it quite often...i forget the brand (and i'm not home, or i'll check)...it has a rectangular footprint, which means the bread kind of bakes on its side? I'd definitely not get one like that. I only use the machine to mix everything up, but it suits my purposes.

I've read a bit about yeast breads...some things that i didn't know a few loaves ago...lol....

water temp should be approx 110...alot warmer you'll kill the yeast.

Yeast must be relatively fresh. I bought in bulk (the jars?) and it never worked out for me, even if i used WAY before the expiration date

When you proof the yeast, always have some sugar in the water to feed the yeast.

Try to use salt without iodide; iodide can prevent bread from rising properly.

You can proof your loaves in the dishwasher or oven. I've used both of these with tons of success.

GL! That bread you made sounds delish.

ymmas911 · January 2011

I got one from BB&B and dont use it often. Pretty much everything I've made in it has come out very dense.

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