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The time-honored tradition of bread making has become a lot easier and quicker thanks to the increasing success and functionality of modern bread making machines. You will do good having one of these machines in your home. The aroma of baking bread in your home almost feels like nothing else. And all you need to do is push a few buttons and you are all set in a few minutes.Nothing ever seems to go wrong with a good bread maker around. However, the challenge comes when you are looking to buy a new bread maker for the first time or looking to replace your old one. There are dozens of factors that you ought to consider to land the best bread maker that suit your preferences. You should start thinking of factors like the size of the bread maker, shape, weight, programmable capabilities, etc. This article aims to expound on some of these factors to make it easier for you to get the best bread maker in the store. Here is what you need to know.
Range of models
Bread makers, as with most of the other machines, have a wide range of models that you have to choose from. This can end up being really confusing to the buyers. One of the best ways to narrow this wide field down is to choose if you want to buy a basic machine or one with loads of options and additional features. For beginners, the simpler basic models are probably best. At least until they are certain that they can utilize the more expensive machines better. Ultimately, what you intend to do with the bread maker is what determines the features you need it to have. Thus, model type.
The size and weight of the machine
Most bread machines are quite large and bulky. And this can pose as a challenge especially when not using the bread machine. You need to know where you will store the machine when not in use. Otherwise, you will end up with a very large machine that is eating up a lot of space in your kitchen.
You will also need to factor in the weight of the bread maker. After all, you will need to move it from time to time when storing it and when bringing it out from storage to make bread. This is an especially critical factor if you plan to use the bread maker more often. Some bread making machines weigh less than 5kgs. Whereas others can weigh more than 6kgs.
Choose your pan
Most bread makers come with pans that range in size from 1 to 2½ pounds where you add, mix, and bake your ingredients. The size and style of your bread maker pan will determine the shape of bread and number of slices. Most economic machines come equipped with vertical pans which make tall loaves with rounded tops. Other pans make square loaves whereas other pans create the traditional horizontal loaves. So, you may want to factor in the size and style of pan you want for your bread maker before buying one. Envision yourself slicing your bread. This may help you know the size and style of pan you want for your machine.
Type of bread you want to make
When looking to buy a bread maker, you are obviously looking to make bread with it. the question now comes which type of bread you intend to bake using the bread maker. Different bread makers come in different models and features. Some are manufactured to bake white bread while others bake wheat bread.
Most white bread makers are simple models that have basic cycles to produce good results. The wheat bread makers have extra cycles which allow for longer rising times to bake more dense loaves. The more advanced bread makers even come with programmable settings that you can use to determine the length of a timed cycle.
Bells and whistles
This feature is not as important but can be equally useful. You want to have a bread maker that alerts you when it is time to add new mix-ins like raisins or nuts to your list of ingredients in the machine. Other machines can even go as far as making cook rice or jam. However, you want to know when is the right time to add more ingredients to the mix. And a good bread machine will come with good alert features for just that.
Length of warranty
Different models of bread makers come with different warranty lengths. So, whatever the style, settings, or features in the bread maker, it is wise to also check the length of the warranty it has. Aside from that, you also want to check the warranty worthiness like other terms in the warranty. Do not commit to any bread maker if its manufacturer is not to show you the love in return. Most bread maker warranties vary from 3 months and can go up to a year. this small piece of paper can come in handy when your bread maker suddenly breaks down for no reason. It may be due to some technical fault which was not caused by you. If the manufacturers can confirm this, then your warranty can cover the damages and maybe even get you a new machine that works fine. So, do not underestimate the power of the bread maker warranty. Keep it safe. You never know when you might need it.
Final thoughts
Bread makers are awesome machines to have in your home and can serve you for many years provided you get the right one that suits you. Generally, you should expect a bread maker that bakes three loaves each week to last for about three years or even longer if you are lucky. Now that is a lot of dough. You only need to pick the best machine from the myriad of machines and models in the market and you will be set for a couple of years provided you know how to maintain the machine.
