Bread machine

Breadmaker 7988

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Bread Maker

Bread machine

A bread machine or bread maker is a home appliance for baking bread. It consists of a bread pan (or "tin"), at the bottom of which are one or more built-in paddles, mounted in the center of a small special-purpose oven. It is controlled by a simple built-in computer using settings input via a control panel. Most bread machines have different cycles for different kinds of dough—including white bread, whole grain, and dough-only (for pizza dough and shaped loaves baked in a conventional oven). Many also have a timer to allow the bread machine to activate without operator attendance, and some high-end models allow the user to program a custom cycle.

History

The first bread machine was released in Japan in 1986 by the Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., now known as Panasonic. Since then, bread machines have become popular in many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Components

A typical bread machine consists of the following components:

• Bread pan: The container where the ingredients are placed and mixed.
• Kneading paddle: A small device that mixes the ingredients and kneads the dough.
• Control panel: Used to select the type of bread and the baking cycle.
• Heating element: Provides the necessary heat to bake the bread.
• Timer: Allows the user to set a delayed start time.

Operation

To use a bread machine, the user typically adds ingredients in a specified order, selects the appropriate cycle, and starts the machine. The machine then mixes the ingredients, kneads the dough, allows it to rise, and bakes the bread. The entire process usually takes between 2 to 5 hours, depending on the type of bread and the machine's settings.

Types of Bread

Bread machines can produce a variety of bread types, including:

• White bread
• Whole wheat bread
• Rye bread
• Gluten-free bread
• Sourdough bread

Advantages

Using a bread machine offers several advantages:

• Convenience: Bread machines automate the bread-making process, requiring minimal effort from the user.
• Customization: Users can experiment with different ingredients and recipes.
• Freshness: Homemade bread is often fresher and free from preservatives compared to store-bought bread.

Disadvantages

There are also some disadvantages to using a bread machine:

• Size and shape: Bread machines typically produce loaves with a uniform size and shape, which may not be desirable for all types of bread.
• Texture: The texture of bread made in a machine can be different from that of bread made by hand or in a conventional oven.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance of a bread machine includes:

• Regular cleaning of the bread pan and kneading paddle.
• Ensuring the heating element is free from debris.
• Checking the control panel and timer for proper functionality.

Related Pages

• Bread
• Baking
• Kitchen appliance
• Panasonic
• Gluten-free diet