Bread Machines
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There is nothing is better than coming home to the smell of freshly-baked bread. With a bread machine,  plus a little effort and a push of a button, the whole house will be filled with the delicious smell of hot bread whenever you want. Did I mention how great that fresh bread will taste? If this sounds like the best thing you've ever heard, or know someone else who might think it is the best thing ever, then a bread machine may be a great investment. - Keep in mind that bread machines are frequent additions to appliance graveyards. Don't invest in a top-of-the-line model unless you're sure you need it -- better to start with a smaller, less expensive machine and move up in a few years if you decide you need it.
- Remember it takes a long time to prepare and make bread from scratch. New bread mixes can cut down on the prep time, but the bread will still take at least an hour to cook.
Important Features- Loaf Size and Shape
- The first thing to decide when choosing a bread machine is how big you want the loaves to be. If you are baking for just one or two people, a small loaf might be enough. If you have a larger family or just really like having a lot of bread around, look into large 2-pound models.
- Keep in mind that some larger models can also make smaller loaves, but they get the best results when used at full capacity.
- Loaf shape generally doesn't affect the quality of the bread. Some machines can do different shapes, although most stick to a square or rectangular loaf.
- Beyond the Basic Loaf
- Some people are happy with just plain white or rye bread. If you like a wide variety of breads, however, look for special features that will help your nine-grain loaf or your asiago-sunflower bread come out just right. Here are some features to look for:
- Whole wheat settings.
- Option to add certain ingredients (cheese, fruit, nuts) later in baking.
- Sourdough starter option.
- Crust control -- light or dark; soft, chewy or crispy; etc.
- Some bread machines do more than bread. Look for:
- Meatloaf setting.
- Jam setting.
- Dough setting (for pizza dough etc.).
- Some machines have numerous settings, while others may have only a few. Evaluate your baking plans before deciding what features you need. Don't pay for settings you don't need -- if you only want a nice loaf to have with dinner, you probably don't need all those features.
- Timers, Delays, and Warming
- Cleaning Up
- Fresh bread is wonderful; cleaning is not.
- Look for models that offer easily removable parts for cleaning.
- Dishwasher-safe parts are always a bonus.
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