Do You Really Need a Bread Machine? | Gear Heads

[@lisawilson7889]

Thanks for the video. For me, having a bread machine means that I make bread all the time (really 3-4 times a week, if you count sandwich bread, hamburger rolls, dinner rolls, cinnamon breakfast rolls, English muffins, pizza dough, etc.) I quite literally do not buy bread products anymore. If I had to get out my mixer each time I was going to make bread, it would probably only happen once a week. Everyone should do what makes sense for them.

[@wonderwoman5528]

U go glen co co

[@kevinrehbein7684]

Agreed, the hand made (kneaded, proofed, put in pan, baked) is fun and artisanal but a lot more work. Bread machine is more practical when your working full time. Plus, you can get pretty close to artisanal bread by using the machine to knead and rise, then baking in an oven. You can even do the fancy dusting and cuts this way.

[@DianeML419]

Do you just use the recipes your machine came with, or have you found others that you like? I just received a bread machine from a friend and am experimenting. I love the ease but haven’t been overjoyed with the results from my recipe book. Thank you! I have hope!

[@kevinrehbein7684]

@@DianeML419 I've mostly used recipes that came with my Cuisenart machine. There's a lot of variables that affect the finished bread. The rise, amount of yeast, sugar or not, the way its baked, ingredients, etc... You can use a recipe from any bread book, nothing saying it has to be for a machine. Experiment and have fun!

[@DianeML419]

@@kevinrehbein7684 Thank you for your response! I will experiment. 😊

[@TOM-C.]

I love my bread maker, and one thing to remember is you can always let the machine do the mixing for you, remove the dough, and place in your preferred pan. 👍✌

[@samiam619]

But then it’s just a glorified mixer…

[@annecarson8942]

🙋‍♀️ that’s me! No, it’s not the same as a stand mixer because I believe it is much easier to set and forget until the dough is at the stage I want to start working with. The pan is a zillion times easier to clean than paddles and bowls and flour “poofs”. I control to the minute the initial mix, the resting for getting the flour to absorb the water and then the full kneading cycle. I have a very old Breadman Ultimate machine and I love it!

[@Moi_81]

@@samiam619 mixers do not rise bread at the perfect temperature.

[@sterlingross919]

If I make challah bread I always use a bread machine to make/knead the dough and then I braid it by hand.

[@StealthJackson12B]

I read an article about the zojirushi having paddle issues and a lot have complained about getting aluminum in their loaves. Is this true for you that have had the bread maker for quite some time?

[@ghw7192]

I have been making bread by hand for almost 50 years and enjoy the process. However, i am now 76 years old and and working the joy is not as easy as it used to be and i have been considering getting a bread machine. Thanks for this video!

[@Chi847guy]

I have both a KitchenAid stand mixer and a Zojiroushi. I make bread in both but just can’t beat the ease of the bread machine for a consistent and easy delicious loaf. I even use the dough function quite a bit. I mix sourdough and Ciabatta dough and then rise & bake in the oven. Here is TIP: try aligning the dual mixing blades of the Zojiroushi. Both at 12:00, 6:00 whatever but both pointing the same way. This will (in my experience) produce smooth even tops of bread with no bumps! Thanks.

[@pphedup]

Thank you for that valuable tip!

[@StealthJackson12B]

I read an article about the zojirushi having paddle issues and a lot have complained about getting aluminum in their loaves. Is this true for you that have had the bread maker for quite some time?

[@stephen1r2]

​@@StealthJackson12B I have a really old BB-HAC10 and the non-stick coating on the pan and paddle are still intact. I use it at least once a week. I don't see how you'd get aluminum in a loaf. Just take care not to leave water in the pan too long or soaking in the sink. I'd really like to have an extra pan/paddle just in case though

[@bevintx5440]

Most bread baking machines make a sound to notify you before the last rise starts. That allows one to remove those paddles before baking and prevents those holes. Most bread baking machines have a setting that stops after the kneading and first rise. That allows one to remove the dough and shape it into whatever shape is desired and then can be baked in a regular oven. That’s great for baking rolls, etc on sheet pans and other specialty shapes.

[@peteh7185]

Exactly right…just use the dough cycle …👍

[@valerie577]

I have the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus and it does not sound before baking, only in the knead cycle for additional ingredients

[@l.g.4075]

That’s good to know!!

[@hereholdthiswillya]

Thanks for the pro tips. 🙌

[@bevintx5440]

@@valerie577 you can use that bread machine’s Dough and Homemade courses to accomplish those functions.

[@DC-gy3wj]

Make the dough in the Zo and then put it in a bread pan in the oven! Best of both worlds! I do it all the time. Another method for smaller holes in the bottom using the machine is to take the paddles out after kneading and before the baking cycle in the bread machine. Two small holes!

[@getoffmydarnlawn]

A Rube Goldberg fan in the house.🙂👩‍🍳

[@mygaragebay]

I make a loaf a bread every week since the pandemic. I got a used Hamilton beach to free myself up. I do this hybrid method as described and it works great for me. I let the machine do all the mixing, kneed and first rise. Then transfer to a loaf pan for proof rise and bake. My wife does not want to go back to store bought bread.

[@jeannehooper2650]

I do this too!

[@jeffaley2895]

Until I used a bread machine last year, I didn’t realize you could have the machine make the dough, and then hand-form it into rolls, crescents, etc.

[@lisawilson7889]

@@mygaragebay I couldn’t agree more!

[@Axis_Of_Evil]

I just purchased my first bread machine, the Zojirushi, "Maestro," about 3 weeks ago. I settled on the Maestro mainly because it could make French bread with its European course setting and its 1lb loaf size. I'm 60, male and have never made bread before...ever! Seeing things aren't getting cheaper and I couldn't justify paying the amounts at the store I thought it best to get one and learn how. So far I'm having what I'd concider to be very good results but each loaf is slightly different from the next due too slightly varying flour/water measurements. Almost perfect but not quite if you know what I mean. A very small learning curve. They recommend weighing the ingredients instead of cup measurements so I'm about to get some kitchen scales for accuracy and consistency. So far though, I couldn't be happier.

[@kevinrehbein7684]

+100 on getting kitchen scale and using grams to measure your ingredients. Many recipes use metric for weighing ingredients. This will help consistency.

[@Er-sv5tn]

If you want consistent results just let it mix the bread to the point of rising and put it in a pan yourself

[@StealthJackson12B]

I read an article about the zojirushi having paddle issues and a lot have complained about getting aluminum in their loaves. Is this true for you that have had the bread maker for quite some time?

[@op3129]

what did you pay? do you use a scale or measuring cups?

[@bulruq]

You can REMOVE the mixing paddles between the kneading and final rise on most machines to reduce or even avoid those big holes in the finished product.

[@singincowboy]

My Hamilton Beach has been a game changer. I use the dough setting more than the bake setting. Shaping bread by hand with warm, well proofed dough is delightful.

[@burkenelson2501]

I believe the question should be, "Do you really knead a bread machine?"

[@CrzyAce]

Yes

[@sampedro9316]

You get a bread machine so you don't have to knead anything.

[@mossydog2385]

I love my bread machine! It's an Oster, one of the first models and it _does_ make those annoying tall loaves, BUT you can always use the "dough" setting and do the shape and bake yourself. I used to be a professional baker at the Greenwood Bakery in Seattle where we made the best organic whole wheat sourdough on earth. It was dense and moist and delicious, I used to take some of the ugly loaves home after work and a warm, fresh loaf with butter is typically all I wanted for dinner...maybe with a little brie or sliced ham, but usually just bread and butter. The fiber and protein content of that bread was so high I usually didn't need anything else...maybe a Spaten or Redbook when Redbook was still good. Bread machines are versatile and they do everything with dough that you need and nowadays it's just so easy to set the timer and wake up to hot, fresh bread made with whole rolled oats and wheat germ it's like a hearty meal on a slice, with a little jam, it easily holds me till lunch AND it makes great pizza dough...i used to live on "health pizza" with mostly roasted veggies and maybe a little ham...you can put anything on a pizza, I've even made dessert pizza with kahlua and chocolate flavored creme cheese and fruit, like cherries and kiwi's or mandarins. I've been a professional foodie for most of my over...mmm...50++...+ years and I wouldn't be without a good bread machine. I think I bought mine in 94 or 95 and it's still going after moving back and forth to San Francisco 3 times to help friends open their restaurants and it's never let me down.

[@mysunnypie]

I’ve had my Zojirushi bread machine for about 25 years now and it’s still going strong. I use it weekly to mix up my challah dough which I then hand shape. I always measure by weight by putting the bread container directly on my scale. Consistent results every time. I haven’t baked bread in it for quite a while but it does a great job, I just haven’t used that since I’ve fallen in love with hand sourdough baking!

[@StealthJackson12B]

I read an article about the zojirushi having paddle issues and a lot have complained about getting aluminum in their loaves. Is this true for you that have had the bread maker for quite some time?

[@one-eyepadidally8449]

Why can’t you make sourdough bread in the bread machine?

[@janetmoore1124]

I've had a bread machine since the late 1990s and it is my preferred method of baking bread. I use it to make my pizza dough, too. For those of us who have arthritis, the manual method (even if using a stand mixer) can be a bit too much. There are a lot of options regarding recipes when using a bread machine. While I do have a stand mixer, hauling it around, because it doesn't live on my counter, and keeping an eye on it while it works is more work than I care to put out. That being said, I do keep an eye on my bread machine as the dough comes together. Sometimes I need to add a bit more water or flour depending upon the weather (just like doing it manually), so there is that aspect, but overall it is a lot easier and I rarely have any issues with the end results. Taking the time to remove the paddle(s) after the first rise is a great idea, too.

[@femmeofsubstance]

I agree with you !! I have bad shoulders and serious spinal problems. Bread machine does all the kneading for me, and the results are delicious !! I can make with my very basic machine sophisticated walnut and olive whole wheat bread and multigrain bread with sunflower seeds and rosemary with absolutely no problem. My Chinese friends in the U.S. use theirs to prepare the yeast-leavened dough for Chinese steamed buns. Some people even use bread machines to make different pasta doughs.

[@april_swingler]

I'm very intrigued by what you say. Cinnamon rolls is something I would very much like to do but so far have been too intimidated to try.

[@janetmoore1124]

@@april_swingler Using the machine to mix, proof, and rise the dough is no different than making bread. You simply use the dough setting. Once the dough is ready, you will then roll out the dough and fill it using your preferred filling. Simple. All you need is a rolling pin and, of course, the filling. Check your machine's user's manual to see if they have provided a recipe.

[@kathys254]

@@Deb724 Amen on the stand mixer. I have to haul my Kitchen aid up from the basement (!), so I just don't use it any more (I do miss it for mixing bread and meat loaf though). I must say, it's ancient, and I used it in a commercial kitchen for years and it's still going strong!

[@m005kennedy]

I have arthritis as well

[@peggyjones392]

My Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus arrived at my house at 5:45. My bread machine was started by 6:20. Lots of KZbin videos on that model and prep was super easy. I can’t wait to use the dough cycle for all kinds of specialty loaves in the home oven.

[@rickcormier9160]

My wife wants a bread machine. I think thw Zojirushi Virtuoso is very good. Are you pleased with yours. Is there a plus model or just one Virtuoso?

[@tonezone6149]

Glad to see you back together in studio! As much as I try my hand at it, I live half a block from an amazing bakery so in my circumstance the best "bread machine" is a Baker.

[@elephantgrass631]

For sure. Baking isn’t my thing, but it sure is fascinating.

[@SaidAlSeveres]

Same! Baking is not in my wheel house of kitchen abilities and I don’t see the appeal to these machines. They just seem like excuses to have more delicious carbs at the ready and I’m ok on missing out on that. Thanks for the video ATK!

[@lane2063]

Very true. I can get fresh croissants that I’ll never replicate in a million tries.

[@AndrewStirling451]

A good local baker is something to be treasured - and savoured!

[@wayne00k]

I envy your predicament :) This was one of the things I miss most - walking off post and stopping at the local bakery and market on my way home for the night. I wish the USA had better community planning to encourage those routines here that our European friends experience every day.

[@ginawiggles918]

For my small household I LOVE my mini Zo which makes a 1 lb loaf rather than the 2 lb of the larger machine. I like that it has a small footprint on the counter, although I actually store it in my pantry. The sturdy handle makes it easy to carry. I've had it 12 years and it's still going strong. On the dough setting I can make enough for two 12" pizzas or 4 personal size the grandkids like. ❤

[@JohnBodoni]

Another Mini Zo user here, I love mine!

[@ginawiggles918]

@@JohnBodoni: Yay!👍 Sometimes I feel like an evangelist. I love mine so much I tell strangers in the grocery store about my Mini Zo & just how easy it is to have fresh, homemade bread. Every now and again I'm tempted to buy another one just to have a back-up in case it suddenly croaks.....but this little gem just trudges on & on & on. Thanks for the comment, John! xx Gina

[@kdandsheela]

I am very happy to learn there is a mini version since I live in a household of only 2 people

[@ginawiggles918]

@@kdandsheela: I've had my "Mini Zo" for more than a decade & have experienced no problems with it at all. I just wash the "bowl" by hand & keep the inside & outside clean. A wooden chopstick is handy for cleaning between the heating element and the inner walls of the unit. Oh, another thing that comes in handy with any bread machine is an inexpensive electric knife. I bought one on Amazon for about $15. 🍞🍕

[@StealthJackson12B]

I read an article about the zojirushi having paddle issues and a lot have complained about getting aluminum in their loaves. Is this true for you that have had the bread maker for quite some time?

[@Cheryl5154]

I have had bread machines for as long as they've been making them, and have worn out a couple. About 5 or 6 years ago I splurged and bought the Mini Zo through King Arthur Flour. It makes a 1-lb. loaf which is perfect for me since I am widowed and live alone. I make bread in it approximately every other day and I love being able to dump the ingredients in the pan, start the machine, and walk away. I do listen for when it starts mixing the dough in ernest because then I take a small spatula and scrape down whatever flour may be on the sides of the pan. I also check how the ball is doing to see if I need to add any water or flour, though I rarely have to make any adjustments. All in all, I love my Zo!

[@susanweippert9593]

I am solidly in the bread machine camp. I have been a bread machine user since 1993 and have made all manner of breads, pizza doughs, and rolls. The dough setting opens up so many possibilities for shaping the loaves. It is an essential small appliance in my kitchen.

[@janearkell5185]

A bread machine is wonderful thing to have if kneading the dough is difficult due to arthritis. My little machine does the work for me. It mixes, kneads and lets the dough go through it's first rise (takes 1 hr and 30 min). Then shape and let rise once more and bake in the oven.

[@lisawilson7889]

That’s exactly how I use mine! It’s a rare day that some bread product (sandwich bread, dinner rolls, hot dog rolls, hamburger rolls, pizza dough, etc.) isn’t being made.

[@Cinetiste]

In a sens, the best of both "worlds"... 🙂

[@cinta3805]

How many minutes is the 2nd rise?

[@NealCrosson]

I bought a bread machine many years ago and enjoyed it thoroughly. Since I'd never baked bread prior to that, it was very exciting and felt like an accomplishment. Over time, I was observing what the machine was doing and learning about the stages of the dough and eventually started just making bread by "hand" with a KitchenAid mixer. Many times, I have recommended that my friends start with a decent bread machine because it ensures success but told them to watch and learn like I did.

[@Oskigal]

A disposable shower cap makes a good bowl cover, and is reusable many times

[@jbrand255]

I also use a plate as a lid or one of the lids to my corning ware bowls.

[@SkipperJane]

I found a bowl and tray that fit together almost perfectly and I’ve never looked back.

[@FlamingTrashRiver]

I use a glass pie dish as a bowl cover. It fits perfectly over my bowl.

[@daphnemiller6767]

Would the material be food safe?

[@paulwyand6204]

Just make sure it has not been used!

[@WhyNotAParadox]

I cannot tell you how excited I am to see these two amazing people back in each other's company!

[@islandgrl7346]

I resurrected my Breadman bread machine after some years in storage after I found a bread recipe using freshly milled flour for a bread machine. Tried the recipe and it was so good and such a time-saver it is now my go to bread recipe. Takes me less than 10 minutes to get the ingredients into the pan and 3 1/2 hours later we have a delicious loaf of bread.

[@saraw8490]

Love my Hamilton Beach bread machine. It also has a dough setting so that you can transfer the finished dough to a pan and bake in the oven, so the shape of the pan and the paddle aren't issues if you don't want them to be. I otherwise would not have the patience to make dough on a regular basis 😁

[@robadr13]

I've been making bread for a little over two years now using a KitchenAid stand mixer, and recommend it highly. One of the advantages I think is being able to make different kinds of bread. I prefer to make baguettes because I find them more versatile, and I also maybe consume a little less bread that way. To mix and knead the dough takes about 10 minutes, with virtually no mess. Then let it rise, and put in the fridge for 2 or 3 days. When I'm ready, I form it into two baguettes on a baguette tray (5 minutes), let it puff up for maybe 40 minutes, and put it in the oven. I probably haven't bought bread from the store more than three or four times in the past two years. For the first time ever, I really prefer my own. Plus you have a stand mixer to use for other jobs, and one less appliance taking up space.

[@chaozzah]

Which attachment do you use? I've tried pizza dough once (~75%) but the dough hook didn't kneed, it just went through without doing anything. Do you also use the paddle?

[@robadr13]

@@chaozzah I use the dough hook. I don’t claim to be an expert - in my mind pizza dough is a little wetter than bread dough, but the hook works fine for both for me. Kenji has a good cast-iron-pan pizza recipe that is pretty forgiving in terms of dough consistency. I find it easier to make ‘successful’ pizza using that method rather than a traditional pizza stone.

[@yuqingsui4908]

I actually use my breadmachine to do all the dough kneading. I use it to knead the doughs for my noodles, steamed buns and pizza. My Toshiba breadmaker can let the dough rise once and punch it back, so it is even convenient to let it raise the dough for steamed buns. You just set up the machine and walk away and 45 minutes later, you take it out, roll into pastry and wrap the fillings and then do the 2nd rise. Steam buns only require about 20 minutes of attention now. For noodles, probably about 5 minutes to set up the machine and 5 minutes to shape and strech the noodles. Forget about KitchenAid. Bread machine kneading is the best.

[@Imaginetheday1967]

I use a bread machine, but have never actually cooked the bread in the machine. I use it to make dough for rolls and pizza crust. When it's the holidays and I'm making rolls for my large extended family, it's super easy to do multiple batches. It saves me a lot of time and clean-up is a breeze. Thanks for the comparison video! (My Kitchen Aid mixer bowl has a handle. I've had mine for ages, so maybe they've changed the bowl included with the mixer.)

[@weshartman8730]

I really like my Panasonic bread machine. It does a great job. There is a separate yeast dispenser built into the lid that delivers the yeast at the correct time during the cycle.

[@kenmore01]

95% of the time, I use my bread machine to make dough, then bake it separately, usually as pizza crust. Every now and then, I like to wake up to the smell of fresh bread baking, you didn't mention the delay feature.

[@liddybird3608]

When does your machine do the mixing and kneading? Do you only wake up to the smell, or does the machine wait all night to start processing? If it's the former, I'd love to know the brand of machine you use.

[@kenmore01]

@@liddybird3608 It sits and does nothing until some time (around two-three hours) before the done time. In the delay mode, you tell it when you would like it to be finished. It includes a cool-down time so it's finished baking about 15-20 min before it beeps and is ready. The brand is Hitachi. I got it many many years ago so this model is undoubtedly discontinued by now (model HB-B102.) Mine is a vertical model with the paddle on the bottom, so when the loaf comes out, the dent in the loaf is on one side when cutting it normally and the dome at the other. The last slice or two has a hole in the middle. It's a trade-off, but I like it because most of the loaf is normal bread shaped, and it rises more evenly than Hannah's loaf was. You put in the water first, then the flour (which keeps the yeast from getting wet), so the order of putting in the ingredients is important. I hope this helps, and that you can get one that will do that, because it's pretty awesome to wake up to freshly baked bread and the house smells like a bakery! 😃

[@vi9763]

@@liddybird3608 Most it not all machines have the delay function now. Happy baking 🍞

[@MyLifeInTheDesert]

I miss the smell of bread. Never got my smell or taste back after covid and I really miss little things like this

[@kenmore01]

@@MyLifeInTheDesert I'm sorry to hear that. I hope it gets better!

[@slofty]

Large mixing/proving bowl + Danish dough whisk (the larger of the two most have on offer is for bread dough) + stretch & fold technique = best bread done on a minimal budget.

[@Ceme612]

I love my Hamilton Beach Bread Machine. I’ve had it since 2015 and make bread at least once week now. From start to finish, in 3 hours fresh hot delicious bread 🥰

[@lgallant]

FYI, for KitchenAid Stand Mixers, you can dial in the clearance for the attachments to bowl via screw adjustment to get it just perfect. There is also an adjustment that tightens up the lock lever to keep it from coming loose and disengaging. Some great vids on YT for how to : ) Cheers, love y'all's videos!

[@lisag2275]

Growing up I was in charge of making 4 Loaves every Saturday- handmade of course. Then when I had kiddos and worked outside the home, I used a bread machine. Now that I’m retired, I’m back to handmade….which is my favorite.

[@hannahcrowley5134]

I love this story! I too had lots of cooking chores growing up and it’s what made me get into cooking. I’ll be doing the same for my daughter. Thanks for sharing!

[@sandylewis8897]

I love my Oster bread machine! I love not having to mix, knead, and get my hands dirty. Also, great for making pizza dough. Can't beat it!!

[@happynanny6375]

I love my thrifted bread machine. Because of severe arthritis in my hands, I need it for the dough making only. (I still bake in the oven in a pan.) I also have a stand mixer, but with the bread machine it is much less messy. Two pans to clean including the baking pan. Win/win

[@Barryburton63]

You packed so much information in this video which left me very confident that I can do this! I have a stand mixer sitting in a closet and I was thinking of getting a bread making machine but now I know how to use the mixer as well how to use it and how to make bread as well not to mention bread pans. Great job!

[@ronalddevine9587]

I actually do both. I like to use the bread machine to make dough for cinnamon rolls. Very convenient to set up the night before and then just assemble the rolls. I prefer the 6 quart bowl lift for its capacity.

[@mommahambone]

Great idea! I love fresh cinnamon rolls but 3 hours in the morning is a time commitment.

[@ronalddevine9587]

Yes. The machine has its place. But I don't care for the bread it makes.

[@amandas1464]

I love my Zo too. Definitely take the paddles out and always start with both paddles facing the same direction. Great video- as always- TUVM!

[@claudia2.1]

Hey Ladies!! How did you know that I was researching this exact topic??? All in all, no knead, Dutch oven bread is foolproof and so easy! Lately I'm trying longer ferments - 2 day poolish base then 2 day dough - 4 days in the fridge, great flavor and almost no work!

[@theodoranorton4779]

I I bought a cheap, simple bread machine many years ago, in my first apartment, when my job was very demanding. It came with an excellent cookbook by a mother and daughter team. I used it quite a bit and liked the results. The important thing, though, is that I would never have started baking bread without the book and the experience. Eventually the machine broke down, I moved, and became a devoted Bernard Clayton disciple, using my food processor and still keeping my hands clean. Yeast dough can only be learned well with experience and/or coaching. The bread machine taught me the importance of precision, or at least, the weight of ingredient balance, and gave me the confidence to branch out. This episode was great, except for the slapdash approach with the Zo.

[@kindnessmatters5215]

I had a bread machine, couldn’t get my bread to turn out right. Went back to my Kitchenaid method. HOWEVER, I found an artisan no knead recipe I end up putting in my preheated Dutch oven and I’m addicted. So quick and easy. Thank you guys for all you work!! You rock.

[@SkipperJane]

That’s me as well. I make overnight sourdough and you really just need a bowl, a kitchen scale, and a Dutch oven.

[@KieranSaighir]

Because no one else ever seems to point out, I found that the dough making cycle is great. Once the dough is made it can be shaped and baked. Used for a variety of things such as pizza or even bread itself, shaped as you like.

[@MikehMike01]

At that point you should just use a stand mixer

[@highlandscommunityclub1160]

Oh my gosh, watching you do all that with the mixer, dissolving, prepping the pan, etc. makes me so happy I have a bread machine! A simple loaf takes me 3 minutes. I toss the ingredients in, push the button and walk away. I make all our bread products, so it gets a lot of use. As far as adding ingredients in the right order? I do it any which way and it doesn’t matter. I do always keep the salt away from the yeast.

[@MikehMike01]

tastes like crap though

[@brianbarker2670]

I''m a bread machine person but have do have the identical mixer that you used. Most bread makers let you remove the dough before it goes to the baking mode so you can hand form it or make things like pizza dough.

[@ShakeMyWay]

I don't NEED a bread machine, but having one means I make bread more often. I can set up the dough setting to make pizza, english muffins and more, or have it bake and I don't need to babysit it. So, I can get other stuff done. Totally worth it! Zojirushi is the best.

[@charles_the_elder]

I make all my bread by hand now, but it was a bread machine that started me on the path. The bread machine gave me great bread every time, and I loved having one with a timer so I could have fresh baked bread when I woke up. The bread machine also made me want to learn more about making good bread. I love the hand made breads I make, and the bread machine was the gateway.

[@Red_Proton]

The first time that I made bread was with my grandmother. I was about 10 or 11. We made it all by hand, no stand mixer, no electric tools. It was an excellent opportunity to learn how to cook from scratch, as well as appreciate modern kitchen technology. I still feel cooking from scratch is the best, but, like any tool/technique, there's a time and place where it's best applied.

[@igglewiggle6649]

Hannah lives dangerously! LOL. I always take out my Zoji bread pan out of the machine to assemble the ingredients. I bought the more expensive Zoji bread maker after watching someone make a keto low carb bread using a bread machine at the beginning of the pandemic….when we were all hunkering down and housebound. It was crazy that I dropped close to $500-600 to purchase the Zoji in Canada given I had no idea if I was even going to like the bread. I remember when the first loaf came out, I was on the phone, so my teen daughter took the bread out and cut a couple slices so the family could taste it. When I hung up, there was only a 1/4 loaf left. It was absolutely delish. I use my Zoji regularly to make keto bread. Sometimes, I make keto buns by taking the dough out and forming buns and baking in oven. When I feel indulgent, I make a pizza dough (non-keto) replacing the cup of water with beer. I get such a thrill peeking into the little window as bread is baking.

[@GrayHomeVideo]

Do you have a link to the recipe? Hubby is diabetic and misses bread! And I have an old (really old) Zojirushi....

[@kathys254]

I'm with you. I couldn't believe she didn't take the bread pan out to add the ingredients! Now that I know that's possible with the Zoji, I may upgrade.

[@igglewiggle6649]

Hi Cynthia…Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXfHf2eqe8SYebM

[@Esther-kq7nv]

@@kathys254 If you can afford a Zojirushi, GO FOR IT! 😄👍 Their brand is awesome. The Virtuoso Plus bread machine model (what I have) also bakes the top of the bread. I don't regret my purchase one bit, especially nowadays with the prices of food.

[@stephenbloom9047]

I've been making bread in a bread machine for more than 40 years. I've had several different makes, the current one is made by Kitchenarm. For the most part I use the machine to make the dough and then shape it by hand and bake it in the oven of my stove. Because I have limited space in my kitchen, I have gone for the most space efficient. Price also enters into the equation, but to be honest, I haven't seen much difference in the quality of the product. And of course, over the years, bread machines have developed so that the one I have now is very versatile. I also have a stand mixer and there are some recipes that are best made using the mixer. On occasion I have made bread completely by hand, but I do prefer using the machine. It's faster and the quality doesn't seem to suffer with efficiency.

[@cindyharrington5958]

I love my bread machine. I use the dough setting the most. The machine does all the work up until the last rise. You take your dough out of the machine and shape it as you please, let it rise one last time and bake it in your oven. I bake a lot of French bread this way. So easy.

[@CorkyAgain]

Same here. I usually bake an Italian-style loaf starting with a biga and let the machine handle mixing and kneading the sticky dough.

[@arleneosborne7995]

I had one for years and haven't used it for the last year or so. Since I have limited counter space and recently added an air fryer and instant pot, I chose to donate mine. So far I haven't missed it. If I make French bread again, I shall make it the old fashioned way!

[@reneehughes7860]

It's 2yrs later, I'm turning 68, in much improved health and now do both. I've a KitchenAid bowl lift and an inexpensive Hamilton Beach bread machine. On days my arthritis is bad I use the bread machine to mix and rise the dough and then transfer it to a bread tin to bake (provided the heat index here in FL isn't too high to use the oven). Other days I use Kitty (my mixer) and go old school. Deep down I prefer my mixer. Ive yet to go through all the recipes in that book I mentioned in my previous post, but I'm working on it. Happy Baking everyone.

[@TixieDango]

I just got a Zojirushi Maestro and I have zero buyer's remorse. It's amazing. I love that I can load it up the night before, set the timer and wake up to freshly baked bread. And, best of all, no more tummy aches from garbage supermarket bread. I know exactly what goes into my loaves now.

[@bochap76]

I have the home Zo bakery supreme (same as shown)and my loaves have yet to come out unevenly. I make sure the paddles are aligned per the instructions and take more care to evenly distribute the butter . Those paddle holes looked like they weren't oriented properly. It has a preheat period but that was a huge chunk ...not sure it would completely melt or soften enough before mixing to distribute evenly.

[@StealthJackson12B]

I read an article about the zojirushi having paddle issues and a lot have complained about getting aluminum in their loaves. Is this true for you that have had the bread maker for quite some time?

[@oxigenarian9763]

I love my Zoji - it is a life saver when I don't have time to make bread or it's summer and I don't want to turn the oven on. It makes a lousy loaf but it is convenient and it DOES make nice dough. Also, WEIGH your ingredients. That is the only sure way you can load it, push the go button and forget it...

[@kumi9479]

I just received a bread maker for Christmas, absolutely love it. The first time I have ever made bread was with this machine and so far it has come out perfect every single time. I love my bread machine ❤️

[@ShavinMcCrotch]

I enjoy making my own bread with my Kitchenaid mixer, but the 2 rising times just eat up my afternoons watching the clock. I recently bought a bread machine just to make the dough for me. That frees me up so much, I can now make bread more often, try fancier breads, and even get into soft pretzels, pizza dough, garlic bread, etc,…

[@BartBVanBockstaele]

I have the Zojirushi BB-SSC10 (one pound loaf) and I love it. As someone who lives alone and does not need to feed the Canadian army, it is great. The bread is excellent. I never buy bread anymore. My only wish would be to have a smaller one, but one cannot buy what does not exist.

[@willbaack7997]

1 lb is it's max capacity. I believe you could half it and be fine.

[@BartBVanBockstaele]

@@willbaack7997 You *can* make it somewhat smaller, but not very much: the kneading paddle will not be as efficient. I am -sadly- not making bread right now because I cannot afford the energy (for weight loss) but do on occasion. Nothing beats self-made bread. This is, in my view, one of the must-have appliances.

[@lroche2164]

I love both, using my mixers, Kitchen Aid Profession Mixer from the 1990’s made in the USA not off shore. Also have a 1990’s Kenwood Major Mixer for $10! And it blows the Kitchen Aid out of the water. I have the Zojirushi Bread Maker too and I love it for when I’m being lazy or want to use its other features like jam making or cakes.

[@dianahaker1527]

I have a Zorshishi bread machine since 2014 that makes horizontal 2 lb loaves and just love it. I use to make homemade bread with my Hobart kitchen aid classic and later with the 6.5 qt Kitchenaid mixer. When I became older and have pseudogout that effects my hands and wrists I have used my zorshishi bread machine. It makes perfect loafs, jams, cakes, etc. It is a great machine from a top Japanese appliance maker. The Japanese recipes use less sugar for jams and is a healthy alternative. Since store bought bread is almost $4.00 with questionable ingredients I can make 9 seed bread for a $1.00 per loaf without any questionable ingredients and is all natural. I do not buy bread anymore. Nothing beats Kitchenaid mixers or Zorshishi bread machines.

[@LoganCableTech]

As others have said, having the bread machine make the dough and then putting it into a bread pan may seem silly, but it’s worth it. No paddle marks which aren’t good for PB&J if I’m honest. And the loaf is just as good. Look in thrift shops for a bread maker, I paid $20 for mine and won’t look back! (It’s a west bend from 1997 made in West Bend, Wi!)

[@Esther-kq7nv]

I've tried numerous times to make bread by hand, but the loaves never turn out as nice as those from my bread machine. A year ago, I invested in the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus, after having an armload of other cheaper brands/models. I really needed a serious machine for the frequent breadmaking that I did. I couldn't be happier! My Zoji is awesome (I also have 2 of their rice cookers.). I haven't bought bread for myself in ages.

[@louisel.sinniger2057]

I got a bread machine just like yours and I really like it BUT I do love making bread “by hand”. To me it is therapeutic. I love the feel and smell in the process. I guess you could say it’s a 50 / 50.

[@Cheneyjoan]

I use my Zo for our daily breads. I especially love the delay timer, throw the ingredients in at night and wake up to baking bread - heaven. I hand make big batches of special breads.

[@victorbrueggemann8934]

I use my bread machine almost exclusively on the "Dough" setting. It handles the timing of kneading and proofing, amd i do the baking in an oven.

[@gg.6967]

Ok the bread machine paddle fix, when your dough is finished in the machine,take out your machine bread pan before baking begins then transfer dough directly into two cake loaves pan or a bread 🍞 pan, place it into your oven at the same temperature and bake time that your bread machine used. I’ve done this for nearly twenty years and I use a basic machine.

[@adamcolbenson3728]

Y’all are awesome! Glad y’all are back in the kitchen!

[@hamie58]

If you time it right you can remove the paddles just before the last rise. I really like using the bread machine to make dough it takes all the work of mixing and letting it rise out the the process especially when my house it cold.

[@Brineytoes]

I Love my Zo. It must be nearly 10 years old now, and still does the job of a pro baker. I often mix enough dough for two loaves, then use conventional pans and bake in the oven. I like to make bread kits with everything but the liquids and butter in them. I am legally blind, but I can manage to make bread with everything already measured by weight and kept in a mason jar or a baggie. (There are talking scales) I may even take Zo camping! It not only mixes bread, but also dough for the best hot dog and hamburger buns EVER, which is a King Arthur recipe. Zojirushi has a fabulous online library of recipes for way more than just breads, too. The quality of this machine is unmatched by anything else in the world.

[@sura-quayarbon6055]

When you look at bread machines from an accessibility view it changes the conversation. Using a bread machine means I actually make bread at least once a week, versus once every few years by hand. I love fresh bread but a combination of sensory issues (really don't like the feel of dough), arthritis and the ease of dump and go means I don't have to try to keep focused and track the dough through the process which can be difficult. Not getting distracted preparing can be a big issue for those on the spectrum, ADHD - all those that are not neurotypical. Using a bread machine means the act of making bread is much more accessible. I do have a kitchen aide to reduce the amount of time I have to handle dough and what I use when I really want a lovely sourdough bolle.

[@lisataylor584]

How about both. I love to put my ingredients in the bread machine on the dough setting. Then I put the dough in my pullman pan and ta da! Homemade sandwich bread with very little effort. Glad to see you guys back in the kitchen!

[@gus.smedstad]

If it weren’t for bread machines, I wouldn’t make bread. I know how to make it by hand, but the amount of work involved is high enough that I just wouldn’t, even with my stand mixer. The main thing about a bread machine is that I don’t have to pay attention to it after starting it. No checking the rise, no 2nd kneading, no going back to it a third time to put it in the oven. Just start it and forget it. You don’t have to be *that* careful about ingredient order. The main thing is to keep the yeast away from anything but flour. I do melt butter in the microwave just to be sure it gets distributed evenly. I feel like the details of the machines mentioned here got short shrift - they mention 2 machines and don’t say why you’d want one over the other. I’ve got a Zojirushi that’s about 20 years old and looks pretty much like the one here, and I wonder if they’ve changed at all.

[@VoicesofMusic]

14:22 The reason the loaf is not shaped properly on the Zojirushi is that the two paddles need to be aligned before you put the ingredients in. Check the holes in the bottom. This is well documented.

[@janemartin229]

I'm definitely a bread machine person. I have 3 models--they all make different shapes. You can start any hand shaped loaf in there and just take out the dough and shape it, make rolls or pizza, whatever you want. It saves me a lot of time/mess from doing it all by hand. When I make it myself, my kitchen ends up covered in flour and I have a lot of dishes to clean. Once you learn to get the consistency of dough right, the machines work great. It kills me when people think they need to buy a mix!

[@alanef4127]

I think you should've pointed out that with a bread machine you can make just the dough and take it out and shape it the way you want, let it rise then bake it. You can have the best of both worlds. I use my machine for the mixing and kneading on any and all yeast doughs from cinnamon rolls to babkas to pizza crusts.

[@seabliss22]

I don't understand why you would want to invest in a an expensive appliance that does the same exact thing as your stand mixer 💁 if you are going to remove the dough and bake it. Am I missing something about the bread machine?

[@alanef4127]

@@seabliss22 I'm older and have some arthritis AND I make a lot of yeast items and other vaked goods...so number one I don't want to do all that kneading and number two I can make other products while the bread maker does all the work and timing for me. Does that make it more clear?

[@CorkyAgain]

@@seabliss22 Not all of us have a stand mixer.

[@angelaspielbusch1237]

I love this video! I am fortunate that I own and use both the Kitchenaid stand mixer and the Zojirushi bread machine featured. But I prefer the bread machine and have used it for my family for about 15 years. We haven’t bought store bread ever since we purchased it!

[@iamd4530]

Does the bread comes out crunchy or soft? Some of my family members prefer their bread not toasted and if it comes out too crunchy it may be a deal breaker for me. 😔Also, can you make brioche buns for burgers? Any other kinds of breads? Your input would be much appreciated. Thank you!

[@angelaspielbusch1237]

@@iamd4530 I have never had any problems with Bread being be crunchy or a hard crust. I have made many different styles of dough to bake in the oven with the bread machine. It is a very versatile machine. And there are very many recipes to try. I definitely recommend this machine!

[@gingermccafferty9572]

Have you needed to replace your bread machine? I love the bread made with my Panasonic bread machine. The texture is absolute perfection. (II do prefer to bake in oven for shape and crust) But I’ve purchased 2 so far from wearing the first out. Maybe lasted 5 years/use minimum once a week.

[@Art930]

I didn't know if I should invest in a bread machine, so I recently checked my local Goodwill stores. In four stores I found a total of 6 machines and decided on a new-looking Breadman complete with manual for $14.99. I love it and wish I'd had it back when my kids were small. I make various breads, pizza and pasta dough. I've even made jam. It saves me a lot of money and because I can choose the size of loaf I have no wasted stale bread.

[@MikehMike01]

Notice how no one wants them and donates them to goodwill? They’re crap

[@fuzzylon]

I'm a bread machine person. I think what makes bread different is it's a basic staple - it appears at multiple meal and snack times through the day - and I eat a lot of bread, I was given one years ago and it was really good. I was able to make all the bread I needed in the bread machine. Put the ingredients in last thing at night and wake up to fresh bread in the morning. Many of us just don't have the time or energy to bake bread multiple times each week.

[@seriouslyreally5413]

You CAN order their 4.5qt stainless steel bowl WITH a side handle, on Amazon for $59. Search "mixing bowl for classic kitchenaid stand mixer" Be sure its the Amazon Choice 4.5qt for the Classic stand mixer and not the shorter 3.5qt (also $59) for the Kitchenaid-Mini or the taller 5 qt bowl for the Professional model. The correct bowl will also have a short pedestal base with the thread-like feature where the bowl screws down on the mixer stand. The 5qt does not have this and won't fit. Be sure you aren't ordering the mixing bowl used for hand mixing either. They have a handle but feature a rounded bottom without the ability to screw down on the mixer stand. You should also order the stainless steel mixing paddle as I found after 30yrs in the dishwasher the white epoxy coating on the paddle will start to crack and peel off. I've had my classic for 47yrs without a single hitch. Cost $380 at a time when the next brand was a Waring stand mixer under $100 and portable hand held electric mixers cost $35. In 1975 they were the Cadillac of mixers, built to last a lifetime👍prices have come down considerably with the introduction of European brands, & fierce competition for the home gourmet cook market.

[@teaeyedoubleguhur]

Everything Kitchens also has KA bowls for those of us who want to avoid Amazon. Not only bowls but KA attachments of al kinds.

[@Imustfly]

If you don't want an asymmetrical loaf, make sure that BOTH paddles are pointing in the same direction before you mount it in the machine. It doesn't matter WHICH way they point, as long as BOTH are pointing the same way.

[@lindahudson6685]

My sister used to make wonderful bread--hand-made and baked in a coffee can. Her neighbor was sooo jealous. Thanks for the info on the equipment.

[@nineboneable]

I am a Bread Machine guy! I have made bread by hand, pre-mixer, but prefer the bread machine. I inherited my mom's bread machine. Her problems with it were: the dough blade baked into the bread and then had to be gouged out and the condensation collecting on the lid would drip back onto that end of the loaf and leave it soggy! She solved this by using the Dough cycle - mixing, kneading & 1st rise, then she did any 2nd kneading, if needed, shaped it and let it do the 2nd rise before baking in the oven. That is how I use the bread machine and I have a second bread machine for when I have to make 10 dozen Hot Cross Buns for Palm Sunday. What I love about the Bread Machine is after I get all the ingredients in and start the Dough cycle, I am free for the next 1.5 hours!

[@paula.2422]

What a fantastic review. I absolutely love you guys, thank you! I'm personally a bread by hand guy. If I had unlimited space I would also have a bread machine for the occasional use...because I'm also a gadget guy. Thanks again. ❤

[@pattyrech4471]

The Zo does have a big counter footprint, so that is definitely a consideration for limited counter space.

[@ginawiggles918]

@@pattyrech4471: Check out the Mini Zo on Amazon. It makes a 1 lb loaf and the footprint is MUCH SMALLER than the big machine. I can store it in my pantry. This size works for me perfectly. (2 adult household.)

[@pattyrech4471]

@@ginawiggles918 THANK YOU!!!

[@pattyrech4471]

@@ginawiggles918 Reading the reviews, they talk about the blade sticking and makes a hole at bottom of loaf...you have that issue?

[@ginawiggles918]

@@pattyrech4471 : Yes. The small machine has one blade so one hole. For me, the convenience outweighs the negatives. That said, you could remove the dough before the machine bakes it and do it in your oven. That's what I do when making dinner rolls, breadsticks, cinnamon breakfast rolls etc. Honestly, I use this little bread machine more than any of my other fancy kitchen gadgets, like the VitaMix, Food Processor, Meat Grinder, Stand Mixer, etc etc. Those come in handy occasionally, but the bread machine is always being used. I like fresh bread and homemade pizza so I'm using the machine at least twice a week. *Remember tho...it's a small machine and makes smaller quantities, so consider your needs.* The larger Zo is very highly rated but too big to lift (for me) and more than I need. Whether you ARE considering the smaller machine or the larger one I found a couple of handy little bread books where each recipe has ingredients listed for Small (1lb loaves) Med (1&1/2 lb loaves) & Large (2 lb loaves) depending on the capacity of your machine. If you're new to bread there are lots of helpful tips and advice. They're a bit older, but I like to buy USED books cheap on Amazon. *"BREAD MACHINE MAGIC"* and *"MORE BREAD MACHINE MAGIC"* by Linda Rehberg & Lois Conway. I have both books but the 2nd one seems more updated & I seem to use that one more often. The machine itself comes with some basic recipes so you can start right away if you're new to bread machines. Hey, Happy Baking & have fun whichever way you decide to make bread. It's very satisfying.❤Gina

[@emmab.1051]

Would be really nice if you could include amount of each ingredient so we could try it the way you are doing it. Thankyou

[@emmab.1051]

Forgot to mention using the kitchen-Aid Thank you

[@hobbyhopper3143]

Don’t automatically dive in to buying a Kitchenaid mixer. Unless you get the Pro you’re getting a machine that won’t stand up to the rigors of bread. The new Artiste model (for instance) has plastic gears and the advice to not run the machine for more than 4-6 minutes at a time. After being a lifelong Kitchenaid user I finally decided to replace my mixer and WHAT a disappointment! I kept the new mixer bc I have lots of attachments but did some research and ended up buying the Nutrimill Artiste from Pleasant Hill Grains for approximately the same price as the Kitchenaid. This is an amazing mixer and has the potential for almost as many attachments a Kitchenaid. As a matter of fact, the attachments are the same as for the Bosch mixer. If I were starting over I’d just buy the Bosch version. Take a look at the KZbin video that compares the bread kneading of the Nutrimill and the Kitchenaid. The Nutrimill is a great mixer to use for all mixing chores and takes up so much less space. I could go on for days… Please check it out before you buy. Kitchenaid is on the same downslide as Singer sewing machines went through some years ago and will never be the same “buy it once” product that it was.

[@danbev8542]

Several decades back, I replaced my 4.5 qt KA with a larger 7 qt based on a Test Kitchen review. I gave away the smaller one. Between my purchases, KA sold the company and the newer machines are much more cheaply made. My new Pro made horrible noises and occasionally stopped while mixing stiff cookie dough and largish bread batches. After a couple of years, it fell apart & dumped black oil all over an angel food cake batter. KA replaced the machine - no questions asked, but the replacement was no better than the original. I stumbled on a long discussion thread about the KA mixers amongst a bunch of bakers and engineers - someone sent a link to a place selling refurbished commercial KA mixers & I bought 2 - one for a friend. This thing is fantastic…super heavy duty! But between all the mixers, I learned the fold & turn method from ‘Tartine’ Breads. I also bought a beautiful KoMo grain mill and now have amazing stone ground flour for my breads and baked goods. They add enormous flavor and nutrition to my foods. I consider my hands and large bowls to be my bread maker. I use my KA for very wet doughs (ciabatta), and cakes. I’d probably like having the bread machine to mix dough, but that is way too big for my kitchen!

[@bradh6185]

I feel like I have free culinary school right at my fingertips with this channel. I can learn anything I want and learn it the right way. So solid.

[@sitara68]

I used to have a breadmaker and I loved it. After about 10 years of use, it gave up the ghost. I was determined to learn to make bread by hand, especially sourdough, so I bought a 50 lb bag of bread flour and made bread on a weekly basis. I also mastered making english muffins, pizza dough, and dinner rolls. My next plan is to master brioche. I can't imagine going back to a bread machine. The quality of the bread products I make by hand far exceed what I ever did with a bread machine. It just takes practice. I do a lot of no knead recipes now and allow time, moisture, and yeast to build my bread structure. Makes for a superior light fluffy crumb without having to use the bread dough conditioners.

[@lindakochis5476]

Preppy kitchen on KZbin has a great recipe for brioche, it’s easy and delicious

[@sitara68]

@@lindakochis5476 Thank you. I will check it out. My first attempt was less than stellar. I want to perfect the loaf and then transition into making my own sandwich/hamburger buns. It's just not coming out fluffy.

[@uralbob1]

I’m 70 years old with one severe and one moderately torn rotator cuffs. I learned to make wonderful German bread from an old baker when I was young. It makes my shoulders ache just to listen and watch the dough being kneaded! The loves aren’t pretty, but boy are they good!

[@ronkemperful]

I used to use a Hitachi bread machine that I bought in the 1980s as my daily bread machine for several years; and it worked quite well. The machine had a vertical, as opposed to horizontal form factor - which I found made the most even and consistent loaves - for the horizontal loaf pan of the Cuisinart always left unprocessed flour in the bottom corners, no matter what order I placed the ingredients. So, with virtually all modern bread machines moving to the horizontal form factor, I have switched to using my Kitchen-aid mixer and using a regular loaf pan as... sob... I wore out my superior Hitachi bread maker which is no longer made. By-the-way: The proper technique for adding ingredients to a bread machine is to do it with the pan outside of the bread maker so that flour, oil and sugar do not get on the heating coil. Yes, for adding raisins or nuts later on you still have to do that with the pan in the machine, but adding ingredients carelessly to the pan in the machine can lead to horrible messes to clean up and even fires!

[@JeannetteShoreland]

I still have and use a Hitachi bread machine. Thirty years ago, it was the best machine on the market. Sadly, parts are no longer available and it is only a matter of time before replacement will be necessary.

[@HurrikanEagle]

I'm surprised that you linked all the items in the description. But you didn't link to the ATK bread recipe that Lisa made.

[@BigPaPaRu]

I can throw in my water, butter, sugar, salt, flour, yeast and be done with it. takes five minutes. I adore my bread machine. We even named her Georgina, shes a part of the family now.

[@amalabdurrahman494]

I'm a fan of home made bread. I love sourdough the most! I love using my hands. It is so satisfying!

[@pancakequeen]

Me too! And sourdough is surprisingly easy and hands off compared to many yeast bread recipes. :)

[@vinnylv]

I purchased a dented Breville for $75. Love it! Especially to mix Pizza or bread dough to bake in another vessel.

[@paulwyand6204]

I used to have a bread maker, a Sunbeam that I got at a yard sale for $10, Made excellent bread. I also often used the dough setting to make different shapes and pizzas. Also do it manually and with the mixer.

[@getoffmydarnlawn]

A bread machine is great if you have physical limitations (someone below mentioned arthritis), if you're a busy parent making bread for your family or if you just don't enjoy baking and have the space for a machine -- making your own food is always a good thing. I'm single & not feeding anyone else and don't eat bread regularly, but I like to bake for the result as well as the making-by-hand experience, which I love. Different loaves for different folks, anything that helps and motivates us to make our own food.

[@BooBaddyBig]

Bread freezes really well though, particularly if you're going to toast it. The bread makers often make better bread because they have complete control over the temperature during the rising step.

[@getoffmydarnlawn]

@@BooBaddyBig That's great for many people, no shade -- but using a bread maker would remove all the enjoyment I get from making it completely by hand (no stand mixer here).

[@BooBaddyBig]

@@getoffmydarnlawn I make a lot of very wet dough breads, it's difficult to make them by hand whereas a bread maker doesn't care, just works.

[@getoffmydarnlawn]

@@BooBaddyBig I'm not putting you down for that, I think it's great - we just prefer different methods.

[@mikeking7470]

Two more things, you can set a delay timer for your loaf, first, I freeze my yeast and the delay lets the yeast get to room temp, and second, I can have fresh bread for the morning if I set up a loaf before bed.

[@amydawson1279]

I have a bread machine. It’s still in the box, never used. I found making bread by hand is very relaxing & once I got the fundamentals down, it’s so easy.

[@lindap9079]

I'm on team "homemade". Kneading bread is so therapeutic.

[@marcpeterson1092]

I'm with you. I actually enjoy kneading bread. Plus you don't have to spend as much and don't have to find room for that enormous thing.

[@cisium1184]

Me too, I love it. It's like a mini-workout, and you learn so much feeling the dough transform in your hands.

[@markholm7050]

I have a 4.5 qt Kitchenaid. It works well for one loaf size recipes, even pretty large loaves. It is also fine for my recipe that makes 8 fairly large bagels. It is a bit small for two loaf recipes. I always add flour in two stages, first 1/2 of it with the other ingredients and beat to a batter. Then add the second half of the flour. I use the flat beater for the first stage and the dough hook for the second. This works well for me.

[@JoeStuffzAlt]

I loved seeing Lisa and Hannah cook. The bread makers look tempting. If I get ahead on dough, I might invest in some dough. I do have a Kitchenaid that I have that I'll be trying. It doesn't look too bad to make bread with it.

[@mikeerler5465]

I've been using a bread machine for over 35 years. It's convenient, and ones with timers allow you to put the ingredients in before you go to bed, and wake up to a house filled with the aroma of fresh baked bread. I probably average 1 loaf a day!