{"id":1154601,"date":"2019-08-06T14:36:04","date_gmt":"2019-08-06T18:36:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?p=1154601"},"modified":"2023-09-11T08:48:48","modified_gmt":"2023-09-11T13:48:48","slug":"your-kitchen-needs-a-bread-machine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/your-kitchen-needs-a-bread-machine\/","title":{"rendered":"This Is Why Your Kitchen Needs a Bread Machine"},"content":{"rendered":"We're all about the '90s coming back in the kitchen. This means blue and white Corningware<\/a>, farmhouse-inspired decor and, yes, the bread machine! But if you ask our Test Kitchen, these gadgets are always in style. Here's why you'll want to dust yours off\u2014or invest in a new one.\r\n

What can a bread machine do?<\/h2>\r\nBread makers are an all-in-one appliance. To make bread, add your ingredients and select the program for your recipe; from there, the machine will mix, knead, proof and bake the bread. It's really that simple.\r\n\r\nYou can also use a bread machine for more specific tasks or portions of your favorite bread recipe<\/a>.\r\n

Mixing and Kneading<\/h3>\r\nThe paddle inside a bread maker is designed to fully incorporate ingredients. This goes for basic bread recipes as well as ones with added flavors or mix-ins. In fact, many newer models come with a chute and alert you when to add in those extras. This feature is especially handy when making recipes like our Test Kitchen's favorite panettone<\/a>.\r\n\r\nBread makers will also knead<\/a> the bread dough for you so it's just the right texture. It works the same way a dough hook does when you use a stand mixer to knead dough<\/a>.\r\n

Proofing<\/h3>\r\nGetting the right proof<\/a> on your bread can be tricky\u2014especially when you're kitchen isn't particularly warm or humid (musts for the yeast inside the bread). A bread machine will gently heat the dough so it gets the right lift.\r\n

Custom Bakes<\/h3>\r\nSome bread recipes are more challenging than others. Breads that use whole wheat<\/a>, rye or other nontraditional flour can be tricky to get just right in terms of kneading and proofing. Bread machines make creating these loaves so simple. Most models come with a whole-grain loaf preset.\r\n\r\nYou'll also find that some bread machines have settings for other popular bread styles like rustic loaves with a crusty exterior, sourdough or even banana bread! You can even use a bread machine to make pizza dough<\/a>.\r\n

Time<\/h3>\r\nBread machines are an asset for busy folks. Instead of lingering in the kitchen all morning to mix, knead, proof, shape, proof (again) and bake, a bread machine tackles all that for you. With a bread machine, you can have fresh bread with only a few minutes of hands-on time.\r\n\r\nPlus, many models have settings that allow you to schedule your bakes to start when you see fit. That means you can set up this gadget to have a loaf of bread ready the same time you're pulling dinner out of the oven.\r\n

The Best Bread Machines You Can Buy<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nOur Test Kitchen<\/a> knows that bread machines are incredibly useful\u2014when you choose the right one. That's why our pros put 10 different models to the test. In the end, these models<\/a> got our pros' stamp of approval.\r\n