Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme BBCC X20 WB Breadmaker

Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme BBCC X20 WB Breadmaker

Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme BBCC X20 WB Breadmaker


Here is an extensive consumer review for this breadmaker I found several very similar reviews all with high praise for this machine.

With this machine, the usual drudgery & slavery involved in bread making has all been done away with!

You are no longer forced to mix and knead the dough by hand, and you just measure and add all of your ingredients right into the baking pan. You do not touch any of the raw ingredients at all.

There's no taking the dough out and rolling, pulling or shaping it. Unless you choose to do that. The flour & oily mess is gone, and so is the messy cleanup that used to be involved with making bread! Your hands stay clean from start to finish. The one & only thing that your hands will ever touch is the finished product when you remove the freshly baked loaf of bread from the pan! And the only thing that might get on your hands is probably a little dusting of flour!

You are no longer a slave to the bread dough! This machine does it all! Once you've added all your ingredients in the pan, they STAY THERE all the way to the end of the process.

WHAT ELSE?

Want a little jam to go with your freshly baked bread? Remember when your grandmother and your mother used to make jams?

Boy, what a tedious time-consuming all-day project and drudgery that was!!

With this machine, it's a snap! Just add all of your ingredients into the pan, put it into the machine, close the lid, select the JAM setting, start the machine, and in just 90 minutes, you've got the best tasting jam you could ever want to go with your bread!!

If you'd like for it to be thicker after taking it from the fridge, just add a 2-oz. package of fruit pectin during the making of it.

Want baked cakes but don't want to heat up your kitchen by using the stove's oven? No problem. Just follow the instructions for baking box cake mixes or one of your own in this machine!

Want meat loaf? Ummm, don't tell me...., Yes, it's true! You can also bake meat loaf in this machine. Half the things that require the use of a mixer your stove and oven, you can do them right inside this marvelous machine!

Just use a bowl to mix up the ingredients for the meat loaf. That's probably about the only thing that you will ever need a bowl and spoon for!

Want sourdough bread? Done! You can do that also with this truly amazing machine! Just by making the sourdough starter, you can then go from there and have perfectly great tasting sourdough bread whenever you choose to!

HOW DOES THIS MACHINE WORK?

This wonderful machine is a mixer, stirrer, dough maker, dough proofer, cooker and an oven all in one! It does six amazing things, saving you time because you don't use any of your own muscle power at all in the dough making process. It's six appliances in one!

What it actually does for dough making is that it mixes and incorporates the ingredients together for the dough then kneads it, then lets it rise in a gently warmed environment blocking out drafts and temp fluctuations, stirs the dough down, lets it rise again, stirs it down one more time, lets it rise a final time, then the unit automatically bakes the bread.

What actually happens inside the machine is this:

For instance, to make Basic White Bread or Basic Whole Wheat Bread, after loading all the ingredients into the baking pan, and the pan is secured to the base of the machine, and the controls are set, there is a 20-minute low preheat cycle.

The machine then starts to stir and incorporate the flour mixture and water slowly. Then the powerful 100-watt motor automatically kicks into high gear - furiously beating, kneading and manipulating the dough for about 18 minutes. The motor then reverses direction of the kneading blades, alternating at least several times.

After that, the first rising occurs for 45 minutes. Then a stir-down, a second rising for 25 minutes, another stir-down, then a 45-minute final rising. Then the oven heats up to bake the bread for 62 - 67 minutes.

During the rising portions of the process, the oven provides just enough warmth to create a draft-free environment that helps the dough rise before baking the bread.

You then open the lid to a perfectly baked golden loaf of bread!! The Stay Warm feature automatically kicks in. If you don't want this part of the cycle to activate, you can cancel it by simply pressing the Start / Reset button, and this feature will not come on. Enjoy!!!

WHAT EXACTLY IS GAINED AND SAVED WITH THIS UNIT?

You gain the advantage of being able to make bread effortlessly, precisely and professionally. Without the drudgery and slavery that used to dominate the entire process!!

You'll gain the advantages of knowing how to greatly expand your expertise in the kitchen with this machine. Your family and friends will think that you are a master chef!! Even if you're not one.

It saves you money because you are no longer forced to buy expensive loaves of bread to get what you might think are healthy nutritional bread value for the kids!

The kids and everyone else will absolutely LOVE the smelling of bread baking in the kitchen. They just might want to get in on the act themselves! And don't be too surprised if they offer to help.

It saves you from having to eat those chemical-laden loaves of bread from the store every time you want bread.
You control what goes in the bread, and what WON'T go in are unhealthy chemicals that are what some of the bread companies use to make their breads.

In the summer, it will save both you and your kitchen from the torrid heat that comes with using your oven to make bread.

Gone are most of the things you've long hated about making bread!! The drudgery, the slavery, the aggravation, and the mess.

HOW TO USE IT?

It's easy to use! You simply lift up on one side of the removable baking pan to get it out of the machine and install the two kneading blades over the small stubs in the bottom of the pan.

Measure and add all your ingredients right into the pan starting with the water. Put the pan back into the machine's oven cavity and firmly press down on pan to lock it in place.

Close the lid, plug the machine's cord into a live outlet, set the controls according to the recipe that you are using, start the machine, and in about three hours or less, you've got a wonderfully tasting freshly baked loaf of bread!!

And if you still like the feel of rolling and shaping the
dough by hand, you can set the machine to just knead the dough only, allowing you to finish the rising and shaping process yourself, by hand! So that you can STILL enjoy the hands-on work if desired!

This feature comes in handy when you want to make such things as croissants, rolls, pizza dough and soft pretzels
without having to drag out your heavy stand mixer.

CONSTRUCTION & FEATURES:

1. Metal base has air vents to expel heat.

2. Durable plastic lid and control panel housing. has steam vents to expel the steam during baking.

3. Baking pan uses two kneading blades, has non-stick interior, and is large enough to produce one large loaf of freshly-baked bread in each recipe.

4. Has viewing window in top of lid to let you see the action in progress.

5. Mixes, kneads, proofs and bakes the dough.

6. Can be programmed to knead the dough only, if desired.

7. Choose between three different crust settings - light, medium and dark.

8. Make one or more of the recipes featured in the manual or choose one of your own.

9. Program timer for up to three of your favorite recipes into the machine's electronic control panel to be reversed for future use.

10. Has Basic Dough and Quick Dough recipes. Quick Dough recipe cuts back on one of the rise cycles by allowing the use of rapid rise yeast. Lets you remove and enjoy your baked bread sooner.

11. Settings include:

Basic White, Basic Whole Wheat, Basic Dough, Quick, Quick Wheat, Quick Dough, Jam, Cake, Sour Dough Starter and Homemade.

12. Timer can be set up ( programmed ) to a maximum of 13 hours ahead.

13. Has start reset button.

14. Comes with 1-cup measure and measuring spoons. Measuring spoon has two ends that measure a teaspoon and a tablespoon.

15. Instruction manual is easy to read and understand. Has color photos for some recipes.

16 Unit can also be used to make jams, cakes and meat loaf.

17. Full one-year limited warranty on entire unit.

18. Made in Korea.

19. Processing programs even beep to alert you when it's time to add things like nuts or raisins, if desired.

20 You will not lose any of the three programmed recipe settings if there's a power failure or when machine is unplugged.

21. No need to drag out your heavy bulky stand mixer to make bread dough or simple cake recipes if you don't want to.

22. Comes with instruction video (VHS).

23. Has startup recipe for Basic White Bread on right side of machine to get you started!

24. Has "stay warm" feature that can be used when bread is done to keep it warm.

25. Has indentation handle on each side at bottom for easy lifting and carrying.

26. Sturdy rubber feet help prevent machine from "walking" or moving during operation.

27. Delayed start lets you add the ingredients to the pan & program the machine to start several hours later. Wake up the next morning to a freshly baked loaf of bread for breakfast!!

28. No temp settings to have to deal with for the baking process! The unit chooses and does this automatically.

29. Has beeping sounds to automatically alert you if you want to add ingredients to the dough, such as raisins, nuts, etc.. Also beeps to alert you when bread is done.

30. Digital display automatically counts down cycle sequence in progress to let you know the amount of time left in a processing cycle.

THE TECHNICAL STUFF: ( SPECIFICATIONS )

Power Consumption for heater:................600W

Power Consumption for motor:.................100W

Power Supply:................................120V, 60Hz

Dimensions:.................................17"x10"x12"

Weight:.....................................17lbs.

ANY SHORTCOMINGS AT ALL?

Short power cord.

But an extension cord may be used as long as the electrical rating matches the electrical rating of the machine's own power cord.

Some of the machine's controls may take some time to get used to. Start off with the simple Basic White Bread or the Basic Whole Wheat Bread recipe first, to get you used to the features of the machine, then slowly work your way to other advancements.

CLEANING:

Cleanup is a snap! Just unplug unit, let it cool down and wipe interior and exterior with a soft damp cloth.

Fill the baking pan with warm or hot soapy water. Let it soak, wash it (interior only), refill it with rinse water, empty and just wipe dry. What could be easier?

MY EXPERIENCE SO FAR:

So far, I've just made the Basic White Bread recipe. I plan to make other recipes like one of the Jams and Whole Wheat Bread.

I found the machine easy to use so far! It's a great unit.
What will they think of next?!! I love it!!

This machine is really great for when I don't use one of my K'Aid Stand Mixers for making bread because it does it all, the mixing, kneading, rising and baking! I think I'm becoming very spoiled!

OVERALL?

Overall, I'd say that this machine is a godsend! I love the fact that at times when I don't feel like making bread the traditional or old way with one of my stand mixers, I can throw all the ingredients into the baking pan of this unit, plug it in, set the controls, turn it on and come back later to a freshly baked loaf of bread!!

IN SHORT:

Get this wonderful machine, and you'll end the drudgery and slavery of making bread. Don't ever be a slave to bread making any more!!

FINAL THOUGHT?

Yes! If you are tired of making bread the old fashioned way
of making bread, then this machine will make life much more easier! It's truly awesome!

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Cuisinart Convection Bread Maker CBK-200

Breadmaker Reviews

Cuisinart CBK-200 2-Pound Convection Automatic Bread Maker
Designed in brushed stainless-steel, the Cuisinart Convection Bread Maker CBK-200 has a built-in convection fan, which circulates air around the interior of the machine to produce an improved crust and bread texture. In addition, the bread machine automatically controls the proper temperature, kneading, and baking times so that you can enjoy freshly baked bread without all the work of doing it yourself. The instruction/recipe book provides an assortment of delicious bread, jam, and dessert recipes, and the step-by-step instructions are easy to follow--even for a beginner. Since you just add ingredients to the pan, close the lid and press a few buttons, the process is virtually foolproof. You'll be turning out wonderfully aromatic and flavorful loaves in short order.

The CBK-200 measures 18-3/4 inches wide by 12 inches deep and stands just under 15 inches tall. A standard horizontal nonstick baking pan lets you make 1, 1-1/2, or 2-pound loaves. Pushbutton controls operate the basic bread settings, which include white, whole wheat, and quick breads, as well as specialty settings such as low carb, gluten free, dough/pizza dough, artisan dough, sweet breads, and jam.

Other features include audible signal beeps to let you know when to add specialty ingredients (nuts or dried fruit, for instance) and when the bread-making cycle has completed. A delay timer lets you program the unit to start baking up to 12 hours later. There are also indicator lights and an easy-to-read digital display panel that shows the program options selected and time remaining in the chosen cycle. A power failure backup retains the current cycle in memory for up to 15 minutes if the power goes off.

Warranty
3 years, limited

On the Expert Rating Scale this Bread Machine scores a 4 out of 5 for both Value and Ease of Use and a 5 out of 5 for both Features and Performance for an overall score of 5 out of 5

Monday, August 20, 2007

Toastmaster 2-Pound Horizontal Bread Machine TBR20H


Toastmaster Horizontal Breadmaker (TBR20H)


The Toastmaster 2-Pound Horizontal Bread Machine TBR20H is a fully automatic bread making machine that produces either a 1-pound, 1-1/2-pound, or 2-pound loaf of white, wheat, or specialty bread in a couple of hours. A Fast Bake program lets you enjoy bread in just under an hour, and we found this to be a wonderful feature. This unit is relatively compact, measuring only 13 inches wide by 13 inches deep, by 12 inches tall, and is ideal for those who need to conserve space on the kitchen counter.

There are eight programs: basic, Fast Bake, French, whole wheat, sweet, quick bread, dough, and bake only. Once you select a program, you need to choose a loaf size and crust color (light, medium, or dark). The machine is automatically configured to start with a basic 2-pound, medium crust, so if you are not changing any of the settings, you can simply press "start" to begin the mixing process. The smooth touch pad control panel has clearly marked buttons to select the program, loaf size, crust color, and start/stop.

A digital readout displays the settings and time remaining in the cycle. There is also a digital clock/timer with up and down arrows to let you program the delay timer to begin up to 13 hours later. The delay works for all programs except Fast Bake and bake only, and should not be used with perishable ingredients. This unit also has a keep warm function, which automatically keeps the bread warm for up to one hour after all of the bake cycles.

Warranty
1 year

This breadmaker scores a 3 out of 5 for both performance and ease of use and a 4 out of 5 for Value and features and gets an overall score of of 3 out of 5

Breadman TR888 Corner Bakery 2-Pound Programmable Bread Maker


Breadman TR888 Corner Bakery 2-Pound Programmable Bread Maker
This breadmaker scores high marks from the Consumer Guid review below. The Breadman Corner Bakery bread maker does a whole lot more than bake bread. This self-contained machine lets you make dough for bagels, pizza, pretzels, or dinner rolls (to bake in your own oven), prepare puddings and pie fillings, make fudge or cheesecake, churn butter or bake cakes, and, of course, bread in 1-, 1.5-, or 2-pound loaves. It's as simple as adding your ingredients to the baking pan, closing the lid, and selecting a program. This unit stands about 13.5 inches tall, 13.5 inches wide, and 10 inches deep. The all-white plastic housing has a clean appearance and stays relatively cool to the touch during use. The unit?s touch pad control panel features easily identified settings for the program (basic, sweet, whole wheat, French, Insta-bread, dough, butter, or dessert), crust color (light, medium, or dark), time delay (to preset the start of breadmaking), and start/stop--all set against a clever brick image backdrop to go along with the "Corner Bakery" motif. The programs take anywhere from 30 minutes to churn butter to four hours for whole wheat bread. If you are in a hurry, a basic loaf of white bread can be made in about an hour using the Super Rapid program. The 13-hour delay timer is a handy feature if you want to have bread ready at a predetermined time. The Corner Bakery can also be used with prepackaged bread mixes.

This breadmaker scores high marks all around. On the Expert rating scale it scores a 4 for Value, Performance and Features It also scored a 5 for ease of use for an overall rating of 5 out of 5