Have you been surfing the internet for hours, days maybe even weeks, reading one review after another, trying to find a best bread machine for artisan breads, Well here is your stop. This post is a detailed review and guide for choosing the best bread machine for artisan breads and homemade breads.
It is noteworthy that most bread machines can be classified as an artisan bread machine, but what features does the best machine for artisan breads have that beat all the rest? What makes the difference? There are only certain kinds of bread machines that do a fantastic job at baking delicious homemade artisan breads.
Best Bread Machine for Artisan Breads
1. Zojirushi BB-CEC20 Breadmaker
When it comes to being the most outstanding bread machines out in the market today, one of the must-tries is Zojirushi BB-CEC20. It has all the features that you need in order to make perfect artisan bread for your meal. The best part is that you’re not just limited to making bread or meatloaf.
Zojirushi BB-CEC20 is very durable. It is made out of stainless steel which is why it is so perfect for everyday use. Even though the bread pan is not made of Teflon, it is still not stick. You won’t need to scrub off anything from the pan. You won’t need to buy anything else if you buy Zojirushi BB-CEC20. It already comes with its own set of measuring cups and double headed spoons which will make your work a lot easier. Its two blade system is perfect for making artisan breads that will rise higher than the others. The ten pre-programmable settings are not that hard to figure out. It comes with a very simple and understandable manual that makes sure that you won’t need to take out any old baking books.
You won’t need to be a baking expert in order to use Zojirushi BB-CEC20. With its 10 pre programmable setting, you will only need to think of the way that you want your bread to come out. The machine itself is also very user-friendly.
Zojirushi BB-CEC20 comes with timer settings that you need to make sure that you won’t have to adjust your schedule just to make artisan bread.
People who love other baked goods other than artisan bread like pizzas, burger or hotdog bun and meatloaf with Zojirushi BB-CEC20 among other things. You will be able to create more complicated menus using the easy way.
This model of Zojirushi is actually similar to the Zojirushi BBCCx20. Both of them have the 13-hour timer and the pre-programmable settings. Aside from that, both machines can make different types of foods like cakes, jams, and other baked goods. Either way, you will definitely enjoy whichever machine model you choose.
Zojirushi BB-CEC20 Pros and Cons
2. Cuisinart CBK-200 2-Lb Convection Bread Maker
This appliance is in a rather crowded kitchen appliance segment of the market and has some steep competition with some well established brands. One thing going for this product is that it is made by Cuisinart, a kitchen name in appliances and other kitchen items such as cookware and knives. The Cuisinart CBK-200 is in the median range of competitors in this segment.
The Cuisinart CBK-200 is a fairly easy product to use. The top mounted controls are properly located and easy to use. I compare to other units in the category which have the control buttons located on the front face of the unit. You end up finding yourself crouching down attempting to read the poor LCD display.
The overall thought given to this unit is good in my opinion. The layout and menu system is easy to grasp and to utilize. I do wish the LCD display was a little larger and easier to read but at this price point, I am being a little picky. The user guide provided does a pretty standard job of walking you through the cooking process and I didn’t find myself lost or ever having to call technical support (not even sure if technical support is available), as I have had to do with several other household appliances.
The unit gets good marks for style and design. While not a work of art, its above average as far as home appliances go. This appliance is pretty straight forward in terms of use and operation. I would rate this a little above average in terms of functionality. The end product: warm, fresh bread, is above average in terms of taste and consistency even with a funky hole in the middle of the loaf. Overall, I would feel comfortable giving a buy recommendation for the Cuisinart CBK-200 to anyone seeking a bread maker in this price range.
Cuisinart CBK-200 Pros and Cons
3. Breadman TR2500BC Ultimate Plus 2-Pound Convection Breadmaker
Looking for an artisan bread machine with more than one setting and one that has a variety of useful attractive features, then the Breadman TR2500BC Ultimate Plus is the machine for you. You can make fresh bread every day and your friends and family will love eating freshly made artisan or homemade bread. You can have rich warm smells radiating throughout your home. Just think of all the butters and jams that will take great with your bread.
The Breadman TR2500BC Ultimate Plus is the dream machine of artisan bread makers. The machine comes with many features that make cooking so easy. You don’t have to look around for measuring cups and measuring spoons easily. This machine just made cooking fun again. You can have some of the crispiest bread that won’t stick to the bottom of your pain. If you are on a low carbohydrate diet, then you can check out the recipes that come with a machine to make delicious low carbohydrate bread.
The Breadman TR2500BC Ultimate Plus is regarded as one of the Best Bread Machine for Artisan Breads and it comes with a dual loaf pan so that you can make different sizes of bread. You can make a loaf of bread that is one pound or 2 ½ pounds. The bread maker has 14 different settings that you can choose from. For the low carbohydrate lover you can make low carbohydrate bread. For those who are allergic to gluten then you can enjoy making artisan bread and enjoy the taste of warm homemade bread. The Breadman TR2500BC Ultimate Plus also has kneading paddles that collapse to allow your bread to bake evenly without noticeable holes that are seen in bread with made in other bread machines that don’t have this feature.
Breadman TR2500BC Pros and Cons
4. Panasonic SD-YD250 Automatic Bread Maker
The one thing that really prompts me to buy this machine in the first place was its option for 3 loaf sizes. It allows me to bake up to two and a half pounds and is suitable for my family, which is slightly larger than usual.
Like many other bread maker, the Panasonic SD-YD250 also has a 13hour delay timer that allows you to add in ingredients the night before and wake up to the smell of artisan bread in the morning. You can also choose to bake in the morning because the rapid mode takes only 3 hours (2hours faster than your average) for a full cycle.
Other than that, the Panasonic SD-YD250 Automatic Bread Maker has an automated yeast dispenser that adds in the yeast at the perfect timing and a temperature control program. Both is said to contribute to an even loaf. There’s no window for viewing, but the results are consistently satisfying. I always end up going to work or sleeping anyways so the window isn’t really necessary.
If you’re the type that favors dried fruit and nuts in your bread, but fear that it may get crushed during kneading, fret not, the bread maker will beep to signal you the optimal time to add it in.
Furthermore, this trusty bread maker comes with accessories such as measuring cup, spoon, booklet and a recipe book consisting of 40 breads and dough. It also makes dough for pizza, focaccia, croissants and other pastries without baking. All you have to do is pop them in the oven later, after you’ve molded them.
Apart from the above, the SD-YD250 also has a power interruption protection which automatically allows you to resume from wherever you’ve stalled and a safety fuse to protect you from a lightning strike. I think that’s really great!
Panasonic SD-YD250 Pros and Cons
5. Sunbeam 5891 2-Pound Programmable Bread Maker
The Sunbeam 5891 bread machine provides you with the option to bake 3 different sizes of loaves – 1 lb, 1.5lbs and 2lbs. This gives you the flexibility of catering from a small family, to a gathering. The baking process is also relatively easy. There are a total of 12 control functions and 3 crust shade selections.
All you do is add in the ingredients and choose from the given options based on personal preference on the touch-control panel. However, it might require a little more effort to those who likes nuts and dried fruits in their bread as it has to be added in separately. But worry not; a beep will signal you the optimal time to add in your choice of nuts and fruits. After that, just leave it for a couple of hours then come back home to the wonderful smell of wholesome homemade bread wafting from your kitchen. If you can’t reach home on time, an auto keep warm cycle will keep the bread warm and soft for you.
With such minimal effort, you can prepare a variety of cuisines ranging from French, Italian, and sourdough loaves, to pizza dough, hamburger bun, sandwich, soft pretzel dough, calzone crust and jams! All of them tastes a lot better than the store bought ones and costs less overall! That’s not all; the cleaning is also easy because all the residues easily fall off the non-stick pan when rinsed with water. Just by buying the sunbeam, you can save on time, effort, money and more importantly eat healthier!
It is relatively quiet when kneading; you can barely hear it after you’ve switched on the television. Though some reviewers have complained about lubricant leakage from the shaft, I have yet to experience any of it myself.
This convenient bread maker is reasonably priced. It is perfect for those who are on a tight budget and looking for an affordable bread machine that works well for a long time. If this fits your bill, get the Sunbeam 5891 2-Pound Programmable Breadmaker now!
Other affordable bread machines are the Oster bread maker ExpressBake Bread Machine and the SKG Automatic Bread Machine.
Pros and Cons of Sunbeam 5891 Bread maker
Features to look for when Picking the Best Bread Machine for Artisan Breads (Buying Guide)
The Best Bread Machine for Artisan Breads Will Mix the Dough Thoroughly.
Ensure that the bread machine you wish to purchase is capable of thorough mixing of the dough. Most machines cannot mix heavy artisan dough well enough, leaving clumps of ingredients in the dough. The right paddle and motor may be one of the most important features of the best machine for artisan bread. Many bread machines do not have paddles that are strong enough to handle artisan dough. Bread machines made specifically for artisan baking will likely have thick, heavy paddles to avoid those dreaded lumps and clumps. They will also have sturdy motors that will not burn out after a few years and replacing bread maker parts is not the easiest task.
Double Paddles
To increase the quality of the kneading cycle and to reduce the need to scrape the sides of the pans (but it won’t entirely eliminate it) we always suggest going for a bread machine that has double paddles. Double paddles just do a better job at mixing the ingredients which will prevent clumps from forming.
Programmable Settings
Programmable cycles will make your job as a baker far easier than those without. With the ability to program the cycles you have much more control at your fingertips. You can adjust settings based on the quality of the ingredients (not every bread mix is created equal, even if it’s from the same brand and store). Humidity also plays a huge role in the outcome of your bread so you may want to adjust the settings on hot days. Check with your bread machine manual on how to program your bread cycles.
Be Cool with a Cool Down Cycle
Another important feature that will produce high quality bread without dedicating your day to babysitting an appliance is the cool down cycle. Bread needs to be removed from the heat immediately after baking to prevent it from getting soggy or losing its flavor. Traditionally, removing the bread from the machine was the only route to avoiding this mishap, but a fan assisted cool down cycle will guarantee the heat is removed while saving you a step. In addition to the saved step, this can add an element of convenience. Throw the ingredients in the bread machine before work, program the appropriate cycles, and walk in the door after a long day to the smell of fresh baked bread.
Artisan No-Knead setting: Not always necessary
Your 1st instict may be to check to make sure the bread machine has a artisan cycle. While many bread machines have a gluten-free setting, the best artisan bread machine may not. Bread dough for artisan breads only needs one kneading and rising cycle instead of two. Over kneading will result in a very unappetizing, flat bread due to the air being fizzled out of the dough. If a machine does not have a artisan No-Knead setting and we recommend it here, that is because it will have either a ‘rapid bake’ (or quick bake or express bake or some other variation), which cuts down the kneading and rising cycle time or the machine will be programmable.
Pause Button: a very under-rated feature
The pause button is an often overlooked feature on bread makers. While it is not as important as the durable paddles, programmability, and cool down cycle, it can come in handy. It will allow you to stop the process in the middle of any cycle, allowing you to add certain ingredients at very detailed times. It’s also nice for adjusting baking cycles when experimenting with new recipes that are still being perfected. One of the best reasons to make your own bread is the ability to experiment and a pause button can help with that.
What is the difference between artisan bread and regular bread?
Artisan bread is loosely defined as bread that is produced using traditional methods and ingredients. Choice of flour type, length of fermentation, and how the bread is made are important characteristics for an artisan loaf. Dough is generally made in small batches with a more hands on approach
How do you store artisan bread?
The best and safe method of storing an artisan bread is by wrapping it gently in a paper bag or dish towel it in a dish towel. Afterwards, it should be stored in a dry place that is free of moisture.
How do you reheat artisan bread?
Reheating a loaf or slices of artisan bread takes only a few minutes with the use of a low-temperature oven. To reheat your artisan bread, put the bread rolls in the oven, then preheat it to 300 F, which is a little lower than you would do for ordinary slices loaves. Place them on a baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven to be heated evenly. Rolls should warm up in around 5 minutes; however, if would prefer them to have a toasty exterior, keep them in for a bit longer. Avoid storing artisan breads in the refrigerator.
Cleaning and maintaining your artisan bread machine
Sometimes, the user’s manual that comes with your Artisan Bread Machine won’t provide any information on tips about the maintenance and cleaning of the machine. However, it is a must to actually do a regular cleaning, such as oiling the bread pan kneading shafts. This must be done so that the bread pan can move freely and this is also a good way to avoid any rust from getting into the machine. Many Bread Machines, such as the Zojirushi BBCCX20, are naturally easy to clean and wipe down.
Some Bread Machine owners don’t realize that cleaning their machine regularly will actually save them a lot of money. See, the most common reason why a machine usually gets busted is because of poor maintenance. And once it gets damaged, you have no choice but to buy another one. Having a scheduled cleaning and maintenance will not only save you money, but it also eliminates any unnecessary costs that you might incur in case it suddenly stops working.
How to clean and maintain your artisan bread machine
Step 1: Wipe down the bread machine
So how do you clean your Bread Machine? First, start by scraping any residues off out of your bread maker. Remove those tiny pieces of bread crusts that usually cling right into the surface of the machine. For objects that are so difficult to remove, use a small cloth to wipe it out. Be sure to soak the cloth in warm water before wiping it to the object. Never use any sharp tools when scraping these things off, otherwise, the coating of your bread makers will come off.
Step 2: Remove the Paddles
Next thing to do is to remove the paddle out. Once removed, soak it in warm water in order to wipe away those tiny pieces of dough and cooked bread that’s sticking in it. Clean the inside part of the paddle as well. Once you’re done with the paddle, it’s time to clean the pans.
Step 3: Clean the bread machine pans
Remove the pan out and clean it using a sponge with warm water and dish washing liquid. Usually, these pans are coated with Teflon, therefore cleaning it should be very convenient. After washing, dry these pans by wiping it with warm cloth.
The last part is cleaning the machine itself. You actually don’t need to wash the bread maker with water. You just have to use a piece of cloth that has been dampened with warm soapy water. Be very careful not to allow any droplets of liquid to seep right through the smaller parts of the electronic components of the machine. When not in use, it is best to cover the bread maker with an appliance cover so to avoid dusts and dirt from getting to it. Once you’re done with cleaning the machine, put the paddle and the pan back, by making sure that all parts are totally dried off. Never leave these parts wet, and you should enjoy your bread machine for years to come.
Final Thoughts
At this point, you might be asking yourself, what exactly is the best bread machine for artisan breads? Did you read this far thinking we would come out with the end all, be all of all bread machines? Although it would be great to label one bread machine as the best artisan bread machine, it really does come down to personal preference. Our guide is a starter, but what about the size of the loaf you want to bake regularly? We can’t decide that for you. If you want a small loaf, check out the Zoji Mini. If size matters, go for the grand daddy of them all, the Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme. Maybe your prefer a more retro look, like the Breadman tr875? Pick the right one for you. And if you do, it will bring you joy that will last you many years to come in the form of a mouth watering aroma that fills your home and delicious bread on your plate. So go ahead, look around and find the best artisan bread machine, made just for you.