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Bread is a staple food for many cultures, so it’s easy to see why it would be a good idea to use a bread maker to simplify the process of baking your own. But did you know there are many mistakes that people make when using these devices? Here are five mistakes you may be making without even realizing it!
1. Not reading instructions
People often do not read the instructions before using a breadmaker and wonder why their dough doesn’t rise or bake properly! There is no substitute for reading ahead. If something is confusing about your recipe, look it up on how to use it correctly because disappointment will come if you don’t follow directions!
The bread maker is a relatively simple device, and the manufacturer has taken pains to make instructions easy enough for most people to follow, including those who are not used to using such devices. You must take the time to read through these instructions before beginning your baking process in order to ensure everything goes smoothly.
In addition, if you find discrepancies between the manual and what your machine does when following its directions, then it’s prudent that you contact customer service at once so they can help figure out how best to fix any issues with your particular model of the bread maker.
Not reading instructions is one of the mistakes people commonly make with their bread makers without even realizing it!
Related Read: Bread Maker Buying Guide
2. Following recipes incorrectly
Follow the recipe to a tee. The amounts of ingredients in most bread recipes are not flexible, and changing them may have unintended consequences like throwing off the baking time or altering flavour.
Incorrectly following a recipe could result in an imperfect loaf which is difficult, if not impossible, to fix by adding more flour or sugar. When you’re experimenting with your own recipes, be sure to measure out all of your ingredients before starting so that it’s easy for you when you make changes later on.
3. Using cheap ingredients or non-stick pans to save money
One of the most effective ways to save money on your bread maker is by using it correctly. This means avoiding cheap ingredients and non-stick pans that are typically cheaper but damage the quality of your dough. These materials can often make for a denser loaf or an uneven crust–both undesirable qualities in a fresh-baked loaf!
It’s also important to remember that trial and error will be as you work out what works best for you. Start experimenting with different flour brands (Look for “bread making flour”), whole grains, gluten levels and water temperatures until you find something that suits your taste buds just right! And if all else fails, try buying a bread maker cookbook.
4. Baking too long
If the bread maker has a baking cycle, it will automatically stop when it is done. This is to keep your bread from burning outside while still doughy on the inside–a very common complaint with homemade loaves.
A good rule of thumb for how long you should bake your loaves: If you can’t lift the lid easily and see that there are only five minutes left in the baking cycle (or ten if using a low-temperature setting), then don’t open up the door! You’re risking having burned spots on top or bottom because those areas didn’t have enough time to cook through properly.
5. Failing to clean the machine after each use
If you’ve ever noticed your bread is a little on the tough side, it could be because there was too much flour in the last dough. It turns out that over-flouring can cause this problem and lead to dense or tough loaves—even if you knead for an extra five minutes and use more yeast than usual. The fix? Clean your machine after each loaf! That way, all leftover ingredients will get washed away, eliminating any chance of contamination from one batch affecting subsequent batches.
Extra Common Mistake When Making Homemade Bread
Conclusion
A bread maker is a great tool for making your own fresh, homemade bread at home. But we want to point out that there are five mistakes you may be making without even realizing it! These mistakes will keep the machine from operating correctly and reduce the quality of the baked product. If any of these sound familiar, please contact us so we can help!