7 Best Bread Makers For Artisan Bread
A bread maker is just such a blessing to have in the kitchen. With most modern bread makers, you can set the timer and wake up to the smell of bread baking in the kitchen – what could be better?
If a bread maker is something you are interested in, why not take it a step further and look for one that can make artisan bread? Artisan bread might seem intimidating at first, but with the right bread maker, it can be easy to make.
Which is the best bread maker for artisan bread? The best bread maker for artisan bread is one that has the recipe settings to suit different types of bread. The maker should also be versatile, allowing for different baking techniques and temperatures.
All of this might seem a little overwhelming if you have never bought a bread maker before, especially now that you are looking for one to make artisan bread. But don’t despair. We will cover everything you need to know to choose the right one, as well as the best bread makers for artisan bread.
What Kind Of Bread Is Artisan?
There is no set definition as to what artisan bread really is, but it generally refers to high-quality bread that is eaten almost immediately after baking, to savor the freshness. These breads typically have a short shelf-life since they are made without preservatives.
These breads differ from the usual supermarket white and brown bread.
Artisan bread is usually characterized by the following:
- Made by hand
- Made with traditional processing techniques
- Pre-fermentations
- Longer fermentation compared to commercial bread and rolls.
Artisan bread is usually a healthy sourdough bread, which are generally baked without a pan. Some common examples of artisan bread include baguettes, ciabatta, focaccia, panettone, and brioche, and naturally leavened multigrain and naturally leavened white bread.
Most traditionally, artisan bread is baked in heath-style ovens, which helps give the bread a hard crust and a soft inside. These breads usually look very rustic, with decorative scoring and some flour dusted on top.
Artisan bread is usually made with a leaner formulation as well. This means they have a low sugar and fat level, and very rarely use dough conditioners. They also either have high or low hydration levels, depending on how the baker wants to shape the bread.
High-quality, low-protein content flours are used to make artisan bread, to give them a chewy texture and crusty exterior.
Choosing A Bread Maker For Artisan Bread – Buyer’s Guide
There are a few things to look for when purchasing a bread maker to make artisan bread, to ensure that it is capable of making different types of bread and that it will be reliable loaf after loaf.
Here is what to look for:
Timing Function
It really does help to have a timing function on your bread maker. This way you can have fresh bread ready when you wake up in the morning, or time the bread to be ready for dinner.
Loaf Size and Crust Color Settings
Having the ability to adjust the loaf size and crust color gives versatility to your baking, and it helps to be able to bake artisan bread, which is not usually baked on the same setting as normal white or brown bread.
Memory Recall Function
If the bread maker experiences a power loss or is switched off, a memory recall is a good function to have, as it will pick up from where the kneading or baking process was stopped.
Gluten-Free Function
A gluten-free function is great for those who have dietary restrictions, so nobody is left out of enjoying some delicious bread.
Ease Of Use
You want a bread maker that is easy to use. The interface should be user-friendly and clear and there shouldn’t be too many buttons to push. Look for a bread maker that has a viewing window so you can check the progress too.
Recipe Selection
You want the bread maker to be able to make artisan breads, so it needs to have a good selection of recipes. Otherwise, you will be quite limited. Make sure the bread maker can accommodate your artisan bread types.
Easy-To-Follow Instructions
If the instructions aren’t easy to follow, you will probably not use your bread maker as much.
Check to see if there are additional resources with the maker or online from the manufacturer that you can use to learn how to use the machine. Bread makers are fairly simple to use, so it shouldn’t be complicated.
The 7 Best Bread Makers For Artisan Breads
Who wouldn’t want to wake up to a fresh loaf of artisan bread in the morning? Below are the 7 best bread makers on the market which will help you make the best artisan bread time and time again:
Rank | Product | Key Features |
---|---|---|
1. | Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker | 12 settings, 2 loaf sizes, 2 lb cap. |
2. | SAKI Programmable XL Bread Maker | 12 settings, 3 loaf sizes, 3.3 lb cap. |
3. | West Bend Hi-Rise Bread Maker | 12 settings, mult. loaf sizes, 3 lb cap. |
4. | MasterChef Bread Maker | 19 settings, 2 loaf sizes, 2 lb cap. |
5. | Cuisinart Compact Bread Maker | 12 settings, 3 loaf sizes, 2 lb cap. |
6. | Hamilton Beach Artisan Bread Maker | 14 settings, 3 loaf sizes, 2 lb cap. |
7. | Pohl Schmitt Stainless Steel Bread Machine | 14 settings, 3 loaf sizes, 2 lb cap. |
Since bread is serious business, we’ve included more information on each of these fantastic artisan bread makers. Read on to pick the best bread maker for your artisan baking needs.
1. Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker
The Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker comes with practically all the settings you could want to make normal bread, and some artisan loaves as well. Plus, it has a gluten-free setting to accommodate all diets.
From French, quick bread, sweet bread, whole grain, fruit, and nut bread and doughs, jams and cakes, this will be your go-to machine for many baking needs.
You are also able to choose the loaf size, between 1.5 and 2 pounds, as well as the crust setting. It has three crust options letting you choose between light, medium, or dark crust.
This bread maker has a large digital display with a delay timer that allows you to select the crust, cycle, loaf size, and recipe for the bread.
The pan is non-stick and dishwasher-safe. There are even 2 kneading paddles included, and these along with the interior pan can be removed from the machine.
Easy to use, you can get baking with this bad boy in just three easy steps. All you have to do is add your ingredients, select the cycle, and start baking!
2. SAKI Programmable XL Bread Maker
The SAKI XL Bread Maker is capable of making some big loaves of bread, and it is ideal for larger families or major bread connoisseurs!
You can choose between the different bread size settings, allowing for 2.2 lb, 2.7 lb, and 3.3 lb loaves. You are also able to choose between three different crust settings, light, medium, and dark.
What is great about this bread maker is that it has a large display, so you can keep track of the time, and easily see the different settings and cycles easily.
The machine comes with an intelligent 15-hour delay start, so you can begin your mornings with a fresh loaf of bread.
The keep-warm technology in the bread maker is built-in, so you don’t have to worry about losing freshness once the bread has been baked.
12 different programs see to your baking needs. You can bake normal basic bread, quick bread, whole wheat bread, artisan gluten-free bread, and many other specialty breads!
3. West Bend Hi-Rise Bread Maker
Double knead blades help to provide a thorough dough kneading process for a higher rise and a lighter taste, and helps to prepare wonderful loaves of artisan bread.
There are 12 digital settings included on the bread maker, which range from basic, wheat, French, sweet bread, basic dough, gluten-free, and custom bread.
You can fully customize your settings to bake the perfect loaf of bread, whether it is basic or an artisan loaf.
Choose between 3 crust levels – light, medium, and dark – and the size of the loaf as well. The instruction manual included can help you make some special bread, such as garlic bread, bagels, and low-carb bread as well.
The viewing window on the top of the machine helps you keep a check of your bread, and watch as it rises. The small display panel is easy to use and all buttons are shown clearly on the machine.
4. MasterChef Bread Maker
The MasterChef Bread Maker lets you turn your kitchen into a bakery, and with just the slightest effort put into actually using the bread machine!
This nifty bread machine can make loaves up to 2 lb in size, which is more than enough for the average family. It has a whopping 19 settings, so you can make all types of bread, including artisan loaves. You can also use the machine to make jams and doughs too!
There is a 13-hour delay timer on the machine, so you can dump all your ingredients into the bread maker and set it to bake your bread before you wake up in the morning.
Using the viewing window, you can check the progress of your bread, and the keep-warm function keeps it fresh. The bread maker also comes with a measuring cup and spoon to make baking that much easier.
5. Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker
The programmable bread machine can bake different sized loaves, between 1 lb, 1 ½ lb, and 2 lb loaves.
The 12 preprogrammed menu options includes 3 crust settings and a 13-hour delay, so you can plan your loaves down to every last detail.
With a viewing window, you can keep track of how your loaf is baking, and just enjoy watching the dough rise and brown!
The bread maker has a removable lid, a removable pan, and removable paddles, to make cleanup so much easier once your bread has been baked.
Stay-cool handles allow you to lift the bread out soon after baking with no chance of burning. Included with the bread maker are a measuring cup, a measuring spoon, and some recipes, including those for artisan breads.
This sturdy machine is ideal for regular use and will fit well into most kitchens!
6. Hamilton Beach Artisan and Gluten-Free Bread Maker
You can easily make some wonderful artisan bread, dough, jam, and more with this simple bread maker that really has so many functions.
You simply need to add in your ingredients, select a cycle, and press start to get baking. The maker will then turn to keep warm to keep bread fresh once baking has finished.
There are 14 settings included in the bread machine, including artisan bread, gluten-free bread, French bread, whole grains, and much more. You can choose between 3 loaf sizes and 3 crust shades too.
The stainless steel exterior of the machine gives it a sleek and elegant appearance. The non-stick interior makes lifting bread and cleaning a breeze, and is sleekly designed too
Accessories included with the bread maker include a measuring cup, a measuring spoon, a kneading paddle, and a paddle removing tool – all of which are dishwasher safe!
Designed to make artisan and gluten-free bread, this is the ideal machine for those who want to experiment with new loaves!
7. Pohl Schmitt Stainless Steel Bread Machine
The Pohl Schmitt Stainless Steel Bread Machine comes with 14 different settings, allowing you to make the perfect bread each time. You are able to make whole grain bread, French bread, artisan homemade bread, with the opportunity to customize any recipe.
A digital display on the top of the machine makes it easy to use, and it comes with a delay timer, so your bread will only bake when you want it to. You are also able to choose the cycle, the crust shade, and the loaf size.
The non-stick removable pan allows for easy cleaning, and you can easily lift the bread from the pan too. There is one kneading paddle available to properly knead the dough.
As the machine works, it will give a few beeps to remind you to add in the final ingredients, ensuring that your bread will never flop. You can keep a constant check on the bread with the viewing window, so you can watch the whole process from start to finish.
This professional-looking bread maker is a great tool to keep in the kitchen, whether you want daily loaves of bread or some artisan bakes for when you are entertaining. It is sleek and modern, and makes a great gift too!
Do I Really Need A Bread Maker?
While there is nothing more satisfying than making bread by hand, sometimes it can become a bit laborious if you want homemade bread each day.
A bread maker is ideal for those who want fresh bread, but who don’t have the time, experience, or patience to knead, mix, shape, and bake by hand. Bread makers are also more consistent than the average baker, particularly for those new to bread making.
A bread maker with a timer is ideal, as you can place all your ingredients into the bread maker the night before and wake up to a fresh, warm loaf in the morning.
Related Questions
Do Bread Makers Make Good Bread?
Yes, bread makers do make good bread, especially if you follow the recipes and choose the right cycles. Sometimes, a bread maker can make better bread than what you might be able to with your hands.
Many people also consider bread made by bread makers to be better than those that are bought in stores or oven-baked.
Is Homemade Bread Healthier Than Store-Bought?
Homemade bread is often healthier than shop-bought bread, as you are able to control exactly the ingredients that are put into the bread. However, you can also put ingredients into your bread which makes it less healthy as well.
Still, not only is homemade bread usually healthier than store-bought bread, but it is often tastier as well.
Does a Bread Maker Save You Money?
For families that go through a lot of bread, a bread maker can save you money over time. The ingredients, especially if bought in bulk, are cheaper than if you buy a couple of loaves of bread from the store during the week.
There really is nothing better than a freshly baked loaf of bread in the morning or at dinner, and now you can achieve this with very little effort thanks to a bread maker!
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