Power
Rated power of the breadmaker.
This parameter is closely related to capacity (see "Maximum baking weight"): the higher bread weight inevitably require more power to heat efficiently. At the same time, models of the same capacity may have different power. In this case, the more powerful device will cope with its task faster, but will consume more energy and, most likely, will cost more.
Number of programs
The number of recipes and special programs (raw dough, jam, yogurt, etc.) provided in the bread machine. The larger this number, the more advanced this model is, the wider its capabilities. On the other hand, extensive functionality significantly affects the price. It is also worth considering that a specific set of programs in different models may be different; so when buying it is worth specifying not only the number of cooking modes, but also their specific list.
Functions
—
Programming capability. The ability to create and edit custom bread baking programs is a key feature of these bread makers, making them highly versatile by providing users with a wide range of options that are not limited to pre-set programs.
—
Bread size selection. The option to choose the bread size allows for a more accurate selection of the amount of bread produced, ensuring that it will last until the next baking while also preventing it from becoming stale or spoiling. The number of size options may vary, and this should be confirmed in each individual case.
— Delay start
timer. With the presence of a delay start timer, ingredients can be loaded into the bread maker in advance and the timer can be set to begin the baking process automatically at a desired time, such as overnight to have fresh bread ready for breakfast. However, it is important to consider that some ingredients may spoil before the mixing process begins if the delay is too long.
—
Temperature maintaining. Thanks to the temperature maintaining function, the bread maker can keep the freshly baked bread warm for some time (up to several hours). This means that there is no need to time the moment precisely to enjoy hot bread, which many people consider to be the most delicious.
—
Fast baking mode. The
...program for speeding up bread making mainly works by reducing the kneading time, resulting in a denser bread compared to the standard temperature method.Double baking form
Possibility of baking bread as two separate loaves at a time — unlike the usual procedure, when bread is most often baked in one loaf. Typically
, a double baking form is used in bread machines that bake bread in the shape of a brick (see Baking shape). Smaller loaves are often easier to slice.
Surge protection
The time during which the protection from voltage surges is active.
Many modern bread makers are equipped with such protection; during power surges it disconnects the device from the mains and suspends the programme, and when the voltage stabilizes, it starts it from the place where it stopped. The protection time is the time during which programme data can be stored in the memory of the bread maker after the protection is activated and the external power is turned off. If during this time the voltage has not leveled off and the power has not turned on, the programme is reset and the process must be started over. Thus, the longer the time specified in this paragraph, the more advanced the protection is, the lower the likelihood that the programme will have to be restarted in case of mains failures. In some models, the protection time can be up to 60 minutes.