5 Disadvantages of Using a Bread Maker

Published on 28th March 2013

By Leila El-Dean

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As a nation of 'Mod-con' lovers the majority of us are already converts to the bread maker. They fit perfectly into our busy lifestyles. They allow us to go to work, the gym, out with our friends but also enjoy the perfect taste of home baked bread at the same time without even really having to do much.

However, there are problems with breadmakers. Here are some of the most common reasons people don't buy one:

Hole in the Bread

Holy bread! (image source: Flickr)

The main disadvantage I have found is that it is often quite hard to make the perfect loaf of bread. The paddle that kneads and mixes the dough often becomes stuck in the bread, usually only at one end so when it is removed it can cause a hole at the end of the bread which is a nightmare for trying to make sandwiches. You can also only make one loaf of bread at a time and depending on the machine, the bread can either be long with the crust at one end or on the top like the traditional loaf of bread.

Limitations

Another problem is that some machines are limited to their pre-set programme. You need to program the machine to make sure the bread is the right consistency. You don't want it to turn out gooey or brick hard. You also need to set up the timer, if you mistake 'am' for 'pm' you could end up with problems, or no loaf at all. Also make sure the temperature and timer are adjusted to the season as the machines are temperature sensitive.

Cleaning

Bread makers can be fiddly to clean. They can't go in the dishwasher so you need to be extremely careful when cleaning by hand, especially if you are using it for optional extra's like jam or chocolate.

What a mess! (image source: Flickr)

Don't be too rough. The loaf tin is Teflon coated and if this gets damaged it makes getting the loaf out difficult and it will only get worse the more you try to free the bread. Never attempt to do this using a knife or spatula as your bread maker's days will be numbered.

Electric Usage

Some purists don't like bread makers because of the amount of electricity they use.

If you are wanting to make seeded or speciality loaves, the seeds can scratch the loaf tin under the paddle and this can reduce the life of the pan.

Add this up with the amount spent on the actual bread maker and how many loaves you get out of it they don't seem very cost effective. Traditionalists claim you can make an equally nutritious loaf by hand.

Life Span

Most bread maker's last for about 1200 loaves. Although the actual loaf tin only lasts for about 500 loaves before you need to replace it and the tins can be as expensive to replace as a completely new bread maker.

The mileage you get out of your bread maker will depend on how you look after it and how often you use it.Despite these disadvantages, most people love their bread maker!

Check out this forum post for more common breadmaker problems and let us know what you think about yours below.

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