Application Guide

Does the machine have an audible alert to remind you when to add extra ingredi-
ents? It is convenient for the basic cycle to beep as a reminder to add embellishments
such as raisins or nuts midway through the kneading, so that they are not pulverized
during the mixing. A machine can have this feature built into one or many of its cycles.
If your machine does not offer this signal, it is easy enough to set your own kitchen
timer to add the extras on your own. See BREAKFAST BREADS for more informa-
tion.
Does your machine’s digital screen tell you what phase of the cycle it is in? My
testers all seemed to like this indicator feature. You don’t have to peek, listen, or write
down times to gauge where you are. For those who are used to baking by hand, this in-
dicator allows them to orient themselves to what part of the process the machine is in. I
tend to use the cycle indicator more often than the timer to judge how close the bread
is to being done.
Does your machine have a power saver memory? The power saver lets the machine
restart where it left off in the event of a brief blackout or if the plug is accidentally
pulled out mid-cycle. If the machine does not have the power saver feature, you would
have to start the machine from the beginning of the cycle again instead of resuming the
process where it left off. No matter what machine you are using, if a power outage hap-
pens during the baking part of a cycle, you won’t be able to retrieve the loaf at all.
(However, dough could be removed and baked in a conventional oven.) The standard
time limit of the power saver memory is 60 minutes.
What information does the owner’s manual provide? Look at the manual provided by
the manufacturer. A complete and easy-to-understand owner’s manual is a real help.
This book offers a great deal of information regarding all aspects of bread machine
baking, from descriptions of various features, to troubleshooting, to tips for cleanup.
Read your owner’s manual and become familiar with its contents. It will tell you the
important specifics about your machine, such as the order in which ingredients should
be added, and how to program the various cycles and the Delay Timer.
Is service support offered for the machine? Most bread machine manufacturers offer a
toll-free customer support line to assist you with any troubles that arise in your use of
the machine (see Customer Service Numbers for a list of these numbers). The people
who staff these phone lines are generally very knowledgeable. Know the number for
your machine’s manufacturer, and don’t be afraid to use it. While the failure rate of
this complex appliance is very low, you should also hold on to your receipt, and be
sure you can take the machine back to where you bought it. Again, a good help line
can help you assess whether a problem is caused by the baking method or a faulty ma-
chine. A bread machine does have some replaceable parts, such as the drive belt for the
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