Application Guide

Zojirushi: 800-733-6270
Features: Cycles and Settings
In the owner’s manual, after acquainting you with the parts of the machine, the basic
steps to remove and replace the bread pan, and the order in which to place the ingredi-
ents in the pan, each manufacturer will list the features, also referred to as the modes of
operation or cycles, of the machine. This list of cycles lets you know what types of
breads you can make with your machine, and the amount of time it takes to make a loaf
on each of these settings. Most booklets tell you in a chart how long each cycle, and
even each part of a cycle, takes; the times are a bit different for each brand of machine.
All machines have at least four of the following cycles:
BASIC
This setting is also known as Basic Bread, Basic Mode, Basic Wheat, Standard, or
White. This is the all-purpose setting you’ll probably use most often. The cycle takes
three to four hours, depending on your machine. It is the cycle for white breads and
whole wheat or whole-grain breads that contain more than 50 percent bread flour. This
cycle can also be used for country breads if you don’t have a French Bread cycle.
Within this cycle there is sometimes the further choice of “Quick” or “Rapid.” (Some
machines have you program for this separately. See information about the Quick Yeast
Bread cycle). On many of the newer machines, there will be a beep during the Basic
cycle to identify when to add any extra ingredients, like raisins or nuts.
SWEET BREAD
The Sweet Bread cycle allows doughs with a higher fat and sugar content to rise more
slowly. This cycle has a longer rise and a lower baking temperature, about 250°F, since
the crust of a sweet bread will brown quicker. There is usually a beep in this cycle for
the addition of extra ingredients, like chopped glacéed fruit or nuts. Many sweet breads
are also mixed on the Dough cycle, shaped, and baked in the home oven.
FRUIT AND NUT
Also known as the Raisin Mode or Mix Bread cycle, the Fruit and Nut setting is used
for recipes that require the addition of nuts, seeds, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to the
dough. This way the extras are not overmixed or pulverized during the vigorous blade
action of the kneading phase of the cycle. Many of the newer machines have this audi-
ble alert built into the Basic and Whole Wheat cycles, rather than in a separate cycle.
When the beep sounds, simply open the lid and pour in the extras. If your machine
does not have this cycle, use the Basic cycle for breads made with these ingredients.
The audible alert is not a necessity; see Bread Machine Baker’s Hint: Working with
21