An automatic bread maker cannot be used for gluten free bread if gluten-containing breads were previously baked in it. It will contaminate the dough. Therefore, a bread machine is one of several kitchen appliances that need to be replaced when starting a gluten free diet.
An automatic bread maker isn’t necessary to make gluten free bread, but since gluten free dough can’t be kneaded by hand, the stickiness requires a 325-watt heavy-duty mixer. A good bread machine is more convenient, doesn’t heat up the kitchen, and costs less than a mixer does. The following gluten free guide will help the baker choose which machine is best.
A Zojirushi Bread Machine is the Gold Standard
When beginning a gluten free diet, getting a decent loaf of bread is difficult. Most store-bought options are dense and dry. While new products are entering the market, they are not easy to find. Learning to bake is a high priority for many gluten free cooks.
Among gluten free bakers, a Zojirushi BBCC-X20 Home Bakery Supreme Bread Maker is considered the best there is. Some of the major features that set it apart are:
- two kneading paddles, rather than one
- real programmable settings, rather than a rapid bake or gluten free cycle
- the ability to add liquid during the kneading process with machine still running
- makes a large 2 lb, horizontal loaf so it looks like regular bread
The Zo works with a wide variety of recipes and bread mixes. It has a sturdy motor, so it lasts two to three times longer than other bread machines. The finished product has better texture than the same recipe made in another machine, probably due to the double paddles mixing the dough better. Cost is around $200.
A Breadman Bread Maker
Not everyone can afford to buy a Zojirushi bread machine, though many gluten free bakers believe it’s worth saving up for. For those who can’t wait, there’s the Breadman TR2500BC. The Breadman Ultimate Plus is a stainless-steel, restaurant-quality convection bread maker with:
- one paddle
- a gluten free cycle
- 24-hour bake delay
- 300 program combinations (also programmable)
- makes a 1lb, 1-1/2 lb, or 2 lb horizontal loaf
Cost is about $100. Reviews are mixed, partly because bread maker features are not always useful to a gluten free cook. In this case, the keep warm feature causes gluten free breads to go soggy. It’s best to avoid using that feature. Other cautions and tips:
- Always add liquids first, otherwise the risk is burning up the motor.
- The first time the cycle is run on empty to burn off oils, keep the lid open so the unit doesn’t overheat.
- Leave the bread in the machine for 15 minutes after baking. This ensures the bread cooks all the way through. A gluten free cycle doesn’t cook the bread long enough.
A Cuisinart Bread Maker
There are few bread makers with a gluten free cycle, but the Cuisinart CBK-200 2 lb Convection Automatic Bread Maker is another model that does. Some of its useful features are:
- low carb cycle, as well as a gluten free one
- beeps when it’s time to remove the paddle
- has a 15 minute pause button
- makes a 1 lb, 1-1/2 lb, or 2 lb horizontal loaf
The biggest complaint is that programmed cycles cannot be canceled in mid-cycle to move to the next step early. For example, if a loaf of bread rises too quickly, the baker cannot rush the machine ahead to the bake cycle. If the loaf needs more time to rise, however, the pause button can be used every 15 minutes until it has reached desired size.
The bread machine also bakes hot. Recipes with a lot of sugar do not do well in this machine. Light to medium crust setting is best. Cost is around $129.
Choose an Automatic Bread Maker Carefully
There are many automatic bread makers, but few have a gluten free cycle. While a gluten free cycle isn’t necessary, kneading and raising the dough can only be done once. To get around the problem, the cook can remove the paddle after the dough finishes the first kneading. However, the quality of the motor also needs to be considered.
While not everyone can afford a Zojirushi bread machine, the problems with other brands like Breadman or Cuisinart need to be considered carefully. A bread machine is a worthwhile investment, but cheaper, less sturdy models require more attention and tweaking to make good gluten free breads.
Vickie Ewell - Vickie has worked with autistic individuals for 9 years. She has celiac disease and specializes in gfcf living.
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