Re Debra Widera's query on the BREADMAN machine. We have had the
"Trilium"
model for about a year and use it 4 - 5 times a week. On the plus
side. it's
been rock-solid reliable and clean-up couldn't be simpler. On the
minus side,
it's a bit noisy and it doesn't offer the degree of 'customization'
that some
of the other machines provide.
In addition to its three basic wheat cycles (light, medium and
dark), it has
a 'European cycle',. a 'Fruit & Nut" cycle and a dough cycle. The
basic cycle
takes about 2 1/2 hours and produces breads of a texture somewhat
coarser
than when the same recipes are made in a Hitachi. I rather like
the coarse
texture, but my wife prefers a finer grained bread. As texture is
governed in
part by the duration of the kneading cycle (a factor over which one
doesn't
have any control) someone suggested we stop the machine after the first
kneading and restart it -- but the Trillium doesn't allow you to do
that.
Bottom line: If you like coarse-textured breads, you'll find the
BREADMAN
machine very satisfactory.
Two comments:
(1) Yes you can extend the knead cycle. Just turn off the machine (press
STOP and hold for a second or two) and restart it. The two-minute slow mix
cycle will be repeated, but that won't hurt anything. You can use this
technique to insert a rest period for heavy doughs, too.
(2) The new model has a lot more cycles and other things, specifically
including a rest period and a number of longer cycles which will create a
finer grain. I just bought one for my daughter and noticed that much;
sorry I don't have details. The going price for the new model last month,
in Arlington, VA, was $129 to $139. I love mine, the old model, and my
daughter says she loves hers, the new model, but note she has had it only
for two days = two loaves of bread from mixes.
- susan (schapin@mitre.org; all opinions above are mine all mine;
my employer doesn't necessarily endorse them or even know about them.)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Susan Chapin, schapin@mitre.org
The MITRE Corporation, McLean, VA, 22102-3481
Phone: 703/883-3610 FAX: 703/883-1397
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------