I have an old Zo that bakes a tall vertical loaf and now I have a V20.
Although the dual mixing/kneading paddles do a fine job, I think the unit
has a few quirks. The kneading cycle times for one and my biggest
complaint is the shape of the loaf upon completion. It's always high on
one end and low on the other no matter how you position the paddles. The
dough HAS to be taken out of the machine and formed into an even loaf
otherwise you wind up with a ski-jump. Yes all these little things can be
made right manually but what's the point in having a machine if you have
to adjust every little thing to make the end result perfect? And
programming? What a joke. Never used it, never will. I don't care how good
an ABM claims to be, you can't dump all your ingredience into the pan,
program it and forget about it and expect to find a perfectly baked loaf
of bread when you open the lid. It has to be watched at least through the
rise. Then it should be taken out when finished baking and NOT cooled in
the machine. I guess my point is Abe's aren't all as great as they are
cracked up to be. Especially the "A" part. They are hardly what I consider
Automatic. But I am determined to make it work. There are three Abe's in
my house two Zo's and a Breadman Ultimate.They all have their good
features. I still haven't decided which one I like the best. The Breadman
Ultimate was the best deal. Picked it for $79.95. Any way I'll just keep
plugin away. I do agree that the "Electronic Bread" baking books are
great. Lot's of info and recipes that work. But that still doesn't change
my opinion about the "A" in ABM.
Happy baking to all,
Mike
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