If bread is your preferred staple food, the choice of a reliable breadmaker becomes arduous but crucial.
Unlike the rice cooker, a breadmaker literally makes bread every step of the way from mixing to kneading, and baking. In short, a breadmaker is a flour mixer cum electric oven, with an array of programmes, settings and features.
Not only its performance which will determine the quality of bread and ease of use, but also the electrical safety of the device should be taken into consideration.
To help consumers make the right choice and avoid costly mistakes, the Consumer Council has undertaken a comprehensive test on 10 models of breadmaker ranging in price from $499 to $2,380.
First and foremost, the quality of bread, consisting of 3 types, namely the basic, the whole wheat and the multigrain bread, was evaluated by test assessors comparing the appearance, colour, evenness of baking, and rating the performance accordingly. The samples scored from 4.5 points to 2.5 points.
Five models came with different loaf sizes, usually two to three. But even though the same type of bread was baked, the quality of bread might vary for different loaf sizes. For instance, a model scored 4.5 points in baking a loaf of whole wheat bread of 500g but only 2.5 points in the case of a 750g loaf.
In making and baking bread using the 500g programme or a programme closest to 500g, it took the models 168 minutes to 300 minutes, a difference of 2 hours or more. So, if you are always in a hurry, take this into account.
Breadmakers are generally energy efficient. The electricity cost (at $1.1 per unit) is well under 40 cents depending on the size of the loaf, the type of bread and the baking time.
For the reference of the cost-conscious, the test report contains a cost estimation of producing a loaf of 500g for breakfast for a family of four. In the long term, bread making at home may even save you money - plus the enjoyment of eating bakery you know exactly what goes into it.
As with your other electrical appliances at home, a breadmaker has to be safe. The models were subjected to a safety test conducted in accordance with the latest IEC standard (60335-1 and 60335-2-9).
The test detected deficiencies on one sample with temperature rise exceeding the limit, and another with insufficient insulation distance.
The majority of the samples (9 models) were found unable to measure up to the requirement of the latest IEC standard which stipulates that in the event of the motor running capacitor being ignited during operation, the capacitor and the surrounding materials should be of sufficient resistance to fire.
Although the products could very well be in compliance with the then current IEC safety requirement at the time of manufacture, the Council's test has shown that there is room for improvement for the deficiency in question.
More tips for breakmaker users:
- Avoid touching the surfaces of the machines; the temperature may be high when in operation.
- Add ingredients to the bread pan in the order suggested in the user manual.
- Do not use the timer function if perishable ingredients are used for baking.
- Do not take out the bread with sharp or metal objects to avoid damage to the baking pan's non-stick coating.
For more information regarding individual performance, please refer to the July issue of CHOICE magazine.
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