Brabantia BBEK1114 Break Maker

The manual for this bread maker is not very good and the functionality is limited. If I were buying another, I would look for something that lets me start at any point in the programs instead of only being able to start at the beginning.

I mostly used the Sweet Bread and French Bread programs. Timing isn't in the manual, which makes it difficult to add nuts, etc. as the bell is not very loud: unless you are right by the machine and listening for it, it is easy to miss.

The timer counts down. If you add time (up to 15 hours total) the additional time is added at the beginning, doing nothing. The program itself is not changed otherwise. This is a problem because all the ingredients are in the machine and the yeast can start fermenting. It would be better to do an initial mix and beat down the dough periodically, instead of leaving it to sit un-mixed. But there is no such option. Best one can do is leave it in a cool place so the dough doesn't rise too much and overflow. 

There is no indication in the manual of the baking temperature. I haven't tried to measure it.

I generally use only a teaspoon or less of dry yeast and about half the indicated sugar in the 750g recipe and it rises to fill the machine, sometimes rising to press against the top. I haven't tried a 1kg recipe but expect it would overflow if I didn't do anything to limit its rising.

I have only made a few of the recipes. The results are surprisingly good and it is very easy, but more like cake than bread. Quite short and crumby. Adding some gluten to the 11.5% protein flour helps a bit.

Sweet Bread

• 3:45 - Start / Mix
• 3:41 - Knead
• 3:38 - Rest
• 3:30 - Knead
• 3:20 - Rest
• 3:10 - Knead
• 2:55 - Rest
• 2:40 - Knead
• 2:35 - Add / Knead
• 2:25 - Ferment
• 1:35 - Beat down
• 1:34 - Ferment
• 0:50 - Bake
• 0:00 - Keep warm

French Bread

• 4:00 - Start / Mix
• 3:56 - Knead
• 3:50 - Rest
• 3:40 - Kenad
• 3:35 - Rest
• 3:30 - Knead
• 3:10 - Rest
• 2:55 - Knead
• 2:50 - Add / Knead
• 2:40 - Ferment
• 1:40 - Beat down
• 1:39 - Ferment
• 0:50 - Bake
• 0:00 - Keep warm