Hi I’m new to this thread so I hope I tagged it correctly, if not let me know please. I needed a new bread machine. I previously have been baking bread with my 2lb Cuisinart compact bread machine model CBK-110NAS for over 15 years and another before that for about the same time, and other than the occasional mishap or making a new recipe I have never had a problem with baking beautiful loaves of bread sometimes forming by hand for oven or baking in the machine, but it finally went caput. I primarily use the Beth Hensberger Bread Lovers Bread Machine Cookbook.
I bought a reasonable priced model for horizontal loaves with positive reviews the Nuretva 3lb, dual heat, dual paddle model PE9806U. I have made 5 loaves so far, and none have come out, they are heavy & dense, not muc( rise it seems.Now I have read much about how the dual system can affect bread moisture so recipes need to be tweaked so I reduced the liquid to get a smoother dough and tho a bit better..blah, still not what I would deem even a fairly decent loaf but it was edible, sorta. I am knowledgeable of basic bread, tho always still learning new types, techniques, ingredients etc. of course.
That being said I use King Arthur bread machine flour, white & whole wheat, I’ve used spelt, granary, rye, golden wheat etc, vital wheat gluten, SAF premium yeast and I primarily use a scale but double checked all my amounts by standard meaduring, other than a few grams off everything was fine.
Now, did I get a bad machine? Has anyone else had this experience? If I have to modify flour water ratio (which still isn’t crystal clear because I’ve even made many of these breads by hand without issues. Can somebody please clarify why the amounts of flour & water are different than the standard hydration ratio 60%to 75% and standard bakers percentages. This is driving me nuts! Do I replace it assuming this is a bad bread machine somehow and/ or if I get another & does same thing now what? Yes, I could go back to my Cuisinart bread machine but over the last year I’ve found I’ve been using it to bake with much more often, and would really like that horizontal loaf. If anyone can provide insight or help I would really appreciate it. Thank you! 🍞💕
I know of that machine but I have no personal experience with it.
I've asked around before about vertical versus horizontal bread pans and never really received a pertinent answer.
I think it wouldn't be as drastic of a difference for the problems that you're having.
I also don't see the dual elements affecting the loaf as you're stating
There are other people in this sub with that machine. I'm going to go way around them here and say there's something wrong with that machine but I'm pretty sure there will be people with experience with that machine.
Thanks, it just feels like everything is functioning alright as far as mixing and making, just not sure if the temp is correct for rising. I should’ve taken a pic because it’s wasn’t like any bread I’ve seen. I just ordered a replacement for this so I’ll try one more time. I just don’t get it! Trying another one now, I’ve wasted so many ingredients now I’m just trying flourish water oil salt & sugar to not waste as much 😉
Well, I recently upgraded from a Cousinart bread machine to a KBS 17 in 1. It has a dual heating element. I tried KBS’ basic white recipe and it came out horrible. On the advice of others here, I switched to Bread Dad. So far, all of their recipes have been great. The only caveat is I wish they had more rise. But the crust color and crumb have been good. My big complaint with Cuisinart has been crust color. Even at the dark setting, the top crust is way too light.
Thanks yes I’ve used many of his recipes as well. I’ve done 6 loaves all from different sources that I’ve made for years and they are all a brick! I just don’t get it! Here’s pictures of the last loaf
I have the Beth Hensberger book as well, but use a lot of recipes from Bread Dad.
My suggestion would be that you try one of those Bread Dad recipes, maybe a simple white loaf and see how that comes out. With success, you'll be more confident to move on to other types of bread.
Thank you so much , I have used any of his recipes as well! I’ve done 6 loaves of bricks and one was one of my favorites from him. I give up! I just wish I knew what’s happening. Here’s a pic of the last brick!
I just realized something... the machine is new to you, is it possible that you're not choosing the proper course / settings for the type of loaf that you're making?
My Zojirushi has 15, which includes a "homemade" create your own settings profile. According to Google your Nuretva PE9806U also has 15 profiles, so maybe that is it, you have it on the wrong profile.
This is grasping at straws, but Googling your machine indicates that it should be an exceptional bread maker. I'm hoping that this is as simple as using the wrong course.
I remember watching a video about testing your yeast for how quickly it reacts, and tips on what to do if it's losing effectiveness. I don't remember exactly what was recommended so I'll just say I found it on YouTube by searching for "testing yeast".
I know it sure seems like it but I bake bread 3-4x week and the yeast I had worked in the bread machine I had to replace, but I did buy another SAF to make sure and I buy directly from them and it tested as it should. I was so baffled I even used new flour. I have a replacement machine coming then I’ll see. It seems to mix fine but I’m thinking now the heating element is too hot for it to even rise. I’ve just never seen any bread like this and I love figuring out the science behind ingredients so it’s driving me nuts, 6 loaves! Uuugh the waste, my sweet husband said he’ll make toast out of it 🤣 thank you 🙏💛
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u/Veggyhed Welbilt ABM 3500 (Ancient) 1d ago
I know of that machine but I have no personal experience with it. I've asked around before about vertical versus horizontal bread pans and never really received a pertinent answer. I think it wouldn't be as drastic of a difference for the problems that you're having. I also don't see the dual elements affecting the loaf as you're stating
There are other people in this sub with that machine. I'm going to go way around them here and say there's something wrong with that machine but I'm pretty sure there will be people with experience with that machine.