Buying bread in the store can really add up, especially when you are buying the healthy bread. If you are considering making your own bread, then you may be wondering what kind of machine you should use. So what should it be, what are the differences and what are the perks? Keep reading to see what you can expect when you compare the stand mixer vs. bread maker.
You have to look at the pros and the cons of both the bread maker and the stand mixer to determine which will be the best for you. You can make bread with a stand mixer or you can make bread with a bread maker that only does the mixing and rising. There are also bread makers that do all the work for you. So let’s look at the three options and then you can decide which one is the right option for you.
Making Bread with a Stand Mixer
With a stand mixer the appliance will do the mixing and kneading of the dough. All you have to do is place the ingredients into the mixer’s bowl according to your recipe. Then you add the dough hook to the unit and turn on your mixer, allowing it to knead for the time specified by your recipe. The only thing the stand mixer does for you is to knead the dough and it takes the same amount of time it would take you to do it by hand. Once your stand mixer is done kneading the dough you will have to complete the bread making process entirely by yourself.
Stand Mixer Pros
- Easier than kneading with your hand
- Provides you with a texture similar to what is produced when you knead with your hand
- Multipurpose items so they can make more than bread
Stand Mixer Cons
- Getting the bread to rise in a cooler house can be a problem
Using a Bread Maker That Does the Mixing and Rising
With this type of bread maker you can simply place all the bread ingredients into the machine. The machine will, in turn knead the dough and allow it to rise in the machine by keeping it warm inside. Once the dough is done rising you will then need to punch it down yourself and shape it, then leave it to rise again. You will then need to complete the rest of the process by yourself.
Pros
- Speeds up the process of kneading and rising of the dough
- Raises the dough to a perfect level
- Can set it and forget it while doing other things
- Allows more control over the quality of the final product
Cons
- You still need to punch down and shape the dough and place back in the machine
- Can only be used to make dough
Using a Bread Maker That Does All the Work
This type of bread maker is the machine that does it all. The machine will mix and knead your dough as well as allow it to raise and then bake your bread.
Pros
- Set it and forget it and allow the machine to do everything from start to finish
- It can make bread overnight or when you are away from home
- Fastest method to make bread at home
Cons
- Bread usually has a different texture than that made in the first two abovementioned ways
- Can only be used to make dough
Conclusion
While the bread maker that does everything for you allows you the convenience to do other things and to even leave the house, the bread maker that does the kneading and raising allows you to have more control over the final quality of your bread. This type of bread maker also gives you the option to make different types of bread from the same dough. So you could knead your dough and allow it to rise as necessary, then use it to make regularly shaped bread or some dinner rolls, etc.
But if you are usually strapped for time you may want to choose the machine that can do everything. If, on the other hand, you like to be more involved in creating your bread, then you can go ahead and use your stand mixer to knead your dough. The stand mixer is also a great multipurpose tool so you can use it for other kitchen uses as well. In that case, a stand mixer would be a better purchase and would provide better value for money than a dedicated bread maker.
So there you have it, the stand mixer vs. bread maker – which one will you choose?