The Elite Gourmet Programmable 2LB. Bread Maker, Model EBM8103B, is designed to simplify the process of baking fresh bread at home, offering consistent and effortless results. This appliance integrates the kneading, rising, and baking processes into a single machine, eliminating the need for multiple steps or additional kitchen tools. It features a user-friendly control panel with 19 pre-programmed menu options, allowing for a variety of bread types and other preparations.
Function Description:
The bread maker operates through a series of automated cycles, including kneading, resting, fermenting, stirring, baking, and keeping warm. Users can select from 19 different programs, such as Basic, Quick Bread, Sweet Bread, French Bread, Whole Wheat Bread, Rye Bread, Gluten-Free Bread, Rice Bread, Sandwich Bread, Cake, Whole Meal Dough, Pizza Dough, Leaven Dough, Knead, Mix, Jam, Yogurt, Defrost, and Cook. Each program is tailored to specific ingredients and desired outcomes, with preset times for each stage.
The device allows for customization of loaf size (1 LB, 1.5 LB, or 2 LB) and crust color (Light, Medium, or Dark) for most bread programs. A delay timer function enables users to program the bread maker to start up to 15 hours in advance, ensuring fresh bread is ready at a convenient time. However, this feature should not be used with perishable ingredients like fresh milk, yogurt, cheese, or eggs, which may spoil if left at room temperature for extended periods.
For certain programs, the machine will beep to signal when to add additional ingredients like dried fruits, nuts, or seeds during the kneading cycle. After the baking cycle is complete, the bread maker automatically switches to a "Keep Warm" mode for up to one hour, maintaining the bread's temperature.
Beyond bread, the appliance can prepare doughs for pizza and other baked goods, make jam, and even produce yogurt. The "Defrost" and "Cook" programs offer additional versatility for general kitchen tasks, maintaining specific temperatures for defrosting or cooking.
Usage Features:
To use the bread maker, first ensure all components are clean and dry. The bread pan is removed by turning it counter-clockwise and lifting it out. The kneading blade is then mounted onto the pin inside the pan, ensuring it is firmly in place. Ingredients must be measured accurately using the provided measuring cup and spoons and added to the bread pan in a specific order: liquids first (water, milk, oil, eggs), followed by dry ingredients (sugar, salt, milk powder, flours), and finally yeast. It is crucial to prevent yeast from coming into direct contact with liquid or salt initially, as this can prematurely activate or deactivate it. A small indentation can be made in the flour to add the yeast. All ingredients, especially eggs, butter, and milk, should be at room temperature (77-85°F) to ensure proper yeast activation.
Once ingredients are added and the bread pan is locked back into the machine, the cover is closed, and the unit is plugged in. The display will show "3:00," and the machine will default to program "1." Users then select the desired program using the MENU button, adjust loaf weight with the WEIGHT button, and choose crust color with the COLOR SETTING button. The delay timer can be set using the up/down arrows if a delayed start is desired. Pressing the START/PAUSE/STOP button initiates the cycle. A short press during a cycle will pause it for up to 3 minutes, while a long press (3 seconds) will stop or cancel the program.
After baking, the bread pan and baking chamber will be hot, requiring oven mitts for safe handling. The bread pan is removed by lifting the handle, turning it counter-clockwise, and pulling it up. The bread is then gently shaken out onto a wire cooling rack. If the kneading blade remains in the loaf, it should be carefully removed with the provided metal hook or a non-stick spatula.
Maintenance Features:
Regular cleaning is essential for the longevity and performance of the bread maker. The bread pan and kneading blade should be washed and dried thoroughly after each use. It is important not to use scouring pads, abrasive cleaners, or metal utensils on the nonstick surfaces to avoid damage. The bread pan and its parts are not dishwasher safe.
The interior and exterior of the bread maker should be wiped with a slightly damp cloth to remove any bread crumbs or residue. The heating element, located inside the bread maker, should not be bent. If the kneading blade becomes stuck, filling the pan with warm water and letting it soak for 30 minutes can help loosen it.
Before storing, ensure the machine is clean and dry, and store it with the lid closed. Heavy objects should not be placed on the lid. The kneading blade should be removed and placed inside the bread pan for storage. The appliance, plug, and power cord should never be immersed in water or other liquids. Always unplug the unit from the electrical outlet before cleaning or when not in use, and allow it to cool completely before handling parts or cleaning. Accurate measurement of ingredients is crucial for successful baking, and using kitchen tablespoons or teaspoons is discouraged due to their inaccuracy.