Showing posts with label convection. Show all posts
Showing posts with label convection. Show all posts

8/12/2011

Breadman TR2700 Stainless-Steel Programmable Convection Bread Maker Review

Breadman TR2700 Stainless-Steel Programmable Convection Bread Maker
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I have been a breadmaker my entire life. There is nothing like the smell of baking bread as you walk in the door, especially on a cold winter day. The evolution of the bread machine was exciting for me. I remember the first bread machines with the tall, horizontal loaf pan that was somewhat less than exciting. Then, the "horizontal" loaf appeared. I own two of the first Breadman machines, TR845 with the horizonal loaf and as a "basic breadmaker" those are terrific. They are sturdy, relatively quiet for a breadmaker and the pan secures itself well within the machine. This model does not have all the cycles of more current models and it does not automatically add ingredients as do the TR2500, or Tr2700. However, it does offer a signal "beep" when to add ingredients such as raisons, or cranberries. I love to bake bread and give it away. I often have four breadmakers going at the same time during a holiday.
Last year I purchased the Breadman TR2500, Stainless and Black. Initially I was quite pleased with the performance. However, after several uses I did have problems with the bread pan releasing from the holders on each side requiring a bending and adjusting of the snap in prongs of both the pan and the breadmaker itself. I think this is because the stainless steel on the inside isn't quite as strong as with simple steel of the past models I have used. I LOVE THE COVECTION FEATURE. The first thing I noticed about adding convection to a breadmaker was the crust. The entire crust of the bread, not only the top is VERY CRISPY. For those of you who love to cut off the heel of a fresh loaf of bread and smear with butter, this is a dream (of course the heel is still the best part of the loaf). Now, I just aquired the newer model which is a TR2700. I have not had the problem with the pan coming loose from the holders in the machine as of yet and the inside is similar in construction to the TR2500? Both the TR2500 and the TR2700 make quite a bit more noise during the kneeding cycles which I think is due to the stainless steel construction vs. steel and plastic which I don't think conduct noise as well. Still, the TR2700 is still top notch and well worth the money if you love to make bread and would use it frequently. ONE TIP ON ALL BREADMACHINES. If you find that hole in the bottom of the bread annoying, or displeasing simply keep track of your cycle. After the machine has completed the second kneed going in to the last rise, simply reach in and take off the paddle. End result is a nice loaf with only a small hole from the hub of the paddle. Nice little trick and you won't ever mistakingly give a loaf away with the paddle stuck in it. OOPS, where's my bread paddle?, the next time you try making bread.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Breadman TR2700 Stainless-Steel Programmable Convection Bread Maker

Wake up to the smell of freshly baked bread with this programmable breadmaker. The unit bakes 1-, 1-1/2-, and 2-pound horizontal loaves and can handle any favorite recipe--from cinnamon raisin, honey wheat, rosemary, and cranberry oat to hearty rye, cheesy onion focaccia, and classic French bread, even cinnamon rolls for breakfast or dinner rolls for the evening meal. The machine features a user-friendly control panel with Mylar buttons and an easy-to-read digital display. Choose from over 100 baking options, 16 settings including low carb and gluten free, and the preferred crust color--light, medium, or dark. The unit also provides a delay timer up to 24 hours, a 10-minute random pause control, a one-hour keep-warm cycle that keeps bread warm without over-baking, and instant recall in the event of a power failure. Other thoughtful design details include an automatic fruit and nut dispenser, a viewing window, a convection fan for excellent baking results, and convenient side carrying handles. Avoid the use of metal utensils with the removable baking pan, which should be washed by hand in order to protect its nonstick surface. Attractively housed in stainless steel with black accents, the breadmaker measures 18-3/5 by 11-1/5 by 15 inches.

Buy NowGet 30% OFF

Click here for more information about Breadman TR2700 Stainless-Steel Programmable Convection Bread Maker

7/29/2011

0.5 Cu. Ft. Digital Convection Toaster Oven Review

0.5 Cu. Ft. Digital Convection Toaster Oven
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I have had the DO1289 for a month and overall I am very happy with it. The toaster is gorgeous and does a great job baking. I have cooked fish and steaks and everything has turned out perfectly. The convection fan is not too loud and does its job well. In terms of toasting, the oven is not spectacular, but certainly adequate. Getting a crispy slice of toast takes about 5 minutes. Though it takes a few clicks to do anything on the toaster, the controls and knobs are straightforward and well designed.
I spent a long time analyzing and breaking down the pros and cons of the different top quality toasters so hopefully this review can save you some time. Here are the other toasters I looked at seriously :
Cuisinart TOB-195: Generally well-reviewed, but I could not get past the fact that the toaster does not have automatic shut-off. This is a key safety feature that I was unwilling to sacrifice. The DO1289 does have auto shut-off and turns off after beeping loudly 3 times. In addtion, the Cuisinart's crumb tray comes out the back, which seems totally stupid and impractical.
Krups FBC2: Looked like the perfect toaster, but again a safety feature got in the way. Apparently the Krups model has a poorly constructed door hinge and is prone to exploding. The DO1289's door is very smooth opening and seems well constructed. The Krups' quartz heating would have been nice, but still not worth it. I also suspect that the Delonghi has a little more overhead clearance than the Krups so I can roast a small chicken.
Breville Smart Oven: This oven has almost every feature and is the most powerful and spacious of the bunch, but $250 for a toaster is just absurd. I bought my Delonghi refurbished for $70, so it was no contest.
The Delonghi also has an oven light (which most others do not) and a bright permanently illuminated display--a nice feature at night for seeing the time. One other feature that doesn't get much attention, but was very important to me, is the Delonghi's Durastone enamel interior. This is great because, unlike toasters with traditional nonstick interiors, I can put metal and glass dishes in the oven, as well as aluminum foil (every one of the other aforementioned ovens advises against using glass or foil). Durastone is apparently nonstick so I can only hope that it has fewer chemicals or is safer than traditional nonstick (I would love it if someone knew the answer). Either way, it is a step up from the other high end toasters that I researched.
Based on my comparisons with other toaster ovens, I found that the Delonghi 1289 is the best designed and most practical. The Delonghi's performance is very good, though not spectacular, it has great features and, in my opinion, is the best choice for a high-end toaster oven.
UPDATE: After over a year owning the Delonghi DO-1289, I am still very happy and everything continues to work exactly as it should.

Click Here to see more reviews about: 0.5 Cu. Ft. Digital Convection Toaster Oven

Multifunction countertop oven has all the full-scale qualities of a conventional oven, yet cooks food 30-40% faster. DeLonghi has raised the standard on energy-efficient, compact cooking. The combination of fan-circulated hot air with Durastone II enamel interior allows superior heat distribution for consistently uniform cooking results. Digital thermostat lets you push a button to select the exact temperature and monitor temperature during the heating process. Interior is large enough to bake 2, 12" pizzas or an entree, plus dessert. Digital control makes cooking a breeze with convenient 2-hour timer and auto shut-off, plus 8 pre-programmed pizza settings to bake fresh or frozen pizza to perfection. Six pre-programmed settings pre-set the time and temperature to toast fresh bread or frozen bread. For discerning tastes, level of toast color can be selected, from 1 to 7. End-of-cycle signal reveals when toast is ready to serve! Bake cookies using the cookie sheets included and easy Smart Cookie function. Dehydrate food utilizing the hot-air fan circulation.The DeLonghi Convection Toaster Oven is the multipurpose oven you'll use daily in your kitchen! Includes removable crumb tray, baking pan/broil tray, 2 wire racks, 2 cookie sheets pizza tray and dehydrator kit. .5 cu. ft. capacity.

Buy NowGet 36% OFF

Click here for more information about 0.5 Cu. Ft. Digital Convection Toaster Oven

5/03/2011

Cuisinart CBK-200 2-Pound Convection Automatic Bread Maker Review

Cuisinart CBK-200 2-Pound Convection Automatic Bread Maker
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I am an experienced bread baker (with and without machines) and this is my third bread machine. It kneads better than others I have had BY FAR. This machine makes excellent bread, but there is one big problem. You cannot cancel mid-cycle to start a different process if you like. As an experienced baker, I like to tweak my loaves by using various different risings, etc., but I can't do that with this machine because once you start a cycle you are committed. Even if you turn the blasted thing off, it does not reset. Other machines allow more flexibility for experienced bakers. This machine does come with an excellent cookbook, and seems easy to operate. I can't explain the negative reviews, except to say perhaps they got a defective machine. This one does not budge on the counter like other machines I've had, either. I have used the dough cycle and have baked in the machine - each time with excellent results. I do recommend that those who are having trouble make sure they are using the proper flour and yeast - see King Arthur Flour company web site for lots of info!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cuisinart CBK-200 2-Pound Convection Automatic Bread Maker

Wake up to the smell of freshly baked bread with this programmable bread machine. The 680-watt appliance automatically adjusts the speed and timing for foolproof results, while its convection fan circulates air during baking for superior crust color and texture. Exclusive Low Carb, Gluten-Free, and Artisan Dough settings are just 3 of 16 preset menu options available with the touch of a button. The Artisan Dough menu option takes basic bread dough through several long, slow, cool rises for chewier textures and rustic crusts. Along with the 16 preset menu options, the unit offers three crust colors and three loaf sizes, to give bread lovers a choice of over 100 bread, dough, sweet cake, and jam combinations. Its perfect-timing audible tone indicates when it's time to add fruit, nuts, or other mix-ins, and a second tone offers the option of removing the paddle before baking or removing unbaked dough to shape by hand. Other convenient features include a 15-minute pause, a bake-only option, a 12-hour delay-start timer, power-failure backup, and large stay-cool handles. With its classic lines, smooth brushed stainless steel, and embossed logo, this attractive bread machine looks great on the countertop for convenient, everyday use. The unit measures 18 by 12-1/5 by 14-7/8 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty.

Buy NowGet 50% OFF

Click here for more information about Cuisinart CBK-200 2-Pound Convection Automatic Bread Maker