topic Re: Zojirushi Breadmaker in Kitchen

Zojirushi Breadmaker

CLEM — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 16:26:40 GMT

Does anybody use this cute little mini bread maker? Can you give me some hints what works best?

Do I have to use their measuring cup/spoons? I am drowning in them because every specialty pot has its own. But I'd rather use my own if it doesn't make a difference.

What kind of bread did you start out with?

How do you like the machine?

Re: Zojirushi Breadmaker

SharkE — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 17:01:39 GMT

I've got the full size one. Use the sandwich bread recipe from King Arthur called Arthur Sands something like that. I'll verify here in a minute. When you get one they send you a DVD showing you how to measure and what types of measuring cups and spoons to use, etc.

I'll use mine more in the winter.

They always suggest way to much salt. I never use more then one teaspoon

plenty for one loaf of bread. I use my stainless steel measuring cups and a nice set of measuring spoons.

ONly used mine , now, twice. King Arthur bread machine recipe is the best one so far.

https://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/walter-sands-favorite-bread-machine-bread-recipe

Re: Zojirushi Breadmaker

Free2be — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 18:31:22 GMT

@CLEM I have the mini Zo and have found it to be perfect in every way I've used it. That said, I have not done a lot of experimentation with it. I use my own measuring cups and spoons.

If you buy one, I recommend Bread Machine Magic by Linda Rehberg and Lois Conway. They break their recipes down for this size machine. I usually make my own recipe for oatmeal bread by using the book's guideline but swapping out their water for my milk and add more molasses, less sugar and it comes out perfect which just proves there is room to play as long as you don't overload it and keep your ingredients balanced.

I probably make pizza dough most often. I should use it more than I do. It's nice for one or two people.

Re: Zojirushi Breadmaker

AlohaSun — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 19:03:17 GMT

@CLEM wrote:
Does anybody use this cute little mini bread maker? Can you give me some hints what works best?

Do I have to use their measuring cup/spoons? I am drowning in them because every specialty pot has its own. But I'd rather use my own if it doesn't make a difference.

What kind of bread did you start out with?

How do you like the machine?

@CLEM This is what I do whenever I get another new measuring cup.

I take out my old faithful/favorite measuring cup whether it's 1/4 cup,

1/2 cup, 1 cup etc and pour in water to fill.

Then I pour that particular measuring cup into the new measuring cup.

If it fills the same, then I get to put the many new ones away.

I have a bunch of extras and currently use one of them to

scoop my crunchy cat food out.

Re: Zojirushi Breadmaker

SharkE — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 19:28:33 GMT

I give my stuff to a gal in my church who could use it. Doesn't have much, etc.

Re: Zojirushi Breadmaker

CLEM — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 19:39:20 GMT

@Free2be @SharkE @AlohaSun

Thank you all so much for your great suggestions. Very useful. I have unpacked mine, and just watched the DVD. It seems easy, but I am always terrified before start any new gadget.

Have also ordered a bunch of flour, dry yeast, dry milk from King Arthur and am in the process of putting all in various sizes of Lock & Lock. Then I have to free up a shelf to store all these items except the Zojirushi which is so small that I still can fit it on a shelf in my small pantry.

Have also ordered the "No fuss breadmachine book" from Amazon. It has gotten great reviews and hope that works for me. If not, I will try the one @Free2be recommended.

Will report back after my first experiment within the next few days.

Re: Zojirushi Breadmaker

Sooner — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 21:42:46 GMT

@CLEM Do you have the old model (with the window on top) or the newer Maestro one? I have the old one and it is fabulous! Never get a bad loaf from it! I haven't found anybody with the newer model yet! LOL!!

Re: Zojirushi Breadmaker

CLEM — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 23:30:34 GMT

@Sooner I just got mine , but it has a little window on top. I am really looking forward to eating my first slice of bread.

Re: Zojirushi Breadmaker

Daysdee — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 01:06:26 GMT

I got my mini Zo a little over three years ago and have not bought bread from a store since (except for French rolls at Christmas). I love it. I use the measuring cup and spoon that came with it except for measurements like 1/4 tsp., etc.--then I use metal measuring spoons for those. I just started using the King Arthur flour and I think it does make a difference over the store brands, etc. I also have changed to a brand of yeast that was recommended here--it was from Amazon and less expensive than Fleishman's. I like the fact that the machine doesn't take up a lot of space on the counter and if I need to move it, the handle is useful and it is light enough for me to handle it. I bake bread often so I leave it out unless I'm having company and want the counter space. I highly recommend it.

Re: Zojirushi Breadmaker

Junker2327 — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 04:25:31 GMT

I bought a mini several years ago and have never made a great loaf. Can someone on here please post an exact recipe and measurements and ingrediants for me so I can try and see if I can do it again. We love fresh bread and if I can get it to bake right we will use it alot. Thx

Becky

Re: Zojirushi Breadmaker

CLEM — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 13:16:05 GMT

Hi @Junker2327 As soon as I start baking and if the bread comes out the way I want it, I will post it for you. I will start with one of the basic recipes that come with the machine and take it from there.

Re: Zojirushi Breadmaker

brandiwine — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 13:39:41 GMT

@Free2be wrote:
@CLEM I have the mini Zo and have found it to be perfect in every way I've used it. That said, I have not done a lot of experimentation with it. I use my own measuring cups and spoons.

If you buy one, I recommend Bread Machine Magic by Linda Rehberg and Lois Conway. They break their recipes down for this size machine. I usually make my own recipe for oatmeal bread by using the book's guideline but swapping out their water for my milk and add more molasses, less sugar and it comes out perfect which just proves there is room to play as long as you don't overload it and keep your ingredients balanced.

I probably make pizza dough most often. I should use it more than I do. It's nice for one or two people.

These books are invaluable! I got my first machine when they first came out. These saved me! I live at high altitude and this causes some interesting adjustments. Happy bread making. FYI: I use King Arthur flour. Gives me the best results.

Re: Zojirushi Breadmaker

SharkE — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 13:47:14 GMT

@CLEM wrote:
Hi @Junker2327 As soon as I start baking and if the bread comes out the way I want it, I will post it for you. I will start with one of the basic recipes that come with the machine and take it from there.

the recipe that came with my Zo was horrible. Flat tasting. I followed it pretty well to the T except for the salt. I cut it down, then, on my next go around using King Arthur Walter Sands recipe cut it down again to 1 teaspoon.

Homemade tastes better, but, I like the idea of putting in ingredients closing the lid and letting it take it from there. LOL

I have to keep dry milk on hand now. Most recipes call for that.

Re: Zojirushi Breadmaker

CLEM — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 15:33:14 GMT

Success!

Just baked the first loaf. I chose the recipe for "Light Rye Bread" that came with the machine. It turned out great. After it cooled a bit, I cut off the first slice and I can say it is a rather satisfying bread. So, I know the thing works. Even though the buttons confuse me,. Will learn. Also will try to make different breads from the book I have ordered.

@Junker2327, here are the ingredients:

3/4 cup water

1 1/2 cups bread flour

2/3 cup Rye flour

1 1/2 tbsp sugar

1 1/2 tbs dry milk

1/2 tsp salt

1 tbsp butter

1 tsp active dry yeast

I used unbleached flour. All ingredients were ordered from King Arthur Flour.

Re: Zojirushi Breadmaker

CLEM — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 15:35:59 GMT

How does the dough blade come out of the baking container? It was easy to get in and out before I baked, but now it is stuck.

Re: Zojirushi Breadmaker

SharkE — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 18:20:20 GMT

just work it back and forth. think it says in the book what to do if can't get out I forgot what they said think they suggested some kind of small tool

Re: Zojirushi Breadmaker

Free2be — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 19:29:42 GMT

That little paddle can be a stubborn little thing! Sometimes I will tug and twirl and tug until I'm about ready to tear out my hair and then suddenly it will come loose as if it says "ha ha, I could have done that anytime I wanted". I swear it has a mind of its own.

Re: Zojirushi Breadmaker

CLEM — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 19:39:51 GMT

@Free2be @SharkE Thanks.

But I read the instructions a bit more carefully and it says to put a bit of warm soapy water in it. Came out in a jiffy. Makes sense.

Re: Zojirushi Breadmaker

SharkE — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 21:41:54 GMT

whatever works. Never had the problem.

Re: Zojirushi Breadmaker

Icegoddess — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 22:13:54 GMT

I just looked this little machine up. Wow, $217 for a mini machine?