There’s nothing quite like fresh, warm bread with any meal of the day. But making your own bread can be time-consuming and full of trial and error.
Fortunately, there are bread machines on the market to make that job an easy one. Here’s an overview of the SKG automatic bread machine to see if it meets your kitchen needs.
This versatile but user-friendly model has many fans. And if you’re on a gluten-free diet, you’ll find plenty of recipes suitable for you. You can even make jam and yogurt with this machine.
Features
The SKG automatic bread machine is fully programmable—with 19 different settings for different types of bread, plus yogurt and jam (that’s 5 more than the Hamilton Beach bread maker which ‘only’ has 14). The machine does all the work. You simply add the ingredients, enter the program, and get a fresh loaf two to five hours later.
This breadmaker bakes loaves in three different sizes: 1 pound, 1.5 pounds, and 2 pounds. You can also adjust the crust to be light, medium, or dark.
You can delay baking up to 15 hours, and there is a keep-warm function that works for up to one hour. If your power goes out during the bread-making process, a 15-minute recovery function will allow the machine to resume where it left off.
The lid for this machine lifts from the top, and there is a viewing window above the bread pan to check progress. The control panel is on the top of the machine next to the lid.
In addition to the easy-clean, non-stick bread pan, the SKG automatic bread machine comes with the following items:
- User manual with recipes.
- Durable kneading blade.
- Metal hook to remove kneading blade.
- Measuring cup and spoon.
Quality of Bread Produced
The SKG automatic bread machine makes such a wide variety of bread that buyers may have to experiment or deviate from the manual to get perfect results. This is also true if you are adapting your own recipes and not using those in the manual.
Overall, however, bakers of all skill levels are very happy with the outcome. Besides regular white and wheat bread, you can make any of the following loaves with the SKG machine:
- Raisin/craisin.
- Gluten-free.
- Pizza dough.
When adding solid ingredients like raisins, wait for the machine to beep to let you know when it’s time. This means, though, you can’t make raisin or cranberry bread on a timed setting when you’re away from home.
Always put the wet ingredients in the pan first, followed by the dry, including your yeast, so it doesn’t get moistened too soon.
Some users of the SKG Automatic Bread Machine find the loaf size to be off. If you are counting on a full 2-pound loaf, you may be disappointed when it’s really about 1.5 pounds.
The pan is designed to provide even bread density throughout, and our experience in this respect was positive.
One issue that many users have found is the kneading blade sometimes gets stuck in the loaf, which happens with many bread machines. There are two ways to get around this.
If you are present when the bread is processing, pay attention to the timing. Press the pause button (a nice feature on this model), and remove the blade before the baking step.
Another option is to lubricate the paddle stem with cooking oil so it slides out easily with the provided removal hook. It should leave a small hole on the underside of the loaf.
Is It Worth Buying?
Novices and pros alike give rave reviews to the SKG Automatic Bread Machine. With its small size, it’s easy to move around the kitchen as needed.
Apart from the issue with the paddle embedded in the baked bread, users have few complaints about this model. The hinge on the lid tends to have a lot of play, so use caution there.
The bread pan fits snugly in the unit and fans of the SKG machine love how quiet it is in action. Even with the non-skid feet, however, the machine can move around on certain surfaces. Try it at home under supervision first before leaving it to work while you’re away.
Do not use metal utensils with this machine, nor wash any parts in the dishwasher. Any problems with mechanical functions are covered by the manufacturer’s two-year warranty.
Because the bread baked with the SKG automatic bread machine is so fresh and free of preservatives, it doesn’t last long. You’ll have to eat it quickly, but that won’t be a problem with the delicious loaves you produce.
