Kneading is my least favorite aspect of the bread-making process, and I’m sure most people would agree. Kneading is not only time-consuming, but it may also be harmful to your wrists and hands, generating a perceptible soreness and pain that does not go away quickly.

Which option is preferable? Allow your bread machine to handle the heavy lifting. Yes, it will lack the human touch, but it works flawlessly and produces tasty, beautifully attractive loaves.

If you don’t want to skip the customizing, shape it by hand before baking.

Hi! I’m Shea, and to be honest, I don’t think we should do any more labor than we really have to, particularly when it comes to making bread. I adore my bread machine and use it virtually every time I need to knead the dough (or create the full loaf without having to knead it by hand).

Let’s talk about whether or not using a bread machine for kneading dough is a smart idea, and how to do it right.

Is It a Good Idea to Use Bread Machine to Knead Dough?

The basic answer is that using a bread machine to knead the dough is a smart idea. It simplifies and shortens the procedure significantly. However, it eliminates the individuality of your bread, which many people like.

Pros: 

Less Work on Your Behalf

Kneading is a difficult and time-consuming operation that most bakers despise. If you’re weary of waking up with a sore hand from kneading all day, try letting your bread machine do the job.

Takes the Guesswork Out of Things

Bread may be finicky, particularly during the kneading and proving steps. Did you know that both over- and under-kneading may result in thick bread? It can. And you don’t want that while you’re making handmade bread loaves.

Con: 

No Personalization

Some individuals like to have complete control over their bread dough. They want to be certain that their bread is exactly as they want it, with no glitches along the route. They may also have some specific tips and hacks for perfecting their dough.

If you have a certain manner of kneading bread dough, you may want to forego the bread machine. The bread machine does a basic kneading that lacks customisation, but the results are nonetheless great.

You may, on the other hand, let the bread machine knead the dough and form it by hand. This allows you to add a personal touch to your dough if desired.

How to Use a Bread Machine to Knead Dough

At this point, you’re probably ready to start kneading dough in your bread machine. But how do you go about it? It’s easy to decide if you want to be in control of the shaping and baking. Simply follow these instructions for successful kneading.

Step 1: Add Ingredients to the Bread Machine

The first step is to put your ingredients to your bread machine, first with the wet and then the dry. It’s better to make the recipe for the biggest loaf your machine can handle, which is usually two or three pounds.

Select the dough only mode after your ingredients are in the bread maker. If your appliance does not have this feature, you will need to keep a watch on the dough and remove it after the first rise.

In any case, pick your function and let the bread machine knead your dough. It will rise for the first time within the device but will not bake as long as the dough only function is used.

Note: If you don’t want to form the dough by hand before baking, pick the kind of bread you’re creating and let the bread machine do its thing, without removing the dough for shaping, adding mix-ins, and so on.

Step 2: Shape the Dough

If you wish to form the dough by hand once it has finished kneading and rising, follow these easy steps:

• Remove the bread dough from your bread machine.

• Begin shaping, but do not knead it since this will cause air bubbles to collapse, resulting in a flatter and denser loaf.

• Choose whether you want one large loaf or multiple smaller loaves.

• Add mix-ins, such as fruits and nuts, if desired.

• Shape your loaf until you’re happy with how it looks.

Once you’re satisfied with your loaf (or loaves), it will need to rise again. Insert it into a bread loaf pan or try. location in a warm, dry location, covered with a clean cloth or plastic wrap. Allow an hour for it to double in size before baking.

Step 3: Bake the Bread

The next step is straightforward: bake your loaf of bread! It is best to stick to your recipe since each form of bread requires a different baking temperature and time. This excellent oat bread, for example, bakes at 350F for 30-40 minutes.

FAQs

You now know whether or not using a bread machine for kneading dough is a smart idea! Do you want to keep learning? Learn more by delving into these intriguing, commonly asked questions!

Is it better to knead bread by hand or by machine?

It totally depends on who you ask. Personally, I believe there is nothing wrong with using a bread machine to make bread, but others may like the satisfying process of hand kneading. Both are fantastic possibilities!

How long does a bread machine knead dough?

The time it takes your bread machine to knead dough can vary depending on the model. Most bread machines, on the other hand, will take anything from 20 to 40 minutes.

What are the advantages and or disadvantages of using your hands to knead the dough versus an electric mixer?

The most notable benefit of kneading bread dough by hand is that you may get a better gluten structure, which results in a smoother texture. However, I would argue that the difference isn’t really significant, so don’t be excessively worried.

The most obvious downside is that kneading may produce unpleasant aches and pains. You may potentially spoil your bread by under or over-kneading the dough.

Final Words

If you’re weary of kneading bread, a bread machine is a terrific solution. In fact, the machine can carry out the whole procedure. Alternatively, before baking, take the kneaded dough and form it by hand.

Do you use a bread machine or do you knead your dough by hand?