Bread making is a painstaking process, and the difficulty level with baking a gluten-free bread is multiplied. It’s a make-it or break-it situation.
But, with T-fal PF311E ActiBread, gluten-free bread loving people will discover that bread making is so much easier than with other bread making machines. Let’s start to review this amazing product.
T-fal PF311E ActiBread Bread Maker Machine Review
What makes the T-fal PF311E ActiBread machine different and worthy? Read more to learn the various features and specifications, together with discussions on the advantages and disadvantages of using this machine.
Features and Specifications
· 1-hour warm function.
· 15-hour delay timer
· 15 automatic bread-making programs
· 3 bread sizes
· 3 crust settings
· LCD and viewing window
· Non-stick bread pan and stainless body
· Accessories (measuring cups and spoons, manual, kneading blade)
Numerous Baking Options
The bread maker has 15 automatic programs, which is an update from its predecessor that has 12 programs. The most significant addition is the gluten-free option, perfect for people who love gluten-free bread and pastries.
You can bake gluten-free bread, sweet bread, and cake using a premix. Aside from these types of bread, you can also cook regular ones and add some nuts and fruits.
With these program functions, you can bake whatever type of bread you want to perfection. Combined with the number of crust settings, sizes, and bread types, you have more than 100 options for types of bread with this bread maker.
No matter what settings you select, the bread comes out tasty and well-baked, which is comparable to hand-baked goodies. Unfortunately, of all the types you can bake with this machine, a baguette isn’t one of them.
You have to remember one thing, though, when baking loaves of bread with nuts or fruits. You need to listen out for that soft ding, signalling that it’s time to add some ingredients.
Crust and Bread Size Settings
The bread maker has three crust settings and three loaf sizes. So, whether you like your crust, light, medium, or dark, you can select with ease. In a click or two, you can bake your perfect bread for a meal, any time of the day.
The option for loaf sizes allows you to bake bread for a small or large group. Bread size varies from a one-pound to a two-pound loaf. If you’re having a weekend party or special occasion coming up, you don’t have to worry. You can serve bread, gluten-free or not, in time, impressing your guests.
Classic Functions
Like other bread makers, the T-fal PF311E ActiBread has time delay and keep-warm functions. The 15-hour time delay function is perfect for people who want freshly-baked bread early in the morning. You can set up the bread in the evening and wake up to the sweet smell of bread for your breakfast.
This bread maker keeps the perfect temperature and is good at doing its job. Unlike other bread makers, the quality of bread never deteriorates with this machine.
The output is as good as hand-baked bread, especially with gluten-free bread. Most especially, the warm function keeps your bread warm until you’re ready to eat it.
Standard Features
The machine has an LCD and a viewing window. The LCD is big enough to show the size of the loaf, type of bread (shown in program number), timer, and crust options while baking. With the viewing window, you can quickly peak inside and see how the baking process is.
The power is 700 watts, which is not a deal-breaker when it comes to your monthly utility bill. It only means one thing. You can bake bread every day.
Kneading Function
Kneading is one of the most challenging processes in baking because you must mix all the ingredients thoroughly for the best result. With the T-fal PF311E kneading function, baking is so much easier. Place the ingredients inside the machine and let it do its job.
There’s one tip, though, when using this machine for kneading purposes. You have to get used to timing some mixes, especially for gluten-free bread.
Another plus point is the removable kneading blade. Indeed, you can leave the kneading blade on the baking pan, but it’ll probably leave a large hole in your bread. To avoid a hole in your bread, you can remove the kneading blade with the ladle spoon that comes with the machine.
Professional and Modern Look
The bread maker machine is a combination of black plastic and stainless steel, which looks modern and professional. Although the appearance is more of personal preference, you’ll come to love the glossy steel of the body and the back-drop of black where the controls are located.
Aside from this professional look, the baking pan of T-fal PF311E is non-sticky. You can clean the pan in under a minute with a wet sponge.
Complete Accessories
The machine comes with a manual, measuring cups, spoons, and some recipes for gluten-free bread. You can use these accessories until you are familiar with the measurements and how the machine works before you experiment with mixing and substituting ingredients.
The manual is written in English and French. If you ever lose your manual, you can easily find an online version on the manufacturer’s website.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
· Affordable bread maker for its quality and functionality
· Easy and user-friendly interface, making it excellent for beginners and busy people
· Healthy options for gluten-free bread and pastries
· Quick cleaning due to the non-stick feature of the baking pan.
· The baking pan secures with a lock ring, instead of a spring lock.
Cons
· Thicker crust output, not a big deal if you love thick crusts
· No automatic dispenser for adding fruits and nuts
Conclusion
T-fal PF311E Actibread delivers quality bread regardless of the settings you choose. It kneads and bakes bread perfectly, and you’ll have a loaf of tasty bread in a few hours.
With this machine, you don’t need to choose between good bread and healthy eating. You can have both with a few buttons. You can bake gluten-free bread or prepare regular bread as a snack for yourself or your family.
It’s easy to use and clean. The silver and black colours look simple but professional and modern.
In short, you get a bread maker that is worth your money for its quality and functionality.
