Perhaps the most important tip for gluten-free bread machine baking is to choose a sturdy bread machine that has two paddles and adjustable settings. Gluten-free bread machine baking is slightly different from baking with wheat flour, but many bread machines can handle the task even if they are not specifically designed for gluten-free baking. It’s also crucial to the success of the finished gluten-free bread product to make a few slight alterations when measuring and mixing the ingredients. Gluten-free bread tastes much better with two rises instead of the one rising that is common to baking wheat flour breads.
It is not necessary to buy a bread machine with a gluten-free setting. Many of the bread machines rated highest by people who have celiac disease and gluten intolerance are bread machines that have other, more desirable features. There are many websites that have bread machine reviews specifically oriented toward gluten-free bread machine baking, and these can be helpful when shopping for a bread machine.
The most important feature to look for when shopping for a good gluten-free bread machine is programmable settings. This allows the machine to automatically make many of the adjustments that are necessary for good gluten-free bread without the baker needing to monitor the machine to make changes manually. The best-tasting gluten-free breads result from two rising periods, which allow flavors to develop. A setting that allows for a slightly hotter baking temperature is a good option on a gluten-free bread machine because hotter temperatures tend to produce bread loaves that do not collapse after cooling.
Gluten-free flours tend to be heavier than wheat flour and need more mixing to avoid clumps in the finished product. Bread machines that have two paddles and a sturdy motor mix better than single-paddle models. A pause feature is especially useful during gluten-free bread machine baking to allow for adjustments during the mixing and baking process. Gluten-free bread rises better during baking if the top of the loaf is scored with several diagonal slashes just before baking begins. This also gives the appearance of authentic artisan bread.
Many bread machines have a cool-down feature that makes use of fans to quickly cool the product after baking. Gluten-free bread needs to be cooled quickly, or it tends to become soggy and lose flavor. A cool-down feature on a bread machine adds convenience so that the baker doesn’t need to be present to take the bread out immediately after cooking. This is especially helpful for those who like to program the bread machine before leaving for the day and enjoy coming home to a loaf of freshly baked bread.