No matter the recipe I choose, the bread resulting from meticulous attention to ingredients is always very dry duing the kneading process, mealy and dense once cooking is complete. When I first got my BBCC-X20 I could layer the ingredients, set the cycle and crust and walk away until the beeping indicated end of cycle and be assured of a great loaf of bread. Now, I must babysit the process through both kneading steps and the bread still turns ouf substandard. What is going on?

Unfortunately, I was unable to find an official website for Graetz bread makers or a downloadable instruction manual for the VBM109 model. However, here are some general instructions on how to use a bread maker that may be helpful:

1. Add the ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the bread pan first, followed by the wet ingredients, and then the yeast. Make sure to follow the recipe and measurement guidelines carefully.
2. Select the program: Choose the desired program for your bread maker. Each program has a different setting for kneading, rising, and baking. The VBM109 model may have basic, whole wheat, French, sweet, or gluten-free programs, among others.
3. Set the timer: Set the timer according to the recipe or your preferences. This allows you to delay the start of the baking process, so that you can wake up to freshly baked bread or have it ready for dinner.
4. Start the machine: Press the start button to begin the bread-making process. The bread maker will mix, knead, rise, and bake the bread according to the selected program.
5. Remove the bread: When the bread maker beeps or signals that the bread is done, use oven mitts to carefully remove the hot bread pan from the machine. Let the bread cool down for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

It's important to note that different bread makers may have slightly different instructions and settings, so be sure to consult the manual if you have one. You can also try searching for generic bread maker recipes online or experimenting with your own ingredients and measurements. Good luck!

If your Cuisinart bread machine is not baking the bread properly, there could be a few potential causes for the issue. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try to identify and resolve the problem:
1. Check the Bread Pan: Ensure that the bread pan is properly inserted into the machine and securely locked in place. Make sure it is centered and seated correctly.
2. Check the Kneading Paddle: Verify that the kneading paddle is properly installed in the bread pan. It should be securely attached to the spindle at the bottom of the bread pan.
3. Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that you are using fresh and high-quality ingredients, including flour, yeast, and other additives. Old or expired ingredients can affect the bread's rising and baking process.
4. Verify Yeast Activation: Make sure that the yeast you are using is active and not expired. Test the yeast by dissolving it in warm water with a small amount of sugar. If it doesn't become foamy and bubbly within a few minutes, the yeast may be inactive, and you should replace it.
5. Check the Program Settings: Confirm that you have selected the correct program for the type of bread you are making. Different programs have different settings for kneading, rising, and baking. Make sure you are using the appropriate program for your recipe.
6. Monitor the Dough: Throughout the kneading and rising process, observe the dough to ensure it is properly formed and rising. If the dough seems too dry or too wet, adjust the recipe accordingly by adding small amounts of flour or water.
7. Inspect the Heating Element: If the bread machine completes the cycle but the bread is not baked, there may be an issue with the heating element. Inspect the heating element for any signs of damage or malfunction. If it appears faulty, it may need to be replaced. In such cases, contacting Cuisinart customer support or a qualified technician for further assistance is recommended.
By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve common issues that may prevent your Cuisinart bread machine from properly baking the bread.

https://www.amazon.com/Proctor-Silex-Machine-Manual-Reprint/dp/B00SO0PZXU

https://www.amazon.com/Proctor-Silex-Bread-Machine-Manual/dp/B00QLI087U

http://useandcares.hamiltonbeach.com/files/840106600.pdf

Model numbers determine what manual to purchase or look for free download.

There will be no need to extend the baking time on your uncooked loaf for if the loaf is uncooked as you say cooking it longer won't make things any better. I suspect you need a bit of tutoring regarding the fine art of using a bread machine.

Here is the assistance I offer:

White Flour: When using white flour select nothing less than unbleached white flour containing 12 to 16% protein (or 3 to 4 % per ¼ cup serving). Storage: Flour absorbs ambient humidity hindering it from blending with liquid ingredients during the initial kneading phase so always be certain to store your flour in a burped & sealed freezer bag.

Yeast: Use active dry yeast for all your standard-rise bread recipes and rapid-rise dry yeast for all your fast-bake bread recipes. Fast-Bake aka Ultra-Bake aka Rapid-Bake aka Express-Bake is an option available on select models. Always refrigerate your yeast with a close eye on the expiration date. When using grocery-bought bread mixes always substitute the yeast packet provided with fresh active dry yeast. Tip: A packet (or "sachet") of active dry yeast contains 2-1/4 teaspoons.

Baking Surface Prep: Spray, not wipe or smear, the inside of your loaf pan generously with cooking oil before adding the ingredients.

Water: Use only drinking or filtered water, never tap, boiled or distilled.

Ingredient Temperatures: All ingredients should be at room temperature before pressing Start. Specifically 70 to 80 degrees F, 21 to 87 degrees C. Add liquids, oils, salts, sugars and seasonings first, next the flour, and last the yeast.

Delayed Start: Flour floats on the surface of the water until the initial kneading phase begins. That is why many breadmakers have a programmable start-delay timer. You can add the ingredients tonight and wake up in the morning to the aroma of fresh-baked bread.

Shelf Life: Refrigeration and/or freezing finished loaves is not recommended. For best results store them in a breadbox. Tip: Adding 1-2 tsps of lemon juice to any bread or dough recipe will double the shelf life of your bread.

Measuring: Water MUST be measured using a clear liquid measuring cup. Dry ingredients MUST be measured using standard measuring cups. All measurements, either spoons or cups, MUST be leveled.

Slicing The Loaf: Electric carving knives work best, especially when using a slicing guide. Be certain to wait until the loaf is cool to the touch before slicing.

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Hi Lyndseycoone:
Here is the recipe from the manual

3 cups of water (80 to 90 F)
3 tbsp butter or margarine, cut into pieces
1 tsp salt
3 tbsp dry milk powder
4 tbsp sugar
5 1/2 cups bread flour
1 1/4 tsp active dry or bread machine yeast

1. Measure ingredients into bread pan in the order listed
2. Insert bread pan into unit, close lid. Plug unit into wall outlet
3. Select Sandwich setting and appropriate loaf size (3 lb)
4. Press start button
5. The Complete Signal will sound when bread is done.
6. Using pot holders remove bread pan from the unit and carefully remove bread from pan and turn right side up. (Kneading blade may remain in bread. Remove blade when bread is cooled.
7. Allow bread to cool on wire rack until ready to serve at least 20 minutes.

Hope this helps...
Darlene

Without knowing the specific ingredients in your recipe and having no experience with gluten free flour I am basing this on what I know about bread makers in general. I have owned dozens!
1) If the onion spice you are adding is something like a mix (onion soup mix for example) then you may get better results if you cut back on the salt by about 1/2. Also, next time when your machine starts the rapid knead (after the beginning slow knead) if the dough looks like batter instead of a dough ball add about 1 tablespoon slowly trickled in over about 10 seconds. Watch the dough ball and see if it starts to look a little dryer. The goal is to not have the gooey batter on the bottom of the pan. The slow addtions of flour will do that for you. If this works please leave a testimonial. I like helping fellow bread machine makers and getting feed back! Best of Luck with your next effort!

Traditional White Bread (2 lb. loaf)
1 and 3/8 cups water
2 tblsp butter or marg.
1 and 3/4 tsp salt
4 cups bread flour
2 tblsp dry milk
2 tblsp sugar
2 and 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
Measure and add liquid ingredients to the bread pan
Measure and add dry ingredients (except yeast) to bread pan.
Use your finger to form a well (hole) in the flour where you will pour the yeast. Measure the yeast and carefully pour into the well.
Snap the baking pan into the breadmaker and close the lid.
Press "Select" button to choose the Basic setting.
Press the "Crust Color" button to choose light, medium or dark crust.
Press the "Start/Stop" button.

Hi Dan B,

Sorry about your bread problems. It is depressing to me to find an unsatisfactory result after going through the whole baking rigamarole. I had a similar problem early on, but I live in the Denver area, so I was also dealing with the high altitude problems, too. I started using Vital Wheat Gluten in all my bread recipes, and it helped a lot. I use a tablespoon per cup of flour, but you may want to start with a half tablespoon. I also put the salt in with the liquid ingredients, because you're not supposed to let salt touch the yeast. I also make sure to use non-iodized salt, because the iodizing stuff does bad things to the yeast. The final thing I always do is to set the timer for 10 minutes after it starts the knead cycle, and then I open the lid and touch the dough to see if it is too wet (add flour by tablespoons) or too dry (add water by tablespoons), until it feels and looks right to me. You are probably already doing most of these things already, but I thought I'd mention them just in case. Anyway, hope one of these things helps. Happy Baking!

My experience with the machine is that it kneads perfectly, but you have to use ACTIVE DRY YEAST instead of another kind of yeast, and you have to throw the ingredients into the pan in order - do not mix the ingredients at all - just pour them in, and let the machine do the mixing. Except for substituting between BREAD FLOUR and WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR, do not substitute any other ingredients. This one is very picky about the type of ingredients that you use - not for the innovator :-)

-Tha Mp3 Doctor

Use it to the side. This will pull the dry ingredients off the bowl. If the dough is coming out lumpy, make sure you follow the recipe exactly. Putting dry into wet will give different results than putting wet into dry. If this doesn't end the lumps, try a different type of flour.