There is now a large selection of Bread Machines, or Bread Makers, on the market. All work in the same way, although the shape of the finished loaf may be different, some produce square loaves whilst others, usually the more modern designs, bake a conventionally shaped loaf.

The basic design consists of a pan, or tin, with a paddle in the bottom that is used to mix and knead the dough. This pan then sits in the main body of the breadmaker which has an electric heating element built in to act as the oven.

The ingredients are placed in the pan, usually any liquids first with the dry ingredients, the flour, sugar, salt, yeast etc, added on top.

Breadmachines all have a number of programmes, some of them with a bewildering selection, allowing different sizes and types of loaf to be baked. The majority also have at least one programme that will mix and knead a dough which can then be removed from the machine and used to create rolls or pizza bases that are then cooked in a conventional oven. Often machines also have a ‘jam-making’ programme but how useful this may be is open to question!