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Published 02/02/2026

How to use a bread maker

Learn how to turn out beautifully baked bread every time with the help of a bread maker, specially designed to mix, knead, rise and bake your loaves to perfection.

There’s nothing quite like freshly baked bread. The smell, the texture, the taste... you also have full control over the ingredients you use, making it easier to avoid preservatives and excess sugars. Plus, homemade bread is fresher and cheaper, too.

If you’re tempted to make the swap from store-bought to homemade bread, our Bread Maker offers 12 different functions, so whether you’re craving standard white, wholemeal or gluten-free, all bases are covered.

Unsure on where to start with our Bread Maker and how to make homemade bread? Our handy guide is here to help.

Before first use

Before using the Bread Maker, always read through the instruction manual and unpackage everything thoroughly, including any labels or tape that may be found on the appliance. Check that you have all the parts and that they’re in good condition. You should also cast your eye over the cable and plug, making sure that they’re undamaged. Do not use the Bread Maker if it is damaged.

Give the Bread Maker a quick clean before using. Wash the bread pan, kneading blade and any accessories in warm, soapy water then dry thoroughly. Give the exterior of the Bread Maker a quick wipe with a very slightly damp cloth (never submerge the Bread Maker in water and always keep the cord and plug dry at all times).

Once washed and dried, assemble the parts together properly. Then, it’s ready to use!

The different pre-programmed bread settings

The ProCook Bread Maker features 12 pre-programmed settings, so you can easily select the type of bread you wish to make. Unless otherwise specified, most programs knead, let the dough rise and bake, saving you time and energy.

Read our Bread Maker user guide for a more in-depth explanation.

Basic: For kneading, rising and baking normal, standard bread. You can add additional ingredients like herbs, olives, dried fruits or sundried tomatoes to this setting when prompted.

French: By providing a longer rise time, you can bake French-style bread that's lighter in texture and has a crisper crust.

Whole wheat: When using whole wheat flour, this feature is for kneading, rising and baking whole wheat bread.

Quick: Will produce a smaller, more dense loaf, but is great for kneading, rising and baking a loaf of standard bread more quickly than the ‘Basic’ function.

Sweet: For kneading, rising and baking sweet, crisp bread.

Dough: For kneading and letting the dough rise without baking, so you can remove, shape, top with ingredients and cook in a pizza or conventional oven.

Gluten-free: When using gluten-free flour, this setting is for kneading, rising and baking gluten-free bread. Feel free to add herbs, olives, cheese and other ingredients if you wish.

Cake: Requires baking powder or baking soda, but this setting is great for kneading and baking cakes.

Sandwich: Bake a light-textured bread with a thinner crust, perfect for making sandwiches.

Butter milk: Solely designed to make bread that includes butter or yoghurt in the ingredients.

Kneading: To prepare and knead dough for various bread, pizza and other baked goods. Does not bake.

Bake: Only for baking, without kneading or rising the dough.

How to make bread

When using the ProCook Bread Maker, we recommend doing the following to ensure the very best results. Of course, trial and error may be needed if experimenting with recipes or adding ingredients like olives or sundried tomatoes.

Here’s how to use our Bread Maker.

  1. Place the appliance on a flat, dry and heat-resistant surface. Assemble the bread maker if needed, adding the bread pan into the baking chamber and ensuring that it’s locked into place.

  2. Carefully rub a small amount of butter or margarine onto the kneading blade to prevent it from sticking to the dough and making it easier to remove from the bread once baked. Fix the kneading blade onto the drive shaft.

  3. Add the ingredients into the bread pan, making sure to follow a specific order. Usually, you add water or liquids first, followed by sugar, salt then flour. Yeast or baking powder is the last ingredient. For a basic, white loaf you should add the ingredients in the following order:

  • Water

  • Oil

  • Salt

  • Sugar

  • Flour

  • Yeast

  1. When adding the yeast, use your finger to create a small hole in the flour. Make sure it does not touch the salt or any liquid ingredients.

  2. Close the lid of the bread maker and plug the appliance in.

  3. Press the Menu button and choose your desired Loaf Colour, Size and Bread type. If you wish, you can also delay the start, but if you wish to start immediately, press the Start/Stop button to begin.

  4. It is normal for the Bread Maker to play 10 beeping sounds when using the Basic, French, Whole wheat, Sweet, Gluten-free, Butter milk and Sandwich settings – these beeps are to prompt you to add any additional ingredients like nuts, olives or dried fruit if you desire.

  5. Once finished, you will hear 10 more beeping sounds. If you are not in the room or at home when it’s baked, the Bread Maker will automatically keep it warm for up to 1 hour. When you’re ready to remove the baked bread, press and hold the Start/Stop button, open the lid and use oven gloves to hold the bread pan’s handle. Rotate the bread pan anticlockwise and pull it upwards to remove.

  6. Use a silicone spatula to gently loosen the sides of the bread from the pan. The bread and bread pan may still be hot, so be careful when handling. While still using oven gloves, turn the bread pan upside down onto a cool rack and gently shake until the bread comes out. Allow the bread to cool down before slicing.

If you’re new to baking bread, we have an easy-to-follow white loaf recipe that works wonderfully in our Bread Maker.

Can you make sourdough in a bread maker?

Yes, you can bake sourdough bread in a bread maker. To make sourdough, you need to include an active sourdough starter which acts as the leavening agent then follow the usual process of kneading, rising and baking in the Bread Maker.

If you want to ensure a crisp crust, you can use the Bread Maker’s ‘Knead’ function then finish baking in the oven.

Cleaning and maintenance

Proper cleaning and maintenance is the best way to keep the Bread Maker functioning properly for many years to come, so you can continue baking quality loaves of bread.

When cleaning and caring for your Bread Maker, we recommend the following steps:

  • Always turn off the appliance, unplug and disassemble the parts before cleaning

  • Never immerse the appliance and its cord and plug in water

  • Remove the bread pan from the appliance and clean in warm, soapy water, making sure to dry it thoroughly to avoid rusting

  • Wash the kneading blade, measuring cup, spoon and hook in warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly

  • Please note that all accessories, the bread pan and kneading blade are not dishwasher safe and should only be handwashed

  • Use a slightly damp cloth to clean the inside and exterior of the appliance, making sure to dry thoroughly afterwards

  • Avoid using abrasive cleaners and sponges as this can cause damage to the Bread Maker

  • Only ever store the Bread Maker in a dry location and when it is completely cool and unplugged

Secondary image for image of Bread Maker 2lb Main image for image of Bread Maker 2lb
Bread Maker 2lb
In stock

£79.00

4.5942028985507
(69)

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