T-fal PF311 Review
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Here we’re going to take a look at the T-fal PF311 ActiBread bread machine, which is the upgraded version of the T-fal PF111. This one is also constructed with stainless steel. But as you can see, it has a more professional look. The old version is more playful with the green detail on the lid.
There are some added features in this bread machine. The T-fal PF311 allows you to choose from 3 different loaf sizes – 1lb, 1.5lb, and 2lbs – instead of 2 – 1.5lb and 2lbs. This is a nice touch because in our experience, most people aren’t going to make big loaves at once unless they have a big family. It’s better to make smaller loaves more frequently so you’d have fresh bread all the time. There are 3 crust settings just like the old model.
Instead of 12 pre-programmed settings, the new model has 15. They include gluten-free, gluten-free sweet, gluten-free cake, rapid, whole wheat, salt free, French, dough, cake, jam, and pasta. When we reviewed the T-fal PF111 we found that its strengths were gluten free breads. We suspect that it’s the reason T-fal expanded the gluten-free programs on this model. You can make two types of gluten-free breads and gluten-free cake at the push of a button. Like most bread machines, it has a nonstick coated inner pan.
Our T-fal PF311 Review
We wanted to make sure the gluten-free breads are on point, like its predecessor. Thankfully this machine is as advertised. It makes good-quality gluten free breads at the push of a button. We especially liked the fact that there is a dedicated program to make gluten-free cakes – something we don’t see on other machines. If you must eat gluten-free breads, this machine will save you a ton of money!
However, all our breads that have come out of this machine had particularly thick crusts. They are also not as fluffy as some of the Japanese machines we’ve tested. That said, if you are into thick crusts and denser loaves, like French breads, this machine does a fabulous job. If you’re going to make special breads – ones with fruit and nuts – look for the beep which is your signal to add them! A lot of people who are new to bread machines don’t know that they add fruit and nuts just before the baking cycle. All bread machines have some sort of alarm to tell you when to add them, so you have to listen closely. Once you get used to the timing, you’ll have a better idea of when to add them without the alarm too.
Making plain bread is easy with this machine. You just select the program, weight, and crust settings, then start. The recipe book is adequate for starter recipes. Down the road if you want to make more complicated breads, we recommend buying third party recipe books. The programs on this machine will be good enough to make them.
T-fal PF311 Rating
Summary
The T-fal PF311 is a great bread machine for those looking to bake gluten-free goods. It has programs for both savory and sweet gluten-free breads and gluten-free cake. It also makes good French bread. Overall, it’s a very capable bread machine.
T-fal PF311 Features At A Glance
- Makes a 1-, 1.5- or 2-pound loaf
- Has a 15-hour delay timer and automatic keep-warm functions
- Stainless steel design with a modern black lid
- Has a large viewing window and easy-to-read LCD menu
- Has 15 pre-programmed settings: gluten-free savoury bread, gluten-free sweet bread, gluten-free cake, rapid wholemeal bread, wholemeal bread, salt free bread, super rapid bread, rapid sweet bread, French bread, sweet bread, cooking only, dough, cake, jam, pasta.
- 700 watts of power; 1 year limited warranty
- Comes with measuring cup and spoon, hook, kneading blade and recipe book with 25 recipes
Concluding Thoughts
Overall, the quality of the bread that this machine makes is superior to the ones from the grocery store. In the end, nothing beats fresh, homemade bread. And psychologically, the things you make yourself probably taste better! At the very least, you control the ingredients that you use, and for many families this is very reassuring. This is one of the reasons we love bread machines so much.
I ‘ m considering buying this machine, I like the fact it has a salt free feature, because all the machines I try was not good.
Hopefully I will try this one. Thanks, for the feedback.