Breadmaker advice needed

[scotttswan]

I have been using a Moulinex Home Bread

+1

i got a white Moulinex bread maker that has already paid for itself, bought locally with a 1 year warranty. Its also good for making pizza dough.

 

[EricLovesBA]

Once we get the machines sorted we can figure out what to put in them besides wheat flour.

http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20130626-710539.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

 

[allcraz]

50hz vs 60hz. Running a 60 hz synchronous motor on a 50hz system, rpm will be slower and its life span will be shortened: more amps. Not a good idea to run any 60hz appliance with a motor on 50hz system.

Wait, so you're telling me it's not going to work properly no matter which transformer I buy?

 

[dennisr]

Wait, so you're telling me it's not going to work properly no matter which transformer I buy?

If your bread machine has a motor in it, which i think it does, and the nameplate specs specify 60 hertz (North America) your motor will run slower on 50hz, less efficient (lower torque) and burn up. Speed of a motor is a function of frequency (hertz) and poles. It may turn, but it is not going to last very long.

 

[EricLovesBA]

If your bread machine has a motor in it, which i think it does, and the nameplate specs specify 60 hertz (North America) your motor will run slower on 50hz, less efficient (lower torque) and burn up. Speed of a motor is a function of frequency (hertz) and poles. It may turn, but it is not going to last very long.

If it is not marked in this regard, wouldn't it also depend on what type of motor it has - induction vs universal or dc? I'm not sure what the normal motor type is for a breadmaker. If it has a dc motor, which I saw online a small percentage of breadmakers do, then maybe the 50hz wouldn't matter?

 

[dennisr]

If the motor is DC or universal, will probably be OK. All I am saying, an induction AC motor that is rated at 60 HZ and run on a 50 HZ system, motor will run slower and use more current: wattage. Sorry to complicate things. Think this is one of those moments where I wished I had not said anything.

 

[EricLovesBA]

If the motor is DC or universal, will probably be OK. All I am saying, an induction AC motor that is rated at 60 HZ and run on a 50 HZ system, motor will run slower and use more current: wattage. Sorry to complicate things. Think this is one of those moments where I wished I had not said anything.

No, I wasn't trying to start a debate or anything, I'm no expert in this and would like to know more about it really. If the above poster did indeed get stuck buying something with an induction motor which may have a short lifespan, it would be nice to know how help other expats avoid the same problem. I saw something online about running induction motors rated for 60hz 110V at a slightly lower voltage (96v 50Hz for example) to help alleviate the overheating problem you mentioned. I wonder if that type of step down transformer could be found at a reasonable price here?

Update - had an idea - please comment someone who knows more about electronics and motors. Could a lght dimmer be used before or after the transformer to lower the voltage a bit, down to around 95V to save an induction motor from burning out?

 

[dennisr]

You are going to need one very large light dimmer, 600 watts or so, maybe larger?Also, often on appliances that use timers, the input frequency is used as a reference point. If they do use the input frequency as a reference point for the timer, using a 60 hz timer on a 50hz system is not going to be equal.

 

[AngelinBA]

I have a Marshall breadmaker, it was the cheapest at the time. We've had it a year with no problems. We worked out that at today's prices, the oven had paid for itself and saved us approx $1400 as well. ( 3 school kids means a lot of bread). I love the machine.
had to learn to mix the flour 1/2 '000' & 1/2 '0000' otherwise the bread was a brick. If I had money to choose brand over price, I would still choose a local brand so it could be serviced easily. Good luck with the purchase and when you want advice on recipes, sounds like there's lots of us here willing to help.

 

[dennisr]

Thanks. Wanted to get one for mama in BA and going to get one local. The recipe thing.? Is there some magical flour or what? Thanks a bunch.