Hi Friends,

If you’re shopping for a bread machine—or wondering why your pan looks worn—here’s a quick behind-the-scenes look at something most manufacturers never talk about: the nonstick coating.

⭐ Almost All Bread Machine Pans Are Coated

Whether it’s called PTFE, Teflon, or “nonstick,” nearly every bread machine pan uses a slick coating so the paddles can knead without the dough grabbing onto the sides. Uncoated pans simply don’t release well enough for bread dough.

⭐ Is It Safe?

Bread machine pans don’t get hot enough to harm PTFE coatings—wear over time is the real issue. Most machines run about 300–350°F, well below PTFE breakdown temperatures. See guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or American Cancer Society for details. (Those low temperatures are just one of the reasons I bake all my bread in a conventional oven for a better crust.)

⭐ Why the Coating Wears Out

Friction from kneading, dough rubbing the sides, and general use slowly take their toll. The finish lasts much longer when you use the DOUGH cycle and bake in a regular oven. The BAKE cycle inside the machine uses higher, sustained heat that shortens the pan’s lifespan.

Other things that wear out the coating:
• Dishwashers
• Metal utensils
• Long soaks
• Frequent baking

Most bakers replace their pan every 2–4 years. Heavy users may replace it sooner. When buying a new bread machine, checking for the availability of replacements parts is a really good idea.

⭐ How to Tell Your Bread-Machine Pan Needs Replacing

• Bread sticks even with proper greasing. If loaves tear or won’t release, the coating is wearing out.
• Visible scratches or dull gray spots. Shiny nonstick turns rough when the PTFE is gone.
• Pan leaks during mixing. A worn seal lets dough or water seep underneath.
• Loud squeaking or wobbling paddle. The shaft or bearing is wearing down.
• Uneven browning or hot spots. The coating or pan metal is deteriorating.

⭐ Make Your Pan Last Longer

• Wipe clean instead of scrubbing
• Avoid the dishwasher
• Stick to silicone or wooden utensils
• Keep soaks short
• Add yeast and salt last

⭐ When Your Pan Looks Tired

Don’t replace the whole machine—just the pan or paddles. Most brands sell replacements, and they’re usually easy to install. If you are a frequent bread-machine user, consider buying an extra pan in advance. Or watch for lightly used machines in thrift stores that match your brand and keep them for parts.

⭐ Buy a Machine Without a Teflon-Type Coating

Over Christmas, I saw a Zojirushi bread machine advertised as having no Teflon coating, but it was out of stock. I haven’t seen it again, but I’m guessing it may resurface eventually. If you’re willing to spend more, look at the Sana Smart Bread Maker, made in the Czech Republic. They claim their pans and paddles are stainless steel.

Bread Machine Golden Egg Bread (with Dried Fruit) Just enough dried fruit for flavor (I chose cranberries)—no fruitcake vibes—and a dairy-free dough that works anywhere. Think challah or brioche, only lighter and less rich. Click here to see the recipe

Readers Say...

"I made this bread today.It was wonderful! We added dried sour cherries and used cream cheese and lemon curd on the bread-yum."--Carol

Questions? Hit reply — you know I love talking bread.

Warmly,

Paula Rhodes | Home Economist

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P.S. New to bread machines? My Free Bread Machine Crash Course walks you through my DOUGH-cycle-then-oven method step by step.