Bread Slicing Guides

[jakodai]

I don’t have a Thermomix (yet, I’m getting myself one for my birthday – 3 month to go… but will maybe get it a little earlier if finances allow…), but I’m a serious lurker to these forums. I just love it, the recipes and advice is fantastic. I have to admit that I feel a little awkward posting when I don’t have a Thermomix yet (my own issues, don’t worry).
Anyway, you have inspired me to make bread from scratch, and I’ve also recently discovered that I enjoy hand-kneading dough. It’s almost therapeutic. Seeing as I want to make bread once I get my Thermomix anyway, I thought I’d invest in a good bread tin. Previously I’ve only used a bread machine, and didn’t really like the shape of the loaf. Picky, I know, but anyway…  I was wondering what, if anything, everyone used to slice their bread after they’ve made it. I’m taking a trip to Simply No Knead next week to buy a bread tin, and I was also eyeing off the bread slicing guide, as well. I used to have one of the white Breville one’s, but I didn’t like the thickness of the slices. They were either way too thick, or way too thin. Has anyone seen/used the Simply No Knead bread slicing guide (http://www.snk.com.au/html/s13_shopping/view_product.asp?id=115&nav_cat_id=17&nav_top_id)? It looks nicer than the Breville one, but it doesn’t have anything about how thick the slices are. I just want a ‘normal’ sandwich thickness that you get in a store-bought loaf of bread.

[dede]

I have a bread slicing guide and find they are pretty good, but when the bread is really fresh it tends to not cut so well with a normal serrated knife. I have been told that electric knives are great to use but don't have one myself (mine died a few years ago) I would really like to get another one.

[Aussie Brenda]

I don't have a guide and sometimes make a bit of a mess with the slicing I used to have an electric knife which was good, the best thing I have now is a wooden chopping board with a drawer underneath to catch all the crumbs I always seem to slice it when it is too fresh.  Yum Yum.

[cookie1]

My DH slices the fresh bread for me using an electric knife. I wish he would let me buy a guide as he loves big thick slices. I have seen them and you can often change them to suit the thickness you want.

[jakodai]

I think I remember years ago my parents had one that was adjustable, but I could be wrong - I was only young. It didn't matter how I cut the bread I made in my bread maker - it was always wrong. I think it had a lot to do with the shape of the loaf, though. I had the most success with my electric knife, but it was still never quite right. I was working on getting a denser loaf before I moved and gave it to Mum, but I think I'll have more luck with a bread tin rather than the bread maker. You don't have as much freedom with the bread maker as far as rising times and kneading times. I didn't appreciate that as much as I do now that I understand the process a little more. It had a custom setting, but I didn't understand it all enough to be able to play with the times, so I was experimenting with the ingredients instead.

I'll have a look at Simply No Knead when I go down there and see what I think of the slicing guide. From the picture it looks like the thickness is good, but it is hard to tell for sure.

[faffa_70]

I have had many slicing guides and not really had any luck with any of them!

I have found it is just practice now and I can slice a whole loaf in one go and pretty much with even sandwich cut size slices.

I have 2 bread knives and one I have found even better than an electric knife (though I didn't have much luck with that either lol). The knife that I love has very fine serration's on it and does a fantastic job.

[andiesenji]

I don't think this one is available in Australia as yet but it is a possibility in the future.

It has two slice widths, depending on which end you place the stop plate.  I have extra-long serrated knives with 12 inch blade, cuts very clean.

Bread Pal slicing guide

[cookie1]

That looks great Andie. Dh could make me one of those but I don't think I would have much luck prising him away from the old cars.

[jakodai]

That's great Andie, I love the flexibility of the 2 different sizes. Their site does mention to contact them for international orders, but I imagine shipping might be a little costly. I think I'll check it out... Thanks!

[jakodai]

I ended up buying the bread guide from Simply No Knead, and it's perfect. The size of the slices is perfect, and it's quite easy to cut with as well. I just thought I'd give a bit of an update in case anyone else stumbles upon this thread looking for answers...

[judydawn]

Thanks jakodai, now the wait for the TMX - hope it isn't going to be too long for you. Let us know when the big day arrives.

[jakodai]

3 months, hopefully. I've set a target for my birthday, and as long as nothing significant happens between now then (I have a 2 yo son and a Border Collie, so very possible that something significant WILL happen...) I should be OK.