bread makers - any recommendations

[Nic]

I'm debating getting a bread maker, and I seem to remember that lots of people here have one. Do you have any recommendations, or things to look out for when buying one?

I'm keen not to get an absoluate cheapo one, as my experience with bottom of the range stuff is that it breaks quite fast and usually the one that was a little bit more would actually have been a better deal. Also, I quite like gadgets, so I'd be keen on one with a few different bells and whistles, as long as they're actually useful.:)

Any advice gratefully received.

Nic

[Fozzybear]

I bought a Panasonic SD253 a few months ago, which cost me £100 (but you can get it for about £80 if you look around), and I've used it constantly since then - I've only bought two or three packs of rolls since buying the breadmaker. Produces very good bread and is easy to use and cheap to run (costs me about 30-40p per loaf). The 253 has a raisin dispenser for adding bits to the bread as it bakes but I haven't used it yet and you can get a cheaper Panasonic unit without the dispenser (you just chuck the bits in at the right time if you want raisin bread). I can't recommend the Panasonic highly enough, and it's had a lot of good reviews.

I'd avoid ones with windows as that is supposed to be bad for the quality of the bread, and the results with some of the cheaper units can be very hit and miss. I bought mine thinking I might use it occasionally, but it was so good and I liked the bread so much that I use it all the time - a loaf lasts me about 3 days normally, but can be a lot less if I'm in a really bready mood! A slice with some Pure soya spread when it's fresh from the breadmaker is fantastic!

[Copper]

I have a Morphy Richards which does not have the fast bake facility. I have had this breadmaker for 3 years and have had no problem with it. You don't have to weigh the ingredients as you use the plastic spoon and jug provided. It beeps when it is time to add currants etc and I am never far away form the breadmaker when it is on. Fast bake makes bread quicker but the dough does not rise as well so you end up with a smaller loaf, so I am told.

[matt]

i've got the older panasonic the 250 and have used it loads over the years 4 or so i think.

avoid the rapid bake as the loaf will be denser and not as tasty. the longer it takes the better the taste. you can make a version of sourdough by leaving the bread for a few hours then switching it back on to increase the flavour.

luck of the draw but normally you get what you pay for. i'd certainly recommend the panasonic. actually thinking about it i must have got it atleast 5 years ago as had when i lived in bucks!

[Pam]

I've probably got the same one as Copper, a Morphy Richards bought nearly 4 years ago and still going strong. Very good recipe book, the pan is still non-stick and I love not having to weigh ingredients - the cup, tablespoon and teaspoon measures are great. My only complaint is that it makes a fairly small square loaf so it is only really enough for one meal for our family (5 of us). My machine cost £45 when they were quite new, I think they are down to about £35 now. Mine also has a jam programme and one for just making dough (there's one for cakes as well but the recipes seem to be more trouble than they are worth).

The Panasonic does get all the best reviews so is probably worth its money if you can stretch that little bit more, I think their cheapest one is about £65 now.

I've also heard that the Pacific one from Asda is good and is certainly one of the cheapest around.

A friend of mine bought an LG long loaf machine from Index catalogue shop after hearing me rave about mine. She was very disappointed that the paddles didn't mix all the dry ingredients from the corners, I don't know if this is something that affects all long loaf models.

[Bet]

I've got the morphy richards one - bought one a year ago in a panic when found daughter had soya intolerance as well. Dont use it at all now and have to say didnt paraticularly like the bread - seemed very heavy compared to shop bought bread. Recipe book called for milk powder and so used nutramigan which might have given it a slightly different result. Also tried rice milk which was a disaster. Should have persevered but then found a local bakers which sold soya free bread so that was the end of that!! Must admit really wanted the panasonic at the time as that always has by far the best reviews but money too tight. The morphy richards was recommended in a Which report below the panasonic - Hope this helps!

[Fozzybear]

I tend to use soya milk in my bread as although you can leave it out I prefer the taste of the bread with it in. I use about 100ml of soya milk and reduce the amount of water by the same amount (100ml soya milk, 250ml water). I also use Pure soya spread instead of butter and Lo Salt instead of salt.

[Nic]

Thanks for all the advice - I'm having a re-think as I'd really like a bread-maker but I have a *tiny* kitchen and now I've looked at them I realise how much space they take up. Perhaps its yet another thing that needs to wait until we get around to moving...

Though you've all made me *really* want one. :drool:

Nic

[matt]

to be honest it's not too much hassle to make without a bread machine, just a normal mixing bowl and a bread tin. you'd be suprised how easy it is,:)

[Pam]

I use veg oil instead of butter in mine and miss out the milk altogether, though I had some Ecomil soya milk powder for a while (not much good for anything else as it is very grainy). A friend of mine used to use soya flour instead of milk powder.

People who have used both Panasonic and other machines all say that the Panasonic definitely makes a superior loaf.

[matt]

i make loafs for my mum and dad all the time (i'm still off the wheat) i make without any ref to milk. use 3 tablespoons olive oil for the fat and tablespoon sugar and teaspoon of salt. 350g flour mix of wholewheat and white and about 230ml water.


always get a lovely soft well risen loaf. with soft crust.

then you can start going mad with things to add or taking out the dough and making rolls or different shaped loaf. get a good easy book the variety you can make are as diverse as your imagination. if you want any ideas let me know as i have a couple of books.:drool:

[Bet]

Matt - is this in the bread machine or by hand? Sorry if being thick here, probably having a 'blond' moment!

[Copper]

I am pretty sure that Matt is talking bread maker. It doesn't matter where I put the bread to rise it just doesn't happen in this house - so I bought a breadmaker.

[matt]

i was talking about the bread machine but the same applies to making without.

good place to get bread to rise if the house is too cold. is turn on oven at lowest setting. or just leave overnight to rise really slowly. meant to make a really good tasting bread to let it rise that long.

you can do the same in a bread machine just turn it off and leave overnight. worst case scenario is that it'll rise a bit too much and you'll need to clean where it over rises!

once you get used to the basics you'll be able to play about with fillings and so on.