Breadmaker & Ingredient Pointers please

TheChillPill

I'm moving home shortly - downscaling to a smaller property. As a result, I'm not going to have a huge amount of space for a freezer - which I usually use to stockpile bread each month.

In an effort to be able to save more each month, I want to try doing grocery shopping only once per month, but with things like bread, it won't be possible - unless I make my own.

I've often fancied doing this anyway, so this is partly just a good excuse to do it - can't beat the smell of fresh bread, especially first thing in the morning ;-)

So, I'm after some recommendations on breadmakers - ideally, something reasonably-priced, but known to be good (i.e I've seen some in Netto recently for £25, but have no idea how good they are. Whereas there is a Morphy Richards on amazon for £40 that has decent reviews).

Also, wheres the best (read: cheapest) source for the ingredients?

And finally, how do you store the bread once it's done? Obviously when we buy from a supermarket, it has it's own bag. Just curious what people use for fresh bread? (sorry if that is a daft question!)

wigginsmum

I have a Hinari breadmaker which works fine - I've seen a lot of people recommend Panasonic. I get the ingredients from Sainsburys or Lidl, or the healthfood place if I'm doing something glutenfree. I slice bread once it's cool and just wrap in an ordinary plastic shopping bag (Tescos etc.) and put in the freezer, so I just take out what I need at the time. We don't eat bread frequently enough to merit having a bread bin for fresh bread.

Jules

LesD

We got a cheap one from ASDA (Pacific brand) some time ago and the only problem we've had was when we used old yeast! It didn't rise.

Haven't been very adventurous though - just made simple bread - 20 oz loaves.

And haven't tried to keep it fresh. It's too good for that - we eat it all!

barksavingmad

I was given the MR Fastbake for Christmas and we love it. I've tried white and wholemeal bread, also rolls and fabulous pizzas! I've surprised myself how much we use and love this machine.

TheChillPill

Thanks for all the pointers so far - the MR one is looking good so far, coupled with the price and amazon reviews :-)

jandanjan

I've got a Pnasonic and love it. I use it for both bread and I use the dough function to make pizza bases which are so much better than the rubbish you buy in the shops and cheaper.

Use strong flour - I use organic- and make sure the yeast is not at the used by date.
And have fun! it is worth it and it keeps without needing to be frozen for 3 - 4 days anyway...fantasitic toasted with lots of Anchor butter and marmalade....mmm...time ot go and switch mine on!

Jan

SillyHilly_2

Tesco.com are doing Hinari Breadmakers for £24-99 at the moment. I can't wait for mine to arrive!!!

TheChillPill

SillyHilly wrote:

Tesco.com are doing Hinari Breadmakers for £24-99 at the moment. I can't wait for mine to arrive!!!

Wow, thats a good price - I've seen others at that price, but none have been brands I've recognised. I'll check that out, thanks.

BigAde

Another recommendation here for the Panasonic models...
had my one for 3-4 years now, use it 5 times a week and never had a failed loaf in that time. Brilliant results, well built, reliable...
Will cost you more initially, but IMHO worth every penny.
SD-252 £62 from here...
http://www.empiredirect.co.uk/content/products/details/index.asp?modelcode=PAN-SD252
The SD-253 model has a raisin/nut dispenser which makes it easier to make different types of bread... cost you £80+ though.

Some of the cheaper models out there don't always perform as well (I've seen a few over the years). I know a lot of people who bought some cheaper machines who have consigned theirs to the loft after a while.... however everyone that I know with Panasonics are still using theirs regularly.... (read into that what you will)
Not to say all the cheaper ones are naff... I've seen some good results from MR ones for example.

Anyway, there's loads of reviews out there (just google the model numbers), so read away and do your research before you buy.

wendyl1967

I have the Hinari breadmaker that cost about £25. It is great. I would definately recommend it.



I was extravagent and bought a http://www.lakelandlimited.co.uk/product.aspx/!5052
to store it. I got it as a birthday present. How sad is that!!!

I know it isn't cheap but it helps you to cut slices an even size. I was having difficulty with that so the kids were whinging!

The bread can be put in warm but it won't go soggy as there are air holes.

BigAde

While I remember. one other point to note...

From the different machines I've seen, most seem to have a pretty good attempt at doing basic white bread...
Where the differences are really noticeable are when you want to do more complicated (in breadmaking terms) breads...
Wholemeal bread in particular can be more difficult to produce good results I've noticed... no problems on the Panasonics, but some other machines have struggled to mix properly (I think because the dough is stiffer) and they haven't risen well.
Breads/cakes with fruit and nuts in can sometimes be unevenly distributed - I've seen one machine (a MR I think) with all the raisins in a fruit loaf sunk to the bottom...

Shape of the loaf...
May not be important to you but worth noting. Most breadmakers produce taller, slim loaves than your standard supermarket loaf. To get a standard shape, you will need to look at the twin-paddle machines, I think there are only a couple on the market.

Again, reading the reviews online is your best bet.