breadmaker v shop bought bread

Phil_H_3

Hi all,
I've been thinking for a long time about getting a breadmaker but not actually sure how much I would save in the long run.We normally buy wholemeal bread with bits in and on top and it's not cheap!we normally get through about 2 a week which is about £2.50-£3 a week.Anyone out there who has a bread maker who can answer if it's saving money in the long run or not.
thanks.
emma.x

taurusgb

I think I do save money making my own bread (I have a Panasonic SD253 - and I LOVE it), but what I find is more important is that I know exactly what we are eating, no preservatives, can alter the amount of salt,and I NEVER add sugar...some people say it doesn't work as well by leaving it out, but I have noticed no difference to the loaf other than the taste. In fact I hardly used my BM when I first had it, as I was disappointed in the flavour, until I worked out it was the slightly sweet after taste that I found disagreeable. Now I use it most days.

What I would say (re cost) is that if I don't actually save any money, I certainly don't spend any more than I used to, and I feel we are much healthier, and can have so many different varieties of bread, so I wouldn't go back to buying it now for any reason.

Pink.

Hi Phil_H,

There are a few threads in our Complete Breadmaking Collection that should help you.

Pink

Penny-Pincher!!

I do have a BM, but only really use for pizza dough. OH tends to go to Asda late in the evening and can buy all the expensive loaves (£1+) (warburtons, kingsmill, seeded etc) for 10-15p a loaf when reduced. We have a large freezer and freeze the excess.

I do like the taste of fresh BM bread for breakie with jam or honey, but dont like for sarnies.

PP
xx

billieboy_2

I would completely agree with the second poster except I still use sugar, but I don't use powdered milk as suggested in the recipes - I find it doesn't make any difference to the taste. I can honestly say that I haven't bought one loaf of bread since buying the Panasonic SD253 (which seems to be the most popular choice!) back in September. Everyone loves the bread and if you put it on timer to be ready in the morning, the smell is absolutely wonderful (especially the spiced fruit loaf). I would definitely recommend, especially as you'll know exactly what went into the loaf.

black-saturn

For everyday use like breakfast and sandwiches I just use Tesco value bread but I put the breadmaker on every now and then if I want to make a nice loaf of bread or nice home made rolls. I dont think it works out any cheaper at all.

rchddap1

Have to admit that I was a sceptic at first....so bought a cheaper model. Except now I wish I'd bought the more expensive version as it has turned out to be my favourite kitchen gadget.

taurusgb

billieboy - agree with you on the milk powder front ...forgot to say I don't use it either...all that goes into my standard bread is salt, flour, water, olive oil, and yeast, unless I'm making a specific type of loaf

demented_2

taurusgb wrote:

billieboy - agree with you on the milk powder front ...forgot to say I don't use it either...all that goes into my standard bread is salt, flour, water, olive oil, and yeast, unless I'm making a specific type of loaf

Hi, I also had a problem with the sugar bit, you guys sorted me out though,
what i would like to know is why do we have to add milk powder?
what difference does it make if i don't include it?
Thanks

taurusgb

demented wrote:

Hi, I also had a problem with the sugar bit, you guys sorted me out though,
what i would like to know is why do we have to add milk powder?
what difference does it make if i don't include it?
Thanks

I never ubderstood why milk powder was included in recipes either...seemed just another additive that didn't need to be there to me. When I first had my BM I made the bread exactly as the recipe book said, but I could tell no difference with either the texture, look or taste when I left out the milk powder (which I did by accident the first time), so I never used it again.

nick_b

taurusgb wrote:

I never ubderstood why milk powder was included in recipes either...seemed just another additive that didn't need to be there to me. When I first had my BM I made the bread exactly as the recipe book said, but I could tell no difference with either the texture, look or taste when I left out the milk powder (which I did by accident the first time), so I never used it again.

Milk added to bread dough will make the bread sweeter with a softer texture.