Bread Maker - worth it?

RubyMurray

Thanks Squeaky, I didn't know it could be frozen. I'll get it in the freezer later so it's not wasted.

Maybe my Asda is charging because there's a high number of OS'ers in the area and they've realised they're giving away a fortune in yeast!

freyasmum

my mum has one that was used once or twice when she got it (a good few years ago) and then left to sit and gather dust.

Well, last night, inspired by all the enthusiam, I decided to make a loaf. Just a simple plain loaf and well, the smell alone this morning was delightful! The taste was far superior than anything you could buy and it's a lot more filling as well.

recovering_spendaholic

I have found the discussion on this thread really illuminating and whilst I can see both sides I have decided to get a Panasonic SD253 - The cheapest place I have found it is Costco for £76.36 inclusive of VAT. I have just looked at the manual online and the recipes sound great!!

rchddap1

Haven't got a SD253....but do intend to give some of those recipes a go anyway. Or the ones I can fiddle for my breadmaker anyway.

Queenie

freyasmum wrote:

my mum has one that was used once or twice when she got it (a good few years ago) and then left to sit and gather dust.

Well, last night, inspired by all the enthusiam, I decided to make a loaf. Just a simple plain loaf and well, the smell alone this morning was delightful! The taste was far superior than anything you could buy and it's a lot more filling as well.

:T :T Good for you!! Wishing you many moreish loaves to come :T :T

MORPH3US

The Panasonic bread maker sounds good but can't really justify spending £70 on a bread maker at the moment.

There is one in Argos at the moment for £14.99 (reduced from £24.99). Would that be ok or would I be wasting my money? Says it makes a "2lb horizontal loaf"

Anyone know how big that would be roughly?

Also, some people above seem to be using value flour instead of the recommended "strong" flour. What difference does the value flour make and do I need to adjust any other ingredients / cook times etc?

Cheers

M

Jazzy_B

There are at least two threads on the Cookworks breadmaker
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=246112
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=252000

I got one and am really happy with it.I used to make bread by hand, but I've been converted. My loaves come out about 1 1/2 times the size of a small loaf, but they are much more filling.The base of the tin measues 14cmsx18cms,and my last loaf rose to nearly 14cms, using value flour.
I'm still experimenting, but I've made successful loaves using the basic bread recipe, with value flour, on the wholemeal setting. I got mine about a month ago, and have used it at least once every day.

beachbeth

I noticed a Morphy Richards one for sale in my local CoOp which is longer to maker longer loaves. It was on offer last time I went in. Sorry, I can't remember the price but I think it was cheaper than my Panasonic 253. Plus Ive had a leaflet from the CoOp saying theres a sale on next week.

beachbeth

Jazzy_B wrote:

My loaves come out about 1 1/2 times the size of a small loaf, but they are much more filling.

I find the slices are much more filling too than shop bought bread!

pigpen

We go through more bread than a whole pond of ducks!!

I was wondering .. are breadmakers actually cost effective ??

I can ask on freecycle if I decide we 'need' one.. someone only offered one last week.. grr

Are they any good? how much does it cost roughly for a standard loaf?

We are paying 54p at best for a 400g loaf.. so anything cheaper is worth it.

thanks in advance!!

xx