Bread Maker Recommendations (merged with "Thoughts on...")

megasaver

apprentice_tycoon wrote:

I have never used a breadmaker so I've been interested in this thread, do I assume that Panasonic is the ultimate machine?

OH convinced me to buy it. Being a bit of a bargain hunter, as per usual I wanted to get one that cost a lot less. I had had a Morphy Richards, and wanted to get that one again (brilliant machine but looking pretty tired so gave it to my friend to try) and the Panasonic SD253 was more expensive. 18 months down the line and the Panasonic still hasn’t really gone down in price (I paid about £85) which I assume is pretty rare in the world of gadgets, and goes to show how good they are. When I came home I felt really guilty, as I had paid about 40/50 pounds more for the panasonic. But it has paid for itself, time and time again, it really is fantastic. Main reason is that it produces much bigger loaves, produces really good rapid bread (under 2 hours) and the paddle never gets stuck in the bread. It is also very quiet (first time I used it I was convinced it wasn't doing anything!) and has an automatic dispensing window (where you can put things like nuts and raisins, so you don’t have to hang about for the first half hour for the beep telling you to put them into the pan yourself). I have to be honest here and say that I have only used this window occasionally to make things like malt loaf (so don’t be seduced by it, it really isn’t necessary). The only really negative bit about it is it does take up a lot of kitchen worktop space.



If you are still unsure, go for one of the cheaper /smaller ones to start and see how you get on - they are all pretty good nowadays and so easy to use (much easier than setting the video or DVD recorder) I’m sure if you get one you will love using it!

One last tip I would add is if you can, go to a shop and look at the shape of the pan inside e.g.panasaonic gives you a tall but almost normal shaped loaf because of the pan (to answer Curry_Queen's questions ). Also have a go at taking the pan out. The Morphy Richards pan needed to be snapped into place - this snap in and out mechanism might be different now, but it got a little loose after a while, whereas the panasonic one you slide the pan into position - so less to do when putting the pan in or taking it out ( a godsend when the pan is very hot). Anyway have fun whatever you decide to do.

the_brownies

I've got a Kenwood breadmaker and use it at least twice a week. The only problem I've got is that the bread is perfect and light on the day it is made, but on day 2 it goes a bit more dense and heavy.
If I use a packet mix the bread stays light and fluffy for at least 3 days (if it lasts that long). I've looked at the list of ingredients on a packet mix and the only additive I can see which may make a difference is ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Has anyone ever tried adding this to their bread mix?

sleepy

The morphy richards breadmaker I have (the one that started this thread) reccomends adding a rushed Vitamin C tablet to all the brown/grannery type recipes to improve the rise and density. I followed the advice and used one and can't say I really noticed much difference, but then my bread tends to get eaten straight away.

Curry_Queen

For those of you who own the Panasonic ... have you ever had any problems making granary bread in it?

And for the non-Panasonic owners ... have you had any success making granary bread in your machines?

Magentasue

Curry_Queen wrote:

For those of you who own the Panasonic ... have you ever had any problems making granary bread in it?

And for the non-Panasonic owners ... have you had any success making granary bread in your machines?

My breadmaker is a cheap one I picked up in Asda couple of years ago. When we first got it, everyone liked the bread. Now we're not so keen. I make bread when I'm around for the sake of economy not because we prefer it. We all prefer a loaf from the bakery!

I make granary bread in the breadmaker but bake it in rolls in the oven. I do this because a breadmaker loaf is always 'soft topped' and the bread always seems nicer cooked in the oven.

Now I'm wondering about a Panasonic! I've never made good white bread, and the wholemeal and granary loaves are OK but just OK and they the granary doesn't have a nice crust.

Does anyone have anything bad to say about the Panasonic?
Is the bread better than from a cheaper breadmaker
Are the loaves better - nicer shape and crust - than a cheaper breadmaker?

moggins

Sorry, I have a Morphy Richards Twin Loaf Rapide and I love it to bits

Curry_Queen

Magentasue wrote:

Now I'm wondering about a Panasonic! I've never made good white bread, and the wholemeal and granary loaves are OK but just OK and they the granary doesn't have a nice crust.

I'm with you on this one, especially after my recent efforts at making granary bread in my Breville, and we actually eat more granary than white bread so I'm sure I'd save a fortune if I could make it myself.

It kinda goes against the grain to replace an item that's still got life in it but then I bought it cheap on Ebay anyway, and if the Panasonic really is as great as everyone says then it would be a worthwhile investment that would no doubt pay for itself within a few months!

apprentice_tycoon

I hope that someone from Panasonic is appreciating all the free advertising they are getting!!!

Magentasue

Curry_Queen wrote:

I'm with you on this one, especially after my recent efforts at making granary bread in my Breville, and we actually eat more granary than white bread so I'm sure I'd save a fortune if I could make it myself.

It kinda goes against the grain to replace an item that's still got life in it but then I bought it cheap on Ebay anyway, and if the Panasonic really is as great as everyone says then it would be a worthwhile investment that would no doubt pay for itself within a few months!

I'm not sure we're good for each other here! I thought my expectations were too high but now I'm thinking there's better bread to be made. Another reason I make rolls is that the breadmaker loaves are small, and what with the hole from the paddle and the sunken top, there aren't enough slices in a loaf.

Curry_Queen

Is this gonna turn into another slow cooker fest :rotfl:


Maybe we should get orders in early before everywhere sells out like they did with the MR 6.5 litre