Bread maker questions

Si_Clist

Can you just use wholemeal flour, yeast and water in a breadmaker or do you have to buy the bags of special stuff?

And what do you actually gain by buying anything more upmarket than an entry-level (£70-ish) one?

maryb

You just use ordinary bread flour, no need to buy mixes if that is what you mean.  But it does need to be strong flour.  I can make a 100%whole meal loaf in my Panasonic bread maker though I tend to go for half and half white.  I add a teaspoon  of sugar and  a tablespoon of oil as well as a teaspoonful of salt, which I think you definitely need. Plus yeast of course.
If my Panasonic dies I will definitely replace it with another Panasonic.  I don’t think anyone who has bought one regrets it.  On the other hand, I do see other makes of breadmaker in the BHF second hand electrical shop

Farway

As Maryb really, but if starting out I would try bog standard white first, wholemeal can be very dense and could put you off. I also mix, 50/50 in my Panny

At the moment W8rose had strong Canadian bread flour on offer, it's worth the extra every time

Whitefiver

Farway said:

At the moment W8rose had strong Canadian bread flour on offer, it's worth the extra every time

Seconded - really good flour.

Our nearest Waitrose is too far for us, so I'm using Carrs flour at the moment, which I find just as good. Strangely, I find that my wholmeal loaf (75g Strong White +325g Strong Wholmeal) is rising better than a 100% white! Panasonic all the way.

Wraithlady

If you don't want to go the Panasonic route (I've never had one) then there's nothing wrong with a basic model from a reasonable brand - it'll make bog-standard bread or dough just the same (I have a Morphy Richards).

Some have options such as jam and cake settings, but I have never used either.

Si_Clist

Thanks folks.  That's me sorted!

elsmandino

Afternoon all.
I am looking to get a bread maker and you seem to love Panasonic  - do you recommend the brand, generally, or any particular model?  I note that there are a few on offer.