breadmaker recommendations

2childmum2

My trusty breadmaker has finally given up the ghost (it is about 24 years old so has done me well).
I'm looking for another, but I only have a small kitchen so it can't be too big.  My current on is a Morphy Richards and makes 450g and 680g loaves and has a quick setting which is quite useful when I forget to put it on!

Any recommendations?  

Thank you

MilesT6060842

Breadmakers are convenient, but a modestly priced stand mixer with dough hook and a cast iron Dutch oven (good videos on youtube on how to use) with a little more effort will give a MUCH better result in the same space.  Unless you don't have an oven, of course. 

bouicca21

^^^ This.  I splurged on a kitchenaid mixer with dough hooks amongst its attachments and am so pleased with the results. Way better loaves than with a breadmaker,  plus I now make focaccia and naans.  Cheaper one would probably do but the kitchenaid is really robust.

I used to be hopeless at making bread by hand but since getting a decent mixer, I realise that it’s all in the kneading.  And in terms of my time, it only takes a few minutes longer than a breadmaker.  I autolyse, do the first kneading, cover and leave in the fridge overnight, then tip it out in the morning to be shaped, leave it for a second rise and pop it in the oven, with a tray of water. Done.

I do have a Dutch oven but so far rarely used it.

edited to add that of course this means that you can cook something else in the oven at the same time, so it’s energy saving.

Newbie_John

I'd get some Panasonic one - there are various types and various prices so really depends on your budget.

Regarding bread maker vs. oven..
-you can't wake up to freshly made bread - and for me this is huge win, nice crunchy breakfast, smell of bread in the house
-not much to clean, no need for paper, foil etc. put it all in, bake, done, rinse from time to time
-if you don't use oven often, then baking bread their by itself is more expensive

Farway

Newbie_John said:

I'd get some Panasonic one - there are various types and various prices so really depends on your budget.

Regarding bread maker vs. oven..
-you can't wake up to freshly made bread - and for me this is huge win, nice crunchy breakfast, smell of bread in the house
-not much to clean, no need for paper, foil etc. put it all in, bake, done, rinse from time to time
-if you don't use oven often, then baking bread their by itself is more expensive

I'd second a Panasonic, for ease & convenience without hassle, just bung the ingredients in & forget it

I doubt making using a mixer etc is only a few minutes longer, five minutes to weigh out & put in the BM, that's it, and overnight is a doddle

2childmum2

Thanks everyone. I can't afford a decent stand mixer (I would love one as I bake a lot) . I've had cheaper ones in the past but the kneading part hasn't been very good. 
I can't knead by hand due to shoulder problems.
A bread maker is the most practical option for me, especially the ability to make bread overnight 

bouicca21

If you have shoulder trouble I think the hand held kitchenaid would be too heavy.  It’s a long time since I had a breadmaker. If I were to buy one now, I’d be looking for one that could tip in extras (like seeds) during the process.

[Deleted User]

I have always used the dough hook in my kitchenaid, makes great bread.

carly

Panasonic , every  time. No other comes close in terms of consistency, ease of use and bread quality