Anyone got a Tesco Bread Maker?

velogal

Thank you very much for that, Oldjonesy!

Since my last post, I have gone ahead and bought the Tesco breadmaker. (I simply couldn't resist the price! ) I use it twice a week, and am v happy with it. It lives on the floor, and I put it onto the counter-top to use it.

For others considering purchase, the only drawback about this machine is the flimsy, abbreviated, and very difficult to read (tiny print) manual. Their recipes go by cup measurement (ie, using the cup that comes with the machine, and I have no idea if it is equivalent to a normal cup), and since I had purchased a Salter digital scale to use for breadmaking, I am using more precise, online recipes that go by weight.. You can also find many wonderful recipes by downloading the instruction manuals from the Panasonic site

This applies to any machine, but I think the one most common reason for your bread failing to be less than perfect is, the yeast came into contact with the salt or water prematurely. I put in all the wet ingredients first, then the various flours, then I poke a little hole in the middle of the flour for the yeast (and cover it up with some more flour), I poke a little hole in a corner for the salt (and cover it up again.) The sugar and butter can be left exposed on top. So far, I've baked some lovely loaves (plain English, fluffy brioche, walnut bread, dried porcini (!) bread...)

oldjonesy wrote: »

Velogal. Mine fits in a cupboard measuring 35 x 29 x 35 (LxWxH). I hope you read the post above. I have the Tesco one. My daughter has used the Morphy Ricahrds for some years, and produces lovely bread (brown in partic). My buddy has the Panasonic and has made his own for 5 years. Nice bread. He is now scoffing at me for going against his advice to get the Tesco. I hope I dont regret it. May try to get my money back, and revert to handmade.

oldjonesy

4 days old. 10 loaves, each one a disaster. Stayed meticulously on the instructions, in the book. Cannonballs yes. Edible bread No. Followed guidance and threads all over the web. Finally today, I produced a perfect little loaf, and it is lovely both in appearance and taste. I have modified by reducing the yeast to 1 tsp, added a knob of butter, Menu:Basic, Medium colour, . I wish I could share it with you, but my family have eaten it!

oldjonesy

velogal, thank you for the chat. It helped restore my determination. I am more confident, now, that I will get better at the job. Off to look for those alternative recipes. Thanks.

281273

Ive had a complete disaster with a loaf i did... it was like a crumble instead of bread. But it is great with bread mixes!!!!

HypnoNu

I have one of these and everything's been fine from it, all loaves have been good, pizza bases are lovely...and i've only ever followed the recipes from the book with no adjustments, i do mainly do the basic white recipe though? which recipes are you all finding are failing in it?

velogal

Congratulations, Oldjonesy! Woohoo, a perfect loaf of bread!

I do think the "Tesco-cup method" is a bit hit and miss, because flour can be packed in all kinds of densities, and in any case, most bread recipes specify amounts by weight. If you don't own a digital kitchen scale, I highly recommend the one I have -- it's now down to less than 10 pounds at Amazon (I paid 14 pounds!) and is amazingly easy to use -- http://www.amazon.co.uk/Salter-Design-Electronic-Platform-Kitchen/dp/B000ZNM51O/

For Oldjonesy and anyone else looking for simple breadmachine recipes :
I just had a look at the Panasonic UK and US sites, and it seems they have taken their breadmaker manuals off the net. I've uploaded the one from my folder to Rapidshare, here -- http://rapidshare.com/files/169231589/Panasonic_SD-255_Breadmaker_Manual.pdf -- it's 5MB and it's a PDF document, with colour pics

oldjonesy

The Tesco Breadmaker. I am making, generally,some really nice bread. Tried today making the prepared bread flour, from Sainsbury. Just add water. Disaster, burnt over the top, even tho' I stayed precisely on the measure. Nonplussed. So I followed that with a loaf of my own mix ingredients, and have another nice loaf. I am having to trim about a slice of crust, which has collapsed, and now seem unable to overcome this problem. So 95% nice bread. I am just a little disappointed, and may return the breadmaker, and go back to my hand made loaf. Back to the oven. I shall contact Tesco tomorrow to see what my options are.

oldjonesy

I reckon Carrs bread making tips on their site are as good as you can get. Nice variety and the quality is really good, too. I am trying to save on cost by using Sainsbury or Morrison btread making stuff. I am lucky to be surrounded by small bakers who do a 67p loaf, so feel morally obliged to buy one of theirs now and again. Like they say 'use it or lose it.

oldjonesy

Ive just tried, courtesy of Carrs and Mrs Lyn Nelson: the recipe:- 3 teaspoon of yeast, 600g Strong White flour, 1tbsp salt, 400ml tepid water. Basic/normal setting dark crust. Has produced my best loaf yet. I am not sure if I should upload the pic on here, or if I am allowed to. So I am happy with that. Happy Christmas everyone.

Legal_Academic

Yes, I bought one and I have to say that the results have been excellent, particularly with Wrights Premium White Bread Mix from Waitrose!

sb44 wrote: »

My friend was going to try and get a Morphy Richards bread maker off ebay but lost out on the bidding. She doesn't want to pay a lot in case she doesn't like home made bread.

I have just seen a Tesco branded bread maker on their site and was wondering if any members have this model.

It looks quite good for the price, has an automatic nut and raisin dispenser, makes 3 sizes of loaf and has 11 settings.

It does mention a Panasonic cookery advice line so I wonder if it is made for Tesco by Panasonic.


http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.203-4857.aspx