Which is the best home breadmaker?

billieboy_2

stingylolo wrote: »

Well I did my first medium loaf last night -- took 4 hours for the whole thing (didn't think I would skip to the quick bake option just yet), tasted really nice, with a nice thin crust. Had a jammy toast with a hot chocolate last night in front of casualty it tasted really lovely !

just a question - do you have a technique to cut thin straight slices (mine go all wonky) and also how do you keep your bread when not eating it? Mine was just in a bowl with some foil over it but it took a bit of the damp from the kitchen... should I wrap the foil all round?

I very rarely eat ours straight from cooling down as it doesn't cut very well. I usually keep it wrapped up in a freezer bag in the fridge - I found it was going mouldy if just kept in the bread bin. And I usually keep a couple of loaves in the freezer just in case I run out.

30_something

I promised myself that if I stuck to my grocery challenge this month, I would use the savings to buy a breadmaker. After doing lots of research I was undecided between trying the Tesco's own BM, or spending nearly 3 times as much on the Panasonic SD255 :eek: .


After reading so many good things about the Panasonic on here, you've convinced me it's worth spending the extra money. I've decided not to wait until the end of the month as originally planned after all, and have now ordered myself a Panasonic SD255 to be delivered on Saturday :j .


I can't believe how excited I am about a breadmaker purchase. If my first loaf tastes awful I am blaming you lot :rotfl:

kazmc

I got my first ever BM last week with my Christmas money (god how times change!!) Got the Panasonic SD254 (knew I would never have need for the automatic dispenser) It is bloody marvellous!
Makes just the best 50% wholemeal bread ever!
Only trouble is, its so darn good I'm having to make an extra loaf everyday to take into work for everyone to have bread and jam at elevenses!!
I would definitely recommend the SD254 and would also recommend remembering to put the paddle in before all the ingredients!! :eek:

ps could I cut a loaf up and then freeze? Would it taste/be ok straight from the freezer in slices?? Thanks all

N9eav

I found our breadmaker is sitting idle now and does not get as much use. Flour and cheap bread mixes have gone up so much, that we don't always bother.... I guess if you invest in a good one, make sure you will use it

MrsFraggle

I too have the SD254, and it is fantastic. I've only had it since the start of Jan, but it takes no time at all to get the ingredients in and it on! I do it when I get home from work at 6pm - then its ready at 10, i take it out and its cool by the morning
We tried setting the timer so it'd be 'ultra fresh' in the mornings but we're up and out so quick that it was still too warm to cut, so doing it the night before works best for us
So far have done the spiced loaf, numerous white loaves and wholemeal loaves.
Also used the dough function and made rolls for the kids lunchboxes which I froze, so that actually worked out better for us as a family than a loaf every day as I just take out the rolls needed the night before.
Also have made a cheese and onion loaf which was lovely!

Kirri

Can I have some advice/reviews in particular from anyone who has the Kenwood BD 450 - my mum has the Panasonic SD255 and on reading reviews on this, was the one I was going to go for.

However, looking last night and I saw the Kenwood BD 450, at the moment this only appeals due to the stainless steel finish which would go with my kitchen BUT is it any good? and how does it compare to the Panasonic? It is about £26 more expensive from a quick check online and has the 1hr fast back option which looks interesting. Does it do pizza dough like the Panasonic though?

Any comments appreciated.

Penelope_Penguin

We have an existing thread on which is the best BM, so I'll add your question to see if you get any replies

Penny. x

MrsE_2

LandyAndy wrote: »

I agree. I have one and used it a fair bit to start with but haven't used it for several years. They can produce good bread but it is expensive (even today).

Andy I can't believe I'm reply to you on a baking thread, but here goes.....

How can they be expensive when the basic ingredients are cheap?

Bargain_Rzl

Granted the initial outlay can be expensive, but if it's a quality model (i.e. makes bread you actually like, and lasts a good few years) the cost per loaf will soon come down, especially if you're a household where you get through a couple of loaves a day.

Bargain_Rzl

I noticed that nobody had answered your question:

kazmc wrote: »

I got my first ever BM last week with my Christmas money (god how times change!!) Got the Panasonic SD254 (knew I would never have need for the automatic dispenser) It is bloody marvellous!
Makes just the best 50% wholemeal bread ever!
Only trouble is, its so darn good I'm having to make an extra loaf everyday to take into work for everyone to have bread and jam at elevenses!!
I would definitely recommend the SD254 and would also recommend remembering to put the paddle in before all the ingredients!! :eek:

ps could I cut a loaf up and then freeze? Would it taste/be ok straight from the freezer in slices?? Thanks all

Straight answer - yes. And yes again

As for not needing the automatic dispenser, I've got one (on the SD255) and use it constantly - my regular everyday loaf for toast or sandwiches is the 5-seeded white loaf, and if I am going to a pot-luck tea party or similar I usually do the spicy fruit loaf, slice it (removing the two middle slices with the paddle hole in, which I save for my breakfast the next day) and butter it, and everybody loves it