bread makers?

[4littleones]

we had an old bread maker once from free cycle and found we didn't like the bread that it made and gave it away a few years ago.

We now have the money to buy a decent one but want to make sure we don't waste our money on something we won't use much.

can anybody recommend a good one? is it possible to get bread that tastes like bakery bread?

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[HappydaysArehere]

Panasonic is great. Had mine for years and the latest model has more programmes. Researched it before buying and without exception it came up as the best. Ingredients are put in in reverse order to other makes. It makes lovely French bread and pizza dough is so easy to produce that a homemade pizza is really quick. Generally all the bread is good. Worth buying good flour. Such as the extra strong Canadian.

[CogitoErgoSometimes]

Another vote for Panasonic. Have had mine about six or seven years and it replaced a cheaper brand which died. Unlike the cheaper one I have never once had a 'duff' loaf and I have also not had to replace any of the tins.

[LabradorMama]

I have a Panasonic one too, can't remember the model (it's in storage at the moment!) but as PPs mentioned it's the one that gets all the rave reviews. Had it about 3 years and still going strong when we moved, never had to replace any bits. My dad bought me it for christmas and was so impressed with it that he went and bought himself one too!

[4littleones]

Great thanks. Will look them up :-)

[4littleones]

Just punched panasonic bread maker into eBay and goodness there is lots of different ones. any further clues as to what's good? my main priority is that the bread tastes good and that it can make bread, pizza bases and dough for things like rolls and garlic bread.

A timer would be a bonus so I can put it on at bedtime ready for packed lunches in the morning.

[HappydaysArehere]

Just had a look. They seem very similar with the exception that the stainless steel one is £40 pounds or more extra. John Lewis mention a two year guarantee so might be a consideration! They all appear to have a timer and nut and raisin dispenser. One model mentioned a yeast dispenser but as the recipes ask for yeast to be put in first I don't know how often that is necessary. The French bread takes the longest time but is the lightest. All bread is fine and you have a choice of crusts and size.

[CogitoErgoSometimes]

Tip.... if you make a fresh loaf for the morning, don't try to cut it for sandwiches until the afternoon or even the following day. Fresh bread lovely but very, very squishy!

[4littleones]

happydays - I was hoping to get one used on ebay if possible every penny counts and all that.

[couldbeanyone]

4littleones - if you are looking for second hand look for a Panasonic sd254 or 255 (the latter has a nut/raisin dispenser and a rye dough hook otherwise they are the same). Mine (sd254) is still going strong after 6 or so years.

[hazelnutlatte]

Ours is a Panasonic sd-2500 which I think is the newer version of the model that doesn't have the rasin dispenser.
Have never felt the need to make fruity bread so it's fine without this. The recipes in the instruction manual work really well (you can google this if you get a second hand one without instructions) and it's really simple and easy to use. I mostly use it for dough to make into rolls, pizza bases, or our favourite is focaccia.

[4littleones]

fab thank you both. will have a look :-)