kd5

My wife would very much like to buy an inexpensive bread machine to bake bread in once in awhile, but it seems like every one she's researched gets mixed reviews, some good, some bad. Does anyone here use a bread machine, what models are inexpensive yet dependable? She really doesn't want to spend $100+ just to get a decent one. She's been looking at several brands including Zojirushi, but my god are they expensive...


Anyone? -kd5-

TomOpus

Been using a Breadman for a few years. Also have been using this book and enjoy fresh bread every now and then.

Mole177

i have the cheaper, Breadman TR875.

works great. made several loafs with one whole bag of bread flour so far.

OldDude

I also have a Breadman, and would recommend it. I've used several machines over the years. You can either let it make the complete loaf (slightly funny shape) or just beat the dough, then bake in bread pan in oven. From the dough, you can also make pizza, rolls, etc, and bake normally in the oven.

Liver&Onions

we have the 1lb Zojirushi - good stuff. at first I was pissed at the small size, but then realized it's perfect because the bread doesn't have a chance to get stale/moldy.

rexinnih

Have the same one. Christmas present for my wife. So far she's done white bread and actually ventured to banana bread once.
The bread is good but still haven't gotten over paying over $100 to make bread I can by for under a buck a loaf.

Vibiana

I used to have a bread machine like fifteen years ago, but I got rid of it. I like to make 100% whole wheat bread, and it just takes more kneading and personal attention than a machine can give. I like to make my bread the old fashioned way.

Mole177

nothing wrong with that, however I know what goes in my bread.

plus breadmakers are fairly versatile as you can make other types of bread.

If you're not a baker, then don't bother.

Shazam

The new ones do WW now. I know what you mean, the first machine we had couldn't make it.

kd5

Thanks for the recommendations everyone, we appreciate it... -kd5-

chino77

i have one that was probably $70 6 yrs ago. and it makes great bread. i dont remember the brand but im just saying you dont have to spend a lot to get a decent one.

TheBigDave

That's a good one. I'd also recommend this book which is our favorite. Lots of easy recipes and great pictures. Perfect for a beginner.

Betty Crocker's Best Bread Machine Cookbook

We have this machine. It's great, very easy to use and a nice price (around $50). But after using it frequently for the first couple months, we put it away and haven't touched it in over a year. When you factor in the cost of ingredients and time involved, it doesn't make much sense. Especially if your local grocery store or neighborhood has a good bakery.

Sunbeam 5891 2-Pound Programmable Breadmaker

Pointyskull

Heard those machines can help make you money.

They knead the dough...

Wazootyman

Just look on Craigslist for them. A lot of people buy Breadmakers, expecting to make a ton of bread. After making like 2 or 3 loafs, the novelty wears off, and they go back to buying bread at the store.

I've used the Breadman TR440C and another Breadman (too lazy to go look in my kitchen at which one it is) Both retailed for around $100, and I got both on CL for about $30.

I generally make white bread, but occasionally I do venture out. I've used that thing to make a really awesome Jalapeno Cheddar bread and really good bagels and pretzels (dough function). My crowning achievement was making a Brioche so I could then make french toast with it. Amazing.

Ky-Fi

From my experience, and what I've read from professional bakers, most bread machines work quite well for mixing and kneading the dough, and are quite lousy as bread ovens. But then again, even most home ovens don't get hot enough to match the ovens of commercial bakeries or pizzerias, I believe.

mndtrp

My wife can't have any gluten, and store-bought gluten-free bread is disgusting, so I got her a bread maker a year or so ago. I believe this is the one:

http://www.amazon.com/Oster-5838-Exp...5237108&sr=1-5



We've made several loaves of bread. Some have turned out pretty bad, but that was due to trying to find a decent mix of flours. Once we found a good mix, the loaves have turned out great.

PhYbEr

I bought my mom that same one for Christmas and she really likes it. Very easy to use.

Abob Teff

My wife and I had one years ago. We used it frequently, but found that the bread was often "heavy" so it wasn't great for sandwiches. We did get versatile with it and made bagels (don't recall how that turned out) and different jellies that we gave out as Christmas gifts. I think that may have been the last time we used it; I'm not sure what happened to it. Lately I've been wanting one again though ...

kd5

Thanks for the link mndtrp, I'll send it to my wife's computer so she can check it out. And thanks again to everyone who's had anything to contribute in this thread, we appreciate it! -kd5-

palebluedot

From a brand point of view Zojirushi is excellent. It's one of the top small appliance brands in Japan and I have a few different appliances from them.

rabbit77

Best bread machine evar

wkkunkle

I like my bread cooked ... that's just "dough" ...

wkkunkle

We have the Bella Cucina, Model 13463. Was on our gift registry for our wedding last year ... first item purchased, actually!

No longer available at Macy's, though.

Mrs. Danger

If you can afford to import an Italian Grandmother, get one of those. They make really good bread, AND great pasta!

SterlingBen

http://www.insideretailing.com.au/La...st-gadget.aspx

Wife says they will start taking orders again this summer.