Got me converted to making fresh bread daily (Cookworks Breadmaker)

Member Name: KormaCurryNow

Product:	Cookworks Breadmaker
Date:	06/08/09 (256 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: No mess, no fuss

Disadvantages: It is quite big

I thought I would give bread making a go. I bought one of these premixed bread recipes and my son and I got down to kneading. It ain't for the faint hearted, it takes ages, it is very messy and the dough is difficult to clean. However we did make nice bread, so much so I really wanted fresh bread without the hassle.

I looked at breadmakers and thought I did not really want to spend £100 on something that might not work too well and which may be may be a fad for a lttle while. I noticed Argos had a stainless cookworks breadmaker reduced to £29, I bought it and went home to try it out.

The first bread was a disaster I had added too much water (my fault), my second attempt was great. I have now tried breads from the recipe book that comes with the bread maker and I have also bought the supermarket premixes as well. There is no mess and all the effort of kneading and proving the bread is removed. Most of the supermarket premixes are really easy, just add packet contents, then add water, this takes three minutes tops! Simples.

The machine itself is really easy to use with 12 preset programs which you just select from a single menu button. It allows you to make quick breads in about one hour and sandwich loafs in about 3 hours. You can delay the operation of the breadmaker so you can have it baking through the night, delivering its fresh bread in the morning. You set the baking programme from six buttons on the front of the breadmaker, they are dead easy to use and uncomplicated and also easy to clean. Cleaning is very easy you will find that the bread pan just needs a quick soak in soapy water to remove any remains from baking, there is no need for anything to be scoured or put in the dishwasher. The rest of it just needs a wipe down with hot soapy water. The breadmaker is a little heavy and bulky but it does have a fold away carry handle, which is unobtrusive when not in use. I would not like this machine to be any lighter as I think it would go walkies along the work top when it is in the middle of the kneading process. If you have a kitchen with a lack of work space then this item would take up a fair amount of work room, if you could stow it away somewhere when not in use then it would probably be okay as it is very portable.

After one month I am still using it and I am using it for pizza doughs as well, I have not made cakes or preserves yet and I don't know if I will but I am converted to baking home make bread.

I have noticed there is a very similar if not identical breadmaker for sale in Tesco for £29 so if you don't have an Argos nearby you might get it from Tesco. As I said already I have the stainless steel version of the machine and it looks okay in the kitchen but I tend to put it away in the cupboard after use as it is pretty big. When you first get it remember to burn off the oil as it really does smell. If this breadmaker lasts a year then I will be more than happy as it has given me an opportunity to experience fresh bread every day with no hassle and I will probably go for something a bit more expert now I am a convert.

If I had not got this breadmaker, I had considered the Jamie Oliver method of using terracotta plant pots to bake oven fresh bread. I never have as yet, but I must admit I am still a little curious.

Summary: Very cheap compared to other brands but it works just fine

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