Hinari HB161 - Good Budget Machine (Hinari HB174 Breadmaker)

Member Name: filklore

Product:	Hinari HB174 Breadmaker
Date:	07/05/02 (1414 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to use, Inexpensive

Disadvantages: No Timer

Living on my own, I never thought I could justify another piece of kitchen equipment, just to make bread.

However, having tasted some of my friend's home made bread, when I saw this machine selling for just 29 quid (Tescos), I couldn't resist.

So what do you get for your money? This is a fully functional breadmaker, making a 1.5lb loaf, but without the fancy features of the more expensive models. There are just two buttons - one to select the type of bread (the usual choice - basic(white), wholewheat, sweet, french, cake and dough), and one to start the machine.

There is no timer, but this doesn't bother me - I put together the ingredients at breakfast time, and have a fresh baked loaf by lunch time. Much has been said about waking up to the smell of fresh bread, but as I eat toast for breakfast (for which yesterday's loaf is ideal for), and usually work from home, I have no need of this.

Nor is there any real progress indicator - a flashing light by the selected bread type indicates that the machine is working, which switches to a flashing light by the Start button to indicate the loaf is ready. The usual window panel in the top lets you watch the baking without lifting the lid. Short and long beeps also indicate when the bread is baked (and also when to add fruit and such things to sweet breads)

So far, I have used the machine with perfect results, which is something coming from a guy who has never baked bread in his life! The recipe book gives a selection of recipes, but I was soon making up my own, including honey bread, and bread made with olive oil and herbs. Rolls and pizza bread are next on my list.

Also it is really easy to keep clean, needing just a wipeout with a damp cloth after the loaf is cooked.

I really cannot fault this machine. It serves my needs perfectly, and while I can appreciate the additional features other models may have, if you're not going to use them, why
pay for them?

Summary: