Kenwood BM250 bread machine (Kenwood BM250)

Member Name: Happy Shopper

Product:	Kenwood BM250
Date:	31/12/08 (211 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to use

Disadvantages: None so far

A neatly designed machine that fits well into my small kitchen and is well priced at just under £40 (from Tesco). The pan needs to be washed up by hand, but is easy to clean so this is not a chore.

I haven't experimented with recipes yet and have only used packet mix, but the only problem I've had was when I opened the machine during the proving process and the loaf sank a little. However, it does say not to do this in the instruction booklet, so handy tip - read the instructions! There is a small hole left by the mixing blade, but that doesn't matter.

The instruction booklet well laid out and is written in plain English.

As I was a bread machine virgin, I got some useful tips from an expert (thanks dad) before I used it:-

Always mix the ingredients to exact proportions.

Check the bread at the end of the first kneading session for consistency - add a little flour if too sticky, or a little water if too dry.

Wash the pan up as soon as the bread's been removed (soak in soapy water for a few minutes first).

Dry the pan and wipe a little oil around it and the blade once it's been washed - this will protect the finish on the pan and the loaf will turn out easily.

Add a little oil or butter to the bread mix to help the bread keep longer.

Et voila! A lovely loaf and a machine that works well. I'm definitely a convert and may never buy bread from the supermarket again. Saying that, my dad uses a completely different model and the results don't seem to be that different, so I'm not sure if this machine is any better or worse than any others on the market.

Happy baking!

Summary: Good compact machine at an affordable price

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