Disappointed initially but now it's yummy in the tummy! (Kenwood Breadmaker BM200)

Name: Geebicus

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Product:	Kenwood Breadmaker BM200
Date:	08/06/06 (1048 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Heavenly whiffs (now it's fixed)

Disadvantages: It broke and I had to send it away for two weeks!

I decided to invest in a breadmaker mainly for my three year old daughter, in the hope that in years to come, she would remember, with fondness, waking up to the nicest smell in the whole wide world - freshly baked bread!

I did a fair bit of research on the internet and saw lots of great reviews about the latest Panasonic model but as that was retailing for almost £100, way over my budget, I looked at other options.

Second favourite was the Kenwood BM200, I had read lots of good reviews about it. Anyway, I took the plunge and bought the machine on Ebay. It was sold as a graded product, which meant that the packaging was soiled or damaged but the item was new and came with a full warranty. I paid around £40. The best price I had seen it for up until that point was for £60 in the high street.

I couldn't wait to for it to arrive and bought all the ingredients ready to use it straight away. So, it arrived, box slightly damaged but the machine was in new condition. The instructions were clear and kept simple fortunately, I am very impatient with new toys.

I loaded the machine up and set the cycle, it started to mix and knead. After half an hour it stopped. I checked it, again and again over the next hour but still nothing. Of course, I scrutinised the manual to see if I had done anything wrong. It seemed not. The trouble shoot guide showed that ES meant there was a temperature malfunction, the machine displayed an E-5 message. The helpline was closed and it was bank holiday so I logged onto Kenwood's website, there were authorised repair centres listed with their contact details so I rang first, explained the predicament and took it in, they were open on Saturday which was very handy.

Indeed, it was a mechanical fault and they were able to repair it, after waiting for a part. I was pleased that there was no quibble, I was a little uncertain with it being a graded product, but Kenwood came up trumps. A little disappointed that I had to wait almost a fortnight but at the end of the day I took a chance and can't be certain that the same thing wouldn't have happened had I bought in a retail outlet.

I have baked three loaves since (only had it back two days) all on the rapid bake (one hour). The bread is delicious, tastes different to shop bought bread in that it is sweeter and resembles cake.

The machine has 12 programmes in total and includes wholewheat, french, sweet, dough and even makes jam. Although there isn't a separate compartment for nuts/seeds etc, the machine bleeps to let you know you can add ingredients at that point. There is also a timer facility.

I have used the large white and regular white cycle, on each occassion, it has given a gorgeous golden crust which melts in the mouth and a moistness that just makes it so yummy this gadget isn't going to do anything for my desire to get back into a size 10!!! The bread tin is easy to clean, I just leave it to soak in warm water and use a soft cloth which upto now has been enough.

Yes, looking forward to having a dabble, about to look on the net for ideas!!

Summary: No quibble repair, minor hiccup sorted must eat breadmore slowly or it will be me with the hiccups!!

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