Use your loaf (Panasonic SD 252)

Member Name: elbar1

Product:	Panasonic SD 252
Date:	13/08/08 (190 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to use, clean and the bread is delicious

Disadvantages: Quite a large model

I initially wrote this review about the SD253 but since then I have contacted Panasonic about the differences between the SD 252 and SD 253 breadmakers. I also have a friend with the SD252 so I have now used this machine. I have to say that both are very similar.

COMPARISON BETWEEN SD252 AND SD253
Below are listed the differences between the machines. My personal favourite is the SD253, but that is probably just because it is the one I own. Feel free to check out my SD253 review for more detail on this particular product.

SD253 has a nut dispenser. According the Panasonic, this is the main difference. The machines are extremely similar other than this additional extra in the SD253.

Both models have a timer function and a 115 minute bake cycle. Both use the same mechanism to mix the dough.

Positives:
Both models come with a simple to follow instruction manual and cookery book so that you can be a bit adventurous with your breads!

It is so so easy to use this machine. There is a digital window that has the various options. You choose your size of loaf, style of loaf and darkness of the crust and then just click start. It really is that simple.

It is incredibly versatile. There is a rapid bake function that you just click and wait 2 hours for delicious perfectly cooked hot bread, or you can choose to make a French style bread that can cook overnight. It also has a dough option for mixing perfect dough without cooking it. Makes really delicious pizza bases. All you need to do it roll it out.

Best feature is the timer so that you can add the ingredients and time it to come on at 5am, so that when you wake at 7am, the house smells of freshly baked bread and you have warm bread for breakfast. (I have to be honest I am not organised enough to make use of this but a friend of mine does this every other day. I am jealous!)

It is also easy to clean. There is one bowl inside in which you put all the mixture. This is very high quality non stick so once the bread is done, it tips out perfectly. I have never ever had a loaf stick to the pan. Then the pan can simply be wiped clean. We usually wash it ever other use because it just doesn't need it. It seems to self-clean!

Plastic exterior is strong and hard-wearing and stays cool. Only the inside metal compartment that bakes the bread becomes EXTREMELY hot so be careful.

Negatives:
As with all breadmakers, this is quite large and so takes a lot of room up on the surface in the kitchen. We used to live in a cottage with low ceilings and there wasn't enough height between the top and base units to store the breadmaker. It was kept in a cupboard and inevitably it stayed there unused for quite some time. But we have moved and have high ceiling and a decent kitchen and our trusted breadmaker is out again! Hooray!

Slightly noisy but then what breadmaker isn't? It has to stir the mix initially and this will inevitably create noise. It isn't too bad though. Just a background whirring that stops once the baking starts. You can still listen to the radio in the kitchen when it is on and not be disturbed so it isn't that bad.

SUGGESTED IMPROVEMENTS
Only one thing I would change about this machine. Even at the darkest crust setting, the bread still comes out with a soft crust if you use the rapid back option. I guess it takes longer to create a decent crunchy crust but if they could magic it into the rapid bake function for us impatient types, that would be ideal!

PRICE
The SD252 is cheaper than the SD253 because it is an older model but both are around £80 if you shop around. A good investment if you like baking and freshly made bread!

OVERALL
Highly recommend! It is very easy to use, easy to clean and bakes perfect bread. I wouldn't be without mine! Sometimes we get bread mix packets when we are being lazy. For a decent mix with seeds, they are between 50 and 80 pence depending on where you shop. When a decent loaf costs about £1.50 these days, not only do I get fresh bread but I feel like I'm beating the supermarkets - always a nice smug feeling!

Both SD252 and SD253 models are excellent, work well and the only difference is that the SD253 has a seed dispenser. I would get whichever you can get for the cheapest price, because you can simply add seeds directly to the mix anyway.

HAPPY BAKING!

Summary: A great idea if you love bread. It is so simple to use. Highly Recommended!

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