This breadmaker changed my life (Panasonic SD-253YYDC Breadmaker)

Member Name: lilythepink

Product:	Panasonic SD-253YYDC Breadmaker
Date:	26/06/06 (1085 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fantastic bread every time, lots of different programs , timer function - upto 13 hours

Disadvantages: Shape of bread, small hole in base of bread (as with all breadmakers)

Making bread has been on my to do list for the last 8 years. Finally realised I wasn't going to do hand made bread and bought this breadmaker (after checking out lots of different reviews). So far I haven't had one dud loaf of bread - it is as easy as measuring out and weighing ingredients, and pressing a few buttons.

Breadmakers have a variable reputation - I have friends who make great hand made bread but have used a different type of breadmaker to this and have had mixed results. So far I havent had one sunken loaf, or pale dough or a craggy crust. Just absolutely gorgeous homemade bread everytime. The electricity use is negligable - I have estimated this at around 5p per loaf. So even using organic flour, the total cost of a loaf, including yeast is less than 50p. If you use own brand, non organic flour then the cost could be around 25 - 35p per loaf. So no more (and usually less) than shop bought, for a whole better taste.

The main reason we bought the breadmaker was the amount of salt in bought bread. Even using the full amount of salt in the recipies that come with the machine, it is still significantly less than that in shop bought bread.

I have used most of the bread programs plus the pizza dough program. There is also a dough only function (so you make the dough in the machine then shape into rolls or french sticks) and a bake only function (for making cake). The timer function means you can be out all day and come home to fresh bread - or wake up first thing with a warm loaf.

The panasonic is not the cheapest on the market - but it does offer consistant results and is easy to use. It is a great investment and for a family consuming 5 loaves a week, will pay for itself in less than a year. I have a fairly small kitchen but I have managed to find a spot for it to rest on. We havent bought bread in the 3 months since I bought this machine.

Summary: Timer function so you can wake up to bread every morning, lots of programs with consistant results

Processing/Quality:
Reliability:
Ease of use:
Features: