Best Bread Maker

[Barsel]

My son-in-law sometimes makes bread for me and it is very nice, so I'm thinking of buying a bread maker myself as I do love bread. How do I find out which is the better of the makers? I don't want to subscribe to Which so wondered if there is a website where the info is for free.
Many thanks.x

[Buenchico]

Amazon.co.uk is an excellent source of reviews (even if you're not buying from there). Simply put 'breadmaker' into the search box and you'll find loads of possibilities, nearly all with 'star ratings' (based upon reviews from purchasers) underneath. If you then click on the number next to a star rating (which tells you how many reviews there are) you can read the detailed comments which have been posted.

For example here are the 305 reviews for the best-selling breadmaker on Amazon:
Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[Barsel]

Thanks for the link Buenchico, will have a look. x

[Buenchico]

That's odd. My link doesn't go to the reviews. Simply click on where it says '305 customer reviews' though to get you there.

[237SJ]

It depends how much you want to spend but I tend to only use one or two programmes so I would get this http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/household-appliances/small-kitchen-appliances/small-cooking-appliances/breadmakers/panasonic-sd-2500wxc-breadmaker-white-09848022-pdt.html I actually got it because I thought my bread maker was giving up the ghost but then it started working again so I took it back.

[Barsel]

What I was hoping to find was a list of bread makers that have been tested and a mark given of 10/10 for the best one etc and then read the reviews of people who have bought that one. x

[jourdain2]

I'm thinking about it, too. I usually find it best to ask people who have them :)

[mikey4444]

Beware of bread makers Barsel ! You will use it a lot for the first 10 days and then it will probably be gathering dust in the corner for the rest of its life.

Borrow one for a week or two, before you splash out !

[wired]

I got my Panasonic from Amazon, I did have a different make before, about 6 years ago and it has been really good, I never buy bread, rolls etc now. My kids were so impressed that I got them one each.
The variety of bread products is endless, I have cooked one cake in it but as we rarely eat cake I don't bother.

[DTCwordfan]

Contact waterboatman, Barsel, he makes a lot of bread.....my bet is that he (boaty) will say 'by hand' - however I may be surprised. He's on each morning early with GMEB (Good Morning Early Birds).

[lardhelmet]

Have you not got a mate who subscribes to Which, Barsel who would "lend " you their membership number, then you can use this to go in line and check out the comparisons?

[EcclesCake]

Panasonic always seems to come top in the comparisons.

[Old_Geezer]

Do local libraries subscribe ?

I'm unsure there can be a vast difference in them. Size, added trays maybe, other novelties. After all, all it needs to do is stir up the stuff and apply heat. Unfortunately they don't seem to remove the stir paddle nor heat from above for a crusty brown top, but I think most are going to do the job. Just check reviews for references to longevity, quality of build, etc..

[sivam]

since you like the bread your son-in-law makes perhaps buy the same machine

[woofgang]

I think it depends on your budget. If money is no object (also space in the kitchen) I would go for the panasonic.
http://www.lakeland.co.uk/17161/Panasonic-Stainless-Steel-Bread-Maker?gclid=CLKEnrTp0sICFcjLtAodNB8AEA&src=gfeed&s_kwcid=AL!49!3!55030848869!!!g!45641190362!&ef_id=OPTOUT:20141219191930:s
The price is coming down, mine was more than this for the same model but that was nearly a year ago.

[Maydup]

Ask your son in law which one he has as it obviously works a treat.

[gingejbee]

Which? has five Best Buys...the three cheapest are Lakeland My Kitchen Compact, Morphy Richards 48326 and Kenwood BM260...all around £60.
There was another Lakeland at £130 and a Panasonic at £100.
Hope this helps with your quest.

[sherrardk]

I've got a Panasonic one (the one with the separate fruit/extra ingredient dispenser). It works well and is easy to use but I don't use it very often as it doesn't really make a big enough loaf for my lot.

[seadogg]

I make 4 loaves by hand and freeze 2 or 3 until required. Hand needing is very relaxing but a mixer can be used to lessen the work if you want. The hot oven can be used for other roasting or baking after the bread comes out thereby saving energy. Only problem is that friends like to scrounge the odd loaf. Bread maker-yuk!

[Barsel]

Thanks for all your interesting answers.Although the bread taste nice that my s-i-l makes, it only makes small square loaves and the outside isn't crispy like you expect fresh bread to be. It looks like Panasonic is the favourite up to now but it might just be out of my price range. I will scout around as up to now it's a toss up between Panasonic and Kenwood. Thanks again for all your help.x

[woofgang]

The other thing you need with the breadmaker is a decent recipe book. Get one called Electric Bread if you can
its not expensive and is an excellent starter book

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation