You can have fresh bread for breakfast or pretty much on demand
Disadvantages:
It takes up quite a bit of space, I didn't get good results from provided recipes
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
This was a birthday present from my husband, after I had been talking about getting one for quite a while. I think he was attracted to this one for 2 reasons: 1) It was the cheapest available (£34.99 in Argos) 2) It is advertised as being Compact.
When I unpackaged the machine, I was surprised to see how big it actually is - so who knows are big the standard ones are! It does take up a substantial corner of my workspace, but less than an average size microwave (which has been relegated to the top of the fridge by the way!).
The machine is available in white finish only, and has a lid with a large window so you can watch it do it's magic. All the buttons are also on the top.
Equipment: The machine comes with a baking pan suitable for making 1lb or 1.5lb loaves, with a detachable kneading paddle. It also has a measuring cup, 2 measuring spoons, and an instruction book with recipes. The instructions for use are very concise, and includes care instructions.
Functions: This machine has 10 programs which include basic loaves, specialist bread, and even cakes or jam. If you have a recipe that requires adding seeds in, you can use a setting which sounds an alarm at the appropriate time. You can set the crust to a Light, Medium or Dark Setting. You can select the loaf size - 1 lb or 1.5 lb. You can adjust the time setting. Once you have chosen the other settings, the display will show a standard cook time. By increasing this time you can delay the start, so bread can be cooked overnight.
The bread: I got off to a shaky start, and did not get on with the recipe provided for a basic white loaf at all. So, I adapted a recipe from an Italian cookbook I have. The results have been perfect ever since. I mostly make white bread, but have had good success from using the other functions, such as whole-wheat bread, or from using the dough only setting to make pizza base. Once you have found the perfect recipe, you do have to ensure that you get the measurements exactly right each time. If you are cooking overnight, you also have to ensure that the yeast it not activated prematurely. I have found that outside conditions will sometimes affect the results. Last night we had a real cold snap, the bread came out looking a bit deflated.
Cleaning: It is easy to clean. You just wash with a sponge and soapy water. I usually let it soak for a bit though, straight after I've taken the bread out.
Conclusion: Overall I am very pleased with my machine. And so is my husband - not only does he enjoy the results, but I proved him wrong in his theory that it would be another gadget that is used once or twice then shoved in the cupboard. I have actually bought bread just twice since November. When you consider the variation of costs for bread making machines, I think this was excellent value for money.
no exception. Its compact design and simple unobtrusive looks makes this model one of the best things since sliced bread! Unique kneading paddle for perfect shap...
