Bread Machines - Reviews Of Some Of The Best - By: Robin OBrien

Finding the best bread machine isn't about buying the most expensive; it's about buying the model that best suits your requirements. Some may want a machine that can be programmed with their own recipes while others want a basic, no-nonsense machine that bakes bread in less than an hour. Here are some reviews of today's better bread makers; each with a different appeal to the home baker.

Most users of bread machines are busy people who still want to enjoy the home baked wholesomeness of bread. They want a simple but reliable model that will bake bread quickly. The Oster 5838 ExpressBake bread maker is a good all-rounder that will satisfy most buyers. As its name suggest, this appliance's main plus point is its ability to bake bread quickly - in less than an hour. It's a nice looking machine with curved angles that give it an oval shape. It's also versatile as it can bake 1, 1.5 or 2lb loaves and comes with 8 bread programs and 3 crust colors of light, medium and dark. The Oster 5838 is easy to clean as the mixing paddle and pan are non-stick and the machine's lid can be removed for even easier cleaning.

It's a good machine but the Oster ExpressBake does have some drawbacks; the delay timer only works with the bake cycles but not on the dough only cycle and there is no power outage backup. Also, you can't program in your own bake cycles but that's not surprising when you consider that this machine only costs around $65.

If you only intend to home bake infrequently you may be best advised to buy a cheap bread machine. One of the best on the market is the Toastmaster TBR15. It's one of the most compact measuring only 13"h x 13"w x 11.75"d. The machine has a maximum loaf size of 1.5lb so will cope with the needs of most families. It costs an incredibly cheap $40 but it still has 8 program cycles; basic, whole wheat, French, sweet, fast bake, quick bread, dough and bake. Like more expensive models, the Toastmaster bread machine comes with power failure backup and an audible signal to let you know when to add further ingredients like fruit and nuts.

At this price, you won't be getting programmable cycles or a delay bake timer, but a casual baker wouldn't want these features anyway. The Toastmaster offers really good value for money.

The Breadman Ultimate bread machine is one of the best on the market. It bakes 1, 1.5 and 2lb loaves and has 35 main programs with an incredible 300 sub-programs. If these cycles aren't enough you can also program in your own bake cycles. It comes with a 24 hour delay timer, 60 minute power failure backup and variable temperature control. A really great feature is the extras dispenser that will automatically add-in your fruit and nut; you add all the ingredients at the same time then press the on switch and forget about it.

There's little to be said against this bread maker. Perhaps, the shape of the loaf could be more like that of a traditionally shaped loaf and maybe there should have been two mixing paddles rather than one. The Breadman TR2200 Ultimate is a really great machine for the serious home baker.

Our final review is on the Zojirushi BBCC-X20 Home Bakery Supreme. This is an expensive machine but it's considered by many to be the best. It bakes traditionally shaped 2lb loaf, thanks to it long rectangular baking pan and 2 mix paddles. Among its many baking cycles there's a sourdough starter function. Like the Breadman, you can also program in your own bake programs. Another clever feature is the bake protection function that prevents the machine from being switch off during the baking stage of the cycle.

Is there anything to be said against the Zojirushi bread machine? Its price perhaps, but very little else can be faulted.

The above bread machines offer different functionality at prices to suit most customers. Whether you buy the Oster, Toastmaster, Breadman, Zojirushi or any other machine depends on what features you require it must have, what features would be nice to have and at what price you're prepared to pay.

About the Author

Follow the links for the bread machine ratings on leading brands like the Oster bread machine, the Zojirushi bread machine and many more.

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