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Original poster

Breadmaker question

36 replies

Nyx1 · 06/12/2017 18:47

hi all
thinking about buying a breadmaker but wondering, if you freeze some of it for convenience, is it then only good for toasting? I generally find frozen bread isn't really great for sandwiches, only toast.

Not sure if fresh bread being frozen will be the same.

Thanks.

OP posts:
Original poster
Nyx1 · 07/12/2017 10:33

bump

OP posts:
VilootShesCute · 07/12/2017 10:41

I love my breadnamer and tend to only use it for pizza dough and fresh bread but when I do freeze mine it's used as toast after. Which one were you thinking of getting? I have the cheapest of cheap from Tesco bought 10 years ago so doesn't make the best bread unfortunately. Would love a posh one Smile

VilootShesCute · 07/12/2017 10:42

Breadmaker not namer.

phoebemac · 07/12/2017 10:48

I don't have a breadmaker, I use this recipe which makes fantastic bread which freezes well:

www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2009/sep/10/bake-your-own-bread

Original poster
Nyx1 · 07/12/2017 11:36

Thanks everyone
I can totally imagine giving each loaf a name Grin

I was thinking to buy this one
www.argos.co.uk/product/5652374

OP posts:
Original poster
Nyx1 · 07/12/2017 11:37

phoebe, when you say it freezes well, does that mean you can make sarnies with it?

I don't know, maybe it's me, some of my friends think any defrosted bread is fine for sandwiches.

OP posts:
VilootShesCute · 07/12/2017 11:39

I don't like to use defrosted bread for sandwiches Sad

HeyMacWey · 07/12/2017 11:40

I have a breadmaker and slice it before freezing and find it's generally only good for toasting, but rolls are fine for eating after freezing.

oneofthegiantsisme · 07/12/2017 11:46

I'll second what Hey says - rolls are fine after eating. I use my breadmaker to make rolls for lunchboxes (easier than getting DC to slice fresh bread in the mornings) - and split them before they go into the freezer, so they just need filling in the morning.

oneofthegiantsisme · 07/12/2017 11:46

Grrr - after freezing, I meant!

Original poster
Nyx1 · 07/12/2017 11:54

thanks
one of the reasons I'm keen to get one is my hatred for the supermarket though of course this time of year is particularly bad

I would like to go as rarely as possible and then I can mostly use the greengrocer (veggie household).

so if bread and rolls are easy to do, trips could maybe reduce to once a month or something. I have ordered a yogurt maker as well, yay.

OP posts:
oneofthegiantsisme · 07/12/2017 12:01

I've had a Panasonic breadmaker for years. I can't remember the last time I bought bread, except when on holiday. I do still buy bagels, teacakes, crumpets, garlic baguettes though...

Original poster
Nyx1 · 07/12/2017 12:09

giant, yes, I know that comes highly recommended but way out of our price range, especially being new to this.

OP posts:
phoebemac · 07/12/2017 12:44

Nyx1 I think it is OK for sandwiches after freezing, but obviously not quite as good as when fresh. I thik Hey's suggestion of rolls is a good one.

bluesu · 07/12/2017 12:49

I bought a Panasonic a couple of days ago! Made a lovely loaf and am sat in waiting for a delivery of proper French bread flour (T55 dontcha know).

Also driven by my hatred of supermarkets around Xmas and my desire for fresh bread on Xmas day.

So easy to use I love it so far, not frozen any yet though!

Vitalogy · 07/12/2017 12:54

Sorry can't help you with bread making question but when you say defrosted bread is no good for sandwiches, may I ask how you're defrosting it. In the Wintertime when the bread takes longer to defrost I put it out on the side, separate slices. In the Summer when It defrosts too fast I put the slices in a bag, it keeps the moisture in that way.

Original poster
Nyx1 · 07/12/2017 14:03

Vitalogy - each slice in a bag? (that sounds funny Grin)

OP posts:
Vitalogy · 07/12/2017 14:29

Xmas Grin There's method in my madness. Well, I'm usually only getting about 4 slices max out at any one time, I'd put the 4 slices in one bag but if defrosting on counter top then those would be separate.

I know on other threads people saying about not freezing bread because they don't like it, then having to chuck the rest away if it's not used up before it goes stale. I very rarely waste bread you see, well apart from the crusts Xmas Blush

Original poster
Nyx1 · 07/12/2017 16:09

Vita, yes, why waste it?

I just realised, if I get organised, I can take fresh bread to my parents over Christmas and they will be well happy! I'm having a vision of needing to make a few before it comes out right - or is it idiotproof?

So I better get one of these and hope it goes well. I have no idea what I'm doing so I will be relying on the recipes in the box.....Also tempted by the fastbake option immediately - is it just as nice on fastbake?

OP posts:
Original poster
Nyx1 · 07/12/2017 17:16

ooh wait, now think the Russell Hobbs might be better

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HeyMacWey · 08/12/2017 09:22

Have a look on eBay for virtually unused second hand Panasonic breadmakers. They're real workhorses and I've never had a bad loaf or dough from mine.

reetgood · 08/12/2017 09:36

Panasonic is my recommendation too. I’ve had the same one for over 10 years, it’s easy to clean and very little to go wrong with it. The timer is brilliant: put the ingredients on that night, wake up to fresh bread. Follow the recipes exactly and you can’t go wrong. I’ve occasionally had brick loaves but that’s either where I’ve misread the amount of water to add or the yeast had been open too long. Love my bread maker!

BonnesVacances · 08/12/2017 09:41

Honestly, it's cheaper in the long run just to go for the Panasonic. I've had a couple of other ones but the bread from the Panasonic is far better. Look on ebay or Gumtree for one.

MuffinMad · 08/12/2017 09:57

I've been making bread for quite a while now and I have found that bread from the freezer is just as good as when first made. Although I don't have a bread maker,I can't see how this would be any different...

I wait till the loaf has cooled right down then wrap in two layers of cling film. Then freeze.
When you need the bread, take it out but don't unwrap it till it's completely defrosted. Sometimes, if I already have my oven on,I put the loaf in for 10 minutes or so to get the crust all crispy again. You don't have to do this,just gives the loaf that 'fresh out the oven' feel.
I have never had a problem and the bread is very good and soft for making sandwiches.
HTH.

ginghamstarfish · 08/12/2017 10:10

Sorry can't advise on freezing but re brands I now have a Panasonic but prefer my old Russell Hobbs because you could do cakes too - as in chuck everything in and leave it. Panasonic book says you can mix cakes in a bowl thenput in thhe parchment lined bread pan and bake ... not the same at all and no easier than just baking in the normal way.