My breadmaker has just died!

[Littlesparrowherenow]

I was looking forward to fresh bread this afternoon, but came home to a strong yeasty smelling lump of dough instead! (Although the machine is very, very old and I shouldn't really be surprised!!)

Any recommendations about a replacement would be greatly appreciated.

I don't have a lot of storage, and tend to use the dough setting the most, transferring the dough to a loaf tin, as I find the paddle in the loaf really difficult to get out. It's mainly used for white loaves and lives in a cupboard when not in use.

I'm wondering though, if a stand mixer would be more use? Although the option for breadmaking using just a machine is useful, and I don't have a great deal of worktop space and can't really see lifting a kitchen aid or kenwood or similar into a cupboard. I've always wanted a stand mixer though and wondered if I ought to make space... Are they worth cost, or would my old food processor and breadmaker be better?

Are there any machines put there that mix and bake bread without leaving a paddle in that needs wrestled and gouged out?

Any advice appreciated! Thanks.

I've got the Panasonic one. When I first got it the paddle was sometimes left in the bread. After the first few loaves that stopped and it hasn't done it for several years. The Panasonic one generally seems to have the best reviews for making Brown bread which isn't dry and horrid. I love it.

Think I like the Panasonic ZB 2502 as it has yeast and nut dispenser and a timer. Dimensions seem so much larger than my old one, but measured and think it will squeeze in!

Does anyone who has had different Panasonic breadmakers if the yeast dispenser make a great difference to the quality of the loaves? I've noticed there's another model without it, and it's a bit cheaper.

Thanks for all comments so far, they've been really useful.

We got the Panasonic ZB 2502 in Jan this year and have not bought any bread since - it’s been brilliant. Had a rubbish old Cookworks one before so can’t really comment on with/without yeast dispenser... but the bread from this one is fantastic, paddle stays in machine and it’s really easy to clean.

Harvest Moon thanks, that's really great to hear as I'd like to use it regularly and not buy any more bread if possible.

Mine has the nut and yeast dispenser, I did have an old one without. Not sure whether the yeast thing makes a difference but I think the seed thing might. I make a lot of seeded bread. Honey and sunflower is my favourite. Seed overload here.

On my Panasonic the paddle very rarely gets stuck, sometimes in a rye loaf but they are sticky anyway. I would not write off all breadmakers. There is no way I can get my head around rising/knocking back/oven baking.

@Littlesparrowherenow what did you go for in the end? I'm looking to replace my Morphy Richards bread maker but also wondering if I really need one as I have a good food mixer with a dough hook..

MakeItAmazing, unfortunately I'm still without a breadmaker... Missing it lots! I've made some bread by hand but to be honest it's a faff, and I like the ease of throw in ingredients and leave it until the bread is done.

I took a while to choose one, had a good look in the shops and decided the Panasonic 2502 was the one... and then my car broke down! Needless to say I'm hoping to replace the breadmachine soon but currys are currently out of stock.

I would appreciate it if you could let me know if you get one what you get and think if it? Thanks.

Whenever there are these threads Panasonic always seem to be the main recommendations. We are on our third Panasonic over 25 years & they have all been fantastic.

I need to have more thinking time as to whether I need one but if I do get one it will be a Panasonic. I'm assuming they do different models ?

Make It Amazing, yes Panasonic seem to do 8 different models on their website with different features. A lot to think about, especially if you already have a good food mixer with a dough hook.

I suppose it depends how often you make bread and the type of bread you make. Took me a while to weigh up all the variables... And figure out the different features of each model!

The only negative to making bread by hand is the slices are very small due to the loaf tin only being about 3 inches high (2lb tin).