Bread makers?

[marmaladehound]

I have been ummming and ahhhhing about buying a bread maker for years now!

I am about to start a 6 month trial of a gluten free diet to see if it improves my autoimmune condition. If it helps then I really think a bread maker is a must to make my own gluten free bread. I am but of a bread fiend so the gluten free diet really is a last resort. I was wondering who had one? Any brand/ model they would recommend and if anyone makes gluten free bread with them? Will it be worth it?

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This thread is slightly old now so some of the suggestions may be out of date, but if you’ve landed here looking for bread makers, we’ve recently updated our best bread maker page with loads of great options for baking gluten-free loaves. We hope you find it useful.
MNHQ

The Panasonic one is amazing BUT gluten-free bread is nowhere near as good as the usual (sorry). You can't just substitute normal bread flour for GF. We have had our Panasonic for years and never bought shop bread for 10+ years. However, DH is now gluten-free and we cannot make a decent homemade GF bread that lasts more than 12 hours so have reverted to shop-bought (which still is pretty grim but at least doesn't go dry and horrid).

Also, worth noting that if you suspect gluten to be a problem and are wanting to be tested for coeliac disease, you must be eating gluten for the tests to detect if you're reacting to it. Seek medical advice before eliminating it for any length of time.

@marmaladehound

It all sounds wonderful and very tempting even if the gluten free diet isn't necessary.

I have a stupid question though, how much prep do you actually need to do before putting it all in the machine?? Or does the machine do it all after you just add the ingredients?

It takes 5 minutes. Less when you're used to it, have a place for all 5ye ingredients and have memorised the recipes.

It takes me longer than that to put my shoes on, get to the coop literally across the road from me, buy the bread and get home again.

I've got a Kenwood BM250, I've had it about 10 years and love it to bits. It was invaluable during the first lockdown. It makes the most wonderful brioche loaves.