Panasonic breadmaker - is it worth getting the one with the dispenser

[singingtree]

I think I really want to be able to make raisin bread - but can you do that with the non-dispenser model? ie the 254 not the 255?
or do you think I'd get the dispenser one and then never really use that bit - there's a £20 difference in price

Get the dispenser... we use ours all the time. In fact, just replaced the tray bit after five years of solid use. The breadmaker still going strong.
Use it for seeded breads mostly, but raisin bread too.

yes get the dispenser. My old machine did not have one and I used to have to listen out for a beep to know when to add the raisins. Missed it so often and then either would add too early (get mashed into a grey flecked dough) or too late and just burn on the top. If you like raisin bread get one that does the thinking bit for you. Worth the £20 IMO

If you want to make raisin bread then you definitely need the dispenser.

great, thanks - am very excited now
any recommendations for bread recipe books to go with it?

It should come with recipies to get you started. We just experimented after that.

I have had my panasonic for a year now and haven't needed to go beyond the recipe book that came with it..it is quite varied. I'm sure someone will have a recommendation for you though.

We have the panasonic with the dispenser, and it's been great, but recently (after about 5 years of heavy use it has to be said) the dispenser has broken and won't stay up. So I now chuck the seeds/raisins in at the start. It works fine. The only effects it has are that the bread is slightly denser if you use small seeds (as they break the yeast bubbles) and raisins/fruit tend to get a bit mashed up, but it's OK.

So I would recommend the dispenser one because it's useful, but if you need to save £20 you can manage without it.

DH just bought a replacement tray when ours did the same. Not sure where he got it from but can ask if interested? Ours also packed in after five years. Pretty good going I reckon after fairly solid use.

pah, mumsnet disagrees with me . the recipe book you get with is very good.

I never thought of that tinsel! - I'll have a look online.

Found it here - so no need to ask your DH but thanks for the idea.

You're welcome!

Yes HC you were over-ruled. I LOVE raisin bread. Raisin toast is even better.

dp has weird thing against fruit bread. humph. you are going to be bread queen!

I wish we had one with a dispenser
we do bread overnight and if we had the dispenser we would be more adventurous.