topic Re: Advice to Buy a New Bread Machine in Kitchen

Advice to Buy a New Bread Machine

Tigriss — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 01:58:47 GMT

I have an old Sunbeam bread machine from 1990 something. It is still working and will make a decent loaf of gluten free bread. I am considering purchasing one that makes a more traditional loaf like the West Bend HiRise one with two paddles. I have lusted over a ZO, but the West Bend has similar features, 4 sizes of bread, and is $99 instead of $300.

Any advice you can give me on a new model of bread machine out there that has a gluten free setting and makes a traditional sized loaf would be appreciated.

Re: Advice to Buy a New Bread Machine

brandiwine — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 03:06:36 GMT

If you don't want to spend the money on a ZO, check out the Breadman. I had really good luck with that brand, but decided to go up to a ZO. I make all the bread products my family uses and give gifts of sweet rolls for the holidays. None of us have a gluten problem, so I can't address that specifically. Good Luck

Re: Advice to Buy a New Bread Machine

abbyinidaho — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 03:21:37 GMT

I bought a Cuisinart a few years ago after my husband threw away the little toggle on the bottom of my Sunbeam breadmaker. I really hated the Cuisnart, always burnt my bread no matter what setting I had on it.

Re: Advice to Buy a New Bread Machine

stilltamn8r — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 03:25:28 GMT

I love my Zoji- - I think there re none better- If you use it a lot, it will definitely pay for itself and be worth whatever extra money it might initially cost- Why not get what you REALLY want, if you have always wanted one? Maybe you can find one with a small scratch or imperfection that would cause a retailer to mark it down?

Re: Advice to Buy a New Bread Machine

shoekitty — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 04:00:59 GMT

A zojirushi is the best available. I have had mine for 15 years. I had a Welbuilt and a Breadman before that, and they cannot compare. They last a few years, and that is it. I used mine ALOT. I still use it, but not as often. I make a loaf of bread here and there, and often use it for pizza doughs, rolls and such.. In the summer I make lots of Jams. It makes and bakes a nice small loaf of cake or carrot bread too!

I would like to suggest Donna Rathmell-German's bread maker cook book. She has several books, and you will use the breadmaker for more than bread with her books. She also has an extensive selection of specialty breads for special diets

If all you make is gluten free breads you might make use of a breadmaker that is programmable. I have not worked with a west bend. I might look up reviews.

Re: Advice to Buy a New Bread Machine

madcity411 — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 04:25:19 GMT

Buy another Sunbeam. I probably have the same one, and it's a gem. Works well and I have had it since the late 90's too.

Re: Advice to Buy a New Bread Machine

celiac sue — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 12:16:15 GMT

Gluten Free Living Magazine (November 2014) picks 5. Cuisinart Convection is the Editor's pick. The best value is Hamilton Beach but it takes a long time for gluten free bread. Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso was their Best Splurge. They also mentioned Breadman Professional Bread maker and T-Fal Actibread. Prices are from $70.00 to $325.00.

Re: Advice to Buy a New Bread Machine

Tigriss — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 22:35:03 GMT

Thanks for the advice all of you. I do have a working machine right now, so I think I will wait until I can sock away enough money to buy a Zo and perfect my variety of breads and things worthy of having a ZO. Thanks for the help all!

Re: Advice to Buy a New Bread Machine

vaberry — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 22:50:25 GMT

I actually got mine from QVC. It's a Cook's Essential. I've had it about 6 years now. I use it once a week September to December, in December every day and January through March at least once a week. My point being is it's used, a lot. Works like a charm. Mine is more like K38095 than the Cook's one the Q has now.

I use it the most to make rolls. It saves me hours in the roll making process. I use my bread maker more than I do my microwave.

Re: Advice to Buy a New Bread Machine

amateurcook — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 19:24:22 GMT

I give this advice a lot and my 2 cents: Since you are not in a hurry to get a new machine, go to your local Goodwills. I have 2 Zo machines that I purchased from there for $20! They were in like new condition. Also, check Craigslist. There are always lots of bread machines there. You could possibly pick up a Zo for around $50. Patience pays off.

I also have two of the earlier West Bend machines that have the "true" horizontal bread pans (most other brands are not very wide), and I love them too. They're great machines. I think the price point on the WB is fabulous, and you could also get the double loaf insert for a reasonable price -- good for making doughs since you seem to want a traditional loaf shape when you bake a loaf in it.

Re: Advice to Buy a New Bread Machine

Campion — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 19:36:04 GMT

Probably the best one close to your Sunbeam is the Breadman520 but you know, models change so much. If you want one that I love and is absolutely a clone of the Zo for a lot less (I use it every week and I don't buy bread in the store) then I love my Breadman 2700. It does different loaf size, automatic nuts & raisin bin, gluten free, dark or light crust, jam, custom recipes (input your own settings) and it's stainless. I get really good breads out of it.

Re: Advice to Buy a New Bread Machine

meem120 — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 22:31:15 GMT

I love my Zo. There's no comparison. Its the Vitamix of bread machines!!!

Re: Advice to Buy a New Bread Machine

Tigriss — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 00:09:33 GMT

On 8/19/2014 amateurcook said:
I give this advice a lot and my 2 cents: Since you are not in a hurry to get a new machine, go to your local Goodwills. I have 2 Zo machines that I purchased from there for $20! They were in like new condition. Also, check Craigslist. There are always lots of bread machines there. You could possibly pick up a Zo for around $50. Patience pays off.

I also have two of the earlier West Bend machines that have the "true" horizontal bread pans (most other brands are not very wide), and I love them too. They're great machines. I think the price point on the WB is fabulous, and you could also get the double loaf insert for a reasonable price -- good for making doughs since you seem to want a traditional loaf shape when you bake a loaf in it.

That really is a great score. I don't have quality products like that in my local GoodWills. I have to go to Jacksonville, FL for the good stuff. We get a lot of well used items, some too well used, and old estate bits that are missing pieces. I keep looking though, just encase something pops up! I'll try the local facebook site for items for sale, like a digital yard sale, and nearby Craig's list.

Re: Advice to Buy a New Bread Machine

Tigriss — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 00:11:34 GMT

I will keep saving for a ZO. Right now the Sunbeam is doing pretty well on the gluten free bread mix as along as I make sure not to have too much liquid, otherwise the center is not cooked when I eye balled the milk last time. I was in a hurry, silly me.

I would like a more horizontal loaf, so would my sister who is baking in her oven for my nephew, but that just makes the house so HOT!