Kitchen

[Tigriss]

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.

[brandiwine]

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

[abbyinidaho]

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.

[stilltamn8r]

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?

[shoekitty]

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.

[madcity411]

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.

[celiac sue]

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.

[Tigriss]

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!

[vaberry]

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.

[amateurcook]

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.