whats the best breadmaker

[bykimbo]

I think that two things are important:
1. The shape of the container, longer makes a better shaped loaf than square.
2. As much control over programme as possible. Ideally I would like to control times and temperatures manually rather than have presets.

The flour is crucial, and most people find one flour that is ideal and stick to it. My mother-in-law had it delivered in sacks from a wholesaler, but I am not so committed. I only use Sainsbury's Canadian bread flour. Allinson, and Hovis super-strength do not rise enough for me, and strong bread flour is no good at all.

I make my own bread because I can make low salt, and add rye flakes, oatbran, sunflower seeds, toasted sesame seeds, or whatever I fancy.

Warm bread is a thrill like milk that is still warm from the cow.

I don't agree, I must admit - not about the shape or flour. My favourite loaf shape is round, which I use a lot. I've tried all sorts of strong flours from the expensive branded stuff to the supermarket own-brand and it's all been equally good. Never needed to go with super-strong. With hand-made rather than machine, I find it's the kneading and proving that makes the difference. Mind you, I also use a wide range of flours rather than stick to one, because I make different breads. I wasn't wild about Dan Lepard's chickpea cob, but do like his polenta crust tomato bread, and Paul Hollywood's focaccia is fabulous. Happy baking!

[craig7501]

The best bread is Tesco's bakers soft bread. Both me and fiancee and my aunt agree it beats hovis and kingsmeal.

The best breadmaker is me for a small fee of course

[buttons-and-bows]

I am more confused now than i was in the first place, I have a problem with digesting big slabs of bread made with bread mix and the two shops that used to sell bread, one used to make their own baps and are now using bread mix and the French bread shop has closed, so we are now just looking at asda to buy our bread and it's awful mass produced stuff or Asda's own that they say it's baked in the store, well no it isn't it's bought in part baked and finished off in their store.

[astral276]

Making your own bread is also, reportedly, amazing at getting under your fingernails clean. A machine will not do that.

[buttons-and-bows]

Can I just ask about yeast, when I tried I used alinsons dried yeast, but I think some one said to use liquid or fresh ( can't remember) and not the dry powdered stuff ( my loaf stunk and tasted of the stuff ) So whats best please. Also i am right in thinking any bread or strong flour will do.
Sorry for being a pest but no-one round here makes there own bread so I can't even taste a bit of anyone.

[bykimbo]

Can I just ask about yeast, when I tried I used alinsons dried yeast, but I think some one said to use liquid or fresh ( can't remember) and not the dry powdered stuff ( my loaf stunk and tasted of the stuff ) So whats best please. Also i am right in thinking any bread or strong flour will do.
Sorry for being a pest but no-one round here makes there own bread so I can't even taste a bit of anyone.

Paul Hollywood says use fast-acting dried yeast, and that's good enough for me! I like Dove's, in the little orange packets. Found it to be by far the best and most effective. I also find any supermarket strong/bread flour works perfectly fine, as I said above; it's all I use. I'll post some pics and you can judge for yourself.

[TonyBridger]

I had trouble using the recipe provided with my breadmaker which said basically just dump everything in and press start. However I found the following on the web which has provide me with excellent results. (well, I think they are excellent)

I have found the yeast foams better in small bowl before putting it into the breadmaker

Original Recipe Yield 1 - 1 1/2 pound loaf

Ingredients
1cup ---- 235ml warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
2tbsp ---- 25g white sugar
1pkt (.25 oz) ---- 7g bread machine yeast
1/4 cup ---- 60ml vegetable oil
3 cups ---- 410g bread flour
1tsp ---- 6g salt (recommends increase to 1.5 tsp ---- 9g)

Directions
Place the water, sugar and yeast in the pan of the bread machine. Let the yeast dissolve and foam for 10 minutes. Add the oil, flour and salt to the yeast. Select Basic or White Bread setting, and press Start

[bykimbo]

As I said I would...

[buttons-and-bows]

they look yummy Kim, as soon as I can find some different yeast, rather than asda's best I will have another go.

[ChameleonSystems]

Paceys in Spalding

They is best bread makers since forever. If you are ever in Spalding look em up.

Nice pictures