Bread Machines

Which make and model do you recommend?  What type of pan seems to work best (an upright pan or one that makes a regular loaf of bread)? 

My daughter has a Sunbeam bread machine that she really likes.  She uses it for making homemade pretzels (dough cycle) as well as bread (either 1-1/2 or 2 pound loaves).

I have a Regal bread machine, but don't know if they are made any longer.  I like to make the dough in the bread machine and bake it in the oven (prefer the normal shape of the loaf better).

Both of us have upright pans.  So, no experience with the horizontal loaves.  A machine that makes 2 pound loaves gives you more flexiblity.

If you want the want the ultimate bread machine, many recommend the Zojirushi Bread Maker.  However, it is expensive.

~~Vicki

I'm sorry. I know I'll be hated, but I WILL NOT use a bread machine. I like to tweak my recipes and you can't do that with a machine. I like to let my dough rise, sometimes  3 or 4 times to get a great fermented flavor, something like sourdough. Or I will knead the dough longer or shorter. Or bake it longer to get a deep crust. I apologize to all you machine users in advance, but that;s my stance and I am sticking to it.

I say each to his own. I can see why you wouldn't enjoy a bread machine.

I have "several" bread machines, Some purchased "new" and some purchased "used".

I have yet to see a bread machine that is a bad choice. I have some with hortizonal and some with vertical pans. The hortizonal (like a regular loaf) has the hole right in the middle of the best part of the bread after the "heels" (ends - my favorite piece).  the vertical ones I lay on it's side and slice crosswise so that until you get down to the hole part you have nice square slices, The bottom end is okay but if you need bread crumbs it has a real good purpose.

I suggest that you measure carefully and fluff the flour as you dip with a tablespoon or slightly larger spoon and careful not to shake the cup down as you level it off. Carefully measure all ingredients and you should have a good loaf of bread.