Bread Machine recomendations (pizza, shrimp, expensive, buy)

[movingtohouston]

Yesterday I pulled out my at least 7 year old West Bend breadmaker. I am so sad, but I think its time is about up. It always was a noisy thing, but I think the motor is starting to go, the side was really hot and it was making more noise than usual.

To be proactive I was looking up new machines to see how much they cost and goodness, there are a lot of new models out there. I could buy one from anywhere from 50 dollars to 200 dollars.

So my question to you is, is there really enough of a difference for what you get for your money from the cheaper vs the top of the line?

What machine do you use and do you like it?

[Ira500]

I've had a Panasonic like forever. I think it is a little costlier than the bottom of the line models, but seems to have a stronger motor than some cheaper ones I've had.

[litlux]

Well I bought a Breadman TR875 Breadmaker and it was kaput right out of the box. I have spent the past two and a half months trying to get it replaced by the company under its warranty - ACT in Bedford Heights, OH without success.

Oh the customer service people are nice enough. They say they will replace it and a new one should arrive in 7-10 days, and of course it doesn't. I am quite frustrated and also reading this thread with interest. I guess I have to consider my money lost forever. And I am not sure I will take another chance.

So if you are buying a bread machine, you might want to check around to see which companies back up their products, and which do not. Clearly I have found one that yesses you to death, and then does nothing.

Caveat emptor.

[ElleBebe]

Resurrecting this to see if anyone else has an opinion.

I'm considering getting a bread machine but don't know much about brands or what exactly I'll need; I've never made my own bread before, but I make pizza dough and tortillas, and I'm trying to move towards making most things from scratch. Are there any particular machines that are good for beginners, or that are good in general but not too expensive?

[Leilani Vasquez]

Originally Posted by ElleBebe

Resurrecting this to see if anyone else has an opinion.

I'm considering getting a bread machine but don't know much about brands or what exactly I'll need; I've never made my own bread before, but I make pizza dough and tortillas, and I'm trying to move towards making most things from scratch. Are there any particular machines that are good for beginners, or that are good in general but not too expensive?

I'm wondering the same thing. I also am trying to make more things from scratch to cut down on money.

[HawaiiLover]

My future DIL gave me a breadmaker and a basket of bread mixes. Here's the one she bought me. It's from QVC and I must say, I love it.
Cooks Essentials 2lb Capacity Bread Machine w/ 8 Settings
Customer Top Rated
QVC Price: $66.00
Introductory Price: $59.88

[Goodpasture]

I rarely use a bread machine to bake with, but I find it is excellent for mixing and kneading. I just prefer that final rise and baking in a more classical manner........I usually use bread as a side dish and so do long thin crusty loaves. It is also excellent that way to serve a baked brie, hard salami, prosciutto, shrimp or a varietal cheese tray. Consequently, over the past decade I have gone through three bread machines. All were purchased for less than $5 at garage sales. I don't have a clue as to brand names.