Panasonic SD-2511WXC Fully Automated Breadmaker with Nut Dispenser, White

Like many people in mid August I was looking to buy the Panasonic SD-2500 WXC Breadmaker for £59.99 after Amazon price matched Tesco. By the time my Nectar vouchers were processed the item had sold out and was back to its regular price. John Lewis was matching Amazon and Tesco but as soon as both were sold out they in turn put their price back up. I wasn't prepared to pay full price so took a gamble on Amazon's 'Warehouse Deal' where there were three 'used' available. I ordered the one priced at £55 and shown as 'Like New'. Turns out that it was in fact brand new and only the box being opened made it a used item. All items were still in their bags, unopened. Absolute bargain at £55 and delivered the next day as I'm a 'Prime' customer. I've been using the SD 2500 regularly since I received it and like most others have had great results with minimal effort. Regular White, Rapid White and 50% Wholemeal have all turned out perfect. I even used a sour dough Ciabatta recipe from a book I have and the result was fantastic-baked two loaves in the oven after the machine made the sour dough starter. My Ciabatta was perfect, crispy outside and chewy inside with the characteristic holey appearance we expect. I have only used good quality flour and yeast (brand name, not supermarket's own) but others appear to be getting similar results from 'own label' ingredients. There are a few unfavorable reviews for this machine but for the life of me I don't know why. I've owned other brand Breadmakers whose results can best be described as 'unpredictable'. The SD 2500 consistently turns out great tasting bread that has perfect texture. I will not be buying bread from the supermarkets ever again-the results are that good. It is a very simple process, follow the instructions/recipes and you'll be making great tasting bread knowing all of the ingredients it took to make it. No preservatives or chemicals has to be a bonus. Having had success with white, 50% wholemeal and sour dough, I will be trying many of the other recipes-including jams and compotes. I would definitely buy this machine again and (don't tell Amazon) I would pay the higher price now I know the results I get. It is well made, easy to use and the timer function is a doddle to use so fresh bread is waiting for us when we get up in the morning. Cleaning the SD 2500 is easy. The kneading blade always comes out of the bread without the need to oil it. The non-stick surface is exactly that, non-stick so it is a 30 second job to wash and dry it. I guess the only issue is the volume of the timer when the bread is ready and others have mentioned it as being very quiet. That is the only negative for me and even that is no problem as I use my kitchen timer to go off at the same time as the SD 2500. A minor irritation so don't let that put you off if you're thinking of buying this model of breadmaker because in my opinion that is the only negative.

I am now only reviewing expensive items and ones that are particularly good or particularly bad, happily this breadmaker is particularly good. Previously I made our bread by hand - though I have tried another breadmaker in the past - but lately it was becoming more of a chore than a pleasure so based on other reviews and with some trepidation I bought the Panasonic and I am very glad I did. I chose this model because I didn't need the automatic seed/nut dispenser which seems to be a problem. On those few occasions when I need added ingredients it's no problem to add them by hand - though the instructions could be a bit clearer on this point. Using it is a breeze and should present no problems. With the exception previously mentioned the instructions are clear and easy to follow. Cleaning is very quick & easy and so far we've never had the paddle stuck in the loaf, it does get stuck hard on the spindle but a little hot water frees it. So what about the end result? Firstly you need quality flour to produce a quality loaf and I'm pleased to see Amazon now supply Bacheldre Mill flour, a good organic stone ground flour with an excellent flavour. Mostly I use half & half unbleached white & wholemeal. If a quality handmade loaf is rated 10/10 then a loaf from the Panasonic is 9.5/10 on taste and 8/10 on appearance, on that basis I would rate the best supermarket loaf 5/10. A small loaf uses 400gm flour (about 53p a loaf) and is a nice size for 2 people. We have used various recipes, making a stollen, brioche and a spicy fruit loaf and all were simplicity itself to make. I read somewhere that a breadmaker was one of those gadgets that people buy but rarely use, this certainly won't happen with our Panasonic. If you enjoy really good bread and other yeast bakery the Panasonic should give endless satisfaction and eating pleasure. UPDATE 31/08/2013. This breadmaker has been in constant use (about 4 times a week) coming up for 2 years and has performed faultlessly during that time. The loaf has always come out cleanly from the tin, the paddle has never stuck in the loaf and the baking tin is as good now as the day it was brought. The paddle does get stuck to the spindle but pouring a little hot water in the tin as per instructions solves that little problem. Just one caveat; do NOT use cheap supermarket bread flour, if you do the resultant loaf has the size and consistency of a brick!