Bread machine brand recommendations?

[~*max*~]

I was given an older bread machine (over 10 years old), just recently started using it, and I LOVE it! It is a Wellbilt. However, I fear it does not have a lot of life left, as it is making all kinds of strange noises and doesn't always cook well. I am thinking that I am going to drop some not so subtle hints for a new one as a Mother's Day gift. Any recommendations as to the best ones? From the research I have done online, there is quite a price discepancy, anywhere from $50. - $200. Are the more expensive versions really that much better? My current one makes the bucket-type loaf of bread. I would like the normal bread shape next time. Any other things to look out for? TIA for your help.

[CarricksMom]

I love my Zojirushi. It is expensive, but I bought it used from a friend for $50 and that was about 5 years ago. We just had to replace the breadpan, the rubber was coming off of the bushings. It cost $55, so more than I paid for machine, but was worth it!

If I had to buy again, I would look for the model that has a gluten free setting, not sure which one it is. I also love that it has a timer and we can wake up to fresh raisin bread in the morning!

[sunny*pa*mom]

I love our Zojirushi too. I preheats so you don't have to worry about the temperature of the ingredients. It makes sourdough starters and jams. Most of all it reliably makes a good loaf every time so there is no wasted loaves like in my old bread machine.

[Tizzy]

I also have a Welbilt that is older and makes lots of weird noises. It used to heat unevenly but now that I use it much more regularly, it seems to be a lot better.

I think my biggest concern about when it needs to be replaced, is finding one that makes the large loaves - most of the ones I've seen in the 2nd hand stores make these dinky little things that are hardly worth the effort.
I've heard such wonderful things about the Zojirushi ones that I am keeping an eye out for a used one since the novelty of making your own bread wears off for lots of people

[newbymom05]

I have the Oster ExpressBake and love love love it! I've never used the express bake function (bakes a loaf in an hr) but go the 3 hr route. It has a jam function but I haven't used it. I have used the delay feature and it's awesome--nothing like waking up to fresh bread. It bakes 1.5 and 2# horizontal loaves and they look like a store-bought loaf. I thought about getting a Zoji but DH surprised me w/ this and I'm glad we only spent around $65. Features aside, all a bread machine is is a kneading arm and heating element, y/k? Seriously, it is my fave appliance.

[cristeen]

We bought g'ma the Zo, and it's great. So easy my techno-phobic 80 yo g'ma can use it.

[gini1313]

Originally Posted by CarricksMom

I love my Zojirushi. It is expensive, but I bought it used from a friend for $50 and that was about 5 years ago. We just had to replace the breadpan, the rubber was coming off of the bushings. It cost $55, so more than I paid for machine, but was worth it!

I have one of these, too, and I love it as well. Just an FYI, though... After 2 years, we had to replace our breadpan as well, and when dh called the company to find out how to fix it, the customer service rep told him that most of their customers have to replace the breadpan every 1 to 2 years... That really adds to the expense of the machine!!!

[NaturallyKait]

Oh I'm wondering the same thing too! My grandmother gifted me her bread machine (bought in 1992!) and I love it, use it all of the time, but my father has recently taken it over and I fear when I move out it won't be going with me . The one I have is an older Black & Decker, and I like it, but I wonder what the good brands are now compared to 18 years ago.

[sweetcheeks]

I have a Black & Decker I just bought a few months ago (as my 15+ year old B & D crapped out on me) and it's been great. It makes horizontal loaves and it makes loaves from 1.5 to 3lbs. I also use it for dough for pizza and french bread. I got in on sale for 50% off so I only paid $50 for it.

[K-Mom3]

Every time I move, I get a "new" bread machine from a thrift store or garage sale for about $10. There are so many people who try it and then end up not using it so there are LOTS of used machines out there.

I don't have a favorite brand...but I now have one that does a sideways loaf, y'know, closer to the normal shape. And it has a lot of trouble mixing because of the shape. I have to always check on it and scrape the sides sometimes to make sure it forms a ball. I might recommend getting one that goes up to a 2 lb loaf and does a long loaf (instead of tall) and has 2 paddles. I saw one at a friend's house. No idea what the brand is, sorry!

[Shellie]

I have this Breadman and it's been good to me:

http://www.amazon.com/Breadman-TR250...0109042&sr=8-2

I bought it after seeing it recommended here. I didn't want to spend more than $100.

[sabrinat]

I agree w/the pp . I've never gone into a thrift store where I didn't see at least one bread machine for sale. I have an oster which I love and I think the other one is toast master or some such thing. We're a good size family so when I make pizza dough or bread I like to do 2 at a time. I think I paid maybe $6 for my bread machines. They work fantastic. When they wear out I'll just headback to the thrift store for another one. From what I read online if you find one that has the features you want they are all pretty much the same within a certain price point. I would love a Zojurishi because I love my rice cooker, but I'm not willing to pay the price for it when mine works just fine. I love the bread machine. I probably would never back bread by hand, but now I have home made bake goods all the time.

[lucyem]

I love my Zojurishi

When my old bread maker died I was told to keep an eye on the thrift stores. Never saw any bread makers in one around her, though it sounds like it is worth looking just in case. DH ended up buying me the Zo for Christmas.