Quality breadmaker & produces Qualtity Results...
5/5
Firstly, proof of the pudding etc... The loaves I have made have all turned out well - I had one mix turn out a bit gnarly on the top but it tasted OK :-) I probably could have sold it as artisan bread in some trendy establishment .....
Positives : More than enough. It's quite lightweight, well laid out and simple to use. Build quality is high.
The folding paddle is an excellent touch - though doesn't always lay flat if a bit of dough gets stuck in it. It can also be difficult to remove though this may be with it all being new and shiny. I also like the interior light so you can see the mix without having to lift the lid. The lid is simple to remove and clean.
It's all steel construction which is the main plus for me. My old breadmaker was consigned to the tip because it's plastic lid had deteriorated and cracked and had bits falling off.
Only time will tell if it has been an investment or not.
I don't think this one cooks bread any better than the others on the market but it does have a lot more features than most and being all steel will, I hope, work out cheaper per loaf than my previous model.
One other thing to note - the service from AO was excellent - I ordered on Friday and chose for Sunday delivery. I was kept informed of the progress throughout. Sunday turned out to be a nightmare due to extreme weather conditions and the delivery was delayed and didn't turn up untl 20:45 and they still had several more after me. The delivery guys deserve a medal for their determination - I'd nominate them for the endorsement fee instead the celebrity chef...
Negatives:
The automatic dispenser always operates - even if there is nothing in it so you get a click and a bleep every time.
It's a bit pricey and would be better value if it didn't have a celebrity chef endorsement. The endorsement was the main reason it took me so long to finally purchase the bread maker - I begrudge the endorsement and have a cynical view of such marketing practices.... Lose the endorsement and drop the price - the product should be of such quality that it sells itself.....