Best Reviewed
Bread Machines
- Best bread machine overall Panasonic SD-YD250 *Est. $150
- Full-featured bread machine Zojirushi BB-CEC20 *Est. $240
- Budget breadmaker Sunbeam 5891 *Est. $80
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Best bread machine overall
- Consistent performance
- Easy to use
- Delay timer
- Price
- No viewing window
- No custom cycles
According to reviews, the Panasonic SD-YD250 is the best midrange bread machine, sitting between the fancy Zojirushi BB-CEC20 (*Est. $240) and more basic West Bend Hi-Rise Breadmaker (*Est. $100) . Reviewers say it's a sturdy, flexible bread machine that is easy to use and quiet. The Panasonic bread machine makes horizontal loaves, which many owners prefer to the vertical bread produced by some other models, because it resembles traditional sandwich bread. Although the Panasonic does not offer customized cycles like the Zojirushi bread machines, many owners say they don't miss this feature. This breadmaker lacks a viewing window, a feature that's pretty much standard on other machines, including the cheaper West Bend breadmaker. It does offer one stand-out feature not common to other bread machines: a yeast dispenser, which protects the yeast during the mixing cycle and adds it at the correct time. The durability of the Panasonic SD-YD250 breadmaker is indicated by owners who say they have used their machines for years, as well as by the relatively few complaints of breakage.
The Wall Street Journal recommends the Panasonic SD-YD250 as one of five models included in a recent comprehensive roundup of bread machines. Editors don't disclose the number of machines tested or name those that don't make the cut. About 865 owners rate the Panasonic SD-YD250 breadmaker at Amazon.com, and more than 70 post reviews at Epinions.com, providing a valuable gauge of overall user satisfaction. Several dozen additional reviews are found at Viewpoints.com, which offers a useful ratings snapshot. At Slate.com, Mason Currey places it first of five machines he tested, praising its good-looking loaves, crispy crust and good flavor. At the enthusiast website BreadInfo.com, editors offer a one-page review of the Panasonic bread machine, where they discuss its features and reputation but don't say how (or even if) they have tested it.
Zojirushi BB-CEC20 Home Bakery Supreme 2-Pound-Loaf Breadmaker, Black
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| Panasonic SD-YD250 Automatic Bread Maker | |
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Our Sources
The Wall Street Journal evaluates an undisclosed number of bread machines and recommends five. Breadmakers that didn't make the cut aren't listed. Thorough testing is conducted, including making numerous types of bread using the same recipes in each machine. The Panasonic SD-YD250 is praised for its yeast dispenser, which simplifies the mixing process.
Review: Bread Makers, Laura Moser, Feb. 5, 2011
2. Amazon.com
About 865 owners post reviews here, and most give the Panasonic SD-YD250 the top rating of 5 stars. Many write that they get consistently good bread with little fuss or mess. Complaints of breakage are few compared to other bread machines.
Review: Panasonic SD-YD250 Automatic Breadmaker, Contributors to Amazon.com
3. Slate.com
Mason Currey of Slate.com puts the Panasonic SD-YD250 at the top of the five machines he tested, noting its good-looking loaves, dark crispy crust, quiet operation and compact design. And, while noting it's not essential, he likes the yeast-dispenser function very much. One shortcoming: The odd measurements called for in its recipe book.
Review: Loafing Around: The Search for the Best Automated Breadmaker, Mason Currey, Nov. 10, 2009
4. Epinions.com
The Panasonic SD-YD250 breadmaker receives a high rating (4.5 stars) in more than 70 reviews posted at Epinions.com. The most commonly noted drawback is that the owners are now eating too much bread. Only a few write that their bread machines do not work well.
Review: Panasonic SD-YD250 Bread Machine, Contributors to Epinions.com
More than 30 owners contribute to an average rating of 4.53 stars out of 5. Owners say they love the convenient yeast dispenser. Overall, 94 percent of owners would recommend it.
Review: Panasonic SD-YD250 Bread Machine Reviews, Contributors to Viewpoints.com
Although the editors at BreadInfo.com consider the Panasonic SD-YD250 to be somewhat expensive for a home bread machine, they say the price can be justified by the Panasonic's "sturdy build and versatility." This site offers a chart comparing the features of six breadmakers, but it does not provide ratings; also, we cannot tell whether this machine was actually tested.
Review: Panasonic SD-YD250 Automatic Breadmaker, Editors of BreadInfo.com
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Breadman TR2500BC Ultimate Plus 2-Pound Stainless-Steel Convection Breadmaker
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