Russell Hobbs 18036 Breadmaker Fresh Bread in Minutes

I have been really pleased with the results using this machine.
Bread and cakes have all been very good. Not having any crust colour problems as have been reported by others.
The small and medium size bread settings seem to produce a slightly better colour if you want a darker finish to your loaf.
Very good value compared to some other models. A five ***** product.

I won't lie - I was nervous about buying a breadmaker, there seems to be such a variety of reviews and opinions on a host of forums about disastrous results, waste of money and poor machine quality. I went for this as a very good priced breadmaker, thinking if I get on well with it I can invest in a Panasonic (which cost around £100)and seems to be the brand that everyone says are foolproof and don't have the niggles that cheaper models seem to. I am really pleased with this breadmaker, not only was delivery really speedy but it is easy to use and the results are great. My first loaf wasn't a success but that was entirely my fault for making a couple of mistakes; the white loaves and wholemeal loaves I had made since have been really great, tasty, golden and very light. I think if you follow the instruction book to the letter you can't go wrong; make sure that you weigh the water as it says - it is unbelievable how inaccurate a measuring jug is. It does not come with any of the frills like measuring cups or a really in-depth recipe book but if you have measuring scales, a tablespoon and a teaspoon you will be fine. If you want to buy-in ingredients so you can start baking the moment your breadmaker arrives you will need: strong bread flour, olive oil, sugar, salt, milk powder and dried yeast (I used fast acting dried yeast from the supermarket which worked fine) - this will make a lovely regular loaf of white bread. Just buy both wholemeal and white bread flour if you want to make wholemeal.

A couple of points that seem to be referred to on forums which worried me:
- the paddle comes away inside the baked loaf: it does but with a cocktail stick and a bit of perseverance you can get it out fairly easily - it isn't a reason not to buy this model and seems a common problem with lots of breadmakers..
- the loaf is very pale: it doesn't give a very dark loaf, I am not sure you would get that with a breadmaker anyway, but by selecting the darkest setting (there are three levels) I have been able to produce a lovely golden brown loaf that has a crisp crust, soft top and is light inside. I have not tried the 55 mins cycle, although I will, but I cannot think this would produce the quality of bread and crisp golden crust I am after - if you want a really speedy loaf then it maybe isn't for you or you may have to be prepared to compromise on the characteristics of your loaf.
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I would recommend this breadmaker - it is affordable, easy to use if you follow the instructions and weigh ingredients accurately and will fill your home with a wonderful smell and your tummy with wonderful bread.

I have owned breadmakers many years ago when I had a family and used to make bread by hand. The family gave me three machines but they all broke down in less than a year so I gave up on them. Now I live alone I decided to try again.I read the reviews on this product and chose it because I wanted a basic machine to make wholemeal bread. The machine is easy to use and the bread has turned out on every occassion.The only snag is that it does not have a recipe for 100% wholemeal flour but I checked on the internet and none of the brands do. I did find an individual who posted her own recipe on-line and she uses eggs in the mix - this seems to be the answer . I really enjoyed reading the instruction book ,it gives detailed instructions on ingredients and suggestions of how to adapt recipies.It is so well writen in everyday language and with humour- for instance what happens on a " bad day " if you don't follow the instructions properly!
Nice machine would recommend -good value for money.