Panasonic SD-255 Bread Machine

The Pansonic SD255 is a great breadmaker. It can create virtually every kind of bread that you can think of as well as making dought that you can make into pizzas, croissants or buns. My favourite feature however is the timer function. You can load up the ingredients at night ( a job that takes less than 5 minutes) so that you can have a loaf ready for the morning. You can't beat waking up in the morning to the smell of freshly baked bread coming from the kitchen. It has a rapid bake mode as well which can produce a great loaf of white bread in under 2 hours.

With strong flour and bread mixes of all types available in most supermarkets, you will be producing loaves for between half and a quarter of the price that you pay for a mass produced, additive filled loaf.

Knowing exactly what is inside each loaf is a very reassuring feeling. I have had the machine for just over a month and used it almost every day - often more than once a day if the wife and kids are really hungry! It will have paid for itself by the summer ,and I have a feeling I will never be able to go back to the boring tasteless breads from the supermarket.

It is really easy to clean, and comes with handy measuring cup and spoon to help you get your amounts right. The bread comes really easily out of the non-stick bread tin, which comes with a handy handle.

Overall, this is the best christmas present I have ever bought, and I would recommend it to anyone.

We knew we needed to make our own bread, (we have a large and hungry family), and looked around for the best machine at the most reasonable price and also the easiest to use. Our lives are very busy and time is always at a premium. This machine makes it all so easy. We like its compact design, its digital display, its easy to read and interpret instructions, and of course, the fantastic bread that it makes! The overnight timer thing is great too - waking up to the smell of fresh bread. It's easy to clean and prepare - make sure you buy the right yeast and flour though. This is our first bread maker and I can't see us buying a different type ever. Highly recommended.

We have had several cheap bread makers over the past ten years, and I could never understand why other people would pay 6 or 7 times the price for an expensive brand -- surely all bread makers will do the same job?? (they are all basically just a bowl with a mixing paddle, surrounded by a heating element).

Recently our cheap machine died (they lasted about 3 years on average) so I looked on eBay for a replacement. And there I spotted a "top of the range" machine -- Panasonic SD-255 -- at bargain price. So I bought it.

I am now a convert. Every loaf of bread we've made with this new machine has been MUCH BETTER than those we have produced over the past years. So there really is a big difference in performance between different machines.
If you are looking for a bread maker, I recommend the Panasonic -- either the SD-255 or SD-254 (similar, but one or two functions missing; it is the same basic machine but a little cheaper.)

The Panasonic machine is better quality construction, and very quiet in operation (compared to our previous cheap machines). But the only reason I can think of for the improved bread is the software -- this controls the mixing and the heating, and allows for periods of resting.

In terms of features, this Panasonic bread maker seems to have more than other machines I've looked at. It can make various types of bread, and you can select small, medium or large loaf, colour of crust, and set a timer so you wake up in the morning to fresh bread. It can also be used to make cakes, or produce dough (eg. for rolls or pizza). A recipe book is included.

I researched a lot before replacing my first breadmaker. I had bought a cheap one to ensure it would be used and was viable, so I ended up with the Hinari.
Having used it every day and found it to be invaluable I progressed to the top of range Panasonic. I could not have been more happy. It is versatile, easy to use and clean. Many types of bread, cakes and doughs all come out of the same machine and the automatic dispenser for additives is a wonderful idea, howmany times have you missed the beep on the manual ones?
I would recommend this to anyone and I know I will never buy additive loaded shop bread again.

After researching ebay and googling breadmakers I was finally convinced that this brand/model was the best. WHICH mag rates this as No.1!. Price is expensive, but it does a lot more than other brands/models. The only other comparable model was the "AWT Breville" [cant remember the model number - BR?] which basically operates in the same way and cost is approximately the same. The Panasonic Manual gives descriptive/pictorial instructions and the machine is very easy to operate - not too many buttons to press before you really are into the process of breadmaking. It can cope with Gluten-Free recipes as well as just making various doughs in preparation for baking in the oven if that's what you want. I opted for this model rather than the 253 or 254 because of the above reasons as well as the automatic nut/fruit dispenser. The other models have an audible beep to tell you when to manually add the fruit/nut to the dough. Panasonic lives up to its name with this breadmaker.

Replaced an old machine and amazed at the improvement. The reviews are right, this is the best machine on the market. well done Panasonic!

I read a lot of reviews before choosing this model. It definitely lives up to its reputation, we have had other breadmakers in the past, this is the best. It gives a grand loaf of bread and takes only a couple of minutes to load once you know your list of ingredients.
Love the little nut dropper saves listening for the beep on other models just load it up and forget it. Timer function is great too and cycling through the options is also easy for the novice.

Having mourned the demise of my Morphy Richards (M/R) Fast Bake after just over 2 years, on recommendation from family/friends i thought i'd give a Panasonic a try. I've now had my Panasonic for just over a month and have used it 4-5 times a week on average. Once mastering the control panel (only takes a couple of goes!), i'm pleased to tell you that it really is easy to use. But more importantly, the quality of bread has been FAR superior to the M/R. Of course, maybe i never quite got the ingredients right, and room/water temperature do have an impact, but so far the Panasonic hasn't failed to impress and the least successful loaf so far was STILL better than any i ever got from the M/R.

The Recipe booklet is clear and concise, with ingredients in recognisable weights (pounds/ounces or metric) rather than the M/R american 'cup' system which i disliked. The Rapid bake 50/50 wholemeal i've found to be particularly successful with the Large size (strangely they just label sizes as being Medium, large or extra large - don't get that!!) producing what i think is the best shaped loaf, on a par with 'Medium' size with other machines. I use Doves Organic stong white and wholemeal flour, Hovis dried yeast and standard Paxo salt, caster sugar and 2 tbsp Grapeseed oil (in lieu of butter). As other reviewers on other sites have commented, the loaf shapes are a bit unusual and certainly the Extra large slices don't fit in a standard toaster - so, you'll just need to cut the slices in half!!

The machine is extremely quiet, and is a slightly smaller bulk on the kitchen work top, plus the lid opens just marginally lower than on the MR so it JUST opens up under the wall cupboards - saves hauling it out to the edge of the worktop to insert/remove the bread pan.

The matter of the paddle 'hole' is of little consequence. In fact, compared with the M/R, the hole in the bottom of the loaf has less impact in my opinion and just leaves a slim gap (hole) in the bottom of the loaf. And anyway, I found the paddle rarely dropped down on the M/R as it was supposed to, resulting in an even bigger hole as you dug out the paddle!

One thing that did surprise me with the Panasonic recipes (ordinary bread) is that you don't need any milk. M/R recipes required dried milk powder so i initially wondered if Panasonic had forgetten the milk on their recipes. I can assure you they hadn't, and their non-milk recipes have come out great, but you can if you wish add milk in order to provide a "higher nutritional content" !

**** UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2008 ****

Several months on and i'm STILL impressed. Pizza dough a big success (though my thinning, rolling, shaping skills still leave much to be desired but who cares if the pizza is an oblongy thin-thick-medium crust hybrid?!)

The quick 1hr 55mins small (medium) white loaf is delicious (remember to use WARM water to minimise 'resting' time), and the 3 hour wholemeal mix small loaf is great too. Have experimented with the continential-style breads and they've all, without exception, turned out great. I'm still to try out any of the sweet stuff, maybe reluctant 'cos i find my 'handmade' efforts are just fine and not that much effort involved.

I'd still say the end of programme 'beep' could do with being louder, but the wonderful smells drifting through the house in the last 10 mins keep you alert!

I just hope there's as good a machine available in xx years when this one eventually dies of old age!

I've been wanting one of these for ages and I kept getting pipped to the post. I managed to buy one on ebay and emailed to ask the condition of the item before I placed my bid, and was told it was in great conditiona and used about 10 times. When it arrived I was so dissapointed, it was filthy, sticky, really brown and full of black powder. I complained and thankfully I think the seller knew it was rubbish and they refunded my money. I was obviouly very cautious after that, and then I saw another one on a buy it now, I took a chance and this time the item was fine. I am pleased to say my confidence has been put back in eBay. The item arrived really fast, I gave it a quick clean and hey presto it was ready to use. All I can say is it was worth all the agro I had previously. My very first loaf was a complete success, I just threw the ingredients in and the machine did it all(even for me who is not really very domesticated). The bread was superb and I doubt I will ever go back now, what a difference. Anyone considering one of these items of magic definately won't be dissappointed, provided of course you buy from a genuine eBayer!! Good luck and happy baking.

Having looked at bread Makers for some time I was tempted to buy one after sampling one owned by a friend of mine. This bread maker is so easy to use and turns out perfect bread every time. There are lots of different types for all diets - I particularly love the granary bread - would definately recommend this product - it has a simple timer - wake up to the smell of bread - what better way to start the day - or set it to be ready for when you come home from work - Perfect!!

I bought this to replace a well loved older Panasonic which we had managed to wear out after many years of constant use.
The machine is simple to use and produces very tasty results.

I was slightly sceptical that these things would actually work without at least some culinary proficiency, but how wrong could I be? Anyone can chuck a seemingly random series of ingredients in a metal bucket, bang it in what looks like a miniature paper shredder and get a perfect loaf of bread every time. I love gadgets and this takes the biscuit (or loaf!). I know this is the Rolls-Royce of breadmakers, but even at a hundred quid (which is the RRP) it would be great value. Even just for the smugness you get when you turn out a "Mrs. Beeton" style loaf for absolutley zero effort. True, it may not be the cheapest way to get bread (what with the supermarkets doing "valoo" loaves at 2p), but there is absolutely no substitute for making your own. Makes the house smell good too. Get one, you have no idea what you're missing!

I used to have the previous model, the SD-253 breadmaker, which broke after alot of use. I was so pleased with it, the sd-255 seemed like the best replacement.
The bread recipies have improved from the old model, and there are alot more recipies to choose from such as rye bread, and a sandwich loaf program which has a thinner crust.
This machine is the same as the SD-254, but has the nut dispenser.

This machine is highly recomended, i have tried bread from other bread machines but it seems you get what you pay for. The Panasonic SD-255 is expensive, but worth every penny.

I can't recommend this breadmaker highly enough. It's my first attempt at using a breadmaker and I have found it easy to use and the results are brilliant EVERY time, whatever I bake. I bought a reconditioned one for £55 off of ebay,rather than buying it new and other than a small scratch on the paddle it is perfect..definately my favourite kitchen toy!

Are you people talking about the Panasonic SD255 breadmaker?

I just bought one for my wife's birthday (bit of fun) and it's hilarious. Great for brick making or dry stone walling but utterly useless for bread.

All new ingredients, followed manual's recipes to the letter; both times (timer setting) results were absolute rubbish. No relationship to a loaf of bread could be discerned.

It's running now on an "instant" setting but I'm not holding my breath.

I doubt Amazon will publish my review and neither will Panasonic respond.

PLEASE - this is totally useless and unfit for purpose: anyone condidering this pile of junk, forget it.

Having thoroughly researched bread machines, I bought a new SD-254 from John Lewis. I wanted the SD-255, but it was out of stock. The machine lived up to its great reviews and was fantastic, but we were getting through so much bread that I needed another machine to keep up. I particularly like the dough program and usually make dough in the machine to bake in the oven, so a double batch makes even more sense. We have also made the most fabulous chelsea buns and iced buns! I chose to buy the SD-255 from ebay as I like a bargain and it was what I originally wanted in the first place. It hasnt let me down. I would recommend either Panasonic machine to anyone interested in home baking their bread. They are consistantly reliable and so easy to program and use. The recipe book that comes with the machines are also very good. A great buy all round.

Superb breadmaker: I had a Morphy Richards before, and that made good bread. This one, however, makes outstanding bread. The texture is hugely improved, and it even stays fresh longer. I like the fact that you can make bread with fresh yeast (or dried yeast intended for hand baking), and it's great. The fruit/seed compartment is also a great idea for unattended loaves. Highly recommended.

Fantastic buy! Bread is really nice when home-made and fresh, trouble is you can't stop eating it! So many varieties of bread to make, and with this machine it's easy! The machine is easy to use and straightforward. I love it.

brilliant bread maker. simple to use and great results. cant make bread fast enough. kids love it. does take a while to make the bread, but with the timer this is not a problem as i make it over night.

having had 2 other breadmakers over past 8 or so years,always wondered why the Panny was more expensive and always got rave reviews,I was reasonably happy with my first b/maker(Morphy Richards) unfortunately element went after 5 years solid use,then was given a Hinari,which consistently gave poor results(perhaps thats why I was given it),did without one for a while until the price of a loaf started to get silly,bought a Panasonic when it was on offer,and hey presto was instantly disappointed,bread was heavy distorted and yeasty,of course checked on line,
and found problem/solution,I had bought fresh flour,sugar etc,but had kept my yeast and was using it,thinking it would be ok as it was dried yeast(it was 2 years old),but bought fresh dried yeast and bread has been SOOPER ever since,no failures just best quality bread EVERY TIME,if you are thinking about buying one then Just buy IT you will not be sorry

It is just a great bakingmachine. A Rolls Royce under the baking machines!
Low in noise. And bakes excellent bread. I use him every day.

Simple to use. Can make a variety of bread, it was recommended by a family member who already had one. Only downside is we now eat a lot of bread and it's difficult to keep up with demand!

Excellent bread maker. Having had other bread making machines this one is the dogs ......... All types of bread can be made, including large loaves. The bread stays fresh for many days. If you are thinking of buying this machine I owuld say go for it. Easy to use instructions. Nothing complicated, great product.