Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Don't let the negative reviews here fool you. This bread machine itself is great, and I can't believe how inexpensive! I picked it up for under $40 at Walmart only to see it is now $34 here on Amazon. It makes 1.5 or 2 lb loaves, has a jam setting, a "raisin beep" (signal to add fresh fruit and other ingredients during the second kneading), bake only (like cakes) and dough only (to mix in machine then bake in oven). Also has up to 13 hour delay so you can wake or come home to fresh bread.
It's the recipes that come in the booklet that are bad. They all have way too much yeast, which is a classic cause of fallen loaves. I can't imagine how they came up with recipes with so much yeast! To see what I mean, Sunbeam has all their bread machine instruction manuals available online at http://www.sunbeam.com/manualsearch.aspx?PCId=3
ANYhoo, I strongly suggest that if you've never made bread by hand before, pick up a good all-inclusive intro to bread machine baking book that includes recipes (I think Better Homes and Gardens and Betty Crocker both have well-rated ones on Amazon). Usually the front of these books include bread baking basics, regardless of whether you are using a machine. The booklets that come with bread machines have only a few very basic recipes anyway, like a crockpot instruction book. This machine is a sturdy, capable tool to use with a descent book. It's too bad the included free one is a dud!
Things to remember: you MUST measure carefully, even more so than with other baking. Don't use dry measure cups to measure your liquid ingredients. Fresh yeast AND flour are a must. Know that adding/substituting in yeast bread recipes is not as "OK" as with other baking.
Also, know that any bread machine is not as much of a "fix it and forget it" walk-away tool as a crock pot (at least, not if you want a perfect loaf every time). You need to check the dough during the second knead cycle to make sure it isn't too wet or dry (which will depend on the weather!). You may have to scrape the sides of the pan, or add additional ingredients (like fruit) later in the cycle. The bread machine is aimed at taking the physical labor out of breadmaking, and also conveniently bake in the same pan. Technically, the same can be accomplished with a heavy-duty mixer and a good oven.
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Sunbeam 5891 2-Pound Programmable BreadmakerWake up to the smell of freshly baked bread with this 600-watt programmable bread machine. For making 1-1/2- or 2-pound loaves of bread, the machine offers 12 cooking functions which include basic, French, whole wheat, quick, sweet, ExpressBake 1-1/2 pound, ExpressBake 2 pound, dough, jam, cake, sandwich, and bake. Bread can be ready up to 13 hours later with the unit's 13-hour delay bake, while three shade selections are available for baking crust to individual preferences. Other useful features include a convenient LED display, an easy-to-clean touch-control panel, and a steady base. Metal utensils should not be used with the removable baking pan, which should be washed by hand in order to protect its nonstick surfaces. Instructions with recipes are included. The bread machine measures approximately 14 by 19 by 13-1/2 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.
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