My bread maker has just died on me, it was a Mellerware.  :(   Unfortunately I can't live without one, so will be going out at the weekend in search of a new one.  Does anyone have any recommendations?

Jax

Mine is a Cookworks B0906 from Argos. Fairly basic but cheap (was about £35ish) and it was a Which? best buy when I bought it. I think it's a different model they sell now but I assume it's still a decent one. :)

Kath.

Hi
i am also thinking of getting a breadmaker.Are they really worthwhile and idiot proof as I am not the worlds best baker. Or are they more trouble than they are worth?

They are great! Mine is very basic doesn't have the jam making features etc. Just bung ingredients in switch on and away you go. I think it's cheaper as well

I'm useless at making bread too and can never be bothered but I love the homemade stuff. I started off making the basic loaf and it was a bit cakey and solid so I adjusted the ingredients till I got a good result. I also found the quick setting actually produced a better loaf so I always use that now. If you can get it to produce a loaf you like they are brilliant but I wouldn't say mine produces them as good as oven baked. If I want to though, I can make and prove the dough in the machine, then take it out, put in a tin, rise again then oven bake. That's still much easier than doing it all myself from sctratch. It's also brilliant for doughmaking for pizzas, chelsea buns, hot cross buns etc.

If you love homemade bread they're brilliant and very easy to use but if you only have it occasionally then it's not worth it and probably cheaper to buy from the bakers. :)

Kath.

I'm lost without mine :(  They are great.  As long as you measure out all the ingredients very carefully (no guess work!) it can't go wrong.  When I was working I would set it on the timer so that bread was ready when we got home from work, nothing nicer than opening the front door and smelling fresh baked bread.

I'm off to get a new one tomorrow.
Jax :)

I've had one for about a year, and I guess I've used it about 6 times. The result is okay, but the shape of the finished result is completely wrong for sandwiches, and the finished loaf simply isn't big enough for packed lunches for three. I still think it's quicker and cheaper to go to the baker.