I started making my own bread during the pandemic, but soon stopped.working the dough was too sticky. Now i simply add ingredients to my machine and like magic. I’m eating freshly baked bread in under five hours. Now I bake twice a week.

Best Machine Yet!

This is my fourth bread machine. I haven't bought store-bought bread in many years. I only, always make homemade bread. So, I need a machine that can give me consistent results. The Oster bread machine I owned before this one gave me very inconsistent results. So much so that I ended up only using the dough cycle and baking my bread in the oven. What a pain when we live in the 21st century with all of the conveniences available to us!!A friend of mine, who also makes all her bread at home and has had this machine for over a year or so, recommended this machine to me. I had always appreciated the quality of her bread when I visited so I decided to give this machine a chance. Especially, when I saw it on Wal-Mart's site on sale for $99!!!!! The price has since went ... MoreThis is my fourth bread machine. I haven't bought store-bought bread in many years. I only, always make homemade bread. So, I need a machine that can give me consistent results. The Oster bread machine I owned before this one gave me very inconsistent results. So much so that I ended up only using the dough cycle and baking my bread in the oven. What a pain when we live in the 21st century with all of the conveniences available to us!!A friend of mine, who also makes all her bread at home and has had this machine for over a year or so, recommended this machine to me. I had always appreciated the quality of her bread when I visited so I decided to give this machine a chance. Especially, when I saw it on Wal-Mart's site on sale for $99!!!!! The price has since went up. I cannot express how happy I am with this purchase. Even when I mess up, maybe put in more of something than I should, I never get terrible, inedible results as I did with my last four machines. Every time this machine pumps out pretty consistent results. I've owned this machine now for 4 months and have perfected my recipe. This machine will produce close to perfect, almost like store-bought bread every single time. It is always soft and the texture is wonderfully good (I hope the pictures show this). I think the automatic yeast dispenser has a lot to do with this. I also love the thin mixing blade on this machine. My last machine would leave a huge, gaping hole in the middle of my bread leaving many slices almost unusable. This machines blade is thin enough to where you can use every single slice of bread without the hole effecting it's usability, if that makes sense. If you look closely you can see this in the first pic.I can't say it enough how happy I am with this purchase!

Best bread machine: the crust is Amazing.

I just bought this bread machine to replace my old one (same model) which is still working great after more than ten years of kneading and baking two large loaves per week but whose pan and kneading paddle have spots where the non-stick finish wore off. I made the mistake of trying another brand before coming back to this trusty workhorse. The other brand’s machine baked flat-topped loaves with an unevenly browned crust that was practically white on the top of the loaf. This Panasonic SD-YD250 machine bakes loaves that rise high, have an even texture throughout, and have a beautiful and delicious crust evenly browned all over, even on the beautifully domed top. The yeast dispenser is a great feature, ensuring the yeast stays dry until it is dispensed at the right ... MoreI just bought this bread machine to replace my old one (same model) which is still working great after more than ten years of kneading and baking two large loaves per week but whose pan and kneading paddle have spots where the non-stick finish wore off. I made the mistake of trying another brand before coming back to this trusty workhorse. The other brand’s machine baked flat-topped loaves with an unevenly browned crust that was practically white on the top of the loaf. This Panasonic SD-YD250 machine bakes loaves that rise high, have an even texture throughout, and have a beautiful and delicious crust evenly browned all over, even on the beautifully domed top. The yeast dispenser is a great feature, ensuring the yeast stays dry until it is dispensed at the right time during kneading. I didn’t know how useful a yeast dispenser was until I tried the other brand, which lacked a yeast dispenser and let yeast (that you put in a well you make with a finger in heap of flour that sits in liquid in the pan) fall into the salted water and get killed before kneading began. Don’t be tempted by other brands when this is one great bread machine and you will be happy with your decision for years.

Bread doesn't rise. Lousy customer service

Made two good loaves of bread. After that bread didn't rise even though I used the exact same ingredients. I called customer service the first day I had it, and the first time I used it, because the light/dark setting didn't work when whole wheat wad selected. The Panasonic rep had no idea how the machine worked and placed me on hold for 45 minutes while he tried to find out. He then tole me I would have to pay to ship it to the Panasonic repair center. I later found out on my own that the light/dark setting doesn't work when "whole wheat" is selected. Measurement in the recipes provided like 4 3/16's cups are difficult to measure. I have a huge problem with this machine and a bigger problem with Panasonic customer service having had similar support issues with a ... MoreMade two good loaves of bread. After that bread didn't rise even though I used the exact same ingredients. I called customer service the first day I had it, and the first time I used it, because the light/dark setting didn't work when whole wheat wad selected. The Panasonic rep had no idea how the machine worked and placed me on hold for 45 minutes while he tried to find out. He then tole me I would have to pay to ship it to the Panasonic repair center. I later found out on my own that the light/dark setting doesn't work when "whole wheat" is selected. Measurement in the recipes provided like 4 3/16's cups are difficult to measure. I have a huge problem with this machine and a bigger problem with Panasonic customer service having had similar support issues with a Panasonic shaver that I bought

Makes delicious bread

The machine was reasonably priced, and it bakes excellent bread, once you figure out how to use it. I build and repair computers, but this machine is beyond me. The instructions are retarded, no need to waste your time, and you will waste lots of it being sent from one page to another to complete the process. The recipe is on one page, the machine settings are on another page. Very awkward, not logical. It takes me longer to get the settings right, than walking to the bakery down the block. My first two loaves were bricks. I have to play with the buttons several minutes, and still can't get it to bake my way. Some options are disabled when choosing a type of loaf (i.e. French), I can't choose the crust darkness, or size of the loaf. The timer function is futile, ... MoreThe machine was reasonably priced, and it bakes excellent bread, once you figure out how to use it. I build and repair computers, but this machine is beyond me. The instructions are retarded, no need to waste your time, and you will waste lots of it being sent from one page to another to complete the process. The recipe is on one page, the machine settings are on another page. Very awkward, not logical. It takes me longer to get the settings right, than walking to the bakery down the block. My first two loaves were bricks. I have to play with the buttons several minutes, and still can't get it to bake my way. Some options are disabled when choosing a type of loaf (i.e. French), I can't choose the crust darkness, or size of the loaf. The timer function is futile, unless you keep this machine in your garage. You don't want it kneading at 3:00 a.m., too noisy. However, I got some delicious bread accidentally. Not with the dark crust that I'd like, but it's edible, This is my third bread machine, the previous two did not require instructions, they were intuitive.

Reliable

I had a Panasonic breadmaker for 30 years and just replaced due to bread pan finish wearing off. This pan is much larger than my previous one and the users manual gives you the option of 3 sizes. I made a small loaf and a medium one and will need to keep adjusting the recipe(for high altitude) to get the texture I like and got with my previous maker. This pan is lighter, but seems to have a good finish. One negative is that the controls are way too complicated and confusing and there is no cord storage. Other than that its a good value!

STILL a great bread machine overall.

I bought this same Panasonic SD-YD250 a couple of years ago used and I love it! One of my favorites is the whole wheat sandwich bread only made with half whole wheat flour and half white bread flour. Use the whole wheat sandwich setting - 5 hours. The recipes are easy to use and the settings are as well as long as you don't over think them. I have no regrets buying this now since it is so much less expensive than when it was new years ago. It is a good value when compared to new machines - they all do the same thing for the most part. You can make dough for pizza, dinner rolls, donuts; bake only for cakes; Basic, whole wheat, multigrain, French bread settings and recipes. Look up the manual online if you want to learn more about this machine. And yes, the bread pan ... MoreI bought this same Panasonic SD-YD250 a couple of years ago used and I love it! One of my favorites is the whole wheat sandwich bread only made with half whole wheat flour and half white bread flour. Use the whole wheat sandwich setting - 5 hours. The recipes are easy to use and the settings are as well as long as you don't over think them. I have no regrets buying this now since it is so much less expensive than when it was new years ago. It is a good value when compared to new machines - they all do the same thing for the most part. You can make dough for pizza, dinner rolls, donuts; bake only for cakes; Basic, whole wheat, multigrain, French bread settings and recipes. Look up the manual online if you want to learn more about this machine. And yes, the bread pan is easy to clean - just don't immerse it in water.

Simple, Easy and Effective Bread maker machine

This is my second unit. The first one last 5 years and I've purchased another brand to replace it, with new design, looks very nice and have all the technology, but it is very bad making bread. This Panasonic is simple and you will not find any other bread machine that can make a real bread with the size that show on the picture and taste good with the recipe included when you buy new. I've saved the instructions from my first one, since the second Panasonic was use came without book.

To all the folks that have problems using this machine, READ THE BOOK!!!!

This machine is extremely easy to use. Of course, certain buttons do not work in certain modes. They are totally unnecessary. From the time I decide to make a loaf of bread, never takes me more than 15 minutes until the machine is loaded and ready. After that, hit start and go away and leave it alone until it beeps to tell you the bread is done. I use several sources for my bread recipes but the one I recommend is "The No Fuss Bread Machine Cookbook" by Michelle Anderson. I actually have better results using these than the recipes included in the owner's manual. Less fuss and ingredients and better results. However, that is not to say the included recipes with the machine don't work well. They do. It's just a matter of personal preference. It's too bad that the ... MoreThis machine is extremely easy to use. Of course, certain buttons do not work in certain modes. They are totally unnecessary. From the time I decide to make a loaf of bread, never takes me more than 15 minutes until the machine is loaded and ready. After that, hit start and go away and leave it alone until it beeps to tell you the bread is done. I use several sources for my bread recipes but the one I recommend is "The No Fuss Bread Machine Cookbook" by Michelle Anderson. I actually have better results using these than the recipes included in the owner's manual. Less fuss and ingredients and better results. However, that is not to say the included recipes with the machine don't work well. They do. It's just a matter of personal preference. It's too bad that the folks that make non-stick cookware don't use the same coating that's on the bread pan of this machine. My bread hasn't ever stuck in this machine's pan in over 3 years of constant use and you don't use anything to oil or grease the bread pan. After making a loaf of bread, give it a quick wipe out with a damp paper towel and it's ready to go again. Couldn't be easier. I've seen comments about the noise the machines makes when it's mixing or kneading the dough. It's a lot quieter than my washer or dryer. I also only use mybread machine in the kitchen, not close to my bedroom. I never hear it when I use the timer function to have bread ready around the time I wake-up in the morning. Bottom line, take the time to read and understand the manual and you won't go wrong with this machine. Highly recommended.

Very happy with this purchase

Originally I was looking into a much cheaper version of a bread maker since I wasn't really sure how much I'd use it. My mom insisted on this Panasonic because of the automatic yeast dispenser, and that she had previously owned one she loved.I cannot thank her enough for her suggestion. I love this bread maker! It is super simple to use, and comes with a few great recipes to start with. I really like the rapid bake option as well. Fresh bread in under 2 hours is fantastic. The bread has always turned out great, and I've used it every other day since I received my order.The only complaints I have are that it is a bit bulky, and the outer body gets super hot while baking. That's understandable, but I have two young kids, so it makes me a little nervous. Still, I ... MoreOriginally I was looking into a much cheaper version of a bread maker since I wasn't really sure how much I'd use it. My mom insisted on this Panasonic because of the automatic yeast dispenser, and that she had previously owned one she loved.I cannot thank her enough for her suggestion. I love this bread maker! It is super simple to use, and comes with a few great recipes to start with. I really like the rapid bake option as well. Fresh bread in under 2 hours is fantastic. The bread has always turned out great, and I've used it every other day since I received my order.The only complaints I have are that it is a bit bulky, and the outer body gets super hot while baking. That's understandable, but I have two young kids, so it makes me a little nervous. Still, I would recommend this bread maker to anyone. I'm completely satisfied with this purchase!