virgo_goddess's Full Review: Panasonic SD-YD250 Bread Machine
Previously, I had the Panasonic SD-YD200, which lasted for 9 years until the belt gave out this summer- I still think that's amazing. Thinking it was time for an upgrade, I bought the SD-YD250 off Amazon for 99.99 with free shipping.
There are a LOT more features on this machine than on my older one:
1)crust colour setting
This is an improvement, as with the previous version the crust tended to be too light for our taste.
2)loaf size setting
Well, the medium sized loaf is the same as the sandwich size setting so I don't see the need for that, but it's nice that it makes larger sized loaves as opposed to my previous machine that made either medium or large loaves.
3)pizza dough setting
THIS IS GREAT!!! On the SD-YD200, *all* doughs took 2 1/2 hours to make, and that was too far in advance to always know if you want pizza that day. This setting allows you to make pizza and focaccia in *45 minutes*! I can make the pizza decision at 5pm and have the pizza ready by 6pm for dinner.
4) French Bread setting
Okay, *6 hours* to make a loaf of bread is silly! Looking at the manual, I cannot see the need for that length of time. Might be fun to try on a day where you can plan ahead, though.
5)Bake Only setting (for cakes)
I'm sorry, but I never understood the need for a bread machine to make quick bread, cakes and jams. This looks like something stuck in to make people more interested, but come on! It doesn't even mix the ingredients for you, you mix them outside the machine, remove the paddle and LINE THE PAN WITH PARCHMENT PAPER (!?!?!?!), then pour in the batter. Oh for goodness sake, just use your oven!
However, as much as there are some drawbacks that have carried over from the old machine (no window, timer setting does not work for all cycles- nudge to Panasonic!), this is *still* the best machine for the money!!
I spent $300 CND on my SD-YD200 9 years ago, and this one was only $100 US (at parity with CDN $), the same amount as a replacement bread pan from Panasonic!
The last 2 cons on this machine are:
a) this is not sold in Canada anymore, so I had to have it shipped to a US address after having to order it through a US supplier
b) this machine is now made in China, instead of Japan where my previous machine was made. I wonder if THIS machine will last 9 years before it wears out.
The final PRO for this machine (and for my previous machine): all the parts are replaceable. You can go online, buy the service manual for $20, buy replacement parts and in essence fix it yourself when it breaks down. I am planning on buying a replacement belt for my old machine, replacing the belt myself (which is easy), and thus having 2 great bread machines.
SD-YD250 automatic Bread Maker with YeastPro Yeast Dispenser which automatically releases the yeast at the proper time, which helps ensure perfect bre...More at PCNation
Enjoy warm, satisfying, bakery-fresh bread whenever the mood strikes. This automatic bread maker puts you in control with your choice of six baking mo...More at QVC
Mixes, kneads, rises, and bakes in 3 loaf sizes, up to 2-1/2 pounds Settings for white, whole wheat, multigrain, French, quick breads/cakes 13-hour de...More at Amazon
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