Providing myriad options, this automatic bread maker embodies the marvels of 21st century electronic convenience and choice. Yes, it mixes, kneads, rises, and bakes bread in three loaf sizes up to 2-1/2 pounds. But its digital controls go much further, offering settings for white, whole wheat, multigrain, and French (crisp crust, open texture) breads, each made according to what's best for that particular style. Other settings permit rapid baking and baking sandwich bread with a soft crust. For raisin (or other dried-fruit) bread, a beeper signals when to add the fruit so it's not crushed during kneading. Crust color--dark or light--can be selected as well.

The machine automatically adds yeast at the proper time from a dispenser on the unit's lid. It also bakes non-yeast, quick breads-- like banana and gingerbread--and sweet cakes. And it mixes, kneads, and rises doughs for pizza, focaccia, croissants, and other pastries without baking them. A timer permits the machine to be programmed up to 13 hours in advance so fresh bread or cake is available for breakfast or dinner. For cleanup convenience, the baking pan is nonstick. Clad in metal and packing 550 watts of power, the machine measures 14 inches wide, 13.5 inches high, and 9 inches deep. Its instruction booklet is exceptionally easy to understand and includes recipes for 40 breads and doughs along with an insightful guide to baking basics and illustrated tips for making pastries. --Fred Brack

Most Recent Customer Reviews

Date : 2010-03-11
Summary : Works Great!
Takes little counter space and works as promised. Have used 7-10 times already and bread came out perfect. Well made with good construction and easy to understand directions. Great value for price charged.

Date : 2010-03-10
Summary : Perfect!
This is a great bread machine. It makes perfect loaves every time. I had the earlier model of this bread machine for over 15 years and it never fails (except when you forget to put in the yeast!).

Date : 2010-03-09
Summary : Best I've Used
Love it! For the record, I only make pizza dough. I retired a Breadman and first replaced it with a Cuisinart. Hated the Cuisinart and returned it (flimsy pan constantly popped out of place). I love the Panasonic. The unit seems to be built really well and the sturdy pan stays in place.

I use my own recipe for pizza dough because I didn't like the one in their cookbook and it works perfectly. It's actually the best dough I've made with this same recipe. I don't know if it's the timed release of yeast or the way it kneads but the dough has been noticeably better with this machine. I highly recommend it.

Date : 2010-03-06
Summary : Burned bread - used for 4 loaves
I bought this breadmaker for Christmas. I've made 4 loaves and EVERY one was scorched, dark, and hard outside. My Welbilt, bought for about $39, lasted years and made good bread. This is such a disappointment! From reading the reviews, it's not worth sending it in for repairs since Panasonic doesn't seem to care to repair. It would be in their best interest to just replace the bad ones. I'll not buy another Panasonic anything. This is just awful. Going back to find another Welbilt for under $50. At least it made wonderful bread!


Date : 2010-03-05
Summary : A workhorse of a bread machine!
I bake bread almost twice a day. Usually one whole grain and one white per day. I used to go through a bread machine in 9 months..year at the most. I've had this one for over 6 years and I LOVE it! I wore the bread pan out and have had to replace it, but other than that it's been my kitchen buddy! It's so easy to use my son and husband can operate it. If you are a serious bread maker, don't even get a Breadman or the ilk. They are for the holiday bread maker. This Panasonic will definitely answer all your needs.