Making delicious homemade bread is easier than you think, but the process can be time-consuming. Investing in a bread maker offers a convenient solution, automating the kneading, rising, and baking process. However, with numerous models available at varying price points, choosing the right machine can be challenging. This comprehensive comparison pits two popular contenders against each other: the premium Panasonic bread maker and the more budget-friendly Morphy Richards Home Bake. We delve into their features, performance, and overall value to help you determine which bread maker best suits your needs and budget.This review explores the key differences between these two machines, examining their ease of use, program options, and, most importantly, the quality of the bread they produce. A World Bread Award winner, Graeme, puts both models to the test using both simple white bread and a more complex brioche recipe. Discover which machine reigns supreme in terms of functionality, baking performance, and ultimately, the deliciousness of the final product. Read on to find out if the higher price tag of the Panasonic justifies its superior performance or if the Morphy Richards offers excellent value for money.
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Ingredient Costs and Time Savings
Making bread at home is surprisingly affordable. With just flour, water, salt, and yeast, the cost is significantly less than a store-bought loaf. However, the process can be time-consuming.
Automating bread making with a machine simplifies the process. But the question remains: how much should you invest for good value?
Panasonic Bread Maker: Premium Features
The Panasonic bread maker is a premium model, boasting 32 programs, automatic nut and raisin dispensers, and an automatic yeast dispenser.
It also features a 13-hour delay timer for fresh bread in the morning. This model is highly rated in Ideal Home and Good Housekeeping magazines.
Morphy Richards Home Bake: Budget-Friendly Option
The Morphy Richards Home Bake is a more budget-friendly alternative, costing considerably less than the Panasonic.
While it has fewer programs (14), it still offers a delay timer and a convenient viewing window to monitor the baking process.
Expert Review: First Impressions and Feature Comparison
The reviewer, Graeme, a World Bread Award winner, initially favors the Morphy Richards due to its compact size and helpful viewing window.
The Panasonic's automatic dispensers are noted as an advantage, though not essential. The reviewer highlights the importance of initial mixing before yeast activation.
Baking Test: White Loaf
Both machines were used to bake a medium white loaf following manufacturer instructions. The Panasonic's baking time was 4 hours, while the Morphy Richards took 3 hours.
The reviewer noted some unmixed flour in the Morphy Richards loaf after baking, but both loaves looked acceptable.
Taste Test: White Loaf
The Panasonic loaf exhibited a better structure, springier, and with a significant rise. The Morphy Richards loaf was denser and slightly cakey.
The Panasonic's more open crumb structure was superior in texture. The reviewer deemed the Panasonic the clear winner for the white loaf test.
Baking Test: Brioche
A more complex brioche recipe was attempted. The Panasonic offered more program versatility allowing for adjusted kneading and rising times.
The Morphy Richards had a single dough program. The Panasonic experienced a temporary mixing stoppage but recovered; the Morphy Richards handled the ingredients smoothly.
Taste Test: Brioche & Final Verdict
The Panasonic brioche was far superior in appearance and texture, while the Morphy Richards' dough was too slack and difficult to shape.
The Panasonic consistently outperformed the Morphy Richards in both tests. Although significantly more expensive, the superior results justify the higher price for those seeking top-quality bread.
