Less expensive than some of its counterparts, its features still allow the user to bake not only bread, but cakes, pizza dough, and even jam.
While some other breadmakers are quite bulky, this one’s compact size makes it easy to find a home for without having to remodel your kitchen.
This reasonably priced little gadget is great value for the money. It competes nicely with some of the other models above its price range, with mostly positive reviews.
Let’s take a look at what it has to offer.
Compact in size, but not in features:
- 3 loaf sizes – 1 lb, 1.6lbs, and 2.2 lbs
- 3 crust shades
- 55 minute bread cycle
- 12 programmable settings
- 13 hour bake delay
- 1 hour warming setting
- Digital controls
- Digital display
- Nonstick pan and paddle
- Dishwasher safe
- 7 minute power disruption memory recall
- Large porthole for viewing
With three loaf sizes and crust shades, plus 12 settings, there’s a loaf for everyone in this machine. It also has a 55 minute quick cycle if you need to whip up some bread in a hurry! Its delayed baking feature can be programmed at night to start a loaf in the morning and have it baked fresh and ready for dinner.
Bread, cakes, dough, and more!
Can’t decide which type you want? Make one of everything! From basic white bread to specialty malt loaf, you can have a different type of bread at nearly every meal, and jam to boot! Programme recipes include:
- Basic
- French
- Whole wheat
- Cake
- Sweet dough
- Jam
- Sandwich
- Gluten free
- Fast bake l
- Fast bake ll
- Specialty (malt loaf)
- Jam
These 12 programme settings ensure that not only is the palate pleased, but that special dietary requirements can be met as well (see below). There are also two fast bake programmes which will cut the breadmaking time down to 55 or 80 minutes, as opposed to the basic 3 hours and 20 minutes needed for other recipes. The bread texture and density are a little different on these options, but still a delicious alternative when in a hurry. And if you really want to make your breadmaking simple, you can purchase pre-made bread mixes where all you need to do is add the wet ingredients and go!
Special Dietary Requirements
When using a breadmaker you can control what ingredients are used. No longer do you need to labour over bread labels in the shops in order to find a brand that does not contain certain ingredients. Many people have milk allergies or need gluten free products. When using a breadmaker, you know exactly what you are getting because you decide what ingredients to use.
Homemade bread can be made milk free or gluten free. (Some recipes can even be low fat/salt.) The manufacturer includes a recipe in the instruction manual for gluten free bread and even suggests using Juvela as a gluten free mix. For additional recipes, one reviewer recommends using Carolyn Humphries ‘Gluten Free Bread and Cakes’ recipes available on Amazon.
And don’t forget, homemade bread has no preservatives – which is better for everybody!
Style
This model’s compact size allows it to fit easily on the counter, and the lid can be opened fully (90 degrees) without hitting the cupboards above. For those who can’t resist a peek, the viewing porthole is perfect for checking the bread’s progress, which also permits the baker to adjust the recipe as needed during the kneading cycle. The unit is white, with digital controls and a countdown display.
Product dimensions (as assembled) are as follows:
| Height | 29.8 cm |
| Width | 27.3 cm |
| Depth | 31.8 cm |
| Weight | 4.4 kg |
Reliability
The Russell Hobbs 18036 Breadmaker is great for all types of bread bakers, from beginners to seasoned users. The reviews indicate most people are very happy with their purchases and are still using the machine after 2 years or more.
The only issues that have come up to date with this particular model are 1) it can be somewhat noisy, notable for those intending to set it to bake overnight; 2) sometimes the crust does not brown as dark as desired. It’s hard to tell if this is a product issue or a user issue, as many reviews indicate the crust browned very nicely; and 3) it doesn’t come with any measuring tools but users have said that they just use the standard cutlery and cups that they already had which seemed to work fine for them. However, the instruction manual contains tips to troubleshoot problems that may come up. Overall, this product received high scores on Amazon, with over 77% of users give it a 4 to 5 star rating.
Summary
While some of the higher-end models contain extras such as fancy recipe books and measuring spoons, this model forgoes these items in order to provide a reasonable price for bread baking enthusiasts on a budget. If the recipes in the instruction manual are not enough to keep the baker entertained and satiated, there are lots of recipe books for bread machines available on Amazon and in bookstores.
The Russell Hobbs 18036 Breadmaker is a great value for the money. It has nearly all of the features of more expensive models and users are happy overall with their purchases. The large variety of programmable features allows users to make almost any type of bread they like, and select from three sizes for the one just right for them. It has a timer for delayed baking, and a viewing porthole to keep track of progress. Its compact size ensures that it will fit nearly anywhere in the kitchen.
It contains a thorough instruction booklet with recipes for a variety of breads and jams, and troubleshooting tips to ensure the final product is nothing less than perfect.
So, if you’re hungry for homemade bread, cakes, dough, and jam but are not ready to invest in a high end model, this is the breadmaker for you.