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
From the Manufacturer
There's nothing quite like the warm aroma of freshly baked homemade bread from the oven. With the help of this user-friendly bread machine, even those with a busy, on-the-go schedule can enjoy this simple pleasure--without the time-consuming hard work normally associated with baking bread. Just add ingredients, press a few buttons, and it takes care of the rest.
Soft-touch control panel with LCD digital display and 13-hour preset timer. |
Easily Bake Bread or Create Dough
Bake loaves of white or whole wheat bread for slicing and slathering with butter and jam or for making sandwiches. Create croissant or pizza dough for shaping by hand and baking in the oven. Make the classic fruitcake to serve during the holidays. From basic recipes to custom creations, the bread machine produces delicious results--and without the additives and preservatives found in store-bought brands. A recipe book with over 50 original bread and dough recipes comes included.
Customizable Settings
The unit's top-access, soft-touch, push-button control panel with an LCD digital display helps ensure easy programming. Choose from three different loaf sizes (medium, large, or extra large) and the crust color (light, medium, or dark). It also offers up to six different types of bread or dough options--Basic, Whole Wheat, Multi-Grain, French, Pizza, and Cake. Baking modes include Bake Only (great for fruitcakes, gingerbread, and teacakes); Rapid Bake (reduces the baking time of basic and whole-wheat breads); Raisin (offers an audible beep to signal when to add raisins, dried fruits, or nuts into the dough); and Sandwich (produces bread with a soft crust). Dough modes include Pizza, Rolls, and Raisin Dough. Best of all, the appliance comes equipped with a digital timer, which can be set up to 13 hours in advance--great for waking up to the smell of freshly baked bread. Or set the timer before leaving for work in the morning so that a warm loaf will be ready and waiting after a long day at the office. Simply slice it up and serve with dinner.
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| Choose from 3 loaf sizes and 3 crust shades from light to dark. |
Healthy and Nutritious
Baking bread at home allows for ultimate control over the finished product. By using only the freshest ingredients and making choices between a variety of options, homemade bread can be an important part of a well-balanced diet--for both young and older family members alike. High in fiber and low in fat, bread contains a wealth of beneficial components. It provides complex carbohydrates needed for energy, protein for strong muscles, and vitamins and minerals, including calcium and iron for healthy bones and teeth. Add nutrient-rich eggs to the recipe or choose whole-grain flour for an extra boost of fiber, iron, vitamins, and minerals. Mixing in nuts and dried fruits not only add to the pleasing consistency and taste of the finished product, but they're also another way to add to the overall health factor.
Yeast dispenser automatically adds yeast at optimal time to ensure perfect results. |
Ultimate Convenience
Thoughtfully designed, the bread machine also supplies a YeastPro automatic yeast dispenser. Just add a measured amount of yeast into the holder on the unit's lid, and the machine will automatically dispense the yeast in with the other ingredients at the perfect time for optimal results. Even more, the unit's inner bake pan comes fitted with a wire handle (use an oven mitt when hot) for easily removing it from the appliance when the bread has finished baking. The pan's nonstick coating allows baked bread to slide easily out of the pan onto a cutting board or a wire rack to fully cool for easier slicing.
Inner bake pan offers built-in handle and nonstick coating for effortless bread removal. |
Unique Design for Professional Results
Unlike other bread machines, the unit does not offer a viewing window. The absence of a viewing window allows a more even reflection of heat inside the unit, which offers the following three advantages: excellent crust, good rising, and even color. The machine also benefits from a unique temperature-control program that automatically optimizes the temperatures and times for each stage of the process. Its comprehensive microprocessor program makes slight adjustments as needed to ensure perfectly baked bread regardless of conditions like climate and room temperature.
Panasonic delivers excellent results regardless of different types of ingredients used, different seasons, and different room temperatures. |
In addition to the recipe book, accessories include a measuring spoon, a measuring cup, and a kneading blade that fits onto the base of the inner pan for thoroughly mixing ingredients. Other highlights include a top-loading locking lid, a handy indicator light to show when the baking or dough cycle has completed, a safety fuse for peace of mind, and power-interruption protection that allows the baking process to resume even when there's an interruption in power for approximately 10 minutes or less. All parts should be hand washed only. The small appliance comes in a compact design that fits neatly on the kitchen countertop. Keep it out for everyday use or store it on a shelf or in the pantry when finished. Awarded the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, the 550-watt bread machine measures 13-3/8 by 9-1/16 by 14 inches, weighs about 15 pounds, and carries a one-year limited warranty.
Features
- 550-watt bread machine bakes medium-, large-, and extra-large-size loaves
- Light to dark crust color; 6 types of bread or dough options; automatic yeast dispenser
- Soft-touch, push-button control panel with LCD digital display; 13-hour digital timer
- Removable inner bake pan with wire handle and nonstick coating
- Includes measuring spoon, measuring cup, kneading blade, and recipe booklet
- Measures 13-3/8 by 9-1/16 by 14 inches; 1-year limited warranty
Technical Specifications
| Model/Size | | Model number | SD-YD250 | | Loaf Size | Medium / Large / Extra-Large | | Design | | Color | White | | Inner Pan | Nonstick-Coated Inner Pan/Handle | | Cover | Top-Loading Locking Lid | | Dispenser | Top-Loading Yeast or Raisin Dispenser | | Display | LCD Digital Display | | Performance | | Crust Control | Dark - Medium - Light | | Bake/Dough Modes | Bake Mode: Bake, Rapid Bake, Raisin, and Sandwich
Dough Mode: Pizza, Rolls or Raisin Dough | | Bread Options | Basic, Whole Wheat, Multi-Grain, French, Pizza, Cake | | Timer | 13-Hour Preset | | Indicator Lights | Baking or Dough Operation Completed |
| | | Convenience | | Recipe Booklet | Yes | | Power-Interruption Protection | Yes | | Accessories | | Measuring Spoon | Yes | | Measuring Cup | Yes | | Kneading Blade | Yes | | Recipe Booklet | Yes | | Power | | Supply | 120 AC; 60Hz | | Cooking Setting | 550 Watts | | Safety Fuse | Yes | | Dimensions/Weight | | Unit (W x D x H) | 13-3/8 by 9-1/16 by 14 inches | | Weight | 15 Pounds |
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by Beth Hensperger
