Panasonic SD-YR2540 Fully Automatic Bread maker, with Yeast/Raisin & Nuts Dispenser, 32 Programmes, 4 Gluten-Free Mode, Dual Temperature Sensors, 13 Hours Digital Timer, Stainless

I was eagerly anticipating the arrival of this breadmaker, and it did not disappoint. With an impressive array of programmes, I'm excited to experiment with a variety of breads and pizza dough. The machine is slightly larger than others I've owned, and I appreciate the sturdy metal construction and sleek design. It comes equipped with a handy sourdough cup for precise water measurements, a measuring spoon, and a specialised spoon for the sourdough starter, all of which underscore the thoughtfulness of its design. Using it is a breeze, and the included operating instructions and recipe booklet have proven to be incredibly helpful. This versatile machine allows me to bake loaves ranging from medium, large to extra large, and I can choose from medium, dark, or light crusts to suit my preferences. The breadpan removes easily, too. I couldn't wait to test it out, so I quickly gathered the recommended ingredients for a classic white loaf. To my delight, it wasn't long before the machine delivered a beautifully risen loaf, its aroma wafting through the kitchen. The first bite was nothing short of heavenly—there's truly something magical about fresh, homemade bread. I've also tried my hand at whole wheat bread, which turned out just as delightful, with a robust flavour that was hard to resist. Fuelled by my successful attempts, I'm eager to make spelt bread, another reason for investing in this outstanding breadmaker. Overall, this premium appliance is a fantastic addition to my kitchen, promising to keep me busy and fulfilled for months ahead. I wholeheartedly recommend this breadmaker to anyone who shares a passion for baking!

I had never made bread by hand. I’ve always wanted to but lacked the confidence to try. I believe this stems from my bitter childhood experiences with authoritarian home economic teachers who would shout and punish you for the slightest mistakes made which has in turn left me to fear anything to do with cooking. But when I put my mind to it I can follow simple recipes, and with a hankering to try my hand at bread making whilst avoiding my lack of knowledge of how to make dough, I decided a bread making machine was the way to go. So, I went for the plunge and brought the best model out there, the Panasonic YR2540. I can confidently make bread whilst avoiding the laborious mixing, kneading, proving, and baking as this can be all done by my bread machine. All I have to do is weigh out a few simple ingredients and let the machine do all the work. My confidence in baking has drastically improved since I got this machine. I can now make many types of bread with maximum flavour and minimal fuss, or stress. This machine has over 30 settings allowing you to make whole choice of breads from simple white and traditional wholemeal loafs to speciality breads made with flours such as spelt and rye, gluten free, and all manner of flavoured breads. It also has a cake mixing and cake backing settings allowing you to make all types of cakes. You can also use ready made bread mix and cake mix that you can buy from the supermarkets. This model also has an automatic yeast dispenser, and a fruit and nut dispenser. Plus, it has a timer so you can wake up to the smell of freshly made bread. The instruction booklet has many recipes. These are also available on the Panasonic website which are good but the recipes are not that easy to follow as aimed more for the American market. There is however a conversion chart on the website which helps you to convert US named flour types to UK ones. I tend to follow recipes provided in a really good book called “Brilliant Breadmaking In Your Bread Machine” by Catherine Atkinson, which is easier to follow as the recipe ingredients and measurements are for the UK market. Overall, I highly recommend the Panasonic YR2540 bread machine as its one of the best. Now I can fill my home with the wonderful aroma of freshly backed bread! The only negative point was the delivery as it arrived without being inside a delivery box. I don’t like this because I don’t want anyone seeing what’s been delivered to me. An outer box helps to protect the original box which in my case arrived with the corners crushed in. Luckily the item within the original packaging wasn’t damaged! Update 20/06/25. This bread maker also has a jam setting, so today I made jam for the very first time which turned out really well. If you search Google for Jam recipes you will find a number specifically for bread machines.

I am in love with this machine! It is fabulous and so easy to use. I have been baking bread almost daily. I generally bake the 400g Italian loaf for everyday use. It takes me less than 5 minutes to load the machine, program it and switch it on. Unlike a previous bread maker that I tried many years ago, this one has a tiny paddle that only leaves a small hole and a neat notch in the base of the loaf as opposed to tearing the middle of the loaf out as I had in the previous machine. It is expensive but I already think it’s worth it. No more steamed mass produced bread for us. The Italian loaf tastes great and slices as finely as you could want. Who wouldn’t want constant fresh bread that tastes wonderful and can be sliced thick or thin? The shape of the 400g loaf fits perfectly into my toaster. I get three loaves out of a bag of flour. If you like proper bread and are used to paying for it then this bread maker will save money in the long run. It makes the house smell divine too. As a last note to mention…I thought I would over eat this bread because it tastes so good but I find it strangely filling even when sliced thinner than average which makes me wonder what is in packet bread because that always made me unsatisfied and hungry again quickly.

Onky used for bread mix from supermarket at the moment, but easy to use and perfect loaves every time

I've had this machine over a year now and I love it. I've not even come close to using all the settings, despite my best intentions, but I have tried a few different types of loafs and had some amazing successes. I've found the recipe leaflet that is included brilliant. So much so I actually haven't used anything else, as the recipes work for what I want. I have experimented with different ingredients (eg honey instead of sugar etc) and seen a big difference in the density of the loaf, so would definitely say, follow the recipe to the T and you'll find the loaf comes out better than when you tweak. But equally it's wonderful for giving you the flexibility to play and find out what you like / don't like. It's a chonky piece of kit and does take up a reasonable amount of counter space, but is so easy to use. I can prep a loaf now in less than 5 mins and then 3-5 hours later I have a fantastic loaf of bread, with zero effort. Am v happy I opted for this (I did consider cheaper alternatives as I wasn't sure I could justify it as a new baker), it's been brilliant and a year later is still going strong. Would happily recommend.

Not bought any shop bought bread since having this (around 8 months). So easy to use and tried a few different varieties and as yet, never let us down. Being able to seperate the yeast from the other ingredients is a game changer in being able to delay making te bread and the smell of waking up to freshly baked breat is not helping the waistline. We got it during a discount so was great value for money

OMG I love this breadmaker. It's easy and simple to use, makes three sized loaves and three crust levels. Easy to clean. It's the best I have ever used. Yes it's pricey, but you get what you pay for. It is without a doubt the best I have ever had.

This machine is an excellent piece of kit, producing pretty much everything “Loaf” and everything “Kneaded and Proved” if you want Rolls or Baguettes, and in doing so this machine pretty much removes all of the hard work in making dough, leaving you just to bake it! It’s a pity it doesn't have a range of trays that you can insert into the machine for other bread shapes, but thats a minor issue as the lack of such trays is really just an inconvenience in the process. It’s central core is the loaf and it does this brilliantly basically add the ingredients set the size, bake colour and timer and abracadabra great tasting breads when you want it; with a cost per loaf of about 50 percent of that of the shop bought loaf. That’s not to say it will save you money as the £200ish price tag will take some time to recover, but warm fresh bread everyday without any preservatives or additives is a compensation that goes a long way in payback for that overhead! It fits into my Kitchen very nicely and is about the same size as a microwave, is easy to maintain and clean. Its digital readout is self explanatory and with menu options printed alongside for reference. So if you like fresh bread and can swallow the machine cost for what is clearly well designed and built and turns out great results you can purchase this with confidence…