The rapid function provides a full loaf in two hours and the keep warm option, which seems to be becoming a staple extra on all bread makers at the moment, can last for up to 60 minutes. However, as this breadmaker only has two loaf size options, 750g and 900g, it doesn't provide as much variety a lot of other brands. Included with the device are a single measuring cup and spoon, bread pain and a mixing blade. An instruction manual, containing several recipes, is also included. The Andrew James breadmaker has many of the features that you’d expect from a mid-range bread machine, and some that you wouldn’t! There’s no doubting that it’s an extremely versatile device, with programmes for cakes, pizza dough and jam along with the standard bread cycles. This is a small basket where yeast or other add-ins, such as nuts, sultanas, chocolate and others, sit. Instead of stopping the kneading process and manually adding the ingredients, an automatic ingredient dispenser will do it for you at the right time. Delay timer

It seems that this machine has thought of everything, there is even a little light so that you can look through the viewing window and see the bread cooking even when it is dark. First you have to ask why in god's name would you be standing in the kitchen in the dark, and secondly how much time have you got on your hands if you can stand and watch bread cook, but apart from that, it's there if you want it. Where all bread makers will have the standard white and wholemeal settings, as you’ll see with our top-scorers, many of them come with much more. To make the most of your machine look out for bread makers that not only make bread but other items too. Speciality bread While they’re not a necessity, there are a number of features that some bread makers come with that only serve to enhance the baking experience. Automatic ingredient dispenser The bread maker has a 16 hour delay timer which is one of the longest available with any machine at the moment. This makes it easy to set up the ingredients the night before and wake up to fresh bread early the next morning. There are two bread size settings available, 700g and 900g. If you need a larger loaf than this then you’ll need to choose a different machine. The Andrew James Premium Bread Maker does let you choose the colour of the crust, a feature which isn’t available on cheaper models such as the Morphy Richards 48330.

Summary

Second only to the smell of fresh bread is warm bread. A keep-warm setting will keep your freshly baked bread warm for up to an hour after the programme has finished. Bread maker settings and features to look out for This setting will ferment and incubate at the right temperatures needed for making yoghurt. Pasta and pizza dough Use the dough option to mix and raise your bread in the maker before styling it to cook in the oven for various shapes and styles of bread or select the colour of your final crust in the machine with the three separate options available. The 13 hour programmable delay timer will ensure you have your bread fresh and warm whenever you want it.

Every effort is made to ensure the above price comparison table is kept up to date. However, we do apologise if you experience an inconsistancy in the data. Premium Breadmaker Review A delay timer means that ingredients can be added to the mixing bowl hours in advance so you have freshly baked bread the moment you need it. Great if you’d like bread with your dinner, or want to wake up to a fresh loaf. Viewing window The Andrew James Premium Bread Maker is an interesting looking device to say the least! With its sleek curves, LCD screen and stylish design it’s certainly one of the most attractive bread makers on the market at the moment. Its RRP makes it one of the most expensive bread makers, and for this price it can’t compete with models such as the Panasonic SD2501WXC, Kenwood BM450 and even the slightly cheaper Panasonic SD-2500WXC. Fortunately, this bread maker often retails for much less, and at this price point it’s a more viable option. Andrew James Premium Bread Maker Features French: A crisp crust that is light in colour, soft and airy inside What else can I make in a bread maker? Yoghurt Pasta is typically messy to make, this setting will knead the ingredients together before needing to be chilled in the fridge. And pizza dough is notoriously wet, and therefore can be just as messy. This setting will knead the ingredients and let the dough prove before it’s ready to be used for pizza. JamThere are 12 optional programs so you won't be limited to the products that you can create. These include everything from the standard bread varieties through to jams, pizza dough and cakes but if you do want to explore your creative side, the 'home made' setting enables you to develop a tailored made program just for you. To help you out, we’ve listed the size dimensions of each of our top-scoring bread makers. If you’re after a simple-to-use and clever machine that makes bakery-quality bread, then a bread maker is a great option. What should I look for when buying a bread maker? The best part of buying a high end brand is the finish, and the Premium bread maker from Andrew James certainly has style. We think it is probably one of the most good looking bread makers on the market and will look fabulous in almost any kitchen. One of the most exciting features of this bread maker is the automatic nut and raisin dispenser. The automatic dispenser means you don’t have to worry about adding ingredients at exactly the right time during the baking cycle – it’s all handled for you automatically. This feature usually isn’t available for bread makers in this price range, and certainly makes the machine an attractive option compared to competing models.