Sagethe Custom Loaf Bread Maker

Not cheap but perfect loaves every time and looks stunning. Not small but also not as big as some seem to say, I have a small kitchen and had no problems finding a place for it.I have never been able to bake so much as a bean but I’m already experimenting and finding that whatever I throw at it comes out great.It looks and feels extremely high quality and the controls are easy to understand.

Stunning piece of machinery. I’ve had mine for a week now and have made a white loaf, wholemeal loaf, crusty loaf and pizza dough. So simple to use and the results are really impressive. I suggest reading the manual and downloading the free recipe book ( I saved it to my kindle app on the iPad for quick reference) to really understand the process: I misread the timing chart and thought the machine wasn’t working as the preheat stage for wholemeal took longer than I thought I had read.. it can take a while so dont worry!I also invested in some Vitamn C powder (bread improver) and can say it was an amazing addition. the crusty loaf was light as a feather and rose magnificently.You can choose size of loaf, crust colour and so much more. You can make pizza dough, regular dough for rolls to cook in oven, pasta dough and even jam!I chose this model as I’m a big fan of Heston and his attention to details and can honestly say I’ve been browsing other Sage products to see what else I can save for.This is a beautiful machine.. no more shop bought bread for me, I can be sure my family’s bread is good and honest now.

This is big. Yes big, check the dimensions first and ensure you have room enough on your worktop, and a cupboard or somewhere to put it afterwards! However I like the Sage range of products, and this is the third Sage addition to the kitchen. I have a Nespresso Machine and the Boss To Go blender. I have always wondered about getting a bread maker, my parents have one and I got bread from them now and then, so I wondered if I really needed it. But with lockdown I made it a mission to get one, then the challenge of flour but thats another story.Mine came with the recipe book, so I am surprised a few didn't. It has a lot of variations in there, apart from a basic sourdough. I resorted to the Internet to see how best to do it. There are lots of options, including making doughs for pizza, and jams. I have mainly stuck to a crusty loaf which is French style. I have also made the cranberry and pistachio, chocolate chip bread. I have found the recipes require a little tinkering. Mainly adding a bit more water than it states. This can be added during the kneading process if the dough doesn't look quite right. If using a bread mix instead, check what is in it, you don't have to add the yeast or salt. However as dry activated yeast starts working when wet, if you want to delay your bread, you will have to get everything separate and ensure wet stuff at the bottom, dry on top so it doesn't mix until you want it to.The paddle does not always collapse. The dough does tend to get into the moving parts which stops it from fully collapsing despite me cleaning it after use with a small thin brush. However I have always had great results. There is nothing that beats fresh, warm bread with butter on it. There are cheaper alternatives, like a Panasonic or Tower brand models, they sometimes come with extras as well. Both produce great bread. I would say if you are loyal to Sage get this. It is a fingerprint magnet, and will also dent easily if not careful. There is a slot behind the maker for storing the instructions and recipe booklet.Noise wise, you will hear it during the kneading parts of the making, also the fruit/nut/fillings dispenser makes a loud noise when it empties.4 stars, one off for expensive and the size. But I am happy with it. No doubt I'll get fatter. Better get on the bike more.

cooks a loaf,like nothing else, and its huge. the bread that is, cuts well and stores well in the freezer.superb. update,, dont be put off by this, you will all get to the point where the paddle gets worn a bit.then you will struggle to clean the paddles shaft area. here is the quick and total cure for the paddle.remove the paddle, and get a small allen key i think its 1.5mm and undo the screws just until both ends come off the shaft. clean out the holes and dry thoroughly... the drip a very small amount of threadlock from a car store.its a autos version of super glue, but much better. only drip into the side that fits the drive shaft. then push the shaft into the wet hole, fit it right down,until the allen screw lines up with the machined groove on the shaft,you will see a groove on each end. if the shaft will not go into the hole well, release the allen screw so air can pass by the shaft and it will let it go in. once in place, before it has time to dry, tighten that allen screw all the way in.stand the job upright for the time it takes to dry. give it 2 days so you will be sure the shaft is rock hard.total time for the repair is 15 minutes. if you dont do this mod, it will lock up with bread dust and lock up in 1 position forever, and thats no good for you and your bread. i have had no trouble since i did mine. the folding end washes out well and quick. (ONLY GLUE THE DRIVE SHAFT END)

Got recommended this model buy a friend. Made lots of loaves in it perfect every time. No UPFnow from supermarket bread! Would recommend as using it twice a week and great so far. Just chuck in the ingredients- water flour salt sugar and oil and leave it to work its magic. Delay button means you have warm bread ready in the morning