Neretva Bread Maker 20-IN-1. Dual Heater 2LB Bread Machine Stainless Steel Bread Maker Machine Nonstick Ceramic Pan Compact for Gluten Free/Sourdough/Whole Wheat Bread/Yogurt. Breadmaker Recipe-Green

I have been using this bread maker for quite a while and haven't bought a loaf from the store since. I did struggle at first trying to under stand the presets, however with a little research and. Breadmaker group on Facebook I was able to make delicious bread, rolls, and buns. I always have struggled with the kneading part of breadmaking and this machine fixes that for me.

Making bread is not intimidating with the right tools and this breadmachine has in the pursuit of. Good loaf of bread whenever I want.

I've read some of the reviews of this machine (which I got almost 2 years ago and use routinely). Some of the negtive reviews mentioned gf issues, a humming from the machine even when not in use, and various other problems. I use this machine at least once a week, sometimes more than that, and have had no issues worth mentioning.

If I had to try to pick this machine apart, I'd prefer it was quieter when kneading the dough, but seriously, I kinda expect the kneading process in a machine to make some noise.

My machine does have a slight hum, so I just unplug it when not in use. Problem solved, since we are always home when it's in use and would know immediately if the source of the hum caused a fire.

I haven't tried making gf bread, tho I'd love to give it a go. Sadly, I'm not knowledgeable enough about gf cooking to be successful and would probably spend a ton of money on all the wrong ingredients.

This is the biggest reason for my review: recipes not working in the machine. I don't use the cookbook that came with the machine, so I rarely have had this happen and it was always because I digressed from the original recipe. I have a bread machine cookbook I got 30 years ago when I had my first bread machine, and the recipes in that cookbook are foolproof! The cookbook (and it's sequel) can be found on Amazon as well. It is called "Bread Machine Magic" and is written by Linda Rehberg and Lois Conway. Here's the link to the revised cookbook on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bread-Machine-Magic-Revised-Especially/dp/031230496X/ref=asc_df_031230496X?mcid=2565aa58518032afba8785b0a36ef215&hvocijid=17810961737734783598-031230496X-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17810961737734783598&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9026243&hvtargid=pla-2281435178098&psc=1

I love the recipes in that book (and all bread cookbooks from these 2 bread bakers). I use the bread recipe ... the recipes all include a S, M, or L loaf version; in this machine, I use the M loaf and change my loaf size setting on the machine to 900 gm loaf size.

If you buy the original "Bread Machine Magic" cookbook, it has only S and L size recipes, and I always use the L loaf size recipe (which is the same as the M in the new and improved Bread Machine Magic cookbook linked above.

My husband LOVES every loaf of bread I make in this machine and he's pretty picky! I would recommend this machine ... and those bread machine cookbooks!

Happy Baking,

AJPro's wife

Pros:
- Pan interior is ceramic not teflon
- Mixes thoroughly & kneads well
- Compact and looks great on the counter.
- Viewing window
- Quiet (which can be a con too, see below)
- Easy to understand controls
- Easy to follow recipes

- Best Feature: Dual heaters.
Most machines seem to have only 1 heating tube and I noticed breads made in demo videos were paler on the end furthest away (usually the top). The Neretva has top & bottom heaters and my loaf had a nice uniform color (see photos). I researched several machines and the only other machine I recall atm with this feature is a Zojirushi (IIR, the Virtuoso) which is way bigger and more expensive.

Cons:
- Too quiet if you're waiting for the alert to add mix-ins or to hear when it's done. I was in another room with the TV on (not loud) and just barely heard the mix-ins alert. So I set my kitchen timer to match the machine's timer for finish baking as it's much louder.
- Some settings ("programs") are unfamiliar to US users with no explanation:
"11 - Dessert" = some kind of whipped cream based dish
"13 - Toast dough" = knead only for doughs that will be fried, like Naan.
"18 - Meat floss" = cook pork loin or chicken that's been shredded & minced, used in Asian dishes

- Can't think of anything else. Though I've only baked 1 loaf so far.

TIPS:
- Add ingredients in the order stated in the manual
- There's a silver tool to lift up the pan handle when it's hot & to pull out the kneading paddle if it stays inside the loaf.

My kneading paddle stayed in the pan and was difficult to remove when I went to wash up. I filled the pan with hot soapy water, let it soak for a few minutes and it came out easily. I saw a tip elsewhere to put a little cooking oil on the post before putting in the paddle as a way to keep this from happening. I didn't remember that until I found my paddle needed soaking.

I used Neretva's recipe for a whole wheat bread and it came out perfectly, even though it called for bread flour and all I had was AP flour. It still had a nice texture and was fine for toast and sandwiches.