Help me buy a bread machine

[Anonymous]

We used our last bread machine on a weekly (if not more often) basis, but now the pan broke and we can't order another one. It was a Breadman TR520, which is still on their website (but once you click to buy parts it tells you it's out of stock).

Can you please recommend your bread machines? We need one that doesn't have too long of a dough cycle (the last one's was 1.5 hours, which is a good amount of time). I'd like to get a 2.5 lb machine, but we were doing fine with the 2 lb one we had before, so size isn't the biggest factor.

We mostly make challah and whole wheat breads, although we do make plenty of Italian and French breads, too, along with herb rolls. So the length of time for the dough and whole wheat cycles are the most important for us.

I understand that many people make bread without machines; this post isn't for them. The bread machine fits our lifestyle right now; we just want one that will last more than 5-6 years.

TIA!

[Anonymous]

I have a West Bend. I love it.

[Anonymous]

I have a jillion year old Black and Decker. I bought it used from friends for $10.

Apparently they are indestructible, despite prayers, incantations, and wishes. I may have had someone put a curse on it, but ended up learning I could mix pasta dough in it instead.

It works great. It's just A pain to clean and I really want something newer. I'm sure the new ones are equally bullet proof. But after 10 years, I'm kind of attached to the thing.

[Anonymous]

I have used different ones over last 10 years - breadman, oster, cuisinart, you name it
all have same issue - leaking pan after couple of years of heavy usage.
This time I bought Westbend from BB&B - good reviews and satisfaction guarantied by BB&B (read free exchange not limited by 1 year warranty). So far so good, no complains. Don't see it on the website now, similar to that one http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/west-bend-reg-hi-rise-trade-bread-maker/1017631616?Keyword=breadmaker

PS don't forget to use 20%