Breadman TR875 2-Pound Breadmaker, Stainless Steel
|
List Price: Category: Kitchen See more product details |
|---|
(Click here)
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Breadman TR875 2-Pound Breadmaker, Stainless Steel
Customer Review: Much-loved, useful appliance
Summary: 5 Stars
5 Stars for product, 0 stars for buying it online
*Caveat Emptor below
This Breadman TR875 is the second bread machine we have owned; our previous, second-hand Breadman having lasted 8 years of almost daily use. We have used several other makes and models over the years, and decided to purchase this model not only for its 2lb capacity, price, and design- but for the Breadman name and the horizontal loaf pan.
The controls are straightforward and intuitive, which makes it easy for anyone to use it, even if they don't read the instruction booklet (which is, of course, definitely recommended.) The cycle times are on par with the high-end machines we've used or reviewed, as are the results of the finished products.
We have used this machine almost daily since we first brought it home in February, 2009, and have not had any problems with the mechanics or parts.
Early on, my 10-year old son had an issue with the dough ball not collecting the excess wheat flour in the corners of the pan during the first knead cycle, but that was easily solved by getting in there with an enameled chopstick and scootching it out :) He has since altered his flour/liquid ratio, as any great baker would, and now has a fantastic wheat bread he makes twice a week with no problems.
The intermittent noise this machine makes is not a problem for us. It is about as loud as our "quiet" Fisher Paykel dishwasher during the noisiest wash setting, which is not loud at all, unless one is trying to have a quiet phone conversation less than 8 feet from the machine. It's all relative, and it's not as loud as a new, high-end Zojirushi my sister owns.
We have used the TR875 in all of its capacities. What is very useful for us is the dough cycle: we often have problems with our artisan bread dough rising due to the temperature fluctuations in our kitchen/house. The TR875's dough cycle works wonderfully- and once removed, the dough can be hand-formed and baked in our oven to our tastes. Pretzel dough from this machine is better than our hand-kneaded variety!
I recommend purchasing a good bread machine cookbook, rather than relying on the handful of basic bread recipes included in the instruction booklet. There are also very nice recipes for machines on the internet. Bottom line: if you only use the recipes in the instruction booklet, you will think this machine isn't so great.
This bread machine may be too large for many people to leave on their counter; the ovoid footprint and the head space needed to fully open the chamber door can make a permanent placement difficult in many small kitchens. Also, the angle of the control pad means that buttons might be inadvertently pressed if someone with a "chest" reaches over it into a cabinet, LOL. But we use it almost daily, and it has a proud place on our counter. It blends well with our other stainless/black appliances, and is very easy to keep clean.
* Caveat Emptor: We ordered this TR875 from Amazon in mid-February, 2009. It arrived after several days, and the internal, Breadman box had a huge hole in the side, as if it had been kicked. The outer Amazon box was pristine. The Breadman box also had extra tape sealing it. Once opened, we were very disappointed, as it was obviously a returned/damaged product. It was dirty inside, had a big dent in the metal on the front (from the "kick"?), and it was also missing a few parts.
We had to pack it all up and return it to Amazon, who refunded our credit card. Then we found it for sale at a store nearby for about 12 dollars more than Amazon. I would be very careful about purchasing the Breadman TR875 from ANY online retailer. From my research, it seems there is a huge amount of returned/refurbished product being sold as "new." My main disappointment was that someone employed at Amazon actually saw the condition of the product box, yet still boxed it up to ship to us.
I have been buying at Amazon.com since it opened to the public, and this was only the second time I received damaged merchandise. The first time was two months earlier, but as they were Christmas gifts for my kids, I hadn't time to return them, so my kids got some gifts that "fell out of Santa's sleigh," LOL!
TR875 is a great bread machine, but only buy it where you can see it in person, and can return it if the one you bought had obviously been returned and repackaged.
Customer Review: Very little room for improvement
Summary: 5 Stars
I don't blame people for all the 1-star reviews they're giving. If the machine doesn't work, then you have to give it a 1. But the machine i received works perfectly and so i have to give it a 5. So far i've made the Italian Herb Bread from the instruction manual and a whole wheat bread from Betty Crocker. The Italian Herb tastes awesome, so soft and moist, but it's not a perfect loaf. It rises very nicely in the pan, but once it starts to bake, the top sort of deflates and caves in. According to the manual, this may be due to either too much water or too much yeast. I followed the recipe perfectly with a digital scale, but i'm going to have to probably cut down on the yeast a little, despite the recipe's instructions.
I used the timer for one of my loaves, and one of the bottom corners of the loaf had a high density of flour and seasoning(Italian seasoning). Some flour and seasoning can get stuck in the corner of the bread pan, so you should use a spatula and scrape it out during kneading if you can. That's the benefit of not using the timer.
Despite the caving in of the bread and some flour getting stuck in the corners of the bread pan, i have to give this machine a 5. It works well. It cooks the bread all the way through. I have used only the medium crust setting so far and i am getting a medium crust coloring. The caving in of the bread has nothing to do with the breadmaker, but more with the recipe. And as far as the flour in the corners, well, that's not a huge issue. The bread tastes great and the smell is awesome.
Cleaning up is pretty easy. Once you pop out the bread, you'll notice that the kneading paddle is stuck in the bread pan. The cooked dough kind of acts like a glue that keeps it in there, so all you have to do is put in some soapy water for about 5 minutes and it comes right out. You'll get a little leftover bread remnants in the groove where the kneading paddle goes. I'm not sure how to clean this out. What i've been doing is taking a needle and scraping out the bread in that very thin groove. It gets some of it out.
Noise? Nah, not much. And the machine hasn't moved an inch on my counter while kneading. While this breadmaker is still working i'll give it a 5. But the day it stops working, especially if it's in less than a year, i'll have to revise my rating. I hope I covered everything!
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: 2-21-11:
I have now had this bread machine for a couple of months and I'm still excited about it so I wanted to update my review. This bread machine has actually inspired me to cook. The bread tastes so good, that I want to make some dishes that I can serve to people, along with the bread. I've let about 10 different people taste the breads I've made, and I've received nothing but great comments. 2 of them now want to buy a bread machine. I've also heard "I had a bread machine but the loaves never came out right. How come your bread is so good?" I've learned that it's not so much the bread machine that determines the taste and texture of the bread, but rather the recipe and how carefully the ingredients are measured.
For my 1st 2 loaves i used measuring cups for the flour and the liquid ingredients, and both of those loaves sunk during the baking cycle. For my 3rd loaf onward, i used a digital scale and used grams. It's so simple. Everything has a known weight. The 2 most important ingredients that must be measured carefully are the flour and the water. I tell ya, once i started using the digital scale, none of my loaves have sunk in at the top.
As far as the bread machine, it still works perfectly. No defects after about 20 loaves of bread. If this one ever breaks, my next bread machine is going to have 2 kneading paddles. Why? As I mentioned in my initial review, flour gets stuck in the corners of the pan during the kneading cycle and you have to use a spatula to mix it with the ball of dough. It's not a huge deal because you'll still get a good loaf of bread, but probably not AS good as when all of the flour is mixed properly. So i try to stay away from the delay cycle(since i'm not around to mix the dough in the corners). Since that is the only flaw, and probably the flaw of all one-paddle machines, i maintain the score of 5 I initially gave. The breads are so good! If yours don't turn out well, try a digital scale and use weight, not volume.
Customer Review: Perfect bread!
Summary: 5 Stars
I am still new to bread machines.
I was given an old chefmate thats not even made anymore and loved it. I was confined to only making a basic white bread from it though being I had no manuel and couldnt find one on line to use the other settings.
As I said, the chefmate was old and finally gave up the ghost.
I shoped here on amazon com as I always do to look for a new breadmachine, and also see the reviews of other amazon com users to help. I had it narrowed down to 3 differant machines. THen I found this machine. Breadman TR8752
I bought it directly from amazon which got to me in a lightening speed of 2 days. Perfectly boxed and protected.
This thing is a beauty. I put it through the one time recommended rapid cycle empty to burn off all manufacturing oils and couldnt wait.
When that was done I made the first loaf which was a basic white loaf to start with, from the recipe book included.
All I can say is WOW. This bread came out so soft and fluffy. Tasted so good. The digital controls make it easy to read and see exactly what cycle your bread is going through.
Very easy to clean after your done I should add. The window at the top really helps so you can see it knead or bake.
As I said, I am new to breadmachines so I am only judging from my old chefmate, which was nice, dont get me wrong, but the kneading cycle in this Breadman was absolutly incredible. I kneads the dough extremely thoroughly. Mixing everything perfectly.
I have just gone shopping and picked up ingrediants as so I can now go down the list making each recipe in this book. Tonight will have Italian herb.
I can't wait to give the jam's doughs and pasta settings a try, which there are recipes for these too in the booklet. I also can't wait to try out the timer. Put in my ingrediants the night before and have set to be finished by the time I wake up. It looks extremely easy to set. And the book walks you through everything so easily.
I find the machine is nice and quiet, and actually very sturdy when in kneading and mixing mode. Also I would like to note, although it is in a beautiful stainless body, it dosn't get hot at all. It is very well insulated.But inside does so you definatly want oven mits when taking out a new loaf. This just shows me that is was very well designed and put together. Alot of thought was definatly put into this by the company.
My only problem with this Breadman machine is that I can forsee making way to much bread. This thing is great!
Enjoy
# Added on July 17th 2007: I wish to add this to my review on the Breadman TR8752 pound bread maker. I have now had this machine for a month and been averaging 2 to 3 loaves a day. Yes, thats right. 2 to 3 loaves a day. I have been making not only for myself but family as well. I am going crazy with this thing. It is superb and still going stong. I am making a loaf now as I write this.
I still haven't tried the sourdough bread with the starter that is in the recipe book that comes with it 'not yet' but that is going to be soon. My father and uncle can't get enough of the Italian herb loaf recipe I have been making from the recipe book. I really enjoy the basic white bread and alternate between light and medium crust setting which is flawless. The wheat bread recipe is awsome as well.
I was kind of worried about making so much bread with this machine. I keep it clean and let it cool down fully before making a new loaf. As I love this thing and want to keep it in top condition.
As an extra note to add, when my shipment arrived I tossed the box away. I went to register it and needed the number on the box to compleat registration to mail in. So I found breadman company on line and called their toll free number. A very polite lady answered in help department, just asked for the date code stamped on the back and took care of me over the phone registering it in case something would go wrong with this and gave me my registration code in case I ever needed to send back to be fixed.
So even their phone support is 5 stars as well just to let everyone know.
Enjoy!
Customer Review: Makes bread as it should
Summary: 4 Stars
After reading reviews on Amazon, I decided to go ahead and get the Breadman TR875. I thought the reviews didn't really spell out doom and gloom for the TR875 like some units reviewed. The main reason I chose it was multiple programs and 2 lbs loaf capability.
It arrived as expected but right off I noticed something peculiar about the shipping box. I expected to find a retail package inside of the outer generic cardboard box but rather I found the breadmaker itself inside the outer box packed in a formed foam packaging. Ok, so no problem with that it appeared.
After removing the unit and placing on the counter, I was shocked to see the unit appeared to have been reconditioned and was not new as described and sold. The reason I suspected it was a reconditioned unit was due to the following hints. The clear vinyl cover on the LCD display was not present. The manual instructs you to remove it so hint #1. The LCD display also had what appeared to be a couple of hard water spots on it. I wiped them to see what they were and one wiped away, the other one would not. It is still there. Hint #2. User manual appeared to have a couple of dogearred pages. Maybe so, maybe not, not a bit issue. Hint #3 - maybe.
So I debated returning the unit as unsatisfactory but reasoned I had purchased the 1 year extended warranty from Amazon so even if it was a reconditioned unit, if it worked and died I was covered. I had all my paper work and after peeling the the label off the delivery carton (can be used as a return label when flipped over) I found another label on the box stating this unit was destined for a Mervyns delivery so it appeared that it may have been either a return or a reconditioned. Hint #4.
Anyway, after reading the manual and learning what it was supposed to do and not do, I set forth to create the first loaf in the new (or hopefully new) breadmaker. Using a known good wheat bread recipe I had been using I added ingredients and pressed the START button. Three hours and fourty five minutes later, a perfect loaf of wheat bread. So although the unit appeared to be a reconditioned unit, it works great and has lots of features that I'll probably get around to using someday. So far after about 3 weeks of using it (we make about 3 loaves a week) it has worked flawlessly on wheat, white, french and sourdough except the loaf when I put in too much yeast and had the loaf from hell growing in the pan - way too big.
The reason I dinged the TR875 one point is the noise it makes when mixing and kneading. I can hear it in the kitchen doing its thing when I am watching TV in the living room about 35' away over the TV audio. But the unit is sturdy and sits well so it doesn't try to walk around like some I have seen. The LCD display is well placed although the mode indications and the labeling on the edge next to the LCD should line up a bit better (off an few millimeters with labeling too low). I like the window in the lid top as my old unit did not have this. Also the pan lifts right out easily and when the bread comes out of the pan, most of the time the paddle stays in the pan. My old maker always had the paddle stay in the bread which was a mess to remove once the loaf cooled down.
Would I recommend the TR875? I'd have to say YES, due to the features vs price. But be aware of any possible bait and switch tactics with regards to new vs. reconditioned/used units. I try to always get an extra year or two service contract providing it is worth the cost.
Gene - Ridgecrest, CA
Customer Review: Great machine, if it works. Sketchy company.
Summary: 2 Stars
I received this breadmaker (Breadman TR875) for Christmas and loved it. I got four beautiful, delicious loaves of bread out of it during that first week. If my review were based solely on that one week, it would be a five-star review, no question.
However, one week after the first time I used it, I loaded it up to try a whole wheat loaf. Fifteen minutes into the preheat, it beeped loudly, showed an error code, and reset itself. I haven't been able to get it to work since. It looks normal when I plug it in, but as soon as I hit start, loud beeps and error codes. The error codes are not the same ones every time, and sometimes change back and forth within a matter of seconds. The codes given supposedly mean that the unit is too hot or too cold, and I personally find it difficult to believe that the temperature could shift to such wide extremes within a matter of seconds without ever heating up.
So I called the manufacturer as directed in the instruction manual to get it replaced or repaired. The customer service rep I spoke to was very polite, so I can't fault the company there, but something about the whole transaction just didn't sit well with me. He first tried to fix it over the phone, rather than really listening to my description of the problem and the fixes I'd already tried. Then he said that this particular model is out of stock and no longer in production, so they could send me a similar breadmaker of equal or greater value. I checked on Amazon for the model that he offered as an exchange and found that its list price was $30 cheaper than the TR875. I mentioned that, since it was NOT of equal or greater value, and he maintained that according to their system, it was of GREATER value than the TR875. I also looked at the features of the replacement model and there were fewer settings, etc. I pressed him on this, so he started looking for other models, but could only find one other, which was not currently in stock. Looking at that product's reviews on Amazon, as well as those for the TR875, show the pattern that getting a working model that doesn't break down within a matter of weeks seems to be a crapshoot. I declined the replacement and am returning the original model to Amazon so I can get a breadmaker from a different company, because I can't trust that it won't happen again, or that they won't try to give me a cheaper model as a replacement after making me pay for shipping. (The company was also extremely difficult to contact; I have spent a total of 45 minutes on hold over two different calls, left a voicemail that was never returned, and also submitted a web request which they claimed they would respond to within 48 hours. It was after waiting for three days for this 48-hour response that I called again today, and the customer service rep even mentioned to me, "I see you've also submitted an online form for this issue," so I know they did receive it.)
All in all, I'm sad that this machine was defective and that the company left such a bad taste in my mouth, because while it worked I did love this breadmaker. If you are one of the lucky customers who receives a functioning unit, you'll love it. But I would steer clear because there seems to be a good chance that your unit won't function properly, and when that happens the company isn't helpful and doesn't really back up its products.