Hi again,
I didn't have time when I replied to the last poster, but I would like to tell you about my bread machine/KitchenAid mixer experiences.
I have both a KitchenAid stand mixer and a Zojirushi bread machine and love both! The KitchenAid mixer is so well known as a staple in the kitchen and didnt require much thought to purchase. The great reputation is well-deserved. It will do anything from lighter-than-air meringues and whipped cream to stiff cookie doughs. It comes with dough hook, so Im sure it will also knead dough but I havent tried that yet. I have read that the newer KitchenAid mixers dont stand up to kneading dough all that well but mine is over 20 years old, so its probably very sturdy and will most likely last me forever.
As far as the bread machine goes, I wasnt sure which one to purchase and I did a lot of research first. I felt it would be a good thing for me to have since, as much as I tell myself Im going to make dough with my mixer, I never get around to it, so we never had homemade bread--that is, until I bought my bread machine--now we have homemade bread on a regular basis. I did end up with the Zojirushi, even though it was the most expensive one I found--sometimes the higher price doesnt indicate the best product but in this case, it does. I was a little skeptical because I had never even heard of that brand before!
This machine addresses many of the problems commonly found with bread machines. First of all, it has a rectangular pan with two mixing paddles. The pan makes for a more normal shaped loaf and the paddles arent as large as the single paddle found in most. So, consequently, the hole it leaves isnt as bothersome. I have never gotten a bread that was too crusty, I have no idea what causes this in other machines. It doesnt even make the slightest attempt to walk off the counter. It is very stable, perhaps because it is a larger machine--I have no apprehensions about leaving it on and going out. It does take up additional counter space but, as I previously mentioned, we wouldnt have homemade bread without it. I have also found I can fiddle with the recipe without catastrophic results.
It is very versatile, as there are three Homemade cycles that you can program yourself (I havent even done that yet), a sourdough cycle, a dough only cycle, and even a preheat cycle that gets your ingredients to the proper temperature before starting the bread. Your can program it so that you have fresh bread ready for breakfast, if you wish (as long as you dont use perishable ingredients, such as eggs or milk). You can also make preserves, cake, and meatloaf--I have never used it for any of those.
However, if I had to choose just one (this would be REALLY difficult), I would go with the mixer as I know I could make bread with it, if I got really inspired. Although, honestly, I think we would go back to living without homemade bread again (and I wouldnt want to do that)!
The only downside I can think of is the problem of availability. I ordered mine from Bed, Bath & Beyond with a 20% off coupon. Their price (not the lowest I have found) was $219.99 but with the coupon, it was less than $180.00. Of course, with the shipping and tax, its back up there again.
Well, there is another downside, you arent very likely to find a used one at a garage sale or thrift shop due to the high retail price. I have been going to garage sales for years and never found one but maybe you will be extraordinarily lucky!
I do LOVE my bread machine and if you can fit both into your budget, get a bread machine and a mixer, too! BTW, I also have a KitchenAid hand mixer that I also use to death for all the smaller jobs that dont require the big mixer. It is the best hand mixer I have ever had. And the only SURVIVING one, as all the others burned out!
Good luck with whatever you decide to do!
Genie
