My mom swears by her Zoji. I think it's the first appliance she set up in her new place ... It does a very nice job. Much nicer than my Oster ever did.

My Panasonic 1 1/2 pound size breadmaker does a good job every time. I read that the only part that wears out is that little paddle thing that turns to mix the dough and it is a good idea to get an extra one while the one that fits your model is still available.

Thank you both for your replies. I'm not having any luck finding a Zoji ('cept the internet and we don't use credit cards); I like the idea that it has 2 paddles.

I did find a top of the line Panasonic. Good to know that it does a great job.

The other one that I found was a Breadman T2200.

Decisions....decisions....lol

Love my Zoji too. You are right, the two paddles make a difference. I believe you can order and pay with a check at the King Arthur Flour site.

Here is a link that might be useful: bakerscatalogue

My vote is for the Panasonic/National brand.
I have an older 1 1/2 Lb machine. Had it for 15 years now.

Still makes the best darn bread and dough.

Tim

Tim, I'm with you -- although mine is only 14 years old! I've baked bread for 45 years. But, I got a new Panasonic, top of the line, a year ago for my son. It doesn't do as well. Crumb isn't as even, bread falls sometimes. When mine goes, I will probably get a Zo, but not for the two paddles.

BTW, Panasonic still supplies belts, paddles, and pans for my old machine. Don't phone the customer service, phone technical support. They were also willing to send me the technical manual, and to ask Japan for the baking temperature of each cycle. Helped me convert old recipes to their bread machine. Now THAT's service!

I've had a Zoji for several years, tried different bread recipes, ingredients, troubleshooted etc. and can't seem to get the bread to come out right. Theres nothing really wrong with the bread, it just doesn't taste like good bought bread or homemade and I thought it would. I've never had any other machine to compare it to. I just put it aside and buy store bought bread now but would love to use it if it came out good.

I've had a Zoji for several years, tried different bread recipes, ingredients, troubleshooted etc. and can't seem to get the bread to come out right. Theres nothing really wrong with the bread, it just doesn't taste like good bought bread or homemade and I thought it would. I've never had any other machine to compare it to. I just put it aside and buy store bought bread now but would love to use it if it came out good.