Panasonic SD-YD250 Automatic Bread Maker

Amazon.com Review

Providing myriad options, this automatic bread maker embodies the marvels of 21st century electronic convenience and choice. Yes, it mixes, kneads, rises, and bakes bread in three loaf sizes up to 2-1/2 pounds. But its digital controls go much further, offering settings for white, whole wheat, multigrain, and French (crisp crust, open texture) breads, each made according to what's best for that particular style. Other settings permit rapid baking and baking sandwich bread with a soft crust. For raisin (or other dried-fruit) bread, a beeper signals when to add the fruit so it's not crushed during kneading. Crust color--dark or light--can be selected as well.

The machine automatically adds yeast at the proper time from a dispenser on the unit's lid. It also bakes non-yeast, quick breads-- like banana and gingerbread--and sweet cakes. And it mixes, kneads, and rises doughs for pizza, focaccia, croissants, and other pastries without baking them. A timer permits the machine to be programmed up to 13 hours in advance so fresh bread or cake is available for breakfast or dinner. For cleanup convenience, the baking pan is nonstick. Clad in metal and packing 550 watts of power, the machine measures 14 inches wide, 13.5 inches high, and 9 inches deep. Its instruction booklet is exceptionally easy to understand and includes recipes for 40 breads and doughs along with an insightful guide to baking basics and illustrated tips for making pastries. --Fred Brack

Customer Reviews

Average Rating of 4.50 out of 524 reviews

Rating :
Well, I like it - Catherine, Nov 20, 2009

So far so good! I've used it a few times and have only had two disasters - both of which were probably my fault! I am a bit concerned that after only the first use, the coating already started to chip off the inside of the pan, but it doesn't seem to be getting any worse, so we'll see how it goes. It's a little loud and bounces around a bit, but I understand this is common with breadmakers, and isn't a problem for us. Also, there seems to be some slight burning or scorching to the inside of the unit and I hope this doesn't become any worse. Otherwise I'm very pleased with the results. The bread is yummy and I'm pleased that I can select the size. I made croissants the other day and would warn that they take time and work! The results are well worth it however. All in all, I'd recommend it - bearing in mind that this is my first breadmaker and have nothing to compare it to.


Rating :
Makes Great Bread - April Schachtel, Nov 20, 2009

It takes a little time tinkering the recipes to exactly what we want, but every loaf has still been great bread. This is my first bread maker and Im very happy with it.


Rating :
Broken after 9 loaves. - Bruce Dannenberger, Nov 19, 2009

The Panasonic SD-YD250 was purchased on September 22, 2009 and "broken" by November 5, 2009 after only 9 loaves. The first 9 were wonderful and worked just as advertised. After that, however, the automatic yeast dispenser just stopped working on all settings. So much for convenience...It doesn't matter much how well it functions if it only works for 9 loaves. I'll have to send it off for who knows how long (at my expense) or drive to a service center 105 miles away (each way) two times to drop off and pick up. Very disappointed as this hassle is just not worth it.


Rating :
bread maker - D. Stewart, Nov 13, 2009

The bread machine arrived in a few days and was in good condition. I find it harder to program and much slower than my other bread makers. Also think a one month warranty is very short. Donna


Rating :
Easy to Use Bread Maker - S. Williams, Nov 08, 2009

I've never used a bread maker before and was really nervous about selecting the right one. This has been so easy to use and I've adapted all sorts of recipes. I would definately recommend it. I was disapointed that all the recipes that came with the machine call for powdered milk and most call for butter and I don't use dairy products. The reason I wanted to make my own bread was to avoid certain ingredients. But is hasn't been a problem. I use canola or olive oil instead of butter and have found lots of recipes on the web that work just fine. I've made at least 2 dozen loaves so far and haven't had a "flop."

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