West Bend Bread Maker

I get a lot of questions about my bread maker and I was surprised when I realized I've never written a post about it.  I have shared many recipes for various loaves and doughs and most of them come from the little recipe booklet that came with my machine.  It's pretty beat up now since I purchased the West Bend (Model 41041Z if you're interested or find one at a garage sale!) in August 1994 (for $179 + tax).  This was back when home bread makers were first becoming popular.  I have used it almost weekly (and sometimes daily) ever since and it has turned out many a tasty loaf.

I really try to take care of the things I have and read (and follow!) the care instructions in the manual.  I have replaced the bread pan once, years ago, when the original one started sticking and I couldn't remove the loaf without butchering it.  Well, about a month ago, I started seeing little flecks of stuff in the dough from the bread maker.  Even though it is thoroughly washed after each use, and the black knead bar is completely in tact, I think some sort of lubricant or residue was coming out of the drive shaft.  I thought it better safe than sorry and decided not to use that pan any more.  I ended up calling the contact number in the manual and lo and behold, was still able to order a replacement bread pan (which I was shocked and pleased to learn they would still produce for an old model like mine).  It was $38 and with tax and shipping came to just over $55.  I realize that I could probably have purchased a new machine for just about double that amount, but since I have never had a problem with my bread maker, hate to contribute to land-fill, and like the familiarity of my trusty West Bend, I don't mind paying the price of a new pan.  It is lovely and shiny, the bread just glides out of it, and there's no residue in the dough whatsoever.  I'm very pleased and just hope the old beast can hang on til the new pan wears out!  Maybe it will even outlast it...

The moral of the story (and I think I've said this before!?) is to save your manuals, take care of your things, and try to fix and refurbish rather than automatically throw away.

Comments

[Joe/USA/OHIO]

I've used the same bread machine about six times a month for about five years, so they do last a long time.

I recently received a free new bread machine with a digital LED screen. There is no manual - just a [.com.]

My reliable whole wheat bread recipe does not work on the new machine. So I guess I should just go back to my original bread machine - it still works fine.