Oster 5838 ExpressBake Breadmaker, White

Comment: We had to replace our other bread machine when it quit working. Looked for several months and found this model. Very pleased with all the features, the only problem being the crust is hard from the time its done. And wish the loaves were a little bigger. Other than that would totally reccomend it.

Comment: I purchased this breadmaker when my old one was accidentally dropped off the counter. I am so disappointed I am giving it to Goodwill after using it 3 times. First of all, it is flimsy. The top comes off every time you open it and the handle of the bread pan comes off as well. The part that irks me the most is that the blade bakes into the bread and you have to cut open the bread to get it out. It was the biggest waste of money. I even feel bad giving it to Goodwill because that means that someone else will try to use it. However, I feel badly just throwing it in the trash.

Comment: Congratulate me. I just discovered something beyond Junk: the Oster 5838 is Superjunk. I could warn you about the bread pan's cheap quality and kiddie size, or the non-functioing color selector. But I prefer to evaluate the bread. My favorite recipe is always delicious prepared in the West Bend and Hitachi. Baked in the Oster, it was, in a word, disgusting. In addition to the rise being low--the loaf looked like a distresed brick and felt like lead--the texture was mealy and the crust was overly thick and stiff.

The Great Depression survivors who raised me taught me not to waste food. To this day I take their admonition as axiomatic. So, when I tell you that I threw this loaf into the trash, you know I'm talking seriously inedible.

Keep searching.

Comment: We absolutely love our Oster ExpressBake Breadmaker. We live up in Maine and after 7 years of stinky, soggy, undercooked, store bought bread, we decided there had to be a better way ! I used to make bread years ago but just can't handle the kneading anymore, so this machine is a God-send.

It's compact in size, easy to use, loaded with features and makes the BEST bread. Rectangular loaf pan lets you get a loaf of bread that actually looks like a "loaf" not a cylinder.

The dough cycle is great for making all kinds of rolls, shaped breads (i.e., Italian, French, etc.), pizza, pasta dough, etc.

It says you can also make jams and preserves but this is a feature I doubt I will ever use.

I definitely would recommend to even the most inexperienced baker. The insturction book has some nice recipes in it but if you search the internet for "bread machine recipes" you'll find a zillion. Can't wait to make my next loaf !

Comment: Bread always comes out hard on the side, even on light settings. Also, the middle of the loaf collapses. Suspect that recipe book is not accurate. Will experiment.