Panasonic SD-BMS106-NW Bread Machine: Full Review

The Panasonic SD-BMS106-NW is a medium-sized, automatic bread maker that can make a variety of breads and doughs with just the touch of a button. This machine is designed to be easy for beginners to use while still offering customization options for more experienced bakers. With a sleek stainless steel body and LCD control panel, the SD-BMS106-NW combines form with function. The bread machine can make loaves up to 2.5 pounds in size and has settings for white, whole wheat, French, and quick bread, along with jam and dough modes. Users praise the SD-BMS106-NW for being able to reliably deliver tasty loaves of bread, even for first-time bakers. It offers simplistic operation and good performance at a reasonable price point. Overall, the Panasonic SD-BMS106-NW is a versatile bread maker that makes it easy to start baking a variety of homemade breads.

Design and Appearance

The Panasonic SD-BMS106-NW bread machine has a sleek and modern design that will look great on any kitchen countertop. It measures approximately 15 x 11 x 12 inches, making it a compact size that doesn't take up too much space. The bread maker weighs about 15 pounds, so it's substantial enough to stay in place during operation but not overly heavy.

This Panasonic bread machine is offered in two different colors - either black or a champagne beige. The black color features a smooth, glossy finish that gives it an elegant look. The champagne beige has a matte finish that lends a more vintage appearance. Either color option will allow the bread maker to seamlessly blend in with a variety of kitchen design schemes and color palettes.

The main body is made of plastic with a stainless steel interior baking pan. The combination of materials gives it a nice balance of durability while still keeping the weight manageable. The sleek shape and curved lines give it a modern profile. There is a large viewing window on the top of the machine that allows you to watch the bread as it bakes. Overall, the design manages to be both stylish and functional.

Features

The Panasonic SD-BMS106-NW bread machine can make loaves up to 2.5 pounds in size. It has a range of different cycles to accommodate different types of breads and doughs:

• Basic bread cycle - For regular loaves of white bread
• French bread cycle - For making crispy baguettes and French bread
• Quick bread cycle - For quicker breads that don't require long rise times
• Dough cycle - For kneading and proofing dough that can be shaped manually later
• Jam cycle - For making jams and compotes directly in the bread machine
• Cake cycle - For making cakes

The bread machine has dual kneading blades that rotate in opposite directions to thoroughly knead dough. There are 3 crust color settings to choose light, medium or dark crust.

An LCD screen shows the selected program, crust setting and elapsed time. There are two timers - a 13-hour delay timer to set when you want the baking to start and a 60-minute power interruption backup so the cycle will be completed if the power goes out temporarily.

Ease of Use

The Panasonic SD-BMS106-NW bread machine is designed with ease of use in mind. The control panel is very intuitive and provides multiple options for making various types of bread and dough. There are several pre-programmed settings to choose from, including basic, French, whole wheat, quick bread, and dough. Each program has adjustable crust color and loaf size options. The interface is user-friendly with a convenient LCD display that counts down the baking time and clearly shows which stage the breadmaker is in - whether it's kneading, rising, or baking. All the buttons are well-labeled with text and icons.

The included manual provides clear instructions for getting started and using all the different programs and functions. It also includes tips for making adjustments if needed. For example, if the dough is too wet or dry, the manual guides you on adding more flour or liquid. Overall, between the thoughtful design and detailed manual, the SD-BMS106-NW is an easy to use bread machine that makes baking homemade loaves simple, even for beginners.

Performance

The Panasonic SD-BMS106-NW bread machine performs very well when it comes to bread quality, kneading, rising, and baking.

The bread that is produced has a nice texture that is soft on the inside yet crispy on the outside. The crust comes out with a beautiful golden brown color. The loaves are well-risen and uniform in shape with minimal holes or dense spots. This machine does an excellent job at kneading the dough thoroughly, even for high hydration recipes. The dough comes out smooth and elastic.

The rising process results in loaves that are perfectly proofed without being over or underproofed. The baking performance is also notable, with the Panasonic heating the dough evenly and keeping a consistent temperature throughout the bake cycle. The baking times are precise and reliable. Loaves come out fully cooked but not overbaked.

Overall, customers have been very satisfied with the bread quality and performance of this bread maker. It reliably produces delicious artisan-style loaves with minimal effort required. The motor and mechanics provide excellent kneading, rising, and baking capabilities. This machine can handle a variety of yeast bread recipes with ease.

Accessories

The Panasonic SD-BMS106-NW bread machine comes with several handy accessories to help make the bread making process easier.

Pans

It includes a non-stick bread pan which is specifically designed for making loaves up to 2.5 pounds. The non-stick coating ensures your bread releases easily once baked.

Utensils

A measuring cup and measuring spoon come included to help accurately measure your ingredients when following recipes. There is also a handy plastic spatula to scrape batter from the sides of the pan.

Recipes

The machine comes with a recipe booklet featuring dozens of pre-programmed recipes you can select. It includes options for basic breads, sweet breads, pizza dough, jams, cakes and more. The recipes provide guidance on ingredients, measurements and which cycle to use.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The Panasonic SD-BMS106-NW bread machine is very easy to clean and maintain. The non-stick interior of the baking pan can be wiped clean with a damp cloth after each use. It is recommended to wash the baking pan by hand rather than putting it in the dishwasher, as the harsh detergents can strip away the non-stick coating over time.

There is a removable crumb tray that slides out from the bottom of the machine, making it easy to keep the interior free of fallen crumbs after each bake. The crumb tray simply needs to be wiped down between uses.

The lid of the machine can also be wiped clean with a damp cloth if any ingredients splash up on the inside while in use.

Overall, the Panasonic SD-BMS106-NW requires very little effort to keep clean. The smooth, non-stick surfaces do not allow dough or crumbs to stick on. A quick wipe down of the pan, crumb tray, and interior after each use is all that is needed to maintain the machine. There are no special brushes or cleaning tools required.

The exterior of the machine can be cleaned with a damp cloth as well if any spills or spots occur. Avoid submerging the machine in water or using abrasive cleaners. Gentle cleaning and regular maintenance is all that is required to keep the Panasonic bread maker looking like new for many years.

Noise Level

The Panasonic SD-BMS106 bread maker operates at a reasonable noise level that is suitable for most home kitchens. During the kneading cycle, there is a low hum and periodic clicking sounds as the blades mix the dough. This level stays relatively constant and is not intrusive.

The noise increases slightly during the rising cycle as the fan and heater activate periodically to maintain the proper temperature. However, it is not loud enough to be disruptive if making bread while others are home.

The baking cycle produces the most noise as the heating elements maintain the baking temperature. There is a constant fan noise that helps circulate air in the baking chamber. The volume is similar to a small microwave or toaster oven during use. While audible, it is not excessively noisy.

Many owners feel the noise level is acceptable for a bread maker of this size. The kneading and rising cycles generate minimal noise that does not interfere with conversations or TV listening. The baking cycle is louder but manageable. If concerned about noise, locating the bread maker in a kitchen or laundry room helps minimize disruptions. Overall, the noise produced is reasonable for a home bread machine.

Warranty

The Panasonic SD-BMS106-NW bread machine comes with a 1 year limited warranty. This covers defects in materials and workmanship. Normal wear and tear is not covered, nor is damage from misuse or abuse.

The warranty is valid only for the original purchaser and proof of purchase is required. Panasonic will repair or replace the unit at their discretion.

The warranty does not cover issues stemming from improper use, lack of cleaning/maintenance, damage during shipping, voltage issues, or accidents. Any alterations or disassembling of the unit voids the warranty.

The warranty provides peace of mind against early manufacturing issues. However, it is relatively short at just 1 year. Extending the warranty through your credit card company or retailer may be wise for longer term protection on such an appliance.

Overall the included warranty provides basic coverage for the first year of ownership. As with any kitchen appliance, proper care and maintenance is still required.

Pros and Cons

The Panasonic SD-BMS106-NW bread machine has several noteworthy positives as well as a few potential downsides to consider:

Pros

• Produces consistently high quality loaves with excellent taste and texture. The bread comes out evenly baked with a nice crust.

• Versatile programming options allow you to make a variety of bread styles including white, whole wheat, French, sweet, and more.

• Large capacity makes loaves up to 2.5 lbs, suitable for large families or meal prepping.

• Intuitive control panel is easy to program. Comes with 13 preset menus plus 3 crust color options.

• Features dual kneading blades to thoroughly work the dough resulting in finer texture.

• Delay timer allows you to set when you want baking to start up to 13 hours in advance.

• Viewing window and interior light let you monitor the baking process.

Cons

• Shape of the bread pan results in a taller loaf rather than wide; may not suit all preferences.

• No fruit, nut, or seed dispenser like some higher-end models. You need to manually add mix-ins at the beep.

• No gluten-free setting, but can mimic gluten-free results with careful ingredient selection.

• Louder than some competing bread machines during kneading cycles.

• Only 1-year limited warranty, while many others offer 2 or 3 years.