Moulinex ‎OW6101 Breadmaker - Review

The Moulinex OW6101 is a mid-range bread maker that can make loaves up to 1kg in size. It has a simple, compact design with a viewing window and LCD screen on the top. Moulinex is a reputable French appliance brand that has been making bread makers since the 1990s.

The OW6101 features 12 automatic programs for making different types of bread, including basic, French, whole wheat, sweet, ultra-fast, jam, and dough. It also has 3 crust color settings and a 13-hour delay timer. The machine is designed to be easy to use with an intuitive control panel and LCD screen that counts down the baking time.

This bread maker can handle basic bread recipes as well as more complex doughs with fruits, nuts, and seeds. It mixes, kneads, proofs, and bakes loaves up to 1kg. The non-stick bread pan makes it easy to remove loaves after baking without sticking. Overall, the Moulinex OW6101 is a versatile machine for home bakers looking for an affordable bread maker with lots of features.

Design and Appearance

The Moulinex OW6101 bread maker has a stylish and compact design that won't take up too much counter space. It measures approximately 16.5 x 27.5 x 33.5 cm (6.5 x 10.8 x 13.2 inches) and weighs around 7 kg (15.4 lbs). The bread maker comes in a sleek black and silver color scheme that will fit into most modern kitchen decors.

Despite its compact footprint, the OW6101 has a generous bread pan that can make loaves up to 1 kg in size. The pan has a non-stick coating for easy release and cleaning. The viewing window on the top of the machine allows you to monitor the baking process without having to open the lid.

Overall, the OW6101 combines functionality and style with its space-saving design and attractive color options. The size is ideal for most households that want freshly baked bread without sacrificing too much counter space. While the Moulinex OW6101 offers a stylish and compact design, another popular bread maker to consider is the Zojirushi BB-PDC20BA. This model has a larger footprint but provides some additional features.

The Zojirushi BB-PDC20BA bread maker measures approximately 14 x 11 x 13 inches, so it takes up more counter space than the Moulinex model. However, it can accommodate larger loaves up to 2.5 pounds. The BB-PDC20BA also offers more baking cycles, with options for white, whole wheat, multigrain, quick bread, and dough only settings. An express setting prepares bread in under 3 hours.

In terms of design, the Zojirushi bread maker has a sleek stainless steel exterior that will match both modern and more traditional kitchen aesthetics. It has a large LCD control panel that is straightforward to use. The viewing window provides the ability to monitor the baking process just like with the Moulinex model.

When choosing between the Moulinex OW6101 and the Zojirushi BB-PDC20BA, the main considerations are counter space and maximum loaf size. The Moulinex takes up less room but can only handle 1 kg loaves. The Zojirushi has a larger footprint but can accommodate up to 2.5 pound breads. Both offer stylish exteriors and viewing windows to observe the baking.

For many households, the more compact size of the Moulinex OW6101 may be appealing to save precious counter real estate. However, avid bread bakers may prefer the expanded capacity and functionality of the Zojirushi model. Ultimately, the right choice comes down to individual needs and preferences in terms of size, design, and features.

Features

The Moulinex OW6101 offers great flexibility and options when it comes to baking loaves. This machine can make loaves in three different sizes - 0.5kg, 0.75kg, and 1kg. So you can bake anything from a small loaf for one or two people, up to a larger loaf to feed a whole family.

It has 12 automatic programs that allow you to easily bake basic breads, French bread, wholewheat bread, sweet bread, ultra-fast bread, dough, jam, and more without needing to adjust any settings. The pre-programmed options take the guesswork out of baking.

You can customize the crust to your preference with 3 crust color settings - light, medium, and dark. Bake with a pale soft crust or go for a crispy crust, the choice is yours. The machine will automatically adjust the baking time and temperature accordingly.

With its multiple loaf sizes, diverse automatic cycles, and adjustable crust settings, the Moulinex bread maker offers versatility for all your bread needs. Whether you want to bake a simple white loaf or artisan sourdough, this machine can handle it with ease. The many options ensure you get great results tailored to your tastes.

If you're looking for an alternative bread machine, the Russell Hobbs 23620 is also a great option. It has a large 1.5kg loaf capacity, perfect for big families. There are 14 pre-set programs including gluten-free, sweet, and rapid options. The machine allows you to choose between 3 crust colors and 3 loaf sizes. An integrated dispenser automatically adds fruits, nuts, or seeds at the optimum time. The Russell Hobbs breadmaker delivers consistently delicious loaves with minimal effort required.

When comparing the Moulinex and Russell Hobbs bread machines, they have some similarities but also key differences. Both offer multiple loaf sizes and crust color options for customization. However, the Russell Hobbs has a larger maximum capacity of 1.5kg versus 1kg on the Moulinex. It also has more pre-set programs (14 vs 12) including handy gluten-free and rapid cycles. The Russell Hobbs has the added benefit of the automatic dispenser for including mix-ins. But the Moulinex is more compact in size.

So if you bake larger loaves or want more programming options, the Russell Hobbs 23620 is a great choice. It reliably delivers quality loaves with its smart automatic features. But if you need a smaller footprint or value the wide range of cycles on the Moulinex, it also makes delicious breads with minimal fuss. Ultimately it comes down to your priorities and baking needs when deciding between these two quality bread machines.

Bread makers are hugely convenient appliances that can save you time and effort while still producing homemade taste and texture. Models like the Moulinex and Russell Hobbs take care of the kneading, proofing and baking so you just add ingredients and press start. The machines do the hard work for you!

With their preset programs, you don't have to be an expert baker to make delicious bread whenever you want it. Both the Moulinex and Russell Hobbs offer options like basic white, whole wheat, sweet bread, and gluten-free. So you can enjoy a range of bread styles with no skill required. Just pour in the ingredients and let the machine work its magic.

They provide flexibility with multiple crust color and loaf size options. Bake small loaves for 1-2 people or make a full 1kg or 1.5kg loaf for the whole family. And select the crust to suit your tastes - soft and pale through to a crispy, crunchy exterior. The machines automatically adjust time and temperature for your chosen settings.

These bread machines are designed to be simple and foolproof. With clear displays and intuitive controls, anyone can use them with ease, even first-time bakers. They take care of the precision while you reap the delicious freshly baked rewards.

So if you love the taste and smell of homemade bread but don't have the time or confidence to bake it manually, a bread machine like the Moulinex or Russell Hobbs is ideal. At the press of a button, you can fill your home with the mouthwatering aroma of just-baked bread. It's a fuss-free route to one of life's great pleasures.

Ease of Use

The Moulinex OW6101 is very easy to use thanks to its intuitive control panel and interface. The LCD display is clear and simple, allowing you to easily select your desired program and make any adjustments.

There are 12 pre-set programs to choose from for baking all kinds of bread, dough, jam, and cake. Programming the machine is straightforward - simply select your program and the weight of the dough if needed. You can also further customize settings like crust color and loaf size.

The interface is user-friendly with all the most important controls on the front. There are tactile buttons which are easy to press. The viewing window allows you to monitor your loaf as it bakes without having to open the machine.

Overall, the programming options and simple interface make the Moulinex breadmaker extremely easy to operate even for beginners. The control panel is neatly laid out and intuitive for quick baking without hassle.

Baking Performance

The Moulinex OW6101 bread maker delivers outstanding baking performance for homemade loaves with excellent rise, texture, and crust.

The machine consistently kneads dough thoroughly to develop the gluten structure needed for good rise. Loaves prove nicely in the machine's controlled environment and bake up tall with an airy, even crumb texture. The crust comes out with a lovely golden brown color and just the right amount of crispness on the outside.

Breads have a nice domed top and even shape thanks to the pan design and optimal blade placement for mixing. The machine can easily handle basic white and whole wheat dough recipes. It also does a great job on more complex loaves like French, sweet, and gluten-free breads. The non-stick pan releases loaves nicely for even sides and bottom crust.

With some tweaking of settings, the Moulinex makes near bakery-quality basic sandwich loaves, artisan boules, and everything in between. The results are impressive for a mid-range home bread machine. It delivers delicious homemade bread with excellent rise and structure.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The Moulinex OW6101 bread maker has a few parts that are removable for easy cleaning. The kneading paddle and bread pan detach from the machine, allowing you to wash them by hand or in the dishwasher.

The kneading paddle locks into place for baking but can be removed by twisting it. Be careful when removing it, as the edges are sharp. The paddle cleans up nicely and doesn't accumulate much residue.

The bread pan lifts out of the machine after baking. It's made of non-stick coated aluminum which prevents dough and crumbs from sticking. Wiping it down is usually sufficient to clean it. If needed, you can scrub it with a soft sponge and warm soapy water.

Overall, cleaning the Moulinex is simple since the parts that contact the dough and crumbs can be removed. There are no awkward crevices or hidden corners to access. Just be sure to unplug the machine and let it fully cool before cleaning.

Noise Level

The Moulinex OW6101 bread maker operates at a reasonable noise level, making it suitable for most home kitchens. When kneading dough, it emits a low humming sound that is comparable to a stand mixer on medium speed. The machine is not silent, but the noise is unlikely to be disruptive.

There are occasional beeps from the bread maker, mainly to indicate when you need to add ingredients during the baking cycle. The beeps are moderately loud, but they are infrequent. Some users may find the beeps helpful for knowing when to add mix-ins, while others may consider them annoying. There is no option to disable the beeps.

Overall, the noise output of the OW6101 is about average for bread machines. It does not have sound dampening features, but the noise level is acceptable for most users. As long as you do not need a completely silent bread maker, the volume should not be an issue, especially if kept in the kitchen. Those sensitive to noise may want to consider a model with quieter operation.

Accessories

The Moulinex OW6101 Breadmaker comes with a few handy accessories to help with baking.

Included is a measuring cup and spoon set to help add the right amounts of ingredients. The set includes a 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup, and 1 teaspoon measuring spoons which should cover most recipe needs. Having properly measured ingredients is important for bread recipes to turn out right.

Also included is a hook for removing the bread pan safely. The pan will be hot after baking, so the hook allows you to pull it out without burning your fingers.

Lastly, there is a plastic spatula for scraping down the sides of the pan when adding your ingredients. This helps make sure everything is fully incorporated.

The accessories provide some essentials for baking bread and make the process easier. Just having the measuring cups on hand means you don't have to dig around your kitchen for the right sizes. And the hook and spatula assist with safely handling the hot pan. Overall the included accessories enhance the functionality and experience of using this bread machine.

Warranty

The Moulinex OW6101 breadmaker comes with a 1 year warranty. This covers any defects in materials or workmanship for the first 12 months from the date of purchase.

To receive service under the warranty, you'll need to provide proof of purchase from an authorized Moulinex dealer. The warranty only applies to the original purchaser and is not transferable.

The warranty does not cover damage from misuse, abuse, neglect, or normal wear and tear. It also won't cover the breadmaker if it was used commercially or modified in any way.

You'll need to pay the cost of shipping the breadmaker to Moulinex for service. They will cover the return shipping after completing the repair.

Overall, the 1 year warranty provides decent protection in case you get a defective unit or something breaks prematurely. But the coverage is relatively short compared to some other brands that offer 2 or 3 year warranties on breadmakers. Just make sure you register your warranty with Moulinex to ensure you're protected if any issues arise.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Large 1kg loaf capacity
• Simple to use with LCD display and 15 automatic programs
• Crust color control for light, medium or dark crust
• Adjustable loaf size with 3 crust control settings
• Additional settings for whole wheat, French, sweet and ultra-fast
• Viewing window to monitor baking progress
• 60 minute keep warm function
• Accessories include measuring cup and spoon, hook for removing bread
• 2 year warranty

Cons

• Very large footprint, takes up a lot of counter space
• Longer bake times compared to more expensive models
• No gluten-free setting
• Louder than some competitors when kneading dough
• Non-stick pan can be tricky to clean thoroughly