Russell Hobbs 23620 Breadmaker - Review

The Russell Hobbs 23620 is a compact bread maker that delivers excellent performance and versatility at an affordable price. This model features a sleek, modern design with a stainless steel finish that will look great on any countertop. Despite the compact size, it can make loaves up to 900g and has 12 pre-set programs plus 3 crust color options. With its fast 3 hour rapid program, delay start timer, and keep warm function, the 23620 offers plenty of flexibility for busy households. This review will provide an in-depth look at the features, ease of use, baking results, cleaning, noise level, and accessories of the Russell Hobbs 23620 bread maker. Key strengths of this model are its stylish design, versatility for different doughs and loaf sizes, and overall reliability. Downsides are the potential for loud operation and lack of fruit/nut dispenser. But for bakers that want delicious homemade bread with minimal effort, the 23620 is an excellent choice.

Design & Appearance

The Russell Hobbs 23620 Compact Fast Breadmaker has a stylish and compact design that won't take up too much space on your kitchen counter. It measures approximately 27 x 28 x 33 cm (10.6 x 11 x 13 inches) and weighs around 5.6 kg (12.3 lbs).

The breadmaker comes in a white finish with silver accents, giving it a sleek, modern look. The control panel is straightforward with an LCD display and push buttons to select your settings. There's a viewing window in the lid so you can watch your dough rise and keep an eye on the baking progress.

Despite its compact footprint, the breadmaker can make loaves up to 1.5 lbs in size. The non-stick, removable bread pan has a capacity of up to 13 oz or 1.5 lbs. Overall, this is a great option if you're short on space but still want freshly baked bread on demand. The sleek white design will fit into most kitchen decors seamlessly.

If you're looking for an alternative bread machine with a different design aesthetic, consider the Moulinex OW210130. This breadmaker has a rounded shape with a black plastic finish and stainless steel accents. The control panel is angled upwards for easy viewing during operation. There's also a large viewing window to monitor the bread as it bakes.

With dimensions of approximately 38 x 27 x 33 cm (15 x 10.6 x 13 inches), the Moulinex OW210130 has a slightly larger footprint than the Russell Hobbs model. However, it can still produce loaves up to 2.2 lbs in size thanks to its large bread pan capacity of 1.8 lbs. The interior bread pan is non-stick coated aluminum for even heating.

The Moulinex bread machine has 12 pre-programmed settings including options for white bread, whole wheat, French, sweet, and gluten-free. You can also use the quick programs for pizza dough, pasta dough, jam, and cake. An integrated dispenser automatically adds nuts, fruits or seeds at the ideal time.

With its rounded shape and black/stainless steel finish, the Moulinex OW210130 has a more retro look compared to the Russell Hobbs model. However, it still incorporates useful design elements like the angled control panel and viewing window. If you prefer the aesthetic of the Moulinex, it could be a comparable alternative in terms of functionality and performance.

No matter which bread machine you choose, it's a convenient way to wake up to the smell of freshly baked bread. The compact, streamlined designs allow them to fit well in most kitchens without taking up too much precious counter space. Just be sure to consider your design preferences and available space when deciding between the Russell Hobbs and Moulinex models.

Features & Settings

The Russell Hobbs 23620 bread maker comes with 12 different baking programs to accommodate a variety of recipes and preferences. You can choose from basic, French, whole wheat, sweet, ultra-fast, dough, jam, cake, gluten-free, crusty loaf, rice bread, and yogurt.

There are 3 crust color options - light, medium, and dark. This allows you to achieve your ideal crust on the loaf.

The machine can make loaves in 3 different sizes - 1 lb, 1.5 lbs, and 2 lbs. This range gives you flexibility to bake small or large loaves.

Some handy features include a 15-hour delay timer, so you can set the bread to be ready when you want. There is also a keep warm function that holds the bread at the optimum temperature for one hour after baking completes.

An audible beep lets you know when each stage of the program is finished. The viewing window in the lid allows monitoring of the baking process.

If you're looking for a versatile bread machine with a wide range of programs and features, the Courant CBM-5010 is an excellent choice. This high-quality bread maker has 15 automatic programs including basic white bread, French, whole wheat, sweet bread, ultra-fast, dough, jam, cake, gluten-free, crusty loaf, rice bread, and yogurt. You can easily bake loaves up to 2.2 lbs in size.

One of the great things about the Courant CBM-5010 is the ability to customize your loaves. There are 3 crust color settings so you can achieve light, medium, or dark crusts. The non-stick bread pan extracts easily for hassle-free cleaning. An LCD display with progress bar shows each stage of the baking cycle. The built-in fruit and nut dispenser adds your choice of mix-ins at the ideal time.

You'll enjoy the versatility of being able to make bread as well as cakes, jams, and yogurt. Delay start functionality lets you program the bread maker up to 15 hours in advance. An automatic keep warm function holds the bread at the perfect temperature for up to an hour after baking completes.

If you want a bread machine that can handle all your baking needs with professional results, the Courant CBM-5010 is a top choice to consider. With 15 programs, multiple loaf sizes, and flexible settings, this machine truly has something for everyone. The ability to delay start and keep loaves warm gives you convenience and flexibility. Check out the Courant CBM-5010 if you're looking for a versatile, high-quality bread maker.

Ease of Use

The Russell Hobbs 23620 is very straightforward and easy to use, even for those who have never owned a bread maker before. Its control panel features an LCD screen and a simple dial to select your program. There are 12 preset programs to choose from including basic, French, whole wheat, sweet, and more. You just add your ingredients, select your program, and press start.

The manual includes clear instructions on how to operate the machine. Setting up the bread maker is very simple - just plug it in, add ingredients, select your settings, and press start. The LCD screen counts down the time remaining so you know when your bread will be ready. It also beeps when a cycle finishes.

The Russell Hobbs 23620 has a viewing window so you can check on your bread as it bakes without having to open the lid. Opening the lid mid-cycle will stop the bread maker for safety. Overall, the bread maker is designed to be very user-friendly even for novice bakers. Its pre-programmed settings, LCD display, and hassle-free operation make it easy to create homemade loaves with minimal effort.

Baking Performance

The Russell Hobbs 23620 produces high quality loaves with excellent rise and texture. The bread has an even, consistent crumb without any dense or uncooked spots.

The bake times are quite fast, with a basic white loaf taking around 55-60 minutes from start to finish. This is quicker than many comparable bread makers. The rapid bake function can produce a loaf in under an hour.

The machine reliably allows dough to proof and rise properly before baking. There are settings to customize the rise time if you want to extend for more flavor development. With the delay start timer, you can program the Russell Hobbs 23620 to activate the kneading and rising cycles hours in advance so fresh bread is ready right when you want it.

Overall, the baking performance is impressive for a compact bread machine in this price range. Loaves have good oven-baked taste and texture, with nice rise and even browning on the crust. The quick cycles make it easy to have homemade bread ready for breakfast or dinner.

Cleaning & Maintenance

The Russell Hobbs 23620 bread maker is very easy to clean and maintain. The non-stick baking pan lifts out for fast and simple cleaning. Just let the pan cool completely before washing by hand or in the dishwasher. Be careful not to use abrasive scouring pads as they can damage the non-stick coating over time.

The viewing window and the lid can be wiped down with a damp cloth as needed. Avoid immersing the bread maker base in water. Simply wipe down the outside with a soft damp cloth.

That's about all there is to it for cleaning and maintenance. The Russell Hobbs 23620 doesn't require much upkeep. Just give the baking pan a wash after each use, and wipe down the exterior as needed. The non-stick pan makes cleaning fast and hassle-free.

Noise Level

The Russell Hobbs 23620 bread maker operates at reasonable noise levels that are comparable to other bread machines in its class.

When kneading dough, it produces a noticeable mechanical whirring sound that is audible but not intrusive. The kneading cycle tends to be the loudest phase.

Once the baking cycle starts, the noise levels drop down as only the internal fan runs. There is a very soft hum during baking.

Overall, the bread maker isn't silent, but the noise is easy to tune out. It's unlikely to disturb conversations or TV watching. The noise levels are similar to a small kitchen appliance like a food processor or blender running.

Some users may find the kneading phase is loud if the machine is run at night. But for daytime use, the noise is acceptable, especially if placed in a separate room like the kitchen.

Accessories

The Russell Hobbs 23620 bread maker comes with a range of handy accessories to help you get started with baking right away.

In the box, you’ll find:

• Measuring cup - This plastic measuring cup has level indicators for different ingredients like water, oil, flour etc. Very useful for accurately measuring everything you need.

• Measuring spoon - A single spoon with markings for 1 tsp and 1 tbsp. Helpful for yeast, sugar, salt etc.

• Hooks - Two small plastic hooks for removing the bread pan or checking bread progress. Useful for lifting out the hot pan safely.

• Recipe booklet - Includes recipes for different loaf sizes and types like basic, wholewheat, sweet and more. Good starting point for inspiration.

Having the key accessories included is convenient as you don’t have to purchase anything separately. The measuring tools in particular are essential for nailing recipes and getting consistent results each time.

Warranty

The Russell Hobbs 23620 breadmaker comes with a 1 year manufacturer's warranty. This covers the breadmaker against defects in materials and workmanship for 12 months from the date of purchase.

The warranty is valid as long as you register the product within 28 days of purchase. It's important to keep your proof of purchase in case you need to make a claim.

The warranty covers repair or replacement of the breadmaker if found to be faulty. However, it does not cover any defects caused by normal wear and tear, improper use, lack of care, negligence, or accidents. Physical damage and issues caused by using the breadmaker contrary to the instructions are also not covered.

To make a claim under warranty, you'll need to contact Russell Hobbs or the retailer you purchased from. Most issues can likely be fixed by troubleshooting over the phone or via email. But if necessary, you may need to return the machine to Russell Hobbs for repair or replacement.

Overall, the 1 year warranty provides assurance that manufacturing defects will be fixed or replaced within the first year. But it's still important to use and care for the breadmaker properly to get the most out of it long-term.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact design saves counter space
• 12 pre-set menus for easy one-touch baking
• Large viewing window to monitor progress
• 3 loaf sizes and 3 crust colors to choose from
• Non-stick pan for easy cleaning
• 60-minute rapid bake setting
• 13-hour delay start timer
• Keep warm function
• Audible alert when baking complete
• Includes measuring spoon and hook
• 2 year warranty

Cons

• Small capacity limits loaf sizes
• No gluten-free or artisan bread settings
• Pan is not removable for cleaning
• No fruit & nut dispenser like higher-end models
• Only shows time remaining, not full baking stages
• Some user reviews report unreliable results
• Louder than more expensive bread makers
• Basic model lacks advanced features