Does a bread machine with an automatic dispenser that adds yeast at the right moment during the mixing cycle even exist? This specific feature on a bread maker is very rare indeed. I have found only two Panasonic bread makers that have automatic yeast dispensers.
Panasonic SD-YD250 Bread Maker With Yeast Dispenser
The top-loading locking lid of the SD-YD250 bread maker does not have a viewing window. Instead, it has an automatic yeast dispenser. This dispenser is filled with yeast, which is then automatically dispensed into the baking pan during mixing.
The Panasonic SD-YD250 bread machine measures 14 x 13.5 x 9 inches (width, height, depth), weighs 15 pounds and has a white color finish. It has a removable nonstick coated baking pan with a wire handle for easy removal of the pan and of the bread. This also makes it easier to clean. The baking pan can accommodate a medium, large or extra large (1.5, 2 or 2.5-pound) loaf size. It has a single kneading paddle.
The control panel features the LCD screen and soft-touch buttons. Use it to choose the loaf size, crust color (light, medium or dark) and bread program. The bread baking options are Basic, Whole Wheat, Multi-Grain, French and Baking Only. Use the pizza dough mode for kneading various types of dough.
The 13-hour timer can be used to delay the baking cycle. Put the ingredients in the baking pan, the yeast in the yeast dispenser and set the timer so that the bread is baked and ready to eat in the morning or the afternoon. The yeast dispenser keeps the yeast separated from the liquids in the baking pan until it is dropped into the dough during kneading.
This Panasonic bread machine cooks with 550 Watts and runs on a power supply of 120 AC and 60 Hz. The power-interruption protection feature is good for almost 10 minutes, so if power is quickly restored, the current baking cycle will resume and finish.
The Panasonic SD-YD250 is a popular bread machine. The automatic yeast dispenser makes it a quite unique bread machine (find sellers on Amazon – paid link).
Panasonic SD-YR2500 Bread Machine With Yeast Dispenser
The Panasonic SD-YR2500 (reviewed here) actually has two dispensers: one for yeast and another one for raisins, seeds and nuts. I am primarily interested in the automatic yeast dispenser for this review.
The purpose of yeast is to make the bread rise. Instant or rapid dry yeast is recommended for this bread machine.
First, twist the bread pan in a counter-clockwise direction and remove it from the baking chamber. Then, put the single kneading paddle on the shaft. Next, add the dry ingredients into the bread pan before pouring in the water or other liquid. Take note of this order because a bread machine without a yeast dispenser requires you to add the liquid first, the dry ingredients second and the yeast last.
Put the bread pan back into the Panasonic SD-YR2500 bread maker, turn it clockwise to lock it into place, fold the handle down and close the lid. Now, open the dispenser lid cover and make sure that the yeast dispenser is free from any moisture. However, be careful not to cause static by rubbing the dispenser because it might prevent the yeast from falling into the bread pan. If the dispenser is dry, then add you may add the yeast and close the dispenser lid. Plug the bread machine into a suitable outlet and continue by selecting a menu setting, size, crust color and pressing start.
The SD-YR2500 bread maker has other features that make it a desirable bread machine, in addition to its yeast dispenser. For example, it can make both gluten-free bread and gluten-free dough for pizza or pasta (view it on Amazon – paid link).
Conclusion
It seems like these Panasonic bread machines are the only ones with automatic yeast dispensers. If I ever come across another bread machine with such a feature, then I will gladly add it to this review.