Cuisinart Bread Maker CBK 100 vs CBK 200 – Review
No food can compete with the aroma and flavor of the fresh bread that just came out of the oven. It is a universal yummy! The crispy sound of every bite and the chewy texture you taste in your mouth is matchless. How about having that perfect moment in the comfort of your home anytime you want? Well, if you get yourself one of the best Cuisinart bread makers, then you can enjoy the fresh baked bread day and night! And the best part is that you get to make bread effortlessly since the bread machine does all the hard work for you.
The outcome is fairylike when you knead yeast, flour, and some water together. However, you need strong arms and a lot of experience to make bread as good as the ones that are sold at the store. Cuisinart bread machines can help you overcome this dilemma, whether you are a novice or expert at making bread.
Here are the best Cuisinart bread makers that challenge the market with unique properties:
Cuisinart CBK-200 2 LB Convection Bread Maker
- 16 preprogrammed menu options, 3 crust colors, and 3 loaf sizes offer over...
- Low Carb and Gluten-Free preset menu options and recipes. A Cuisinart...
- Special menu option takes basic dough through several long, slow cool rises...
- Unique convection feature circulates air for superior crust color, and...
- Audible tone indicates time to add fruit, nuts and other "mix-ins." Second...
Let me start with my favorite feature of the CBK-200; the convection technology. Crust color is a common problem among most bread machines. Many home bakers complain that they cannot obtain a professional level color on their bread. Therefore, manufacturing companies usually try to avoid this issue by adding extra heating elements onto their superior models. However, Cuisinart completely took a different route here. They added a special fan system inside the bread maker. That is why CBK-200 is an exclusive model. It has a distinct convection technology to prepare your bread just the way you like it. This smart bread maker circulates the air around the bread to produce perfect crust. In the end, you get an evenly baked bread with great texture.
The number of preset programs available on this appliance far exceeds the industry standards. You get 16 bread cycles and 3 loaf sizes. Plus, there are over 100 bread, dough, cake, and jam options. Gluten-free mode is included, which is vital for a vast number of consumers. Another favorite of mine is the Low Carb preset, which produces healthier loaves. You can even prepare rustic recipes painlessly. Now, you can attain chewy texture with your bread maker all artisan style.
Anyone can become a loaf master with this bread maker. The level of design and engineering would exceed anyone’s expectations. You can tell from the easy-to-use digital panel to the stay-cool handles on the sides that it is developed for the practicality. This item is made from smooth brushed stainless-steel. The rectangular shape adds to the usability. You get to control the operation from the large menu on the right side, which does not interfere with the lid. Speaking of the lid; there is a viewing window on top. Take a look anytime you like to check on the status of your bread. All the plastic parts are BPA free. Buttons are extremely stylish and easy to press. Large LCD makes it easy to select the cycle.
Use the delay start to have fresh bread at a later time. You can program it to 12 hours further. Besides, there are other options like the timer and power failure backup, and 15-minute pause. The bake-only feature allows you to use the CBK-200 as a small size convection oven. There are two audible signals. One of them lets you know when to remove the blade from the inner pan. And, the second audible signal informs you when to incorporate nuts or fruits into the dough.
CBK-200 comes with a limited 3-year warranty. The recipe booklet has enormous variety and lots of delicious ideas. Note that measuring cup and spoon included for your convenience. If you have the budget for this magnificent piece of equipment, then do not think twice!
Pros:
- Convection feature
- LCD display – glass window on top
- 16 programs, and 3 crust settings
- Gluten-free setting
- Stay-cool handles
- Smooth stainless-steel body, BPA free plastic parts
- Makes 1 lb, 1.5 lb, and 2 lb loaves
- Signals to add nuts and fruits manually, and also to remove the paddle
- 12-hour delay timer – 15 minutes pause – Power failure backup
- Additional accessories such as measuring cup and spoon
- Limited 3-year warranty
Cons:
- A bit pricey
Cuisinart CBK-100 2 LB Bread Maker
- Programmable bread machine bakes 1-, 1-1/2-, and 2-pound loaves
- 12 preprogrammed menu options; 3 crust settings; 13-hour delay-start timer
- Viewing window; removable lid, pan, and paddle for quick cleanup
- Stay-cool handles; measuring cup, measuring spoon, and recipes included
- Product Built to North American Electrical Standards
Meet the CBK-100; another bestseller from the Cuisinart bread maker series. It is a popular unit among many home bakers. Make 1 lb, 1.5 lb, and 2 lb loaves with this neat appliance. It has fewer programs than the convection model listed above, but the existing 12 presets would be more than sufficient for most home bakers. Note that the CBK-100 also comes with the Gluten-Free mode. Additional programs include dough, sweet bread, whole wheat, cake, packet mix, and jam.
Other similarities with the CBK-200 are the stay-cool handles, viewing window on top, and the large LCD panel. Control every aspect of the process digitally by using the easy to follow menu options. You get to select from three crust colors; light, medium, and dark. This model comes with a standard 13-hour delay-start timer. Bonus features include the 15-minute pause, bake-only option, and the power failure backup.
I love the audible alarms that are designed to warn the user. Set them up for your convenience. It means that it is time to add in the nuts or fruits when you hear 5-beeps. On the other hand, if you hear 6-beeps, then it is time to remove the mixing paddle. The audible signals are optional.
CBK-100 has an attractive silver finish. The inner pan is made out of nonstick material as it is the case with all Cuisinart models. It is easy to clean by hand wash, along with the removable lid, and the paddle. Just use dish detergent and warm water. Never put the inner pan or the mixing paddle into the dishwasher.
This item was built to North American Electric Standards. Additional accessories like the measuring cup, spoon, and the recipe booklet included for your convenience.
Pros:
- LCD display – glass window on top
- 12 programs, and 3 crust settings
- Gluten-free setting
- Stay-cool handles
- Silver finish
- Removable lid
- Makes 1 lb, 1.5 lb, and 2 lb loaves
- 13-hour delay start
- Additional accessories such as measuring cup and spoon
- Built to North American electrical Standards
Cons:
- No extra paddle.
Cuisinart CBK-110P1 Bread Maker Max 2 LB Loaf
- Cuisinart-quality technology promises superior crust, color and texture
- 12 preprogrammed menu options - fully automatic, easy to use
- 3 crust shades - light, medium, or dark & bakes up to a 2 pound loaf
- Vertical baking pan for counter-friendly compact design - removable...
- Lid with viewing window to monitor the process - interior light to check...
Designed for the space-conscious, the counter-friendly CBK-110P1 has a vertical baking pan. If you want to buy a bread maker, but don’t have the necessary space in the kitchen, then the CBK-110P1 might be perfect for you.
It comes with 12 preprogrammed bread cycles. The artisan dough and the ultrafast presets are specialty options that you don’t see every day on the panel of a bread maker. Crust options are standard; light, medium, and dark. Available loaf sizes are 1lb, 1.5 lb, and 2lbs. This model sports a clear LCD menu on top to follow and control the whole process easier. Just add the ingredients and let the CBK-110P1 take care of the mixing, kneading, proofing, and baking of your bread.
The viewing window on top is included for your convenience. Almost all Cuisinart bread makers come with this option. It is a must-have for monitoring the dough development. A typical 13-hour delay-start timer and the keep warm feature are all part of the deal. One thing that I find very useful is the interior light under the lid, which is unique to this model. It provides a better view while the machine in use.
Nonstick baking pan and the removable paddle makes cleaning a breeze. Wash them under lukewarm water with some detergent, and you are all set.
Pros:
- LCD display – glass window on top
- Interior light
- 12 programs, and 3 crust settings
- Gluten-free setting
- Stainless-steel body
- Vertical baking pan
- Makes 1 lb, 1.5 lb, and 2 lb loaves
- Includes recipe booklet
- 13-hour delay start and 1 hour keep warm feature
- Additional accessories such as measuring cup and spoon
Cons:
- Fewer bread programs
Cuisinart BMKR-200PC Fully Automatic Compact Bread Maker 2 BL
- Removable bread pan and kneading paddle
- 12 pre-programmed menu options; 3 crust colors; 3 loaf sizes - 1, 1-1/2,...
- 13-hour delay start timer; 15-minute pause; bake-only option
- LCD display; removable lid with viewing window
- Includes measuring cup, measuring spoon and instruction/recipe book
We all love fresh bread, but it is really hard to devote time to prepare it regularly. Hence, we need the help of automated bread makers for that reason. They do all the hard work for us, and all we have to do is to sit back and wait for the fresh bread to be ready.
BMKR-200PC is a compact bread maker model from Cuisinart, which has the capacity to produce 2 lb loaf each time. Never mind the word ¨compact¨ on the label, it will give you everything you need from a versatile bread machine. For starters, it comes with 12 presets, which can help you prepare various savory bread and doughs. The gluten-free mode works great. You get to choose among 3 crust settings; light, medium, and dark. BMKR-200PC looks neat and attractive with stainless-steel finish as all the other Cuisinart bread maker models.
This model sports stay-cool handles too like the CBK-100 and CBK-200. It is easy to move the bread maker around the kitchen while it is still hot. You can use the 13-hour delay timer and the 15-minute pause creatively. Measuring cup, spoon, and the recipe booklet included in the package for your convenience.
Overall, the BMKR-200PC is a low-noise bread maker that can match any kitchen’s decorative style. It has the same easy-to-clean features as the other Cuisinart models. The inner pan has nonstick coating. Make sure you wash it right after you bake.
Pros:
- LCD display, glass window on top
- 12 programs, and 3 crust settings
- Gluten-free setting
- Stainless-steel body
- Makes 1 lb, 1.5 lb, and 2 lb loaves
- Includes recipe booklet
- 13-hour delay start and 15-minute pause
- Additional accessories such as measuring cup and spoon
Cons:
- Fewer bread programs
Buying Guide for Best Cuisinart Bread Makers
You must check out all the necessary features before you make a final decision on which Cuisinart bread maker to buy. They all have similarities, but they also have individual differences to suit the needs of specific consumer segments. Meaning, they contain custom features for home bakers with diverse needs. For example, some of the bread makers are better for large families, and some are better for the novice baker who does not have a clue about making fresh bread at home.
More bread programs might be better for you if you do not know your way around different recipes. Or maybe you only make white toast bread, and all the other fancy features have no value for you. There is an easy way to work around these issues and find the optimum to decide which one is more appropriate. Just focus on what you really need and also make sure that it comes with extra features that you might need in future use. For that matter, the Cuisinart CBK-200 model sounds like the best catch from many aspects.
Check out the features below to make a better decision and select the right model for your needs.
Preset Bread Programs
Preset bread programs make your life easier; the more, the better! Add the ingredients, select the bread course, decide on the crust color option, and press the start button. If they only wrote that last sentence in the manual of any bread maker, then it would probably be enough to describe how the system works.
You do not have to worry about the proofing times or the kneading schedules. Your automated bread machine takes care of all that. Also, these programs are a lot of fun because you get to try many different recipes that you have no idea about. It is just great to be able to come up with various healthy loaves just by switching the ingredients. In other words, you have a master baker at your service, thanks to the preset bread cycles. You only have to provide the raw materials and get out of the way.
This feature is extra important if you are looking for a bread maker with a specific program for the gluten-free bread. Many gluten-allergic consumers tend to buy bread makers to be able to bake their version at home. You cannot argue with them, since it tastes better, and costs less.
Easy to Wash Nonstick Pan and Paddle
Most bread makers come with nonstick material coated inner pans. They are usually to be cleaned by handwash only. Rarely you will see other ones that provide dishwasher safe pans and blades. No worries though, you can wash these items easily with mild detergent and lukewarm water. Stain and crumbles come off quickly thanks to the superior nonstick coating that Cuisinart applies to its pans.
Delay Timer and Keep Warm Function
This feature is a must-have. Make sure that the bread maker you are planning to buy has it. Indeed, this is why you get a bread machine in the first place. A delay timer allows you to set the appliance to start making your bread at a later time. It is just a great feeling to wake up to the smell of fresh-baked bread. Also, you can set it up before you go to work, and then have fresh loaf waiting for you when you get back!
How long does a Cuisinart bread maker take to make bread?
It takes anywhere between 2 to 4 hours for a Cuisinart bread maker to make bread. This depends on the loaf size and the bread course you select. The crust color option you choose also plays a role in the total duration. The bread maker goes through various steps to prepare your bread, including mixing, kneading, proofing, and baking. Times vary depending on the requirements of the bread type.
How do you use a Cuisinart bread maker?
Almost all bread makers work the same way. Cuisinart is no different. First, you add the liquid ingredients into the pan. Afterward, you add the dry ingredients like the flour, dry yeast, and milk powder. Once you measure your ingredients, you put the inner pan in its place. Close the lid, and start making your preferred selections from the digital LCD panel. You can simply select one of the preset bread programs, choose the crust color, and hit the start button. Note that you can also custom program most Cuisinart bread makers to suit to your original bread recipe needs.
When should I take the paddle off my bread machine?
It is a bit annoying to remove the mixing paddle after the bread is fully baked and ready to go. Most bread makers are set up this way. Some of the newer models have automatic paddles that get out of the way once the dough is developed. However, there is a trick that you can apply, but you have to be careful and check your product manual first. Do not try this if your bread maker model is not appropriate for this technique. This is a simple method. All you have to do is to pause the bread maker, set aside the prepared dough in the pan, and take off the paddle before the bread maker starts to bake it. Note that this is done at the last step before the dough gets cooked. You might hurt yourself or damage the machine if you try to take it off before the final phase.
What is the difference between bread flour and all-purpose flour?
The protein levels are different between the bread flour and all-purpose flour. You need strong protein for the better rise of the dough. All-purpose flour has lower levels of protein. It does not produce quality loaves. However, you can add 1 tablespoon of gluten to 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and make it strong enough to make marvelous bread.
In Conclusion
Automated bread makers turn your kitchen into a dreamland of fresh-baked loaves. If you like to make your own bread, then you will find it indispensable to own one in the long run. It is quick, easy, and you get to eat fresh, healthy bread regularly. Cuisinart produces some of the best bread makers in the world. The company is known globally for its high-quality and user-friendly home appliances. To me, the best Cuisinart bread maker is the Cuisinart CBK-200 model with its advanced features. If you think that is out of your budget, then you can go with the Cuisinart BMKR-200PC fully automated compact bread maker.
