Cuisinart CBK-200 Bread Machine Review

Here's the bread machine you've been waiting for. I purchased this one after my old machine started to smoke. Yes, I use it a lot, especially for doughs. We make focaccia, pizzas, soft pretzels and such. I also use it to prepare specialty breads like Polish Babka for the holidays. The Cuisinart Breead Machine saves me a ton of time and effort. I like to hand shape my breads so having the option to have perfect dough at the ready is great for me.

You will certainly enjoy the auto features of this machine. There are options for every conceivable bread/dough type from white, wheat, french, italian to sweet breads, just to mention a few. It also has a special setting for gluten free and low-carb breads. Great for people who have those needs. I counted 16 different menu cycles for 1 LB 1.5 LB or 2 LB loaves.

The machine has audible tones that are especially helpful if you want to bake your bread in the machine but don't care for the little paddle sticking to the middle. When you hear the tone, just remove the bread, the paddle, reshape and press pause. It automatically starts after 15 seconds in pause mode. The tones are also useful if you want to add raisins, nuts, lemon peel or seeds to the dough. The only drawback is that you need to be in the kitchen when it goes off or you can always knead it in after the dough has risen. To tell the truth I rarely bake the bread in the machine preferring to hand shape it myself. Maybe that is one reason why I have never burned a loaf like others have done.

I really like the last minute loaf option, especially when the day is hectic. There are settings for jam and quick breads as well. One of the most fantastic features is the artisan dough setting. I tried this the other day for a focaccia dough. I used a mix of bread flour and semolina flour to produce a product that rivals any of the artisan breads found in our local Wegman's market. The only hang up is the amount of time the artisan dough needs to develop its texture and flavor. Be prepared to start this one early in the day so your dough is ready to be baked in time for dinner.

I use yeast from Costco that is especially made for long rising and keep it in the freezer. I have never had a problem with my dough rising. The only time I did have a problem with the machine and the dough was when I left it on the counter in front of a south facing window. The dough did not rise as it normally does and in fact did cook properly. I did a little investigation and found the additional heat coming from the window interated with the heat from the dough machine and caused the yeast to react poorly. Lesson learned...never leave it in front of a window with lots of sun.

Bottom Line: The Cuisinart Convection Bread Maker is a durable and dependable machine for people who like to have homemade breads and dough at the ready. I use it at least once a week for everything from pizza dough to sweet bread dough for cinnamon rolls.