Overall the Cuisinart bread device is excellent; it comes with a unique convection bake feature, a beep to let you know that the mixing paddle can be removed before baking and cycles for low-carb, gluten free, and artisan bread. But, it also comes with a few problems. Whether or not you should buy this particular appliance will depend on you perceiving that the good points out weigh the band ones.

The Cuisinart CBK-200 2 pound Convection Automatic Bread Maker makes everyone’s cooking life simple, thanks to the easy to use configurations and buttons, as well as the viewing window which allows you to take notice of the baking process. The machine features a stunning stainless steel finish that will permit it to fit in any kitchen area.

The convection fan is one of it’s main plus points. It’s a small noisy but it really does produce crispier, more evenly browned crusts. The actual convection fan is optional, which means you don’t have to use it. This is perhaps the best feature of the Cuisinart bread device, but if you do use it you shouldn’t leave the bread in the pan after it’s been baked as the steam released in the cooked loaf will soften the crust, which instead defeats the purpose of the convection fan feature. Also, you need to be cautious about how much flour you put it. Only use the correct amount as specified in the recipe; if you put in too much, the fan tends to ‘blow out’ some of the flour from the pan on to element, which results in a burned flour smell during baking.

A major negative of the Cuisinart CBK-200 breads machine is its general exterior design. You may or may not like its ‘retro’ look with brushed stainless steel outer shell and black-trimmed lid, that’s not the issue. What does matter is that the style of the top of the bread maker features corrugated sides and a black trim. Baking breads can be messy; even if you’re thoroughly tidy you’re going to get flour around the surface of the lid. Cleaning this device is far more difficult than it should be and you’re going to be spending additional time than you would like cleaning this. Giving a machine a ‘trendy’ look is okay provided it doesn’t help to make using it less easy; style over functionality is to the detriment of the Cuisinart bread maker.

Despite these weak points the Cuisinart CBK-200 bread machine is a good quality kitchen appliance and will suit both beginners and skilled bakers. It also comes with an excellent, spin out of control bound recipe book.

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