Cuisinart 2-lb. Convection Bread Maker CBK-200

Bottom line

The Cuisinart CBK-200 is a baker's machine. Equipped with a seemingly endless combination of programs and options, this machine's many features are most helpful to experienced and advanced bakers. So if you're looking to push an "on" button and walk away, this may not be the model for you. Many users rave about the delicious bread that this machine produces, but reports of burned loaves are also fairly prevalent. In response to those complaints, one CBK-200 fan insists that bread making is a skill that takes time and experimentation with ingredients -- even when using a bread maker. Others point out that if you take the loaf out immediately -- or even a bit early -- this problem can be avoided. All in all, unless the kitchen is your playground, you might want to pass this one by.

Performance

Mostly raves, but some rants, too. The Cuisinart CBK-200 earns mostly very positive reviews, but the negative comments are worth consideration. Fans say they use the machine often, and it always produces nicely shaped, delicious tasting bread -- full of flavor and good consistency. These bakers describe finished loaves as "hearty," "excellent" and "perfect." Alternatively, there are more than a few detractors, with the biggest complaint involving burned bread. Dry, hard and poorly risen loaves are also mentioned. Some users note that practice and experimentation with ingredients solve all these problems. From a mechanical standpoint, the Cuisinart CBK-200 also comes up short according to some users who say the pan has a tendency to pop out of the base during kneading, which results in no kneading at all.

Ease of use

Easy to use despite multiple functions. Even though it's chock-full of settings and choices, most reviewers say the Cuisinart CBK-200 is easy to use. We found no complaints about hard-to-read displays or complicated selections. Many also say the machine is easy to clean, although a few users maintain that the pan does not come clean easily. The biggest usage problem involves the security of the pan, with some bakers complaining that the pan pops out of its perch during kneading, and others noting that it gets stuck inside the machine and can be difficult to remove.

Appearance

Sleek and stylish. A feature of the Cuisinart CBK-200 that really shines, so to speak, is its mostly stainless-steel exterior. According to editors at The Wall Street Journal, who conducted a multi-product test, the Cuisinart CBK-200 is "far and away" the most attractive machine tested. Other reviewers also applaud the design, with one saying it's a welcome change from the bulky plastic that characterizes other models. There are a handful of complaints that the unit is too big.

Noise

Quiet to some, not so quiet to others. The Cuisinart CBK-200 receives mixed reviews from users when it comes to the noise factor. Several users maintain that the machine is quiet; in fact, one user says the convection fan is almost imperceptible, even from a very close range. On the other hand, some reviewers maintain that it's noisy, with one user comparing its sound to that of a washer on the "spin" cycle.