Making homemade bread has always been an intimidating task for me – until I found out about the existence of bread makers. Cuisinart CBK-200 Convection Bread Maker vs CBK-100 Bread Maker, two of the best-selling bread-makers in the market right now. Let us find which is the perfect match for your baking needs.
These compact machines take all the daunting tasks involved in making bread and do it all by themselves. All you have to do is put all the ingredients in, and your bread maker will mix, knead, proof, and bake the bread for you!
Let’s take a closer look at these two fan favorites and hopefully we could help you decide what is the best bread maker to buy.
Cuisinart CBK-100 Vs CBK-200: At A Glance
The first thing you’ll notice is that both bread makers have a sleek, minimalist appearance which will surely look good on your kitchen counter. Both machines have a stainless-steel finish and have a sturdy, compact design. This makes storage easy and even if you proudly leave it out on display on your counter, it will not take up much space.
Cuisinart CBK-100
The Cuisinart CBK-100 weighs about 17.25 pounds and can make up to 2 pounds of bread. It is only 18 x 12.25 x 15 inches, but it’s packed with awesome features such as 12 pre-programmed menu options (including gluten-free!) and 3 crust settings. It also comes with a 13-hour delay preset timer which delays the bread making process for up to 13 hours.
- 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
Last update on 2024-11-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Cuisinart CBK-200
The Cuisinart CBK-200 is a little more advanced when it comes to looks and features. It’s a little bigger at 16 pounds and 19 x 16 x 13 inches. It can also process and bake up to 2 pounds of bread. It has 16 preprogrammed menu options including low carb and gluten-free plus 3 crust settings. It has a 12-hour delay preset timer so you can delay bread making process for up to 12 hours. On top of that, it boasts a convection fan feature that gives the best possible crust color and loaf texture.
- 16 preprogrammed menu options, 3 crust colors, and 3 loaf sizes offer over 100 bread, dough/pizza dough, sweet cake and jam...
- Low Carb and Gluten-Free preset menu options and recipes. A Cuisinart exclusive!
- Special menu option takes basic dough through several long, slow cool rises for chewier textures and rustic crusts.
Last update on 2024-11-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Both Cuisinart CBK-100 and CBK-200 offers:
- 3 different crust settings – they both have light, medium and dark crust options
- 3 loaf size options – allows you to choose between 1 pound, 1.5 pounds or 2 pound loaves
- LCD Display – both machines have a built-in LCD that shows you the size of the loaf and the crust setting that you chose. It also shows you which preprogrammed function you selected and the timer.
- Gluten-Free Setting – these bread makers support healthier options as they both have a gluten-free setting
- Viewing Window – the removable lid with a viewing window on both models allow you to watch your dough rise.
- Audible Tones – both models have beeping tones to alert you when you need to add your mix-ins or if you forgot to remove the kneading paddle.
- Power Failure Backup – they have a power interruption protection feature for up to 15 minutes.
- Keep Warm feature – this keeps the freshly baked bread warm for up to 60 minutes.
- Easy Clean-up – both models comes with a dishwasher safe, non-stick pan, lid and paddle that you can take out, so no messy clean-ups.
- Stay Cool handles – the handles stay cool to touch so you won’t burn yourself when trying to move the machine while it’s working its magic on the dough.
- Delay Preset Timer – lets you set up the timer for later so you can wake up to the smell of freshly baked bread in the morning
- Warranty – Cuisinart offers a 3-year warranty for both models
- Warranty – Cuisinart offers a 3-year warranty for both models
CBK-100 vs CBK-200: How They Differ?
Preprogrammed Settings
One of their main difference is their menu options, CBK-100 has 12 preprogrammed settings while the more premium CBK-200 has 16.
CBK-100 has a more standard set of options as you would with other bread makers in its price point. However, it does have pasta dough, packet mix, and rapid bake which stands out from the list.
CBK-100 Preprogrammed Settings
- Basic / White
- Cake
- French / Italian
- Dough
- Whole Wheat
- Pasta Dough
- Sweet
- Jam
- Gluten-Free
- Bake Only
- Packet Mix
- Rapid Bake
While the CBK-200 offers a little more when it comes to its preprogrammed set of options. This includes some healthier and fancier presets like low carb, gluten-free, jam and chutney, and artisan though.
CBK-200 Preprogrammed Settings:
- White
- Rapid white
- Whole Wheat
- Rapid Whole Wheat
- French / Italian
- Rapid French / Italian
- Quick Bread / Cake
- Artisan Dough
- Low Carb
- Gluten Free
- Dough / Pizza Dough
- Jam
- Sweet Breads
- Rapid Sweet Breads
- Last Minute Loaf
- Bake Only
You will notice how the CBK-200 has a more specific set of Rapid Bake menu options too.
Delay Start Timer
The CBK-200 only has 12 hours of delay timer while the CBK-100 offers up to 13 hours of delay timer.
Pause Button
The CBK-200 has an extra feature which is the 15-minute pause button. You can use this to give your dough a few extra minutes to rise, or if you want to put additional mix-ins but missed the beep.
Convection Fan
One of the CBK-200’s premium feature is the convection fan. This evenly circulates hot air to give your dough a better-colored crust and an even better texture.
Which is the Best Bread Maker To Buy?
The answer totally depends on your own preference. Here are some highlights that I hope will help you in picking your next (or first!) bread maker:
If you’re low on counter space:
Both bread maker models have a classy stainless steel finish and can make up to 2 lbs. of bread. The CBK-200 may be lighter at 16 lbs. but it requires a little more space than the CBK-100. This is because it’s packing the convection fan. It measures 19 x 16 x 13 inches compared to CBK-100’s 18 x 12.25 x 15 inches. It’s not much of a difference but when you’re tight in space, every inch matters.
If you’re into experimenting different types of bread:
Go with the CBK-200. It has 16 preset options that allow you to try different types of bread. It also has a 15-minute pause feature that allows you to change the shape of your dough or put in some extra toppings or fillings. It has a low-carb and artisan baking option that is hard to find in other bread maker brands or models, even in its price point.
I also want to point out that it has 4 specific rapid bake options, plus the last-minute loaf and quick bread/cake setting. As a busy mom, I really appreciate having these extra features on my bread maker.
If you’re a rookie baker or prefer a simpler technology:
I find both models easy to use and have a user-friendly control panel. Having a decent-sized LCD display panel with labels really helps a lot too. But just for the fact that the CBK-200 has a bit more options than the CBK-100, it may cause confusion to those who are just starting to learn about baking or those who are not really into having too many options.
If you’re very meticulous about loaf quality:
Then the CBK-200 is for you. The convection fan in the CBK-200 easily gives it a huge advantage when it comes to the overall quality and appearance of your final product. It produces evenly baked bread with great texture and perfect crust, every single time.
If you’re looking for the best value for money:
The CBK-200 is your best bet. If you have the few extra bucks to spare, the additional features are definitely worth it. You get premium-quality bread whenever you want, without having to go to fancy cafés or bakeries. It also comes with a 3-year warranty, so your investment is protected for the next 3 years to come and knowing Cuisinart’s quality – maybe even more than that.
Now that we’ve gotten a closer look at Cuisinart’s CBK-100 and CBK-200 Bread Maker, have you decided which one you will get? Let us know through the comments below. Happy baking and much love, ciao!
