I’ve always been curious about which model would replace the popular CBK-200 convection bread machine since Cuisinart discontinued it. Luckily, Cuisinart has introduced the CBK-210 convection bread machine as a successor. This bread maker is versatile, effortlessly kneading, baking, and handling everything in between. Plus, it comes with an automatic mix-in dispenser for added convenience. If you prefer to customize your baking experience, you can easily adjust the cycles using the Custom Memory program.
Whether you’re in the mood for basic white bread, artisan dough, sourdough, or gluten-free loaves, the CBK-210’s preset menus and convection baking ensure consistent and delicious results. In this review, I’ll delve into the Cuisinart CBK-210’s features, such as its menu programs, automatic dispenser, and customizable memory.
What is the loaf size capacity of the Cuisinart CBK-210 model?
The Cuisinart CBK-210 convection bread maker offers you the flexibility to select from three different loaf sizes: 1 pound, 1.5 pounds, or 2 pounds. Simply press the crust color button to choose between a light, medium, or dark crust. After that, press the loaf size button to make your selection.
In case you forget to choose a crust color, the machine will automatically default to medium. Similarly, if you don’t specify a size, it will default to 1.5 pounds.
How many menu options are available on the Cuisinart CBK-210?
The Cuisinart CBK-210 bread maker offers a wide range of program settings to cater to different types of breads and baked goods.
The White program is perfect for making basic white breads using all-purpose or bread flour. If you prefer hearty whole wheat breads, the Whole Wheat program is ideal, and you can even add rye flour for a softer texture.
For those who enjoy crispy French loaves, the French/Italian program is the way to go. If you’re looking to make breads with more sugar, fat, and protein that brown and rise higher, the Sweet program is optimized for that.
The Low-carb and Gluten Free settings are specifically designed for specialty flours and batters that require different kneading and baking times. If you’re in a hurry, the Rapid program should be used with rapid-rise yeast to ensure proper rising. The Package Mix program is perfect for using store-bought bread mixes.
The Dough/Pizza Dough program kneads the dough, allows it to rise twice, and then stops before baking so you can shape it as desired. The Artisan Dough program offers long, cool rises for maximum flavor and texture development.
If you want to prepare a starter overnight for sourdough breads, the Sourdough Starter program is perfect. The Bake Only program bakes breads without the need for kneading and rising first.
If you want to stir and heat jams and compotes without burning them, the Jam program is ideal. The Cake program is designed for baking quick bread batters. If you’re short on time, the Last Minute Loaf program prepares a loaf in just an hour using rapid-rise yeast.
Lastly, the Custom Memory program allows you to save timing adjustments to this menu program.
How does the automatic mix-in dispenser work?
The Cuisinart CBK-210 convection bread maker comes with a convenient built-in mix-in dispenser. With this feature, you can effortlessly incorporate up to a 3/4 cup of fruit or nuts into your dough. To access the dispenser, simply lift the handle release and pull out the compartment located at the back. Once you’ve added your desired extra ingredients, just push the compartment back in until it clicks closed.
During most programs, the dispenser will automatically release the contents during the second knead cycle, ensuring that they are thoroughly mixed before the dough rises and bakes. It’s important to note that the automatic dispenser cannot be used with certain programs such as Package Mix, Dough/Pizza Dough, Artisan Dough, Sourdough Starter, Bake Only, and Jam programs.
If you prefer a manual approach, you can choose the manual mix-in option. When the sound is turned on, you will receive an audible signal and a display notification, prompting you to open the lid and add the extra stuff manually.
How does the Custom Memory program work?
The Custom Memory feature in the bread machine allows you to personalize the timing of each step in a program. You have the flexibility to adjust the duration of kneading, rising, baking, and keeping warm. Once you make the desired adjustments, you can save the custom program to memory for future use.
Here’s how you can create your own custom program:
- Start by pressing the menu button to choose the program you wish to customize.
- Hold down the custom button for 3 seconds. The display will show the current step name and its duration.
- Use the plus or minus buttons to modify the time for that particular step.
- Press the confirm button to save the new time.
- Repeat steps 2-4 to adjust each step according to your preferences. If there are any steps you don’t want, simply set their duration to 0 minutes.
- Once you’re done, press and hold the custom button to save the program and exit.
- To select your custom program later, either press the menu button until you reach program 16 or directly press the custom button.
That’s the basic process of using the Custom Memory program. However, it’s always a good idea to refer to the instruction manual to ensure you have a clear understanding. Additionally, please keep in mind that the CBK-210 bread machine can only store one custom program at a time. Therefore, creating a new custom program will overwrite any previously saved one.
Comparison: Cuisinart CBK-210 vs. CBK-200
I previously wrote a review for the Cuisinart CBK-200 model, a beloved convection bread machine that was popular for many years. If you’re interested, you can find my CBK-200 review right here.
However, Cuisinart has discontinued the CBK-200 model. Let’s now compare it to the newer Cuisinart CBK-210 convection bread machine. First, let’s take a look at the menu programs offered by these two machines. The CBK-200 had a total of sixteen menu options:
- White
- Rapid White
- Whole Wheat
- Rapid Whole Wheat
- French/Italian
- Rapid French/Italian
- Quick Bread/Cake
- Low Carb
- Gluten Free
- Dough/Pizza Dough
- Artisan Dough
- Sweet Breads
- Rapid Sweet Breads
- Jam
- Last Minute Loaf
- Bake Only
As you can see, the CBK-200 had a nice selection of menu options, including Gluten Free and Artisan Dough. Now, let me list the sixteen menu programs that are printed on the lid of the CBK-210 model:
- White
- Whole Wheat
- French/Italian
- Sweet
- Low Carb
- Gluten Free
- Rapid
- Package Mix
- Dough/Pizza Dough
- Artisan Dough
- Sourdough Starter
- Bake Only
- Jam
- Cake
- Last Minute Loaf
- Custom Memory
The Cuisinart CBK-200 and CBK-210 bread machines are quite similar, but they do have some important differences. The CBK-200 offers three Rapid bread programs, whereas the CBK-210 combines them into one. This consolidation allows for the addition of new features such as a Sourdough Starter setting and Custom Memory setting. The core functions like crust color, loaf size, and convection fan remain unchanged between the two models.
However, the CBK-210 goes a step further by including an automatic mix-in dispenser. Notably, it also includes a Custom Memory program for creating personalized bread cycles, a feature usually found in more expensive models like the Zojirushi BB-PDC20.
While the previous CBK-200 had an appealing design, Cuisinart has given the CBK-210 a more modern and sleek look. Overall, these two models have similarities, but the CBK-210 offers some useful new features.
Comparison: Cuisinart CBK-210 vs. CBK-110P1
The Cuisinart CBK-110P1 bread maker is currently more popular than the CBK-210 model due to its lower price point. The CBK-110P1 has a smaller and more kitchen-friendly design compared to the bulkier CBK-210. However, it only offers twelve preset programs, while the CBK-210 has sixteen. Additionally, the CBK-110P1 does not have an automatic fruit and nut dispenser, a convection fan, or the ability to create customized programs.
Despite these differences, the CBK-110P1 is still a great choice if you don’t require extra presets, custom settings, or an automatic dispenser. Then again, if you’re an advanced baker, the CBK-210 may be more suitable for you.
For more information, feel free to read my Cuisinart CBK-110P1 review.
Conclusion
The Cuisinart CBK-210 bread maker is quite versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences. It offers sixteen menu programs, allowing you to make and bake a wide variety of dough or bread recipes. If you prefer to use your own recipes, the custom feature allows you to manually adjust settings for complete control over the baking process.
One of the standout features of this bread maker is the automatic fruit and nut dispenser, which evenly distributes ingredients throughout the dough. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. Additionally, the convection fan circulates air for a superior crust and texture, giving your bread that perfect homemade taste.
While some users have noted that the baking pans are thinner than older models, they should still be durable. In the event that you do encounter any issues, Cuisinart is likely to provide replacements if needed.
Overall, the Cuisinart CBK-210 is an easy-to-use bread machine that produces great homemade loaves. Its mix-in dispenser, customization options, and convection heating make it a top choice for bread-making enthusiasts. However, it’s always a good idea to carefully inspect the unit before or after purchase, as there may be some defective machines out there.
To conclude, when the Cuisinart CBK-210 is functioning properly, this convection bread maker is a highly recommended appliance that simplifies and enhances the bread-making process. Shop now on Amazon (paid link).