The Elite Gourmet EBM8103B bread machine has a deceptively high-end name, but it is surprisingly affordable. Despite the low price, it offers 19 menu functions: even more than some pricier Zojirushi models. This review will examine the EBM8103B’s control panel, display screen, programs, and other features.
Control Panel Buttons Of The Elite Gourmet EBM8103B
The color setting button allows you to select light, medium, or dark crust shades.
The delay timer button programs the bread maker to complete the bread hours later, so it is fresh in the morning. You can set the delay up to 15 hours, but avoid delayed baking with dairy and eggs, which may spoil. The delay timer postpones the baking process. Press the up/down arrows to adjust the delay in 10-minute increments, or hold to rapidly change the time.
To choose a menu program, press the menu button until the desired number appears with the cooking time remaining.
Once plugged in and programmed, briefly press start to begin baking. During baking, briefly press start to pause for up to 3 minutes before automatically resuming. To cancel, hold down the start button for about three seconds until it beeps.
Finally, the weight button selects loaf sizes.
What information does the display screen show?
The Elite Gourmet EBM8103B bread machine has a display screen that shows the information needed to use the machine.
Specifically, it displays the bread-making cycles of Stir, Rest, Ferment, Heat, Bake, Keep Warm, and Done. It also shows the selected loaf size (1LB, 1.5LB, 2LB) and crust setting (Light, Medium, Dark). When adding fruits like raisins during kneading, the Fruit indicator lights up with a beep.
Overall, the digital display provides clear step-by-step guidance through the bread-making process, with settings, indicators, and alerts to ensure ease of use.
What menu programs does the Elite Gourmet EBM8103B have?
The Elite Gourmet EBM8103B bread machine has 19 menu programs for making various types of bread loaves, cake, dough, jam and yogurt. I will list all the menu programs below:
- Basic
- Quick
- Sweet
- French
- Whole Wheat
- Rye
- Gluten Free
- Rice Bread
- Sandwich
- Cake
- Whole Meal Dough
- Pizza Dough
- Leaven Dough
- Knead
- Mix
- Jam
- Yogurt
- Defrost
- Cook
The Elite Gourmet EBM8103B bread machine has several unique menu programs not commonly found on other models. For example, it includes rare programs for making rice bread and whole meal dough.
It also offers adjustable Mix and Knead cycles, with the Mix program ranging from 8 to 45 minutes for extended kneading.
Similarly, the Defrost and Cook programs have adjustable times from 0:10-2:00 and 0:10-1:30 respectively. The Cook program maintains a temperature of around 302°F, though it is unclear if this is comparable to the Bake Only function on other machines.
Overall, the wide variety of specialty baking programs and customizable timing makes this a unique bread machine given its low cost. More expensive models like the Zojirushi BB-PDC20 offer fully editable and savable settings for each step, but the Elite Gourmet still stands out for its flexibility at its low price point.
Comparison: Elite Gourmet EBM8103B vs. EBM8103M
The most obvious difference between these two Elite gourmet bread machines is their color: the EBM8103B is black, while the EBM8103M is mint green. Even though I thought that the EBM8103M’s menu options might differ given the unique color, the programs are identical. Thus, color is the sole contrast between the models. Personally, I prefer the black EBM8103B model.
How To Use The Elite Gourmet EBM8103B Bread Maker
Carefully unpack the bread maker and remove all packaging. Check for any missing or damaged parts. Wash and dry the bread pan and kneading blade, avoiding scouring pads or abrasives on the nonstick surface.
Before first use, operate the empty bread maker on the cook mode for 10 minutes to burn off manufacturing oils. Allow the unit to cool, then clean all parts again. The bread maker may emit some smoke and odor during this first use, which is normal. Ensure proper ventilation to eliminate odors. Thoroughly dry all components before using the machine.
Turn the bread pan counter-clockwise, then pull it out. Mount the kneading blade on the pin inside the pan, with the arrow pointing up.
Measure ingredients precisely with the provided cups and spoons, adding them to the pan in the sequence specified in the recipe. Lock the filled bread pan into place by turning clockwise.
Close the cover and plug in the machine. Select the desired program, weight, and browning using the buttons. Set a delay timer if needed. Press start. The machine will beep when it’s time to add ingredients like fruits and nuts.
When finished, the machine will beep and switch to a 1-hour keep warm mode. Use oven mitts to remove the hot pan, turning it counter-clockwise. Turn the bread pan over onto a rack and shake it gently to release the loaf. Use a nonstick spatula to loosen the sides, being careful of the hot pan. If the kneading blade is in the loaf, remove it carefully.
How do you add ingredients into the bread pan?
To add ingredients to the bread pan of the Elite Gourmet EBM8103B bread maker:
- Remove the bread pan by lifting the handle, turning counter-clockwise, and lifting out. Place on a clean, dry, level surface.
- Carefully follow recipe measurements and adding order. Use room temperature ingredients unless noted. Only use provided measuring cups and spoons. Level off dry ingredients; do not scoop.
- Make a small well in the flour and add yeast separately to avoid contact with liquids. Add liquids first, then dry ingredients except yeast. Finally, add yeast.
- If using the delay timer, add nuts, fruits, and yeast just before placing pan in machine to avoid premature rising.
- Do not use milk on timer function as it may curdle. Keep hot water under 110°F to avoid killing yeast. Exact measurements are crucial.
In summary, properly measure room temperature ingredients in recommended order, separating yeast and liquids. Follow recipes precisely to ensure successful bread making.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Elite Gourmet EBM8103B bread maker seems like a popular and affordable option with 19 menu programs, including settings for whole wheat, gluten-free bread, and pizza dough. Most owners find it easy to use and clean. However, some dislike the loud beeps, hard crusts, and subpar gluten-free loaves.
Overall, the Elite Gourmet EBM8103B and EBM8103M models are inexpensive bread machines capable of making decent bread machine loaves, although it might prove to be unsatisfactory for gluten-free baking. Click here for current pricing on Amazon (paid link).