Review of Breville BBM800XL Custom Loaf Bread Maker for Perfect Homemade Bread

Description

A Sleek and Functional Design

The Breville BBM800XL Custom Loaf Bread Maker Machine immediately caught my eye with its brushed stainless steel finish. It looks modern and fits beautifully on the countertop, complementing other appliances. Its dimensions (9.6”D x 16.4”W x 13.3”H) might make it slightly bulkier than some models, but the solid construction ensures it’s built to last. At 16.84 pounds, it’s not something I’d move around often, but it feels sturdy and well-made. I especially appreciated the user-friendly layout of the machine, with clear buttons and an intuitive smart LCD display that simplifies the bread-making process.

Versatile Programs for Every Baker

This bread maker’s 13 automatic programs blew me away. Whether I wanted to try my hand at a gluten-free loaf, a crusty bread, or even a homemade jam, this machine had me covered. I also loved the ability to create and save nine custom settings, which was fantastic for tweaking recipes to my taste. The three crust color options (light, medium, dark) ensured my bread was baked just the way I liked it. Testing the dough/pasta setting was a game-changer—I didn’t expect a bread maker to handle pasta dough so effortlessly.

The standout feature for me was the automatic fruit and nut dispenser. It added mix-ins at precisely the right moment, meaning no more babysitting the dough. It’s ideal for experimenting with new flavors, like walnut banana bread or cranberry-orange loaves.

Key Benefits

• The collapsible kneading paddle prevents unsightly holes in the loaf bottom.
• Power-interruption protection kept my bread-making on track during a brief outage.
• The smart LCD display’s progress indicator was incredibly useful.
• Versatility with settings for jam, pasta dough, and yeast-free bread.

A Few Less Favorable Aspects

Not everything about this bread maker was perfect. There are a couple of things worth noting:

• Size and weight: It’s on the heavier side, making it less portable.
• Hand-wash only care instructions can be time-consuming.
• The price point might feel steep for casual bakers.

Performance That Impresses

I tested the Breville bread maker with a variety of recipes, and the results were consistently impressive. The bread’s texture was soft, the crust perfectly browned, and the kneading function worked like a charm. I found the collapsible paddle especially useful because it ensured a clean loaf bottom, free of large paddle holes.

The 830-watt motor handled denser doughs like sourdough and whole wheat without straining, which was a relief. I also loved that it could bake loaves ranging from 1 to 2.5 pounds, making it suitable for everything from small households to larger gatherings.

Challengers

In comparison to competitors like the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus or the Cuisinart CBK-200, the Breville stood out for its automatic fruit and nut dispenser and customizable settings. However, the Zojirushi model has a reputation for producing more uniform loaves, while the Cuisinart’s lower price tag might appeal to budget-conscious buyers. That said, the Breville’s premium build quality and innovative features make it worth considering for serious bakers.

Smart Spending

While the initial investment in this bread maker might feel high, its versatility and performance justify the price for those who bake frequently. It’s not just a bread maker; it’s a multifunctional appliance that can handle dough, jam, and customized recipes with ease. For the occasional baker, a simpler model might suffice, but for anyone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, this machine is worth every penny.

This bread maker has become a staple in my kitchen, and it’s easy to see why it’s a popular choice among home bakers. While it’s not without its flaws, the Breville BBM800XL’s unique features and reliable performance make it a standout option in its category.

Additional information