Review of the KBS Large 17-in-1 Bread Machine
The KBS Large 17-in-1 Bread Machine, model MBF-010, has garnered significant attention since its release on June 20, 2018. This bread maker promises to bring the joy of homemade bread to your kitchen with its impressive range of features and programs. With a sleek stainless steel design and a variety of functionalities, it’s essential to dive deeper into its capabilities, user experiences, and overall performance. Here, we will explore various aspects of the KBS bread machine and provide an overall rating based on our findings.
Product Overview
Design and Build Quality
The KBS bread machine boasts dimensions of 13.7 x 8.6 x 11.8 inches and weighs a manageable 14.7 pounds. Its stainless steel exterior not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also enhances durability and ease of cleaning. The tempered glass top allows for easy viewing of the baking process, which is a thoughtful addition for users who enjoy watching their bread rise and bake.
Functional Features
What sets the KBS bread maker apart is its versatility. With 17 different programs, including options for French bread, whole wheat, gluten-free, jam, yogurt, and even pizza dough, it truly caters to diverse culinary needs. The quick bake option allows users to make a loaf in under 1.5 hours, making it ideal for those who are short on time.
Advanced Technology
The machine is equipped with a powerful 710W motor that operates quietly, emitting less than 40 dB, which is perfect for early morning bakers. Additionally, it features a unique non-stick ceramic pan that is BPA-free and designed for healthier baking. The intelligent fruit and nut dispenser automatically releases ingredients at the optimal time, alleviating the need for constant monitoring.
User Experiences
Ease of Use
Many users have praised the KBS bread maker for its intuitive digital touch panel, stating that it simplifies the selection of cycles, crust settings, and loaf sizes. The included recipe book and clear instructions further enhance the user experience, making it accessible even for first-time bread makers.
Performance
A recurring theme in user reviews is the machine’s ability to produce high-quality loaves consistently. Users have reported excellent results with various bread types, including pizza dough, which has become a favorite among families. However, there have been mixed experiences regarding the durability of some components, such as the fruit/nut dispenser.
Maintenance and Cleaning
The non-stick ceramic pan is easy to clean, which is a significant advantage for busy households. Users appreciate the detachable components that allow for hassle-free maintenance.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Versatility: 17 different programs catering to a variety of baking needs.
- Quiet Operation: The motor operates quietly, making it suitable for any time of day.
- Easy to Clean: The ceramic pan and detachable components simplify cleaning.
- Automatic Dispenser: The fruit and nut dispenser adds convenience during baking.
Cons
- Durability Concerns: Some users reported issues with the fruit/nut dispenser malfunctioning after limited use.
- Complex Instructions: A few users found the initial setup and manual somewhat complicated, though they acclimated quickly.
Customer Support
KBS offers a two-year after-sales support warranty, which is reassuring for buyers. However, some customers in Canada reported challenges when trying to register for warranty support. KBS has stated that they are working on addressing these issues.
Overall Rating: 4.2/5
Considering the pros and cons, alongside user experiences and the unique features of the KBS Large 17-in-1 Bread Machine, it earns an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5. This rating reflects its solid performance, ease of use, and versatility, while also acknowledging the durability concerns some users have faced.
Conclusion
The KBS Large 17-in-1 Bread Machine is a worthy investment for anyone looking to explore the world of homemade bread. Its innovative features, ease of use, and ability to produce various types of bread make it an excellent choice for both novice and seasoned bakers. Despite some minor durability concerns, its overall performance and user satisfaction make it a standout option in the bread maker market. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or simply wish to enjoy fresh bread at home, this machine is well-equipped to meet those needs.
Helena Domínguez Sánchez –
This is my third bread maker, and it surpasses the other two I’ve owned. I really appreciate the automatic compartment for nuts, seeds, and raisins—it releases its contents without me having to be present to hear the beep and manually add them. Additionally, the user-friendly design makes delayed bread-making a breeze.
However, a heads-up for Canadian customers: the warranty coverage, as indicated in the documentation, is managed by byran@jmkbs.com, which doesn’t extend to Canada. When I attempted to register my bread maker, they informed me via email that their products are exclusively available in the US and suggested contacting the appropriate seller. I reached out to the seller, and they assured me I would be covered under an extended warranty for a total of two years. Regrettably, three months after my two-year purchase mark, the fruit/nut dispenser broke and won’t close anymore. With no replacement parts available, I’m back to having to listen for the beep to add my ingredients when needed.
C. Clark –
I really liked it; the bread turns out great, and the instructions are easy to follow.
Gwen Sanche –
It works wonderfully, and the bread turns out delicious.
C. Clark –
Creates an ideal loaf of bread! So many options to choose from!
Mandalorian –
I’ve had this bread maker for about a year now, and I can share my honest thoughts on it. I initially purchased it due to concerns about how COVID might affect my family’s day-to-day life, especially with the temporary scarcity of bread and uncertainty surrounding restaurant food. I figured a bread maker would be useful for making homemade pizza.
Fast forward to today, and I can confidently say that if you’re considering a bread maker, definitely think about one that excels at making pizza dough. This machine produces fantastic pizza dough—so much so that we’ve made 57 pizzas with it! Our recipe is simple: we combine 1-1/3 cups water, 1/4 cup olive oil, 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour (bleached), 1 tbsp sugar, 1-1/2 teaspoons salt, and 2 teaspoons of SAF yeast in that specific order. Setting the machine to setting 11 (dough mixing mode) yields enough dough for two large pizzas in just 23 minutes. We divide the dough into two pieces, store them in plastic bags, and refrigerate or freeze them. The KBS makes pizza-making effortless for us during the week.
We did try making bread once, but I discovered that hand kneading yields better results for sourdough, which I prefer for its quality and health benefits. While the KBS can make bread, I find that sourdough benefits from a slower, more careful kneading process.
I did make one loaf of white bread using a third-party cookbook, and it turned out beautifully. However, I’m content using the KBS solely for pizza dough since sourdough is my priority.
In terms of performance, the machine works flawlessly. The non-stick ceramic pot was a big selling point for me, especially after learning about the concerns surrounding PTFE in other brands. Cleaning is a breeze thanks to the ceramic coating.
Initially, I encountered a design flaw where if you accidentally pressed the start button, it would run a cycle with no way to cancel it, even if unplugged. As an IT professional, I figured out that holding down the Menu button for five seconds resets the machine, confirming that user experience plays a big role in such complaints.
Aside from that initial concern, I have few complaints. Many negative reviews likely stem from user inexperience or improper ingredient handling. For best results, it’s crucial to add ingredients in the specific order outlined in the recipe—winging it will lead to disappointing outcomes no matter the machine.
Regarding its manufacturing in China, it’s worth noting that many machines have components sourced from the Far East. Usually, user error is more to blame than the device itself.
One downside is the user guide, which could use improvement. But hey, at least I’m not dealing with Teflon-coated pots loaded with questionable chemicals!
The photos of my results speak for themselves. This machine is well-made and capable of producing great breads and pizza dough. I highly recommend it, especially if you’ve used other bread machines before. Its operation is simple and intuitive.
Bradie Haner –
I’ve baked several varieties of bread with this machine, and it’s fantastic and incredibly user-friendly. I had one many years ago, and I can definitely say they’re much better now!
Mandalorian –
I’ve had this bread maker for less than 24 hours and have already baked two incredible loaves! The first one was made last night using the “quick bread” cycle, which took just 1.5 hours, and we devoured it at dinner. Now, the second loaf is ready and waiting for our next meal, but my family can’t resist the delightful aroma of fresh bread wafting from the kitchen—it may not last until dinner!
Initially, I found the instructions a bit daunting, but once I realized the cookbook includes both the recipe and the corresponding cycle memory mode number, along with clear guidance on the lid, everything fell into place and became super easy! This is such a fantastic investment. I work full time but love making everything from scratch, and bread has always been a challenge for me. That’s why I bought this bread maker, and I’m so glad I did! I’m excited to try the jam-making and yogurt functions next.
The loaf in the picture showcases the “light whole wheat” recipe, which took 3.5 hours. The recipe book provides excellent illustrations, and they even include gluten-free recipes! Just a heads up: many standard bread recipes require additional gluten on top of the bread flour, so make sure to order pure gluten when you get this bread maker. You’ll also need powdered milk, powdered buttermilk, and high-quality active yeast for the best results. Using a scale to weigh your ingredients will help maintain the right moisture-to-dry goods ratio for success!
Once you have your bulk dry ingredients ready and this fantastic machine, you’ll start saving money in no time! Store-bought bread costs $5 or more these days and often contains preservatives—not for me. I’m thrilled with this bread maker! Thank you!
Bradie Haner –
During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, many people took up baking bread as a pastime. I’ve had a bread machine for years, mostly using it to make dough for homemade rolls. Recently, I ran out of bread and was craving some toast, so I decided to make a loaf of white bread in my DeLonghi bread machine. Unfortunately, as I was moving it from the shelf to the counter, the cord got caught on something, causing the machine to slip from my hands and crash face down on the floor, shattering the glass top. So much for toast.
After some searching, I found this machine that looked quite similar, especially the bread pan, so I decided to order it. In a strange twist of fate, the price dropped by $20 after I purchased it, but that’s just how things go. While it’s a decent machine that functions similarly to my old one, it doesn’t quite measure up in the long run. The instruction manual is challenging to navigate and lacks the polish of the DeLonghi manual. Also, the absence of an internal light means that despite the large viewing window, you’ll need a flashlight to check on the dough.
I first attempted to make the plain white bread that I had planned to bake when my old machine broke, opting for the smaller 1 lb loaf. The recipes in the included book were complicated (including ingredients like milk powder that I don’t keep on hand), so I used a recipe from my DeLonghi machine instead. Those recipes can be tricky too, as they require weighing the dry ingredients, but I managed to get everything into the machine. After three hours, the loaf was ready, and it turned out great—just the right size and delicious.
Next, I tried making a 2 lb loaf of French Bread using another DeLonghi recipe. This loaf didn’t turn out as well; it sank in the middle and bulged over the top of the pan, making it difficult to pry the handle up to remove the pan after baking. While it was tasty, it was quite crusty and tricky to slice.
Finally, I decided to try the “natural sourdough” recipe from the machine’s manual. After reading some reviews, I opted to use milk instead of water and milk powder. The recipe calls for 1/3 teaspoon of yeast, which puzzled me because the included measuring spoon only has 1 teaspoon and 1/2 teaspoon measures. I ended up eyeballing it with the 1/2 teaspoon. The 1 lb recipe calls for 160 ml of liquid, but the measuring cup shows 150, 158, and 180 ml. I guessed the additional 2 ml as well. Given my previous issues with the 2 lb French Bread overflowing, I made a 1 lb loaf again, which took 6 and a half hours.
The result is pictured here, with a pen included for scale to illustrate that the bread is somewhat flat. As for the taste? It doesn’t quite have the real sourdough flavor.
Overall, I would recommend this machine, but I suggest investing in a good bread machine cookbook.