Cuisinart Bread Maker CBK 100 vs 200

It’s the ultimate battle of the low-cost bread makers: Cuisinart CBK-100 vs CBK-200.

Which is the best for you?

Don’t worry, we’ve got the answers.

Cuisinart hold a longstanding reputation as producers of versatile mid-range bread makers, and the Cuisinart CBK-100 and Cuisinart CBK-200 are two of the most popular bread machines on the market.

While both have an impressive array of features (including gluten free settings!), the CBK-200 offers a little more for the more experienced baker — albeit for a higher price.

This review will explore whether it’s worth paying the higher price, and which machine wins in the battle of Cuisinart Bread Maker CBK 100 vs 200.

Cuisinart CBK-100 vs CBK-200

Before we get started, it’s important to note that – since the original time of publication – the CBK-100 has been superseded by the CBK-110 (also known as the BK-220PC model).

You can read our full CBK-110 review here.

The Look

First off, let’s see how these two bread machines compare visually and take a tour around their features.

As you can see, both machines sport a very similar sturdy, minimalist stainless steel appearance.

We think this aesthetic is actually closer to the premium machines from Breville and Zojirushi than the usual tall and white bodies that most bread makers at this price point have. We’re proud to have our Cuisinart bread makers out on the counter — they look sleek and chic.

Here’s how their specs compare:

Cuisinart CBK-100

• Weight: 18.2 lbs
• Dimensions: 12.25 x 18 x 15 inches
• Loaf Capacity: 2 lbs
• Settings: 12 plus 3 crust settings
• Timer: 13 hour delay preset
• Stand-Out Feature: Gluten free program

Cuisinart CBK-200

• Weight: 18.9 lbs
• Dimensions: 13 x 19 x 16 inches
• Loaf Capacity: 2 lbs
• Settings: 16 plus 3 crust settings
• Timer: 12 hour delay preset
• Stand-Out Feature: Convection fan

The Features

One of the first things you’ll consider when choosing whether to buy the Cuisinart CBK-100 or CBK-200 is how their features compare.

We’ve already mentioned that the CBK-200 has some extra features, but the CBK-100 has a lot going for it in it’s own right too.

First off, here’s what both machines have in common:

• Baking pan with single kneading paddle
• Bakes 1 lb , 1.5 lb or 2 lb loaves
• 3 crust settings
• Gluten free setting
• Delay start timers
• Audible tones indicate when to add mix-ins and when to remove the kneading paddle
• Bread warming feature to keep bread warm after baking
• Power Interruption Protection for up to 15 minutes
• Removable lid with viewing window
• Stay cool handles
• Removable non-stick, dishwasher safe pan and paddle for quick cleanup
• Comes with measuring cup, measuring spoon and recipe book
• 3-year limited warranty

And now let’s take a look at how they’re different…

Cuisinart CBK-100 2 lb Bread Maker

As the cheaper of the two machines, the CBK-100 has fewer of the premium features that the more expensive CBK-200 sports.

Here’s what it has going for it.

12 Preprogrammed Menu Options

The CBK-100 has a standard list of bake settings that you would find on most bread machines at this price point.

Stand-out settings include gluten free, rapid bake and packaged mix settings.

Here’s the full list:

• Basic/White
• French/Italian
• Whole Wheat
• Sweet Bread
• Gluten Free
• Packaged Mix
• Cake
• Dough
• Pasta Dough
• Jam and Chutney
• Bake-Only
• Rapid Bake

13 Hour Delay Start Timer

If there’s anything better than waking up to the smell of freshly baked bread, we’d like to hear about it.

The CBK-100 has an impressive 13 hour delay timer which allows you to load up the bread maker in the day, before it bakes for you early the next morning.

This is also a useful feature for people who work full-time who like to come home to freshly baked loaves.

The CBK-100’s delay timer has a whole extra hour on the CBK-200’s 12 hour delay.

Cuisinart CBK-200 2 lb Bread Maker

The CBK-200 has a few improvements on the CBK-100, and will probably suit people who want the choice of extra bake settings on top of the usual offerings.

16 Preprogrammed Menu Options

In addition to the usual slew of bake settings, the CBK-200 benefits from some more experimental styles and a handful of healthy options too.

Here’s the full list of settings:

• 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 and Chutney
• Last Minute Loaf
• Bake Only

To be able to bake artisan doughs in a bread machine at this price point is pretty impressive, and we love the low carb and many rapid bake options too.

Convection Fan

Aside from the settings, the main way that the CBK-200 stands out in the battle of Cuisinart CBK-100 vs CBK-200 is the fact that it has a convection fan.

You’re probably thinking… what? Why is my bread maker acting like a normal oven?

We were slightly skeptical about the benefits of a bread machine with a convection fan too — until we tried the bread it made.

As the fan is designed to circulate the hot air evenly around the machine and the baking loaf, it resulted in an incredibly even color and texture. Seriously, we considered submitting these beautiful loaves for some sort of bread competition, they were that evenly baked.

If you’re concerned with the look of your loaves and the evenness of your bakes, we’d suggest you choose the CBK-200 over the CBK-100. It’s seriously superior in that respect.

15 Minute Pause Function

A small yet handy feature that the CBK-200 sports is the 15-minute pause option.

This is perfect if you want to give your dough a little extra rising time before the baking proper starts. The cycle will automatically resume once the 15 minutes is up. Easy peasy!

Cuisinart Bread Maker: CBK 100 vs 200 Review

While these Cuisinart machines are obviously pretty similar, there are plenty of variations and differences between them.

Put simply, these bread makers will suit different people.

We’re going to take each feature of the machines and compare them side by side.

Size and Look

Winner: CBK-100

While both bread makers’ stainless steel aesthetic will look good on any kitchen counter top, the CBK-100 takes the prize as it’s a little smaller  than the CBK-200.

The reason is, of course, the convection fan that the CBK-200 is holding requires a little extra room. The unit measures 19 x 16 x 13 inches, whereas the 100 is only  18 x 15 x 12.2 inches.

Those little inch differences can really add up when you’re low on counter top space.

And, of course, while the 200 is larger, both can produce the same sized loaves up to 2 lbs.

Loaf Quality

Winner: CBK-200

Both machines produce excellent quality loaves, of the standard you’d expect from a far more expensive machine. We’re particularly impressed with the gluten free setting, which produces bread as good as we’ve eaten anywhere.

The CBK-200 inches ahead, however, thanks to its convection fan.

This allows for a really even bake, with a deep crust color and thoroughly baked texture throughout the loaf.

Some users have mentioned that their loaves turned out with burned crusts in the CBK-200, but we haven’t found that at all, so we assume this is down to user error or faulty individual machines rather than a widespread problem.

Although, we should note that we much prefer a darker crust color to a light one.

Baking Options

Winner: CBK-200

With 16 preprogrammed bake settings versus the CBK-100’s 12, the CBK-200 clearly has the most baking options available out of the two machines.

We particularly appreciate the low-carb and artisan settings, which is unusual to find on mid-market bread makers.

The CBK-200 also offers more comprehensive rapid bake options than the CBK-100, which is handy and convenient for those of us who like to bake in a rush.

Just remember to use rapid rise yeast or you may end up with flat and heavy loaves!

Settings like gluten free and rapid bake are only available on 1 and 1.5 lb loaves in the CBK-100 which is a little restrictive.

We also love the 15-minute pause function on the 200 model, which allows a longer time for rising if necessary.

Unfortunately, neither machine offers the opportunity to create or save customized bakes, which is likely to be a little restrictive for experienced bakers or those who like to experiment with their bread maker.

You’ll need to spend a little more cash on a more premium machine if you want the customization options.

Ease of Use

Winner: CBK-100

If you’re a beginner baker or looking for the most convenient bread maker, then the CBK-100 certainly takes the lead if you’re choosing between Cuisinart CBK-100 or CBK-200.

Just by warrant of the fact that it has less options and buttons than the CBK-200, it’s easier to use.

The display panel is clear, simple and easy to read and — providing you follow the instructions — it’s pretty hard to go wrong making a loaf in this machine.

The CBK-200 certainly isn’t difficult to use, but there’s a bit more going on that some people may find confusing.

Beginner bakers may not find much use for the myriad of extra bake settings on offer with the 200, and some people are unsure if and when they should be using the pause button.

Thankfully, both bread makers are easy to clean and options are easily selected by their large display panels. Both benefit from power failure back-up systems and delay start timers for extra ease too.

Price

Winner: CBK-200

Although the CBK-100 is the cheaper of the two bread machines, we think that the CBK-200 offers the best value for money and is only marginally more expensive.

Both are mid-market machines which are affordably priced and — truthfully — could be priced a bit higher thanks to their quality.

We think that the additional options on hand on the CBK-200 are definitely worth the extra dollars — particularly if you’re looking to do a little more with your bread machine than the standard loaf options allow.

So… Cuisinart CBK-100 or CBK-200?

We think that both bread makers are of a fantastic quality given their high price, and that both would suit different kinds of people.

If you’re…

• On a budget
• Have limited counter space
• An inexperienced baker
• Looking for something quick and easy
• Or are not bothered about even crust color and texture of your loaves…

You should choose the Cuisinart CBK-100.

>>> Read our full review of the Cuisinart CBK-100

But, if you’re…

• Happy to spend a little extra
• Want to use the low-carb and artisan settings
• Want more rapid bake options
• Care about even crust color
• Need to use the gluten free and rapid settings on 2 lb loaves…

You should buy the Cuisinart CBK-200.

Alternatively, if you want something a little more than the Cuisinart bread makers can provide — perhaps you want greater customization options or the highest quality loaves — we suggest that you take a look at these premium quality machines instead:

• Breville BBM800XL Custom Loaf Bread Maker
• Zojirushi BB-PAC20 Home Bakery Virtuoso Breadmaker 

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And that’s our round-up of the results of Cuisinart CBK-100 vs CBK-200.

Which would you choose: Cuisinart CBK-100 or CBK-200?