Breville BBM800XL Review: Ultimate Guide to Custom Bread Making

Looking for a customizable bread maker? Our Breville BBM800XL review explores its features, performance, and whether it's worth the investment for your baking needs.

When it comes to finding the perfect bread maker, the Breville BBM800XL often comes up in conversations. As someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, I was intrigued by this machine's promise of customization and endless possibilities. In this review, I'll delve into my personal experience with the Breville BBM800XL, exploring its features, performance, and whether it's worth the investment.

Overview of the Breville BBM800XL

The Breville BBM800XL is a high-end bread maker designed for those who take their bread seriously. With 13 automatic settings, 9 custom settings, and the ability to modify temperature and baking time, this machine offers a level of control that few others can match. It even includes a dispenser for fruits and nuts, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.

Design and Build Quality

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Breville BBM800XL is its robust build. Weighing in at 16.9 pounds, it’s a hefty machine, which translates to stability on your kitchen counter. The stainless steel finish gives it a sleek, modern look that fits well with any kitchen decor. The large LCD screen is user-friendly, making it easy to navigate through the various settings.

Performance and Bread Quality

White Bread

When I first tried the white bread recipe, I was excited but found the results to be a bit mixed. The top of the bread was uneven, with some areas being more caramelized than others. The crust had a nice color but was a bit too thick, which prevented the inside from baking evenly. Despite these issues, the flavor was good, and the texture was decent. However, if you're looking for perfection right out of the box, you might need to tweak the settings a bit.

Wheat Bread

The wheat bread followed a similar pattern. While the crust and interior were decent in texture and color, the loaf turned out lumpy and unevenly shaped. This made it difficult to use for sandwiches. The bread was a bit salty and dense compared to others I’ve tried, though not unpleasant.

Gluten-Free Bread

The gluten-free bread was perhaps the most disappointing. The loaf barely rose, had chunks of flour left inside, and was undercooked. Despite its dense and rubbery texture, the flavor was surprisingly good. This machine's struggle with gluten-free bread is something to consider if you or your family members have dietary restrictions.

Customization and Ease of Use

The Breville BBM800XL shines in its customization options. It allows for almost infinite recipe experimentation, which is perfect for someone like me who enjoys tweaking and perfecting recipes. The manual provides detailed instructions and tips on how to modify ingredients and settings to achieve the best results. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to understand how bread makers work and enjoy the process of baking.

Convenience Features

One of the standout features is the automatic fruit and nut dispenser. This proved its worth when I added mini chocolate chips to a sweet bread recipe. The result was an even distribution of chocolate chips throughout the loaf, which tasted delicious. The machine also has a cord wrap to keep things tidy, and collapsible paddles to minimize the hole in the bottom of the loaf, though they weren't entirely effective.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Easy interface: The large LCD screen and user-friendly controls make it easy to use.
• Lots of options: With 13 functions and 47 recipes, there’s a lot to explore.
• Thorough manual: The detailed manual helps you understand the science of bread making.
• Good customization: The ability to modify temperature and baking time allows for endless experimentation.

Cons

• Expensive: It’s one of the pricier bread makers on the market.
• Big and heavy: Takes up a lot of counter space and is difficult to move.
• Inconsistent results: Some bread types, especially gluten-free, do not turn out well.
• Finicky paddle: The collapsible paddles still leave indents in the bread.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to other bread makers, the Breville BBM800XL stands out for its customizability. If you love experimenting with different recipes and want a machine that offers detailed control, this is the one for you. However, if you prefer consistent, hassle-free bread making, models like the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus might be a better fit. The best bread maker for you will depend on your priorities – whether it's customization or convenience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Breville BBM800XL is a fantastic choice for those who enjoy the art of bread making and love experimenting with recipes. While it has some drawbacks, such as its size and the inconsistent results with certain types of bread, its customization options and thorough manual make it a valuable tool for serious bakers. If you’re willing to invest the time and effort to learn and tweak, the Breville BBM800XL could be the perfect addition to your kitchen.

Final Thoughts

So, should you buy the Breville BBM800XL? If you're an adventurous baker who doesn't mind the occasional failed experiment on the way to perfecting your recipes, this bread maker offers a level of control and customization that's hard to beat. However, if you prefer a more straightforward, consistently reliable machine, you might want to consider other options. Ultimately, the choice depends on your baking style and preferences.

Remember, finding the best bread maker involves understanding how bread makers work and what features matter most to you. Happy baking!