Amazon Basics BM1349-UL-W Bread Machine: Full Review

The Amazon Basics BM1349 is a bread making machine that allows you to bake loaves of bread at home. This model features a 2.5 pound bread pan capacity, allowing you to make medium or large sized loaves. With its user-friendly design and range of settings, the BM1349 aims to provide an easy way for home bakers to make fresh bread without much effort.

Some key things to consider with this bread maker include its design, features, ease of use, noise level, and performance. We'll take a closer look at these aspects in this review to help you determine if the Amazon Basics BM1349 is the right option for your bread baking needs. Overall, this machine offers simplicity and convenience for making basic loaves of bread at home.

Design

The AmazonBasics Bread Machine (model BM1349-UL-W) has a sleek and compact design that won't take up too much counter space. It measures approximately 14 x 11 x 12 inches (LxWxH) and weighs about 15 pounds. The bread maker comes in white to match most kitchen decors. Despite its relatively small footprint, it can make 1, 1.5, and 2 pound loaves. The curved shape and smooth finish give it an elegant look. The top housing lifts up for easy access to the bread pan and kneading paddle. There is a viewing window on the top so you can watch the bread as it bakes. The control panel is located on the front and features an LCD screen and push buttons to select settings and start/stop operation. Overall, the AmazonBasics bread machine has a smartly designed appliance with simple controls that looks nice on the countertop without dominating the space.

Another excellent bread machine option is the Zojirushi BB-CEC20. This model is known for its high-quality build and innovative features. It measures 18 x 10.5 x 13 inches and weighs 20 pounds, making it slightly larger and heavier than the AmazonBasics model. The BB-CEC20 can bake 2-pound loaves and offers settings for basic bread, wheat bread, and even jam. It also includes a 13-hour delay timer, so you can set it up in the morning and have fresh bread ready when you come home. The dual kneading blades ensure thorough dough kneading. The Zojirushi BB-CEC20 is highly rated for its performance and durability.

Features

The AmazonBasics Bread Machine has a number of useful features that make baking homemade loaves convenient.

Loaf Sizes

This bread machine can make loaves up to 2 pounds in size. The interior baking pan is non-stick coated and measures approximately 8.5 x 4.5 inches. This allows you to bake standard sized loaves of bread.

Cycles

There are 14 preset menu cycles to choose from including basic, French, sweet, ultra-fast, dough, jam, and more. This variety means you can use the machine to make different types of bread, jam, and dough with just a press of a button.

Adjustable Settings

Within each cycle, you can customize settings like loaf size, crust type, and bake time. There are 3 crust color options - light, medium, dark. The bake time can be adjusted in 10 minute increments up to 60 minutes longer. These adjustable settings allow you to tweak each cycle to your liking.

The Elite Gourmet EBM8103B is another excellent option for home bakers. This versatile machine offers similar features, including multiple loaf sizes and crust settings. It also boasts a wide range of preset cycles, from basic bread to specialty doughs. The Elite Gourmet EBM8103B is designed with a non-stick pan for easy cleaning and even baking. Additionally, it features a viewing window to monitor the baking process, making it a user-friendly choice for both novices and experienced bakers alike.

Ease of Use

The AmazonBasics Bread Machine is designed to be user-friendly, with intuitive controls and straightforward instructions. The display panel is simple, with buttons for different cycles and loaf sizes, a start/stop button, and an LCD screen. The manual provides clear, step-by-step instructions for adding ingredients, selecting settings, and operating the machine.

Cleanup is easy since the non-stick bread pan lifts out for fast removal of baked bread. The viewing window and interior light allow you to monitor the bread as it bakes without disturbing the process. There is an audible beep and automatic keep warm function when the cycle is complete. Overall, the machine is very easy to use for beginners and experienced bakers alike. The intuitive controls and uncomplicated interface make the breadmaking process nearly effortless.

Performance

The AmazonBasics Bread Machine performs very well when it comes to mixing, kneading, and baking bread. The powerful motor and sturdy paddle attachment do an excellent job of mixing and kneading dough thoroughly. Even sticky or dense doughs are worked through evenly.

The machine mixes ingredients in the proper order and allows time for the yeast to activate and rise before kneading begins. Kneading is done efficiently, with the paddle continuing to turn and push the dough down repeatedly to develop gluten. The result is smooth, evenly kneaded dough ready for rising.

When it comes to baking, the Bread Machine creates consistently delicious loaves of bread. It maintains the proper temperature during rising and baking cycles to allow the dough to proof and bake properly. The non-stick pan allows bread to bake evenly and release easily when finished. The loaves have a nice domed top with a crunchy, beautifully browned crust. The interior crumb is tender and even-textured.

Overall, the performance for mixing, kneading, and baking is reliable and delivers tasty homemade loaves you would be proud to serve your family and guests. The machine takes care of the hard work, so you can enjoy the delicious aromas and flavors of freshly baked bread.

Noise Level

The AmazonBasics Bread Maker operates at a reasonable noise level. When mixing and kneading dough, it produces a low humming sound comparable to a standard kitchen appliance. Customers note that it is not overly loud or disruptive.

The noise increases slightly once the baking cycle starts, but remains at an average volume. It is audible but won't drown out conversation. Some users mention hearing occasional clicking sounds during baking, but overall the Bread Maker runs fairly quietly.

The noise level should not disturb most households. It can operate in an open kitchen or living area without causing too much commotion. However you may prefer to close the door to the kitchen when larger batches are being made. But the AmazonBasics Bread Maker does not generate excessive noise that will force you to bake in a closed off room.

Accessories

The AmazonBasics BM1349-UL-W bread machine comes with a number of handy accessories that make the bread making process easier.

Paddles

It includes two different paddles - a kneading paddle and a non-stick paddle. The kneading paddle is designed to thoroughly mix and knead the dough. It has a coated surface to prevent sticking. The non-stick paddle is used during the baking cycle to gently stir the dough and provide an even bake. Both paddles are dishwasher safe.

Pans

The machine comes with two bread pans. There is a standard pan for regular sized loaves up to 2 pounds. It also includes a smaller 1 pound pan for making smaller loaves. The pans are non-stick and lightweight aluminum for even heating.

Recipes

A recipe booklet with 15 pre-programmed recipes comes included. The recipes cover basic breads like white, whole wheat, French, sweet, and more. The recipes have been tested specifically for this bread maker. There are also recommendations for kneading, rising, and resting times when using your own recipes.

Pros

• Large loaf capacity - This bread machine can make loaves up to 2 pounds in size, which is great for larger households or if you want to make lots of sandwiches. The larger loaf size sets it apart from smaller bread machines.

• Multiple settings - There are 12 pre-programmed settings to choose from including basic, French, sweet, and even gluten-free bread options. This versatility makes it easy to get the exact type of bread you want.

• Convection baking - The bread machine has an internal fan that circulates hot air around the bread as it bakes, resulting in an evenly baked loaf with a nice crust. The convection feature helps improve the texture and rise of the bread.

Cons

• The loaf pan is not removable which makes cleaning more difficult. You have to clean around the blade and inner corners of the machine.

• There is no viewing window to check the progress of your bread. You have to rely on the timer and have to open the lid to see if it's done.

• The machine only has 3 crust color settings and does not produce as dark of a crust as some other models. If you prefer a very crispy crust you may be disappointed.

• There are no custom or manual settings. The preset cycles do not allow you to customize time and temperature.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the AmazonBasics BM1349-UL-W is a solid, mid-range bread machine that produces quality loaves with minimal fuss. While it lacks some of the advanced features and customization options of pricier models, it more than makes up for it with its simple operation and consistently good results.

The large viewing window and intuitive controls make this bread maker extremely easy to use. It reliably turns out standard 1.5 pound rectangular loaves with a nice even rise and golden brown crust. While noise level is noticeable during kneading, it quiets down during the rest of the bake cycle.

With its sturdy, compact design and ability to handle basic breads with little supervision, the AmazonBasics BM1349-UL-W is recommended for anyone seeking an affordable, no-frills machine that can deliver tasty homemade loaves on a consistent basis. It's ideal for beginners not looking to get too fancy. More advanced users may want to consider a model with more versatility. But overall, at this price point, the BM1349-UL-W is a great value for a daily bread maker that simply gets the job done.