Bear HMJ-A50B1 Bread Machine: Full Review

The Bread Machine Bear HMJ-A50B1 is a compact bread maker that can handle a variety of baking tasks. Measuring about 14 inches wide, 11 inches deep and 12 inches tall, this bread machine has a sleek stainless steel design and simple interface. It offers 19 preset menu options for different breads, jams, cakes, rice recipes and more. With its viewing window and interior light, you can monitor your bake from start to finish. The A50B1 comes with two loaf pans - a standard 2 lb loaf and a smaller 1 lb size. Overall, this mid-range model provides versatile baking functionality in a streamlined package.

Design & Build Quality

The Bread Machine Bear HMJ-A50B1 has a durable stainless steel housing that looks sleek and modern. The panels are fingerprint-resistant so the machine will maintain a clean, polished look even with frequent use. The interior bowl and kneading paddle are also made from stainless steel which is easy to clean and rust-resistant.

The build quality seems very good overall, with reviewers mentioning the sturdy feel and precise construction. The buttons have a satisfying click and the digital display is easy to read. The viewing window is a nice size to monitor the baking process.

The aesthetics are modern and streamlined, with a black and silver color scheme. The dimensions are approximately 14”L x 8.5”W x 8”H, giving it a compact footprint that doesn’t take up too much counter space. The stainless steel exterior would coordinate well in any contemporary kitchen.

Overall, the materials and construction seem designed for longevity and everyday use. The stainless steel body promises to stay free of rust and fingerprints. And the well-engineered interior provides consistent mixing and baking results.

Features

The Bread Machine Bear HMJ-A50B1 is equipped with a number of handy features that make bread-making easy.

Size: This bread maker has a 1.5 pound loaf capacity, making it a great compact size for smaller households or countertops. It can make loaves up to about 9 x 5 inches. The interior bread pan itself is non-stick coated and easy to clean.

Modes: This machine has 10 pre-programmed modes including basic, French, whole wheat, sweet, cake, pizza dough, jam, dough, quick bake, and ultra-fast bake. This range of modes allows you to make a variety of bread styles.

Settings: The HMJ-A50B1 has customizable settings for 3 crust color options - light, medium, dark. It also has 3 loaf sizes - 1 pound, 1.5 pounds, 2 pounds. An LCD screen allows you to easily select settings and monitor the bread-making progress. There is a 15-hour delay timer so you can set bread to be ready when you want.

Ease of Use

Operating the Bread Machine Bear HMJ-A50B1 is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly. The control panel features an LED display and tactile push buttons that allow you to easily select your desired baking function, crust color, and loaf size.

The buttons have clear icons that are easy to understand at a glance. Functions like basic, French, sweet, ultra-fast, and custom baking are all available with a single button press. You can also adjust settings like the bake time and delay start as needed.

The display clearly shows information like the selected baking mode, time remaining, and any errors or alerts. It's bright and easy to read.

The included manual provides clear instructions on how to operate the bread maker. It outlines how to add ingredients, select settings, start baking, and take out the baked loaf when finished. The manual also includes tips and tricks, FAQs, and troubleshooting advice.

Overall, the control panel and display combined with the detailed manual make this bread machine very straightforward for even first-time users. Operations like mixing, kneading, rising, and baking are all handled automatically with minimal input needed.

Performance

The Bread Machine Bear HMJ-A50B1 performs very well at baking a variety of breads. The baking results are consistently even and well-risen with good oven spring. The loaves have a nice crust and chewy interior texture. It can handle basic white breads, whole wheat varieties, and more complex recipes with seeds, nuts, fruits etc. The kneading blade does a good job of thoroughly mixing ingredients without overworking the dough.

The machine is relatively quiet during operation. It produces a gentle whirring sound that is not intrusive. The noise level is similar to a small fan running. Those used to noisier, commercial-style bread machines may find this model very quiet in comparison.

Efficiency is excellent. A standard 1.5 lb loaf takes around 3 hours from start to finish. The delay timer allows you to preset exactly when you want the bread to be baked. It uses reasonable amounts of electricity to perform its cycles. The non-stick pan allows breads to bake up cleanly without sticking. Overall, the Bread Machine Bear is an efficient appliance that reliably bakes bread with minimal fuss.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Keeping the Bread Machine Bear clean is relatively easy. The non-stick baking pan pops out for quick handwashing. Use a soft sponge and mild detergent to gently scrub away any dough or crumbs. Avoid abrasive scouring pads that could scratch the surface. Rinse and dry thoroughly before replacing the pan.

Wipe the outside housing with a damp cloth as needed to keep the surfaces free of flour and smudges. Pay special attention to the vent holes and control panel to prevent buildup of debris.

The manufacturer recommends descaling the machine every 3 months to prevent mineral deposits from accumulating. Simply fill the baking pan with equal parts white vinegar and water, run a bake cycle empty, then rinse.

Other than periodic descaling and washing the pan, the Bread Machine Bear requires very little maintenance. There are no filters or accessories to replace. Just keep the machine housing dry and clean for best results.

Value for Money

The Bear HMJ-A50B1 bread machine offers excellent value for your money. At around $150 USD, it's very competitively priced compared to similar models from other major brands like Panasonic and Zojirushi.

Considering its build quality, generous features, and performance, the price is quite reasonable. The stainless steel body and lid add durability and justify the cost. You also get accessories like a measuring cup and spoon, a hook for removing the bread, and a recipe book. This bundle makes it a worthwhile investment for most home bakers.

While not the cheapest bread maker around, the Bear provides capabilities and results on par with more expensive counterparts. It doesn't feel like a budget machine. Given its quality materials, versatile settings, and delicious loaves, it's easy to recommend for the price. The value becomes even better when you consider the costs of constantly buying bread versus making it yourself.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Large bread pan capacity of 2.2L makes it good for larger families
• Quiet operation with silent baking mode
• Intuitive control panel with LED display for easy program selection
• 15 bread presets including options for white, whole wheat, French, sweet bread etc.
• 3 crust color options (light, medium, dark)
• 13-hour delay start timer for flexibility
• Non-stick coated bread pan for easy release and cleaning
• Cool touch body and view window to monitor baking
• Compact size good for countertop storage
• 1 year warranty

Cons

• More expensive than basic bread machines
• Lacks specialty cycles like gluten-free or artisan dough
• No fruit & nut dispenser like higher end models
• Dense or heavy breads may not bake as evenly
• Bread pan has to be washed by hand

The Bread Machine Bear HMJ-A50B1 has a solid reputation for reliably baking a variety of breads. Its spacious bread pan, multiple programs, and intuitive controls make it a good choice for home bakers looking for a mid-range appliance. While it lacks some of the advanced features of premium bread machines, it delivers very good bread quality for the price. The sturdy build and 1 year warranty also add confidence in its performance. Overall an excellent value pick for families seeking an everyday bread maker.

Comparable Alternatives

When looking for an alternative bread machine, there are a few other models worth considering in a similar price range and performance level as the Bread Machine Bear HMJ-A50B1:

• Cuisinart CBK-110 - This 2 lb capacity bread maker has a compact design with 12 pre-programmed menu options. It has a viewing window, delay start timer, and comes with a measuring cup, spoon and hook. The Cuisinart is slightly less expensive but doesn't have as many settings.

• Hamilton Beach Bread Maker 29882 - With a 12-setting digital menu, this 2 lb machine can make 1.5 and 2 lb loaves. It has an ExpressBake cycle, gluten-free setting, and includes kneading paddles, measuring tools, and recipes. The Hamilton Beach lacks a viewing window.

• Oster 2-Pound Expressbake Bread Machine CKSTBRTW20 - This budget-friendly option can bake a 1, 1.5 or 2 lb loaf. It has 13 settings, an ExpressBake cycle, and includes a measuring cup and spoon. However, it only has a basic LCD screen without a viewing window.

• Zojirushi BB-PAC20 - Known for durability, this machine makes 1 and 2 lb loaves with a variety of crust color settings. It has a Rapid Bake cycle, non-stick pan, and LCD control panel. The Zojirushi is more expensive but very reliable.

Conclusion & Verdict

The Bear HMJ-A50B1 Bread Maker demonstrates decent capabilities and performance for an appliance in its category and price range. It is a suitable choice for occasional as well as daily bread-making needs.

Some of its highlight features are the ability to make 1.5 and 2 pound loaves, 3 crust color options, 15-hour delay timer, and simple one-touch control buttons. The stainless steel body, large viewing window, and cool-touch exterior also enhance the user experience and functionality.

While the bread maker lacks fancier settings like gluten-free or artisan dough cycles, it delivers well-made basic loaves and comes at an affordable price point. The nonstick interior also simplifies cleaning between uses.

In summary, this model provides good value for money for home cooks seeking an uncomplicated, moderately-featured bread machine. It produces respectable results across different loaf varieties and offers helpful options to customize taste and texture. If you are not looking for high-end performance and simply want delicious homemade bread with little effort, the Bear HMJ-A50B1 is a solid choice worth considering.