Courant CBM-5010 Bread Machine: Full Review

The Courant CBM-5010 is an automatic bread maker that allows you to bake a variety of breads, doughs, and jams with minimal effort. This bread machine features multiple settings including options for gluten-free and sugar-free recipes. With its sleek stainless steel design and large viewing window, the CBM-5010 makes it easy to monitor your bread as it bakes. The Courant bread maker includes 12 pre-programmed settings for baking everything from white bread to sourdough. The machine is compact in size but can still make loaves up to 2 pounds in weight. If you're seeking an efficient and versatile bread maker that can handle specialty recipes, the Courant CBM-5010 is worth considering.

Design

The CBM-5010 has a stylish and compact design that won't take up much counter space. It measures approximately 13 x 11 x 14 inches (33 x 28 x 36 cm) and weighs about 11 pounds (5 kg), making it easy to store in most kitchens. Despite its small footprint, it has a generous 1.5 pound bread capacity and includes a viewing window so you can monitor the baking process.

The machine comes in two color options - black and white - both with stainless steel accents. The black version has a sleek, modern look that would fit well in contemporary kitchens. The white version has a classic, clean appearance that would match a variety of decor styles. Either option would make an attractive and useful addition to your countertop appliances.

Features

The Courant CBM-5010 bread machine comes with a range of great features to help you make high quality homemade loaves.

• Programmable Settings: The CBM-5010 has 12 preset programs for different types of bread like white, whole wheat, French, sweet, and gluten-free. You can customize settings like crust color, loaf size, and cycles. There's an express 1 hour rapid program, and a 15 hour delay timer so you can wake up to fresh bread.

• Gluten-Free Options: For gluten-free baking, there is a dedicated gluten-free cycle that kneads the dough gently to prevent dense results. You can make great gluten-free loaves using the included gluten-free recipes and mixes.

• Crust Control: The CBM-5010 has 3 crust color settings - light, medium and dark. This allows you to achieve the perfect crust for your preferences and bread style, from soft white loaves to crispy French bread. You can also select whole wheat and sourdough crust settings for artisanal style loaves.

Ease of Use

The Courant CBM-5010 bread machine is designed to be simple and intuitive to use. The control panel consists of a small LCD screen and a dial selector with several clearly marked buttons. There are options for selecting the bread type, loaf size, crust color, and three bread modes - regular, gluten-free, and artisanal.

The LCD screen is easy to read and provides feedback on the selected program, bake time remaining, and any errors. The manual that comes with the machine walks you through how to use each setting and program. It also includes tips on ingredients, measurements, and troubleshooting advice.

Adding ingredients is straightforward with the included measuring cup, spoon, and hook. There is a handy viewing window in the lid to check the bread as it mixes and bakes. The non-stick inner bread pan is easy to insert and remove. Overall, the controls and display screen make this bread machine simple even for first-time users.

Bread Quality

The CBM-5010 consistently produces high quality loaves with excellent texture and taste. The bread has a nice even rise with a soft and airy crumb. The crust comes out with just the right amount of crispness without being too hard or chewy.

One of the standout features of this bread maker is its ability to properly knead the dough. This results in loaves that are never dense or gummy in the middle. Even whole wheat and heavy rye breads turn out light and fluffy. The machine kneads dough perfectly every time.

Breads baked in the CBM-5010 have a rich flavor and aroma. The loaves have a balanced sweetness with a hint of sourdough tang. They taste like artisan bread made by hand, with neither a bitter taste nor dryness. The flavor is consistent from the very first to the final slice.

The crust browns beautifully and evenly thanks to the baking pan design and heating elements. There is an option to darken or lighten the crust according to taste. The crust stays crispy when cooled yet isn't overly thick or hard. It strikes just the right balance between softness and crunchiness.

Overall the bread quality from this machine rivals high-end bakeries. From white bread to sourdough, every loaf comes out with an exceptional soft and moist interior and gorgeous artisan-style crust.

Reliability

The Courant CBM-5010 bread machine scores very well when it comes to reliability and durability. This model is designed to be a workhorse in the kitchen, able to churn out loaf after loaf without issues. The heavy-duty construction ensures it can handle frequent use without any problems.

Many reviewers comment on how well this bread maker performs after years of service. The motors manage to keep running smoothly even after making bread 2-3 times per week for several years. There are very few reports of mechanical issues or failures, even among customers who have owned this model for 5+ years.

The Courant CBM-5010 seems capable of handling years of bread making thanks to its sturdy build quality and quality components. Customers find it provides consistent results over time without the motor wearing out or parts breaking. The exceptional longevity and durability make this a reliable option for avid home bakers looking for a bread machine that will keep working for the long haul.

Noise Level

The Courant CBM-5010 is one of the quieter bread machines on the market. While no bread machine is completely silent, most users find the noise level very reasonable during all cycles.

The Courant uses a quiet motor and internal parts that don't rattle around. Even during the kneading cycle, it operates at a low hum rather than loud grinding noises. There are occasional beeps to indicate different cycles starting and finishing, but these aren't jarring.

Overall, the Courant can be used in open concept kitchens without disturbing others. It won't wake up sleeping family members if used early in the morning before heading to work. The noise level is comparable to a small fan running in the background.

For those sensitive to noise, the Courant is a great option that won't distract or annoy. It allows making fresh bread anytime without causing a ruckus in the kitchen.

Cleaning

The Courant CBM-5010 Bread Machine makes cleaning simple and hassle-free. The interior baking pan and kneading paddle can be easily removed for hand washing or safe dishwasher cleaning. The non-stick interior surface wipes clean easily after each use. The main plastic housing can be wiped down with a damp cloth to keep your machine looking as good as new. There are no hard to reach areas or small parts that are difficult to clean. The Courant design focuses on quick and easy cleanup so you can spend less time washing and more time baking delicious homemade bread.

The removable parts including the bread pan and kneading paddle are all dishwasher safe for the ultimate convenience. The pan is made from durable stainless steel with a heavy duty non-stick coating that allows your freshly baked loaf to release easily every time. It cleans up beautifully by hand or in the dishwasher. The handy viewing window on the bread pan provides the ability to monitor your loaf as it bakes without opening the machine. This is a thoughtful design feature as it prevents heat loss and keeps the perfect baking environment inside.

Overall the Courant Bread Machine offers easy, user-friendly cleanup so you can keep your machine in tip-top shape with minimal effort. The quick release pan and parts make baking loaves a breeze from start to finish.

Value

The Courant CBM-5010 offers excellent value for the price. This bread maker is affordably priced under $100, making it a great option for home bakers on a budget.

Despite the lower price point, the CBM-5010 doesn't skimp on features or performance. It has a large 1.5 pound loaf capacity, along with options for 1, 1.5, and 2 pound loaves. There are 12 pre-programmed settings including options for white, whole wheat, French bread, and more. The machine also has a 13 hour delay timer so you can wake up to freshly baked bread.

Included with the bread maker are a measuring cup, measuring spoon, hook for removing the bread, and recipe book. The accessories it comes with make it easy to get started with your first loaf. You don't have to purchase anything separately besides the ingredients.

Overall, the Courant CBM-5010 provides excellent bang for your buck. For under $100 you get a capable bread machine that can handle all your basic bread needs. The price makes it easy to justify adding freshly baked bread to your meals.

Conclusion

The Courant Bread Machine CBM-5010 has a lot going for it but also has some drawbacks.

On the pros side, it offers a compact, stylish design that doesn't take up much counter space. The interface is intuitive and easy to use even for beginners. It bakes a nice evenly shaped loaf with good rise and golden brown crust. The non-stick pan releases bread easily. Plus it includes plenty of pre-programmed settings for different types of bread.

As for cons, the CBM-5010 is noisy when kneading and mixing. The paddles can leave holes in the bottom of loaves. It's also more expensive than some comparable models with fewer features.

Overall, the Courant Bread Machine CBM-5010 delivers satisfactory performance and good tasting bread. For those seeking a mid-range model with lots of settings, it's a solid choice. However, the noise and potential for holes in the bread are annoyances to consider. Check out reviews and alternative models to determine if those cons are dealbreakers for your needs.