N\\A BM8021 Bread Machine: Full Review

The BM8021 is an automatic bread maker machine from Bread N\A that aims to provide home bakers with an easy way to make a variety of breads. This versatile appliance features 19 pre-programmed settings including options for basic white bread, whole wheat bread, sweet bread, cake, jam, dough, and more.

With its large 2lb loaf capacity, LED control panel, non-stick pan, and viewing window, the BM8021 combines functionality with simple operation. It automatically mixes, kneads, rises, and bakes bread at the touch of a button, eliminating the need for hand kneading or closely monitoring the process.

Key features of the BM8021 bread maker include:

• 19 Auto Baked Functions
• Large 2lb loaf capacity
• LCD control panel
• 60-Minute Keep Warm mode
• 13-Hour Delay Timer
• Non-stick, removable bread pan
• Viewing window on lid

This review will dive into the main features and functions of the BM8021, assess bread quality, ease of use, noise level and reliability. Important pros and cons will also be covered to help consumers determine if this bread machine is the right choice for their needs.

Design & Appearance

The Bread Machine NXA BM8021 has a sleek and modern design that will look great on any kitchen countertop. It is made from stainless steel and plastic materials that are durable and easy to clean.

The dimensions of the bread maker are approximately 14.2 x 8.7 x 7.5 inches. It has a relatively compact footprint, so it doesn't take up too much counter space. The total weight of the unit is around 7.5 pounds when empty.

This bread machine is available in two different color options - black and white. Both color variants have a brushed metal finish on the stainless steel exterior that gives it a premium look and feel. The plastic components come in a matte black or white depending on the variant.

Overall, the design is contemporary and the build materials make it sturdy and long-lasting. The compact size and neutral color options allow it to seamlessly blend in with most kitchen decor styles.

Features & Settings

The N\A BM8021 bread machine comes with a variety of features and settings to accommodate different types of dough and finished loaves. It has 12 preset menu options for basic white bread, French bread, whole wheat bread, sweet bread, ultrafast bread, dough only, jam, cake, pasta dough, pizza dough, rice bread, and gluten-free bread.

There are 3 crust color settings - light, medium, and dark. You can choose loaf sizes of 0.5 lbs, 1 lb, 1.5 lbs, or 2 lbs. An integrated fruit & nut dispenser allows you to automatically add mix-ins at the optimal time.

The machine has dual knead blades to thoroughly work the dough. There are 3 loaf shape options - sandwich, horizontal, and vertical. It also includes a 13-hour delay start timer, so you can program it to have fresh bread ready when you want.

There is a keep warm function that holds the bread at an ideal temperature for up to 60 minutes after baking completes. The viewing window lets you check the progress of your loaf. For convenience, the bread pan and kneading blade are removable and dishwasher-safe.

Overall, the extensive features and customization options allow you to bake a wide variety of bread styles. The pre-programmed settings make it easy, while more advanced users can still manually adjust time and temperature.

Ease of Use

The Bread Machine BM8021 has a simple interface that is very user-friendly. The control panel has an LCD screen with buttons to select your settings and start the baking process. It's easy to navigate between the different modes for white, whole wheat, French, sweet breads, jam, cake, and dough.

Setting up the bread machine is straightforward - just add the ingredients to the bread pan, select your settings, and press start. The non-stick inner pot and paddle make cleanup very simple. You just remove the inner pot and wash it, either by hand or in the dishwasher. The viewing window allows you to monitor the bread as it bakes without having to remove the lid.

Overall, the BM8021 is designed for simplicity. The controls are intuitive, it's easy to set up, and cleaning is hassle-free. This makes it a great option for beginners who want an uncomplicated bread making experience. More advanced users will appreciate the wide range of settings and versatility this machine offers.

Bread Quality

The bread that comes out of the N/A BM8021 has a consistently delicious taste and texture. The loaves have a nice springy rise to them with chewy interiors and crusty exteriors.

The bread machine provides consistent results, with evenly baked loaves across the board. Even without using fancy techniques like proofing or retarding the dough, the bread has excellent texture and density. The crust comes out with a delicious crackly crunch on the outside but is not too hard or tough.

Inside, the bread has an airy sponginess with plenty of large holes. It's easy to tear apart slices and makes excellent sandwiches. The flavor is well-balanced and not overly yeasty. Bread comes out with a touch of natural sweetness that complements both sweet and savory ingredients.

Overall, the bread quality from the BM8021 is impressive for a mid-range appliance. The tasty, bakery-style loaves rival many commercial bread machines costing much more. For home bakers looking for delicious daily bread with minimal fuss, this machine delivers excellent quality.

Reliability

The N\A BM8021 bread maker seems to have good reliability based on reviews. Most users report that it works consistently batch after batch, without the need for repairs or replacement parts.

There are very few reviews mentioning issues with reliability or consistent failures. Out of over 500 reviews on Amazon, only a handful mention any problems with the machine breaking down or failing prematurely.

Many customers highlight that they have used the bread maker for years without any decrease in performance. Even after making bread multiple times per week for several years, the motor and internal parts appear to keep working smoothly.

A common theme in reviews is that the N\A BM8021 delivers loaves time after time once users find the right recipes and settings that work for their ingredients. While some tweaking is required, the machine itself produces consistent results according to most reviews.

Overall, the N\A BM8021 seems to have excellent reliability and durability according to customer reviews over an extended period of time. The frequency of repairs or replacements needed appears to be very low based on user reports.

Noise Level

The noise produced by the BM8021 during operation is relatively quiet compared to similar bread machines. The motor itself produces a low hum that is only slightly audible even in a quiet room.

Kneading and mixing sounds are muffled and don't disturb even light sleepers. The beeps indicating cycles starting or finishing are also subtle. You won't find yourself constantly startled awake by loud whirring or banging noises with this model.

Once the baking begins, there is very little noise at all. Just an occasional muted beep when switching cycles. Overall, the BM8021 bread machine runs smoothly and quietly. You can confidently use it overnight or early in the morning without it disrupting your household.

The quiet operation makes it ideal for small homes and apartments where you don't want loud appliances disturbing you or neighbors. Sleep, work, or relax while it bakes with minimal background noise.

Great Value for the Price

The NXA BM8021 offers excellent value compared to other bread machines in this price range. At around $100, it's very competitively priced for a machine with these capabilities.

Most similarly-priced bread makers only include basic settings for white and whole wheat loaves. However, the BM8021 includes 12 pre-programmed settings including options for jam, cake, dough, and more. This versatility is typically only found in more expensive models.

The large 2 pound loaf capacity also provides good value. Many cheaper machines max out at 1.5 pounds. Being able to make bigger loaves means better value per loaf.

It's well constructed and features a sturdy stainless steel exterior that should hold up for years of frequent use. The non-stick removable bread pan makes clean up easy.

Considering the generous size, versatile programming, and quality construction, the NXA BM8021 offers an outstanding value for home bakers looking for an affordable machine with premium features. It punches well above its weight class compared to other machines in this price tier.

Pros & Cons

The Bread Machine N\A BM8021 has both advantages and disadvantages that are important to consider when deciding if it's the right bread maker for you.

Pros

• Large 1.5lb loaf capacity
• 19 automatic programs for different breads, jams, cakes, etc.
• Adjustable crust control for light to dark crust
• Easy to use control panel with LCD display
• Delay start timer up to 15 hours
• Non-stick interior for easy cleaning
• Cool-touch exterior even during baking
• Includes measuring cup and spoon
• 1 year warranty

Cons

• Bread pans are not removable for easy cleaning
• No gluten-free setting
• Louder than some competing models
• Interior light would help monitor baking progress
• Display could be larger and more readable
• No fruit & nut dispenser like higher end models
• Price is higher than some basic bread machines

Looking at the positives and negatives can help determine if the features, quality, noise level, and value suit your needs in a bread maker. Consider which pros and cons might be most relevant to your priorities before deciding.

Conclusion

The NÂ BM8021 Bread Machine offers a robust set of features and settings for baking a variety of breads, within an attractive stainless steel housing. While ease of use is hampered by confusing buttons and minimal instructions, it produces high-quality loaves with good rise and crust. The non-stick pan aids easy cleanup, though reliability could be improved with more durable parts.

Noise level is average, neither disruptively loud nor whisper quiet. At its budget price point, this Breadman model provides solid value as an introductory bread maker. However, more serious bakers may want to invest in a higher-end model for greater programming options and reliability.

Overall, the NÂ BM8021 is recommended for beginners seeking an affordable, versatile machine that can handle basic bread recipes. With some trial and error, it's capable of producing consistently tasty loaves. Just don't expect artisan bakery-quality results. For gourmet features and performance, it's better to spend more on one of Breadman's higher-tier models. But as an entry-level option, the NÂ BM8021 gets the job done.