Oster 2114579 Bread Machine: Full Review

The Oster 2-Pound Expressbake Breadmaker is an affordable and versatile bread machine that makes it easy for home bakers to create delicious homemade loaves of bread. This bread maker features 12 programs and 3 crust settings that allow you to bake a variety of breads, including white, whole wheat, French, and sweet breads. With a compact design and straightforward controls, the Oster Expressbake is simple to use even for beginners. The 2-pound loaf capacity can make bread for small families or couples. While not as feature-rich as some pricier models, the Oster Expressbake Breadmaker delivers satisfactory performance and good value for money. Keep reading for an in-depth review of the features, ease of use, and performance of the Oster 2-pound Expressbake Breadmaker.

Design & Appearance

The Oster 2-Pound Expressbake Breadmaker has a sleek and modern design that will look great on any kitchen countertop. It is compact in size, measuring approximately 13.5 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches, so it doesn't take up too much counter space. The breadmaker weighs about 10 pounds, making it sturdy yet still fairly lightweight and portable.

The appliance comes in two color options - black and white - both featuring a smooth matte finish that resists fingerprints and scratches. The control panel is located on top of the lid and features an easy-to-read LCD display with push buttons to select settings and start the baking process. The lid opens effortlessly with a handle at the top, allowing you to check on your bread as it bakes.

Overall, the streamlined design and manageable footprint of this Oster breadmaker make it an attractive and convenient appliance for any kitchen. The simple interface and compact shape ensure an uncomplicated, user-friendly breadmaking experience.

Similarly, the Davivy BM8906 boasts an elegant design that seamlessly fits into any kitchen aesthetic. Its user-friendly interface and straightforward controls make bread baking an enjoyable endeavor. With a size of approximately 14 x 10 x 11 inches, it doesn’t overwhelm kitchen space. The steel exterior not only makes it durable but also easy to clean. Additionally, the built-in viewing window provides a convenient way to monitor the baking process without opening the lid.

Features

The Oster Expressbake Bread Maker offers versatile programming and features to help you make a variety of breads.

• Loaf Sizes: The bread maker can make loaf sizes ranging from 1-pound to 2-pound, perfect for small or large families. It comes with a measuring cup and recipes optimized for the different loaf sizes.

• Cycles: This machine has 12 settings including white bread, whole wheat, sweet bread, dough, jam, bake, and more. The options allow you to get creative and make specialty breads.

• Timer: You can program a 13-hour delay timer so your bread is fresh in the morning. The machine will automatically start kneading and baking at the set time.

• Display: An easy-to-read LCD shows the cycle selected, baking time remaining, and any errors. The display lights up so you can monitor the progress.

With various loaf sizes, diverse cycles, programmable timer, and intuitive display, the Oster bread maker simplifies the breadmaking process so you can create tasty homemade loaves with minimal effort.

Another excellent option for home bakers is the Panasonic SD-R2550. This machine features advanced technology that enables you to bake bread with a crust that is perfectly browned and crispy. The SD-R2550 is equipped with a variety of settings, including options for gluten-free bread, sourdough, and pizza dough. It also includes a unique yeast dispenser that automatically adds yeast at the right time during the baking process. With a durable build and user-friendly interface, the Panasonic SD-R2550 is ideal for anyone looking to elevate their home baking experience.

Ease of Use

The Oster Expressbake is designed for convenience and ease of use. The instructions are straightforward with clear directions for programming, baking, and cleaning the bread machine.

Setting up a new program on the Expressbake is simple - just add your ingredients to the bread pan, select your settings like bread type and crust color on the control panel, and press start. There are 12 preset menus to choose from for white, whole wheat, sweet, and gluten free breads. You can easily customize any setting like loaf size or crust type as well.

The large LCD screen and intuitive menu make programming a breeze. Icons indicate each stage of the bread making process so you know exactly where you are. The included measuring cup, spoon, and hook help portion ingredients properly.

Cleaning up after baking is hassle-free since the non-stick inner bread pan is removable and dishwasher safe. The stainless steel exterior just needs a quick wipe down. This machine is designed to require minimal effort before and after use.

Performance

The Oster Expressbake Bread Maker delivers excellent performance when it comes to baking loaves of bread. Many users report that it consistently produces high-quality loaves with nice, evenly baked crusts.

The bread comes out with a soft, airy interior texture. It rises well thanks to the bread maker's ability to proof the dough perfectly. The loaves have good height and shape, without dense or uncooked spots.

This bread machine can handle a variety of ingredients and recipes. It kneads heavier doughs containing whole wheat flour smoothly, without straining the motor. The non-stick pan releases the baked loaves easily, with no sticking.

One area where the Oster Expressbake excels is with rapid baking cycles. It can produce a loaf of bread in under one hour thanks to the Expressbake setting. The results are impressive, with hardly any difference in quality compared to longer bake times. This makes it easy to have fresh bread ready quickly when needed.

Overall, the baking performance of this bread maker is exceptional. It consistently delivers tasty loaves with good rise and texture. The fast bake times are a major plus for those wanting fresh bread in a hurry.

Reliability

The Oster 2 Pound Expressbake Breadmaker is known for its reliability and durability. Many reviewers mention that it has lasted them over 5 years and is still going strong, making loaf after loaf.

The parts seem sturdy and well constructed - the kneading paddle, baking pan, and lid have all held up well over time even with continuous use. The machine doesn't seem prone to breaking down or malfunctioning unexpectedly.

Oster provides a 1 year limited warranty which offers protection in case you receive a defective unit. But most users find they never need to make use of the warranty because the machine functions reliably for them year after year.

Overall, customers are impressed with the longevity and lifespan of the Oster bread machine. Its sturdy build allows it to churn out loaf after loaf while maintaining performance. For those wanting a bread maker that will last, the Oster Expressbake scores highly for reliability.

Noise Level

The Oster ExpressBake Bread Maker operates at a reasonable noise level. While kneading, it produces a humming sound that is audible but not overly loud or disruptive. The volume is comparable to a countertop blender or food processor running. You'll hear the motor running more during the kneading stage.

Once the baking cycle starts, the noise level drops down. There is some fan noise and sounds of the internal mechanics, but nothing too distracting. It's quiet enough that you can have a conversation near the bread machine without needing to raise your voice. The beeping alerts are also at a moderate volume that grabs your attention without being overly loud or startling.

Overall, the noise is about average for a bread machine. It's not whisper quiet, but shouldn't be disruptive even if you run it at night or while watching TV nearby. The humming and whirring sounds are necessary for the kneading and heating process. If excess noise is a major concern for you, consider placing the Oster on a potholder or silicone mat to dampen vibrations. But for most households, the audible but moderate noise level shouldn't be an issue.

Accessories

The Oster Bread Maker comes with a number of handy accessories out of the box. This includes the bread pan, kneading paddle, and measuring cup and spoon set.

The non-stick bread pan is made of durable steel and allows loaves to easily release once baked. It can make loaves up to 2 pounds in size. The plastic kneading paddle mixes ingredients thoroughly and is critical for the bread making process.

For measuring your ingredients, Oster includes a 1 cup liquid measuring cup and 1/4 teaspoon spoon. The cup has clear graduated markings, while the spoon has a elongated shape to reach into small spice jars. These basic accessories allow you to accurately add wet and dry ingredients when making bread.

While the included accessories cover the essentials, there are some add-ons you may want to consider:

• Additional bread pans - It can be useful to have multiple pans to bake more loaves or different flavors at once. Oster sells compatible replacement pans.

• Dough blade - This blade can be used instead of the kneading paddle to prepare dough that you form and bake yourself.

• Bread machine cookbooks - Get inspiration for different bread recipes you can make. Some cookbooks provide instructions optimized for your model.

• Cover - A cover helps keep your machine protected from dust when not in use.

So in summary, the handy accessories included with the Oster Bread Maker provide what you need to start making bread. But there are some optional accessories available if you want to enhance your bread making experience.

Price

Evaluating the Oster ExpressBake Bread Maker in terms of its price and value for money, this unit falls on the more affordable end of bread machines currently on the market. The manufacturer's suggested retail price for the Oster 2114579 is typically $59.99 USD, though it can often be found on sale from major retailers for $10-20 less.

Given its features including the ability to make 1.5 pound loaves, 9 bread settings, an ExpressBake cycle that rapidly prepares bread in under an hour, and a viewing window to monitor the baking process, this bread maker delivers solid performance and flexibility at a very reasonable price point. Most comparable bread machines with this suite of options from other brands retail for $80-120, so the Oster offers strong value.

The materials and construction seem durable enough for years of regular use. And while more expensive units may offer finer build quality or higher-end finishes, the Oster still represents an excellent value purchase for making a variety of homemade breads without breaking the bank. For shoppers seeking an affordable but fully-featured bread machine, the 2114579 hits that sweet spot between price and capabilities.

Conclusion

The Oster 2-Pound Expressbake Breadmaker is a solid option for making homemade loaves of bread without needing much effort or skill. It offers helpful features like a viewing window and 12 included cooking programs. Its compact size and low price point make it appealing for home cooks with limited space and budgets.

Overall, this bread machine delivers satisfactory performance and consistently bakes standard loaves. The non-stick pan helps reduce sticking and cleanup. The machine is fairly simple to use, though some users find the manual lacking and wish for more accessories or a recipes booklet. Minor downsides are the loud operating noise and potential reliability issues over time.

For the price, the Oster Expressbake Breadmaker provides good value. The loaves may not equal artisan bakery quality, but they offer fresh homemade taste and convenience. This machine works well for basic bread recipes and is easy enough for beginners. Cooks satisfied with standard loaf results will appreciate the affordable price and compact size. It's a recommended option for home bakers seeking an uncomplicated, entry-level bread machine.