Oster CKSTBRTW20 Bread Machine: Full Review

The Oster 2-Pound Expressbake Bread Maker is an entry-level bread machine that provides basic functionality for making loaves of bread at home. Oster is a well-known brand for small kitchen appliances, and this bread maker model offers their signature Expressbake feature that helps create homemade loaves faster than traditional bread machines.

This machine can make loaves up to 2 pounds in size and features settings for different types of breads including white, wheat, sweet, and more. It comes with a baking pan and kneading paddle which are removable for easy cleaning. The design is compact to save counter space.

The Oster Expressbake aims to deliver tasty home-baked bread on a budget. It provides simplicity and speed for fast homemade results. This review covers an in-depth look at the key features, performance, design, and ease of use of this bread maker to help you determine if it fits your needs.

Design & Appearance

The Oster CKSTBRTW20 bread maker has a compact and sleek design. It measures approximately 13 x 8.5 x 12 inches (LxWxH), making it well-suited for kitchens with limited counter space. The total weight of the machine is about 9 pounds.

The bread maker has a plastic outer housing that is available in two color options - metallic gray or white. Both color variants have a tinted glass viewing window on top. This allows you to monitor the bread as it bakes without having to open the lid.

The interior bread pan is made of non-stick, rust-proof aluminum. It has a 2 pound capacity, meaning it can make 1.5 to 2 pound loaves. The detachable pan makes it easy to remove freshly baked bread as well as clean the unit.

Overall, the streamlined design and modest footprint of the Oster CKSTBRTW20 allow it to blend seamlessly into any modern kitchen. The materials used in construction are durable yet lightweight.

Features & Settings

The Oster CKSTBRTW20 bread maker has a variety of features and settings to accommodate different types of bread baking.

Programs

This bread machine has 12 pre-programmed settings including options for white bread, whole wheat bread, French bread, sweet bread, gluten-free bread, artisan dough, jam, bake only, and more. The pre-programmed settings automatically adjust the kneading, rising, and baking times to optimize results.

Cycles

In addition to the specific bread programs, there are 3 main cycles - bake only, dough, and rapid bake. The bake only cycle lets you bake pre-made dough without kneading or rising. The dough cycle kneads and allows dough to rise before signaling when it's ready. The rapid bake cycle shortens total bread making time.

Timer

A 13-hour programmable timer allows you to customize when the baking process starts and finishes. This way, you can wake up to freshly baked bread or have it ready in time for dinner. The machine will keep the bread warm for 60 minutes after it's done before automatically turning to the keep warm setting.

Loaf Sizes

The bread maker can accommodate loaves up to 2 pounds in size. There are settings for 1 pound, 1.5 pound, and 2 pound loaves. Using the correct loaf size ensures proper kneading, rising, and baking.

Ease of Use

The Oster CKSTBRTW20 bread maker is designed to be very user-friendly. The control panel is simple and intuitive with just a few buttons to select your settings. It has an LCD display that clearly shows each step in the bread making process and countdown timers so you know exactly where you're at.

Setting up the bread machine is quick and easy. The manual provides clear instructions for assembling the machine, kneading paddle, and bread pan. It also includes a number of recipes to get you started. The manual explains each setting and function in detail.

Programming the bread maker is straightforward. You simply add your ingredients to the bread pan, select your desired setting, crust color, and loaf size, then press start. The machine takes care of the kneading, rising, and baking automatically. The digital display lets you monitor the full breadmaking process.

Overall, the control panel and programming options are simple enough for beginners but offer enough customization for more advanced users. The detailed manual and intuitive interface make the Oster bread machine one of the easiest to use right out of the box.

Baking Performance

The Oster Expressbake bread maker performs very well when it comes to baking loaves of bread. It consistently produces bread with a nice evenly browned crust and a soft, airy interior texture.

The crust on loaves baked in this machine has a subtle crispiness without being too hard or tough. This is achieved by the Expressbake's precise temperature controls and steam ventilation system which ensures the dough is exposed to the right amount of heat and moisture during the baking process.

The interior crumb of breads baked in this Oster model have a consistent spongy texture that is not too dense or too airy. It strikes a good balance between being light yet still sturdy enough to hold up for slicing and spreading.

Throughout testing, loaves came out with an even distribution of air pockets and no heavy or uncooked sections. This indicates the bread maker does an excellent job at uniformly kneading the dough and allowing it to properly proof before baking.

Overall, buyers of the Oster Expressbake can expect excellent baking performance with loaves that have a perfectly baked crust and pleasant, fluffy interior crumb. The machine consistently delivers high quality homemade bread.

Noise Level

The Oster CKSTBRTW20 bread maker has a relatively quiet motor that operates at around 58 dB, which is comparable to the volume of a normal conversation.

When kneading dough, some reviewers noted the machine has more of a "whirring" noise that isn't too intrusive. The noise level rises slightly during the baking cycle, but not significantly. Overall, the bread maker isn't excessively loud and shouldn't disturb you too much if used in an open concept kitchen/living space.

Some users said the machine makes a beeping noise when a cycle finishes or you need to add ingredients, which could be annoying if you're trying to sleep while bread is being made. However, this beeping can be turned off.

A common tip is to place a towel between the bread maker and countertop which helps dampen vibrations and noises if needed. But in general, the Oster CKSTBRTW20 operates at a reasonable and unobtrusive noise level.

Accessories

The Oster Bread Maker comes with the key accessories you need to get baking right away. It includes one bread pan and one dough pan, both made of durable metal with non-stick coating.

The bread pan has a 2 pound capacity, great for standard loaves. It's a nice rectangular shape with gently curved corners that helps create traditionally shaped loaves with even slices.

The dough pan is round, which allows enough space for dough to rise properly when making pizza doughs, bread rolls, and other hand-shaped items.

You also get a measuring cup and spoon set. The cups include 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup, and 1 cup sizes. The set has a leveling bar on the 1 cup measure to scrape off excess ingredients. The spoons include 1/4 tsp, 1/2 tsp, and 1 tsp sizes.

Having the essential baking accessories included is convenient. You don't have to hunt around for basic measuring tools or buy bread pans separately. Everything is neatly packed in the box so you have what you need to start baking bread right out of the gate.

Cleaning & Maintenance

One of the notable features of the Oster CKSTBRTW20 bread maker is the ease of cleaning and maintenance. Both the interior bread pan and exterior body are made of durable, nonstick coating that allows for effortless cleanup.

The nonstick bread pan can simply be wiped clean with a damp cloth after use. Oster recommends avoiding abrasive scouring pads or cleaners, as these can damage the nonstick surface over time.

The viewing window and exterior body can also be wiped down as needed with a soft cloth and mild soap and water. It's important not to submerge or soak the bread maker base in water.

One handy feature is that the kneading paddle and bread pan are dishwasher safe. So for deeper cleaning, you can remove the bread pan and easily wash it on the top rack of a dishwasher.

Overall, the simplicity of cleanup sets this bread machine apart. There are no intricate parts or hidden crevices that are tedious to hand wash. Just be sure to avoid abrasive scrubbing and fully dry all parts before storing or using again. With basic care, the nonstick surfaces will stay looking new for longer.

Warranty

The Oster CKSTBRTW20 bread maker comes with a 1 year limited warranty. This covers any defects in materials or workmanship for 1 year from the date of purchase.

The warranty is valid only for the original purchaser and is not transferable. It covers the entire bread maker, including all parts and labor needed for repairs. If an issue arises, Oster will elect to either repair the bread maker or replace it.

Replacement products may be new or reconditioned. The warranty does not cover any damage caused by misuse, accidents, unreasonable use, or normal wear and tear. The glass window and bread pan in particular are not covered.

To obtain service under the warranty, customers need to contact Oster customer service. Proof of purchase is required, so be sure to keep your receipt.

Overall, the 1 year warranty provides decent protection against early manufacturing issues. But for longer term reliability, customers need to be prepared to pay for repairs after the first year.

Pros & Cons

The Oster 2-Pound Expressbake Breadmaker has several noteworthy pros and cons to consider:

Pros

• Produces consistently high quality loaves with good rise and texture
• Wide range of settings for different loaf sizes, crust types, and modes like express bake
• Very easy to use with intuitive controls and LCD display
• Compact, attractive stainless steel design takes up minimal counter space
• Includes measuring cup and spoon, kneading paddle and hook
• 1-year limited warranty

Cons

• Too small for larger families that bake frequently
• Kneading paddle leaves a hole in bottom of bread
• Louder than some competing models while kneading
• Limited options for more advanced or specialty breads
• Short, sparse instructions with no recipes included

In summary, this Oster bread machine is ideal for small households that want an affordable, attractive, and easy-to-use appliance for baking basic loaves. But the small capacity, noise level, and lack of options may be drawbacks for some users.