April 22, 2009 The style of the Sunbeam Breadmaker is very appealing with an easy-to-read LCD display and large viewing window. But how well does it perform baking bread or kneading dough? I did a home test of this bread machine baking several loaves and these are my findings.
Product Description
- Sunbeam Breadmaker Model 5891 comes with measuring cup and spoon
- Bakes two sizes: 1.5 lb and 2 lb loaves
- 12 Baking functions: Basic, French, whole wheat, quick, sweet, ExpressBake 1.5 lb and 2 lb, dough, jam, cake, sandwich and bake
- 13 Hour programmable delay bake
- 58 Minute ExpressBake® cycles for small and large loaves
- 3 Shade selections (browning levels)
- Dishwasher safe non-stick bread pan and kneading blade
- Large clear viewing window
- LCD digital display and easy-to-keep-clean control panel
- Bakes a vertical loaf
- Recipes included
How the Sunbeam Breadmaker Performed
Bread Baking - Oven vs Breadmaker
Photo © MifflinUsing recipes included with the breadmaker, I made several loaves using various cycles. Some breads were baked in the machine while others were completed in my oven. I like the ExpressBake setting that completes the process in less than an hour. I also made my own recipes on the dough and baking cycle.
Initially, it took a couple of cycles to get the results I wanted and two loaves dropped shortly after the baking started. I switched to cool water (not warm), except for the ExpressBake setting. The rest of the baking was successful. Of the three choices of crust selections, I liked the 'light' setting the most. It kept the bread soft, yet nicely browned. Baked results were good and typical of heavier breadmaker bread. Using bread machine flour (instead of regular) did result in a slightly finer texture, as did careful measuring of ingredients.
The ExpressBake setting is very nice - a cinnamon raisin bread (my favorite) within an hour and the delay bake is super convenient. Although it takes longer to make a sweet loaf in the machine (3 hours) than in an oven, the texture which is similar to a pound loaf, makes it much neater to slice. All loaves started in the machine (dough setting) and baked in my range oven turned out very nice, soft and airy.
The bread pan's non-stick finish is terrific, the bread slid right out. But the small blade had to be coaxed to release (warm water did not help), by giving the drive lug underneath a slight turn to loosen. I assume it will ease with use and remove more easily over time.
Initially, it took a couple of cycles to get the results I wanted and two loaves dropped shortly after the baking started. I switched to cool water (not warm), except for the ExpressBake setting. The rest of the baking was successful. Of the three choices of crust selections, I liked the 'light' setting the most. It kept the bread soft, yet nicely browned. Baked results were good and typical of heavier breadmaker bread. Using bread machine flour (instead of regular) did result in a slightly finer texture, as did careful measuring of ingredients.
The ExpressBake setting is very nice - a cinnamon raisin bread (my favorite) within an hour and the delay bake is super convenient. Although it takes longer to make a sweet loaf in the machine (3 hours) than in an oven, the texture which is similar to a pound loaf, makes it much neater to slice. All loaves started in the machine (dough setting) and baked in my range oven turned out very nice, soft and airy.
The bread pan's non-stick finish is terrific, the bread slid right out. But the small blade had to be coaxed to release (warm water did not help), by giving the drive lug underneath a slight turn to loosen. I assume it will ease with use and remove more easily over time.
Overall Impression
I like the design and control panel of this bread machine - it's very easy to set, offers an extensive variety of cycles, is quiet and cleans up quickly. I loved the ExpressBake cycle and the choices of browning levels.
What I didn't like is the oblong pan shape. While most vertical loaf machines offer a long narrow bread that can be easily sliced, the oblong shape bakes a large block-shaped 2 lb bread. There's no problem slicing the smaller 1.5 lb loaves - they're a nice size. But the larger loaves have extra large slices that must be cut in half to serve, toast, or to make a sandwich. It's even difficult to store this awkward size of loaf. To save the inconvenience, I'd much rather make only smaller loaves with this breadmaker. Otherwise, this breadmaker is reasonably priced, easy to use, has a good selection of cycles and renders good baking results.
What I didn't like is the oblong pan shape. While most vertical loaf machines offer a long narrow bread that can be easily sliced, the oblong shape bakes a large block-shaped 2 lb bread. There's no problem slicing the smaller 1.5 lb loaves - they're a nice size. But the larger loaves have extra large slices that must be cut in half to serve, toast, or to make a sandwich. It's even difficult to store this awkward size of loaf. To save the inconvenience, I'd much rather make only smaller loaves with this breadmaker. Otherwise, this breadmaker is reasonably priced, easy to use, has a good selection of cycles and renders good baking results.
Breadmaker Resources
Sunbeam for more product detail
More About Breadmakers
Breadmaker Bread vs Oven-Baked Bread
Buying a Knife to Slice Bread
Bread Storage Options
Small Appliances Resources
Compare prices of breadmakers
More About Breadmakers
Breadmaker Bread vs Oven-Baked Bread
Buying a Knife to Slice Bread
Bread Storage Options
Small Appliances Resources
Compare prices of breadmakers
