July 2023 is learn the eccentricities of our new KBS Bread Machine Model MBF-041 because there is much about it I rather like!
I won’t bore you with a repeat of our loss of Westy the Westbend machine that has graced us since 1998 or the unhappy demise of Fiona, the Pioneer Woman (Hamilton Beach) due to a power surge scrambling (apparently irretrievably) it brains.
2025-Sept: edited to add: This is no longer sold under the KBS brand. The identical machine is available under the Keepeez brand
Since Westy hit 20 (1998-2018) I have been keeping an eye of offerings and refining my list of “I Wants” Note: It is possible that some time more detail will be added as to the Why of each, but then again everyone has different needs and should think it through for themselves In no particular order …
Good/Excellent Price Value Ratio – 18 months ago that was under $75 USD . Thanks to Bidenomics that was adjusted to Under $100 USD. Between a Amazon Deal of the Day and a $40 (now listing $30) It took the price of the KBS Bread Machine Model MBF-041 from $110 to $80 plus tax.
Loaf Size: I wanted one that had the “timing” for 3 sizes, 1 lb, 1.5 lb, or 2 lb (really wanted 1,2, or 3 lb but that was NOT going to happen in my chosen price range. After much thought, KBS Bread Machine Model MBF-041 and it 1 lb and 1.5 lb sizes – our most used choices…
Small Foot Print – When comes to counter space – every inch matters – at only 9″D x 10.9″W x 10.1″H The KBS Bread Machine Model MBF-041 met this need/wish nicely.
No Weird Colors. There was another machine in the running, but honestly who want puke green in their kitchen
I did not know how much I would like the way the dual heating elements improved the evenness of the crust = top, bottom and sides.
The KBS machines are a bit noiser than some = not a major issue since I am only there until sure the water/flour ratio is correct (first mix about 5 minutes) I am rarely in the kitchen during the process
Barrel/Pan is a tight fit and that may be more of a plus than a minus
The machine is rather light, so a bit of “dancing” does occur during initial mixing if there is too little liquid. That is easily solved initially with a silicone mat that seems to stick to the counter and the machine feet. The, of course by carefully added liquid to get the dough “right” As mentioned elsewhere, I stay in the kitchen during that first 5 minutes anyway, so no real problem for me.
So far ALL of my usual 1 and 1.5 lb recipes worked just fine using comparable “settings/functions” turned out well – except for one where for some reason I did not add the yeast – but the machine cannot be blamed for that.
For some, the smaller size loaf options may be an issue, but as I prefer to bake more often than worry about bread becoming inedible = this is not an issue for us either.
The manuals, no polite way to say it – are not for beginners. All the basic information is there, but not written in a way that a new user can be anything but initially confused. After viewing the KBS & Aicok manuals & downloading several pdf resources found in the Amazon Listing for various KBS models. – There are functions I will never use – but that is not necessarily a minus.
For easy reference there is a “Bread & Dough” Idea List In Amazon that shows some of the ingredients and useful ancilliary tools
Executive Summary – I am pleased with this purchase – experimenting will go on. A further list of resources will be done when I have time and energy. Only time will tell
Note: Links in this post may be to an Affiliate account so if you buy something they may or may not pay me a small commission. Or, you search just using the name and model number or other information provided in this post.
It never made sense to me to go to the trouble of getting liquid to a suitable temp to dump it into a cold bread pan, so my first step is to remove pan from machine, put in some HOT tap water and let it warm the pan while I gather ingredients. Maybe just my imagination, but it seems to help with better first rise.
I recently noticed newer machines seem to have a “pre-heat” function, so maybe I was not all that far off before. (edited to add Dec 2023 – My KBS Model MBF-041 does have preheat)
KBS Bread Machine Cookbook For Beginners: 150 Simple and Time-Saving KBS Bread Machine Recipes for Fast & Healthy Meals supposedly written by a Patty Martinez.
Following my rule of tell me at least two good things before the bad/complaint – – Page 4 mentions the two models of KBS Bread Machine the book theoretically provides tested recipes. – Page 8 mentions using “aged water” (but not how to test if you think that is the cause of your failures. And there will be many if you use these recipes straight off the page unless you are either a fool or a little Child and God is watching out for you.
Further context: So far, I have found several things about the KBS machine I really like. However, I am clearly annoyed by KBS and its poorly written and generally inadequate instructions included with its machine. Yes, I am clearly annoyed almost angry by such blatant plagiarism of the work of others and poorly done at that. Yes, after I cool down some, will write a brief review on Amazon itself. Suffice it to say not even KBS promotes this book. It is not uncommon for such an author to use promotional materials – often from Amazon listings for the product and Patty Martinez has done so.
Following my personal requirements of saying two good things before you het to complain – It took some work, but here goes
Ne a mention of the two models that the book is SUPPOSED to provide recipes. The KBS 17-n-1 (2 lb)and the the KBS19-n-1 (2.2 lb)
In fact, the only really useful bit of information that I have not seen in a book before, is also more universal relating to “ageing water” –
Even the most desperate of KBS owners would not want to use this book since it appears, when compared with recipes I KNOW work… EVERY recipe would need, at a minimum to be tested by you and then to be further adapted. Not a difficult task but if I am buying a book “dedicated” to the produce I own – adapting the recipes should not be my unwanted homework. Further as nearly as I can tell, it does not include ANY of the recipes (bad as they are) supplied KBS in their instructions, but maybe that is a good thing.
On a positive note – I am planning to talk about the one they do seem to suggest in their Amazon Listings as I work with it to establish basics for my KBS Bread machine. Today, I am sharing my rather critical opinions on the publication (cause it is not my idea of a legit cookbook)
Begin your consideration by reading the reviews. My summary is not only is too expensive for the price (FREE on Kindle Unlimited) but the publisher should be forced to pay reparations for my lost time.
This is a direct quote (with maybe a few of my own typos) from the “Sample Page” published on Amazon.
Page 4: Not Your Ordinary Bread Machine …The Mediterranean diet has become a popular option for people for people who want to enjoy the many benefits of plant based Foods today. The diet has gained attention from scientific experts and researchers from all regions of the world. Many studies have already been conducted to understand the benefits that may come with a Mediterranean Diet.
People who follow a Mediterranean diet have been found to have a lower risk of heart disease, inflammation, and reduced body weight. Blood sugar is also seemingly regulated by following this type of diet.
Preparation of meals that are suitable for a Mediterranean diet can sometimes take some time. This is why it is not uncommon to see people who follow this particular diet can use an instant pot or pressure cooker. These devices make preparing meals much faster and easier. At the same time, they also provide benefits when following a Mediterranean diet.
In this, post we look at what the Mediterranean diet is. We also take a brief look at the history of diet. The post considers the many health benefits that have been associated with the diet. Additionally, we also look at the benefits that may come with using a pressure cooker of instant pot to prepare meals with following the Mediterranean diet…
Honestly now, and feel free to challenge me in the comments… Does that sound like this publication is going to be about a bread machine?
The dissertation on the Mediterranean Diet and how useful an instant Pot or pressure cooker will be is then followed by the advertising used on all the KBS pages – IF I were interested in a book about the Instant Pot or Pressure cookers in general, I would be much more interested in recipes for the original models of the Ninja Foodi. If you want those type of recipes, I know of several excellent recipe authors.
I have issues with a few other bits it mentions, notably – NO I do not think a recipe with only 4 cups of flour will make 3 loaves of bread unless we are talking minis.
In my never opinion here are some things that this publication (notice I am not calling it a cook book and most assuredly not a book “dedicated” a particular kitchen appliance.
– Each “Function” (or as detailed elsewhere “Working Schedule Menu” should be listed, explained and a basic recipe that the (opinion) Plagiarist has actually tried. – Function should be EXPLAINED – If even that modicum of effort had been made I might have been willing to over look some of the other junk. Okay not really but you get the idea. – Each recipe should include the appropriate function to used – NOT a generic term, the KBS “name” – Many of the “function” recommendations are obviously referring to other machines since they do not exist the KBS lexicom. – Another giveaway to these not being KBS specific – when a “function” term/name is used it is not KBS Specific – i.e., there are many references to the “Dough” cycle, but we all know KBS had TWO types of dough cycle – so it is NOT simple and so – this publication DOES NOT include “sizing” yet many of its recipes tell one to “Chose the size” – comparing the recipes with other more reliable examples = “sizing” is not consistent. BUT IS NOT NOTED in the recipe. So if one makes a logical assumption that all the recipes will be for a 2 or 2.2 lb loaf, but the ingredients “fit” a 1.5 lb loaf (or smaller) the reader and particular the “newbie” have been set up for disappointment.
In Summary: There is much about the KBS machines I really like and hope it will be worth the effort and my KBS-041 will perform as expected and hoped. Meanwhile this publication to quote myself The reader and particularly the “newbie” have been set up for disappointment.
Caveat Emptor: (1) Links may be “affiliate links” – if you make a purchase I might receive a commission. (2) this is a work in progress – your observations – good, bad, indifferent are welcomed
So far (and I have not and don’t plan to test all functions but would welcome your experience especially if you include the model you are using) this seems to be accurate
I recommend you download a copy of this page entitled in a very Google-Tranlate-lish name: “Work Schedule Of Menus” This link is a PDF, so you will need a PDF viewer for it to be useful and it “should” open in a new window.
Again SO far, the times seem to be applicable to my Model MBF-041 the “timing” seems to mirror other “tried and true” recipes from my collection. I have no idea how it will display on a mobile, or tablet. Nor, do I plan to make any effort to make my own version.
If you find issues as you work thru getting acquainted with your model of the KBS Bread Maker – I hope you will share. Here is a link to the KBS store on Amazon in case you need to look up your model.
Should you need it later – it has been added to the “Bread-Making” Link Category – why? well because I will misplace it and need it again – so making it easy for both of us to find it.
The KBS MBF-041 arrived #inmysmallkitchen on June 13 and has been used 5 times so far (23-Jun-2023)
A note of cause about the KBS Machines = The Instruction Manuals are not really helpful to someone “new to bread machines” – in fact even experienced bakers has some issues.
As with all things ” Your Mileage May Vary” So be sure to test and check to see what works best for you”
I hope you will share your experiences = cause Lord knows, KBS is not very helpful.
It no secret the search is on for the “final” Bread Machine. But more about that another time.
This Tiplet if NOT an affiliate link, it is not an endorsement of the machine cause I don’t own one and have never borrowed to try one = BUT DAMN – I do miss when all the makers wrote such helpful and generally useful manuals and support materials.
This is link to a English/French PDF version, next to impossible to find on their website (as is the machine shown as sold out for quite awhile) It downloads an approximately 7.2 mg pdf file.
Yes, some of it is strictly Breville but there is so much more and that includes enough info that I suspect one could convert almost any of their recipes to another machine using the tried and true “Stare, Compare and Dare” Method.
A lot to take in all at one time even for an experienced machine user – but I will have to send Breville a thank you note for such a great reference and encouragement to make the unit available again, cause I think this one could be the one “till death do us part”
