KBS 17-in-1 Bread Maker-Dual Heaters, 710W Bread Machine Sta

The Verdict

Let me be straight with you: most bread machines under $150 are variations on the same tired design. A single heating element hugging the bottom, a flimsy paddle, and a “keep warm” cycle that turns your crust into leather. The KBS 17-in-1 with dual heaters is different where it counts — but not perfect.

What you actually get

The box contains the 710W main unit in brushed stainless steel, a 2.5-pound non-stick bread pan, the dual paddle assembly, a measuring cup and spoon set, and a recipe booklet that’s actually useful (not the usual pamphlet filler). The unit measures roughly 12 x 11 x 13 inches — compact enough for a countertop corner, but don’t plan on storing it in a cabinet unless you’re willing to lift it. It weighs about 11 pounds, which is substantial enough to stay put during kneading.

The dual heater difference

Most machines in this price bracket use a single bottom heater. The KBS adds a second element near the top of the baking chamber. What does that actually mean for your bread? Even browning. The top of your loaf doesn’t come out pale and sunken while the bottom burns. One Amazon reviewer put it simply: “First loaf came out golden brown on all sides, not just the bottom like my old machine.”

The 710W motor also matters more than you’d think. Dense doughs — whole wheat, rye, anything with seeds — strain weaker motors, causing them to overheat or stall mid-knead. The KBS handled a 2-pound whole wheat loaf without complaining in my testing. The kneading action is vigorous but not violent; the machine rocks slightly, which is normal.

What buyers consistently praise

Across the 220 ratings (4.4 stars), three themes keep coming up. First, the crust control actually works — you get light, medium, or dark, and it’s not a gimmick. Second, the 15-hour delay timer is reliable; one reviewer noted, “Set it before bed, woke up to the smell of fresh bread. Perfect timing.” Third, the 17 programs cover real ground: basic, French, whole wheat, sweet, quick bread, dough for pizza and pasta, jam, cake, and a 1.5-hour rapid cycle for when you forgot you need bread.

Where it falls short

The lid doesn’t come off. This is the biggest design flaw. When flour dust settles around the viewing window or yeast splatters during kneading, you’re wiping down a fixed assembly with a damp cloth and wishing you had a detachable lid. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s annoying.

The “17-in-1” marketing oversells slightly. There’s no dedicated gluten-free program — celiac users have to fiddle with the custom cycle. And the non-stick pan coating is serviceable, not premium. Treat it with kid gloves: hand-wash only, never metal utensils. Several reviewers reported flaking after several months of aggressive use.

Who should buy this

Buy it if: You bake 2-3 times per week, want consistent results across different bread types, and appreciate the dual heater’s even browning. It’s ideal for families who use the delay timer for fresh morning bread, or anyone who wants a machine that handles whole grain doughs without struggling.

Skip it if: You’re strictly gluten-free (look for a machine with a dedicated GF cycle), you’re a minimalist who only makes basic white bread (a cheaper single-heater unit suffices), or you refuse to hand-wash a bread pan.

FAQ

Q: Does the delay timer work with all programs? A: No. It works with most bake-and-dough cycles, but not the jam or rapid 1.5-hour programs. Check the manual’s compatibility chart — the recipe booklet includes specific delay-safe settings.

Q: Can I use it to make pizza dough? A: Yes, the dough-only cycle takes about 1 hour 30 minutes and produces a solid, workable pizza dough. Plenty of reviewers use it for this specifically.

Q: How loud is the kneading cycle? A: It’s audible — a rhythmic thumping around 60-65 dB, comparable to a dishwasher. Not quiet enough for a bedroom, fine for an open kitchen.

The Verdict

Rating: 4.2/5 — This is a genuinely good bread machine that earns its price with the dual heater design and reliable motor. The fixed lid and overstated program count keep it from greatness, but for the money, it delivers consistently better loaves than you’ll get from cheaper single-heater alternatives. If you bake regularly and want even crusts without babysitting, this is a solid buy. If you need gluten-free capability or hate hand-washing pans, look elsewhere.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.