Offers a robust feature set and reliable performance for home bakers at a noticeably lower price than high-end brands, making it a compelling mid-tier choice.
Price Position vs Similar
$172.99
CheaperTypicalPricier
Slightly cheaper than premium, feature-filled competitors — more expensive than basic models but undercuts top-tier brands, making it a modest-value mid-range choice.
Usability
Unknown
PoorFairGoodGreatExcellent
With 21 presets, dedicated gluten-free/keto modes and an auto fruit/nut dispenser, this bread maker is straightforward for average users, though the many options may require a short learning curve.
Overview — What this machine is and who it’s for
The Hamilton Beach 29890 Premium Dough & Bread Maker is a countertop bread machine built to turn everyday ingredients into fresh loaves with minimal fuss. It’s a stainless-steel, mid-size unit with a 2 lb loaf capacity, an auto fruit & nut dispenser, and 21 programmable settings (including dedicated Gluten Free and Keto cycles). At an asking price around $172.99 and an average buyer rating of 4.3/5, it sits in the affordable-but-feature-rich segment of home bread makers.
Ideal audience: home bakers who want automatic convenience for regular loaves, specialty-diet options (gluten-free/keto), and a built-in mix-in dispenser so you don’t have to babysit the dough.
Key Features & Highlights
2 lb loaf capacity — makes family-sized loaves or a few larger sandwich loaves in one bake.
Auto fruit & nut dispenser — releases add-ins at the correct knead stage so raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips stay intact rather than getting mashed.
21 programmable settings — broad selection that covers basic white, whole wheat, gluten free, keto, dough-only, bake-only, and more flexible custom cycles.
Stainless-steel exterior — gives a modern look that fits most kitchens and is easy to wipe down.
Price-to-feature balance — premium features like the dispenser and specialty programs at a mid-range price point.
A Nice Fit for You If…
You want fresh bread regularly without standing over the mixer.
You bake for a family or meal prep and need a reliable 2 lb loaf size.
You follow specialty diets (gluten-free or keto) and want tailored machine cycles.
You like adding fruit, nuts, or chocolate but dislike having to mix them in by hand.
You prefer a stainless-steel finish that wipes clean and looks tidy on the counter.
You want a versatile machine that can make dough-only for rolls or pizza crusts.
You value a strong feature set without stepping up to high-end commercial machines.
Practical Use Cases
Weeknight sandwich loaves: program the machine to start in the evening so warm sandwich bread is ready for the next day’s lunches.
Weekend brunches: automatic add-in timing keeps blueberries, nuts, or herbs intact for beautiful, textured loaves.
Special-diet baking: use the dedicated Gluten Free and Keto cycles to reduce trial-and-error when adapting recipes.
Entertaining dough prep: switch to dough-only mode to get perfectly kneaded dough for rolls, pizza, or focaccia without manually kneading.
Busy households: set-and-forget programming lets the machine handle mixing, rising, and baking on an automated schedule.
Experience & Feedback — Living with it day to day
In daily use, expect a straightforward, almost set-and-forget experience. The digital control panel and program choices make it easy to select a cycle and walk away. During kneading, you’ll notice the familiar thrum of the motor — comparable to other home bread machines — which quiets down during rise cycles. The stainless-steel exterior wipes clean of flour dust and spills; fingerprints can show, but a quick microfiber pass restores that brushed look.
The auto fruit and nut dispenser is a standout for those who love mix-ins: it times the release so items stay distinct and don’t dissolve into the dough. With a 2 lb capacity, the loaf has good, usable size for sandwiches and family servings. Most owners report consistent crust color and a variety of crust settings to tune results.
Storage-wise, it’s countertop-friendly but not pocket-sized — plan a dedicated spot. Cleaning is typical for the category: wipe the exterior, clean crumbs from the lid/viewing window area, and remove any loose pieces from the dispenser chute. The build feels solid—stainless finishes and a compact footprint that reads as durable rather than toy-like.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Auto dispenser: adds fruit/nuts at the right time for better texture.
Counter space: mid-size footprint needs permanent space on the counter or cabinet.
21 presets: broad programs including Gluten Free and Keto
Learning curve: dialing in custom loaf color/texture can take a few tries.
2 lb capacity: good for families and meal prep
Noise during knead: motor sound comparable to similar home machines.
Not pro-grade: not intended for commercial-volume baking.
Price/performance: lots of features at a mid-range price
Minor fiddliness: dispenser and hinge areas benefit from occasional careful cleaning.
Comparative Advantages
Compared with basic, entry-level bread makers, the Hamilton Beach 29890 stands out for its auto fruit & nut dispenser and the unusually large array of 21 programmable settings including specific Gluten Free and Keto programs. That makes it more versatile than machines that only do standard white or whole-wheat loaves. At around $172.99, it offers many premium conveniences without moving into high-end price tiers.
Audience Fit — Who should buy (and who should skip)
Best suited to home cooks who want a reliable, feature-rich bread maker for frequent use—especially families, specialty-diet bakers, and those who appreciate the convenience of an automatic add-in dispenser. Skip this model if you need a commercial-volume oven, want the lightest possible countertop appliance for tiny kitchens, or prefer ultra-quiet, near-silent operation during kneading.
FAQs
What size loaves does it make?
It supports up to a 2 lb loaf capacity—big enough for family sandwiches and meal prepping.
Does it handle gluten-free and keto recipes?
Yes. The machine includes dedicated Gluten Free and Keto program options among its 21 settings.
How does the fruit and nut dispenser work?
The built-in dispenser times the release of add-ins during the cycle so ingredients are mixed in at the correct stage rather than getting pulverized.
Is the exterior easy to clean?
The stainless-steel finish wipes clean of flour and spills; like most bread makers, the dispenser and crumb areas can need a careful brush or cloth.
How noisy is it?
Noise is typical for a home bread machine—motor noise during kneading, quieter during rising and baking phases.
How much does it cost and how’s the value?
At roughly $172.99 and an average 4.3/5 rating, it’s positioned as a solid mid-range value with premium extras like the dispenser and specialty settings.
Final Verdict
The Hamilton Beach 29890 Premium Dough & Bread Maker balances useful automation, specialty-diet programs, and a clean stainless look into a package that will satisfy most home bakers. If you want hands-off convenience—especially for mix-in loaves—and don’t need commercial capacity, this model offers compelling features for the price. Expect a reliable countertop companion that simplifies weekly baking, gives you a wide range of preset control, and adds the little luxuries (automatic mix-ins, gluten-free/keto cycles) that make homemade bread feel effortless.
How It Stacks Up
The Hamilton Beach 29890 lands squarely in the midrange: a stainless-steel, feature-rich bread maker with a 2 lb. loaf capacity, 21 programmable settings (including Gluten Free and Keto) and an auto fruit & nut dispenser. It’s a strong value for home bakers who want lots of presets and convenience without stepping up to premium-priced machines. Most buyers report reliable loaves and easy programming; in practice you trade a few pro-level refinements for a friendlier price.
Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso (BB-PDC20) — Premium positioning. Known for very consistent, even baking and a sturdy build; preferred by frequent bakers who want bakery-style crumb and crust. Downsides: noticeably pricier than the Hamilton Beach and fewer convenience extras aimed at diet-specific presets. Best if you prioritize top-tier results and longevity.
Cuisinart CBK-200 — Upper-midrange. Offers flexible settings and a convection/advanced baking option that can improve crust texture. Slightly pricier or similar to the Hamilton Beach depending on retailer. Downsides: larger footprint and more complex controls. Practical for bakers who want more control over crust and loaf characteristics.
Breville “The Custom Loaf” (BBM800XL) — Premium/enthusiast level. Emphasizes precise temperature control and advanced customization (more program tailoring and a quieter motor). More expensive than the Hamilton Beach. Best for hobbyists who tinker with recipes and want finer control over the baking cycle.
Oster Expressbake (2‑lb models) — Budget positioning. Simple to use, faster-bake options and significantly cheaper than the Hamilton Beach. Downsides: fewer presets (often no specialized Keto/Gluten-Free cycles), more basic build and less consistent artisan-style results. Good choice for occasional bakers and tight budgets.
If you prioritize a broad set of preset diets and one-button convenience at a reasonable midrange price, the Hamilton Beach 29890 is a solid pick. If you bake very frequently or want the highest consistency and control, consider premium options like Zojirushi or Breville. If your needs are occasional loaves or you’re watching cost, the Oster budget models will cover basics without the bells and whistles. For bakers who want extra crust and baking control without the highest premium, the Cuisinart sits between these choices.
