Long before the age of the internet, catalogs delivered by mail were one of the main ways people got news and info on exciting new products. One such household name in the electronics catalog industry was DAK, who rose to prominence in the mid 80’s. They mainly imported products from the Far East, while branding some of these imported products under their own name. DAK released a line of bread machines over the years, and had a few different ones on offer. One of their most popular models was the DAK FAB-2000, also know as the “Turbo Baker II”. This is what were are going to talk about today, so let us have a closer look at this machine below.
Product Features:
Before we start we should also mention that Turbo Baker III and Turbo Baker IV models were released, but we’re not entirely sure what the main differences or advantages are with these models so we can’t go into much detail on that. Moving on, let’s start by having a look at the overall design of the unit. We have seen some strange bread machine models so far, but this is definitely one of the odder ones we have come across. One such joke we came across is that the DAK bread maker looks like R2-D2, the robot from Star Wars! Looking at the machine, you can immediately see the resemblance! We’re not sure if this was a particular design choice to subconsciously help people associate it with a popular pop culture icon, but it certainly is unique.To start with it has a completely transparent dome lid, which is quite a contrast compared to the smaller viewing windows we are used to. This is not necessarily a bad choice, but simply something we are not accustomed to. The size of the machine is also somewhat bulbous, as it occupies quite a large potion of counter space. Most bread machines released around this time were quite large though, so we can’t take away too many points for this.
Another strange design choice is that the baking tin is round in shape, leaving you with round loaves of bread. The baked bread loaf may look a little unconventional, but from what we have heard it tastes just the same. Aside from that the main controls are on the protruded front part of the machine. Compared to modern bread makers this is a very simplistic model, but it does have all you need to make a basic loaf of bread. There are 4 main recipe options to choose from including white, french, sweet or manual setting. There is no wholewheat setting, but we have read that whole wheat recipes come out okay when used with the “white recipe” mode. The manual setting is specifically designed for making dough, and it will simply mix the ingredients together for you so you can then cook the resulting dough in the oven. There is also a turbo mode which you can activate to speed up the cooking process. Also included is a built in timer, which you use to define the time you want the bread to be ready. There are five led lights on the front, which will let you know what cooking phase the machine is currently doing. Another slightly odd thing is that the dry ingredients are put in first, followed by the liquid ingredients. This is somewhat backwards to what we are used to, but again we have heard reports that it works quite well so it sounds like it works just fine.
Cooking times are in the 4 hours range, with the turbo mode cutting a bit off that. The machine is powered by a convection element, and this helps to make sure the bread is evenly cooked throughout. Once the machine has finished cooking a fan is activated to help cool the bread down. This ensures that it does not become soggy or overcooked if it is left too long in the machine. This is a nice little touch, and was a somewhat new and invention solution to this particular problem. We aren’t entirely sure what size motor power this machine, but from what we have ready it can handle very dense types of dough mixes so it is reported to be quite strong.
According to the many reports we have read, this machines does a very good job of making bread. Even in 2015, these are still many of the machines being used in homes around America, so the build quality has certainty stood the test of time! While the DAK bread maker doesn’t have the multitude of options and settings we are accustomed to, it does have the reputation of being able to make a quality loaf of bread.
User manual: If you are looking for the user manual, you can download it in PDF format from this link: FAB-2000 User Manual
Pros:
- Works well
- Entire lid is transparent, makes viewing easy
- Built in timer
Cons:
- Hard to find
- Odd design
Summary:
This strange looking bread machine is an interesting choice, and many people are still using them 25 years later without any issues. If you can find one, this will make a simple and reliable bread machine. If you are looking for one of these bread machines, you may still be able to find one of them on Ebay or at a yard sale.
| Our Rating: |
|---|
| 3 |
I’ve had my original model DAK The Bread Machine (an earlier version than what’s shown here) for over 26 years now and it’s still going strong. I made banana bread last week and I’m making egg bread today!
I bought my DAK in the late 1980’s and the thing still churns out great bread. The motor is strong and everything still works perfectly. I would love to get another one but this thing is still working and I’m afraid the newer version wouldn’t be as good.
I’ve had mine for 22 years and love it. I assume they are no longer on the marketa/
I bought my DAX in 1991 and used it this morning.
Bought my DAX Bread maker in 1991 and used it this morning.. Nothing stops this machine.
I am having a problem with mine and hope someone can help. Mine looks exactly like the one pictured…it is the Turbo Baker II (Breadmaker FAB-2000). When I plug it in — it rapidly blinks and pushing the buttons does nothing). I’ve tried unplugging it many times and re-setting it according to the book. Any Ideas what the problem is?
I think you just need to tap on the clock button. Nothing will work until you do that.
I’ve had my Dak for over 20 years – I love it – works as good as day one. I hope it lasts another 20 years, if not I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another one.
I’ve had my Dak for over 25 years, that means it is probably one of the original model; certainly not a Turbo. I had to replace the paddle, and I don’t use it much. But, when I do, it works like a champ. Like my 25+ year old washer/dryer/range, these products were made to last. Thank you Mr. Kaplan…this machine is a treasure and I feel lucky to own one! As I write this…the Dak bread machine is baking a loaf of buttermilk cheese bread.
Hello fellow DAK-onians! I’ve had my turbo 2 since the early 90’s. Still makes awesome white bread – problem is my son requires gluten free breads. And I can’t seem to dial in the prefect remedy or recipe. Plus how many pound loaf does this machine make. I forget ! Anyone’s help is greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.
I love love love this bread maker & have had it since 1992 & it still works great! But one of the parts probably needs to be replaced. So are these bread makers no longer on the market? And only ones are used ones on Ebay or Amazon? I really wanted to buy a brand new one.. Cheryl Hukari
Cheryl: I inherited this machine from my mom & am just getting ready to use it for the first time. I’ve got a “quickbread” recipe I want to try but there’s no setting for it. Can you suggest what setting I might try? I couldn’t find any other blog for this machine to post on.
These are great bread makers. Mine has developed some problems with the control panel, but I was able to find parts. The quality of this DAK bread maker is incredible! I would get another anytime if they were still making them, but mine will be working fine again.
Hi Duane! Hope you still are responding to comments. I have a problem with mine whereby the paddle does not turn and if it is left on, it gets very hot. He had opened it once before when we had a storm it blew the thyristor and he was able to repair it. However, he does not know how to get to the transmission and motor. Would you be able to explain that?
Hi Duane! Have you been able to take the machine apart to get at the motor? My husband had replaced the rhyristor before, but he does not remember how to get it apart. Any ideas?
Your recipes for both automatic making if bread and for manual making bread. Both methods saw to add a package of yeast. How much yeast is in each envelope? I buy my yeast by the pound and add measured amts of yeast to the breads I make manually. So please send me the content of yeast in the envelopes so that I can create your award winning bread recipes from my family.
Second question Is when would I use a dough hook if I was creating larger loaves of bread for a very large family dinner? I look forward to hearing from you shortly.
I bought my DAK Fab 2000 in November 1991 and it still works great. I’m making a loaf of cinnamon raisin bread in it right now. I’ve never had a problem with it even though it fell off the counter once. It’s still making beautiful loaves of bread.
I have had mine since 1987+/- and it has really hung in there even after dropping it a couple of times. I have mostly used it for pizza and soft pretzel dough although the bread it made was very good and never got wasted. Through all of the years of use it’s nearly a family member. Making Bavarian pretzel dough at this writing.
Does someone know what the inside is made of? Aluminium, stainless steel?
Same here. I received mine as a Christmas gift in 1986; 35 years and it’s still going strong. I don’t think anything new is built to last…except my Kitchenaid mixer bought in 1970.