Top 15 Best Bread Machines

One day, you watch the Tasty video clip about how a Japanese chef knead the bread dough skillfully. Then, you get your hands on the ingredients and knead the dough which later ends up in the garbage bin. If I were you, I would buy the best bread machine because the technique for kneading is much harder than what you see in the clip.

Kneading dough needs the right pressure at the right time. Moreover, cleaning up the mess you make will eat up lots of time. Therefore, the right decision is to buy the best bread machine and let it take care of every process. You can still learn how to knead gradually but at the moment, the bread machine can help you deal with mixing, kneading, rising and shaping dough.

Benefits Of A Bread Machine

The benefits of bread maker won’t let you down if you have the same hectic schedule like me. The top priority is saving money. Spending extra effort and precious time on side jobs helps you earn more money.

Save Time And Effort

Cooking food involves mistakes and errors to bring out the most delicious dish. However, kneading dough is much more complex and time-consuming than you imagine. Then, the rising time and baking time will eat up all your free time before you become aware of it.

With bread machines, you can try the recipes included, let the machine make it, and see the results. If it doesn’t taste good, you only need to adjust the portion or try other recipes, which is much easier than the whole cooking process.

Easy To Clean

The removable pan and paddle are finished with non-stick coating, which is much easier to clean with the soft sponge. Moreover, some bread pans are top-rack dishwasher-safe. However, the surface may flake off if you rely on the dishwasher to handle your pan.

Versatile

The bread maker is multifunction with at least three programs. You can choose multifunctional makers with up to 19 settings, including jam, yogurt settings.

Types Of Bread Machines

The bread makers are classified into two groups depending on the shape of the bread. The most popular bread machines in the market are vertical ones because of their affordable price range.

Vertical Bread Machines

Vertical bread makers have oblong and tall bread pans. While the top of the bread is puffier, the bottom is dense with small lumps. The taller the shape, the more inconsistent the texture will be. The vertical model takes less space with lower price.

Horizontal Bread Machines

The horizontal shaped loaves are more familiar as this is the shape you usually in bakeries and supermarkets. This short bread is easier to slice. However, the breading pan is wider than the vertical bread pan, which needs dual blades to mix the dough thoroughly. The horizontal ones are more expensive.

Best Bread Machine Comparison Chart

The following list includes 15 best bread machines which are classified according to alphabetical order. You need to pay special attention to finish if you prefer stainless steel design in your modern kitchen.

Which Are The Best Bread Machines To Buy?

The most common features in top best bread makers are automatic program settings, auto-warm, delayed start, crust color, and loaf size settings. However, only some models allow the users to customize the time or automatically dispense fruits and nuts for you.

• Best Overall – Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker
  “Dual blades for thorough kneading, heated lid, printed settings on the lid, recipes, many accessories included, easy to use and clean, homemade function, built-in battery, 12-hour clock.”
• Best Budget – Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker
  “Two non-stick paddles included, tall non-stick pan, dishwasher-safe, easy to use, beeps to remove the paddle.”
• Best Design – KBS Pro Stainless-Steel Bread Machine
  ”Detachable fruit dispenser, 17 settings, non-stick ceramic coated pan, touch-pad control, sleek stainless-steel design.”
• Best Horizontal – Breville BBM800XL Custom Loaf Bread Maker
  “Large LCD screen with progress indicator, automatic dispenser, four loaf size, collapsible and fixed paddle included, customization up to nine recipes, quiet machine.”
• Best Vertical – Cuisinart CBK-200 Convection Bread Maker
  ”Various loaf size, convection feature for crust, bake only setting, alarming sounds, cookbook included.”
• Best Capacity – Panasonic SD-YD250 Automatic Bread Maker
  ”Bake large size bread, automatic yeast dispenser, compact design.”
• Best Customization – Zojirushi Supreme 2lb Loaf Breadmaker
  ”Easy to clean, dual blades, three customized settings for new recipes, measuring spoon, cup, recipes included, sourdough starter function.”
• Best Automatic Nuts Dispenser – Rosewill Rapid Bake Bread Maker
  ”Lightweight, good texture and taste, fruit dispenser included, doesn’t walk, fairly quiet, dishwasher-safe pan and paddle.”
• Best for Gluten-Free – T-fal Actibread Bread Machine
  ”Three gluten-free settings, measuring cup, spoon, hook, recipe book included, affordable price, indicator lights, little hook included.”
• Best for Small Family – Zojirushi Home Bakery Mini Breadmaker
  ”Durable baking pan, effective blade, removable lid, cord storage, three bread textures, recipe included.”

My Reviews For The Best Bread Machines

The bread machine list only has three horizontal bread machines with some best features you need. Other vertical bread makers vary in price and features.

1. Breville BBM800XL Custom Loaf Bread Maker

(Best Horizontal)

After kneading the dough mixture, the blade collapses to prevent making the hole in the baking process. You no longer have to stop the machine and remove the paddle manually. However, the paddle is sticky, which needs non-stick cooking spray. If it doesn’t collapse as described, just remove it before the third rise when you hear the alarm sound.

Just at the right time, the dispenser will add the nuts and fruits into the dough without stopping the machine. Moreover, the large LCD screen tells the current kneading process, the selected settings, the current size, and crust. The biggest size is 2.5 pounds, which decreases by 0.5 pounds to the smallest size.

The custom feature lets you program nine recipes in total. The warm mode lasts up to one hour. The machine works quietly than other models. In case there is a power cut, the 60-minute back-up function won’t ruin your bread. The light in the window also helps you monitor the process.

Key Features:

• Automatic fruit dispenser
• Collapsible paddle
• Light in the window

Product Specifications:

Delayed start	Yes, up to 13 hours
Cycle	13
Kneading paddles	1 collapsible blade, 1 fixed blade
Gluten-free	Yes
Automatic dispenser	Yes
Warranty	1 year

2. Breadman 2 lb Professional Bread Maker

Breadman Professional bread machine features a collapsible blade, which will automatically fold down before the baking process.

The automatic settings comprise gluten-free, low-carb, and artisan setting. Moreover, the good news for fruit and nut lovers is that the automatic dispenser will add the seeds into your mixture. The machine works quietly with the beeping sound when it finishes baking and reverts to one hour keeping warm.

However, the problem with the paddle is it scratches off the coating in the pan. The non-stick pan has a large size (7x5x5.25) but isn’t durable enough for long-term use. Another downside is no customization for the new recipe.

Key Features:

• Collapsible blade
• Automatic dispenser
• Quiet machine

Product Specifications:

Delayed start	Yes, up to 13 hours
Cycle	14
Kneading paddles	1 collapsible blade
Gluten-free	Yes
Automatic dispenser	Yes
Warranty	2 years

3. Cuisinart Convection Bread Maker

(Best Vertical)

Cuisinart Convection bread maker has 16 preprogrammed menu options, three crust colors. The size of the loaf can be 1, 1.5 or 2 lb., which is various than other models.

With dieters or gluten allergic people, the low card and gluten-free settings are very handy. The alarming sounds tell when to add in fruits, nuts or when to remove the paddle before the baking process. You can delay the maker up to 12 hours.

Other impressive features include unique convection, 15-minute pause, and bake-only setting. The convection fan distributes better and creates a crisper crust, which makes quite noise while working. If you don’t like how well the dough is kneaded, you can manually knead and use the bake only feature.

The baking time varies in 10-minute increments. The non-stick aluminum pan is likely to pop out because of loose rivets. The flimsy plastic hinges can break easily.

Key Features:

• Unique convection
• Bake only setting
• Alarming beeps before baking process

Product Specifications:

Delayed start	Yes, up to 12 hours
Cycle	16
Kneading paddles	1 blade
Gluten-free	Yes
Automatic dispenser	No
Warranty	3 years

4. Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker

(Best Budget)

Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker has 12 settings available with three different crust settings.

You can make the 1.4 lb. or 2 lb. loaf with light, medium, or dark crust easily. Furthermore, the delayed start function can start baking bread after a specified time. Therefore, the hot fluffy slice of bread in the morning is now feasible.

The two paddles included are made out of metal with non-stick coating. Before the baking process, remove the paddle if you don’t want to see the paddle hole. The maker beeps at the beginning of the second kneading for adding nuts, herbs, spices.

The non-stick pan is rectangular and pretty tall when compared to other models. Lock the pan into the maker, and choose the setting. Both the paddles and pan are dishwasher-safe.

Key Features:

• Two paddles
• Dishwasher-safe paddles and pan
• Three loaf sizes

Product Specifications:

Delayed start	Yes
Cycle	12
Kneading paddles	2
Gluten-free	Yes
Automatic dispenser	No
Warranty	1 year

5. KBS Pro Stainless Steel Bread Machine

(Best Design)

KBS bread machine features the detachable fruit nut dispenser, with up to 17 customized automatic programs which are printed on the lid. The stainless-steel housing gives an elegant appearance.

There are three settings for loaf size and crust. The delayed start time is longer than typical bread machines with 15 hours. When the machine finishes, it will revert to warm mode for one hour. The 15-minute power recovery deals with power cut in a short period of time.

Both lid and panel use tempered glass. The ceramic-coated pan is made out of aluminum but not ceramic like described. While it is dishwasher safe, you should wash it by hand. The ceramic-coated paddle is difficult to remove from the barrel. The touch button makes it easy to use.

The machine doesn’t beep to signal that the kneading process is completed. There is no homemade function for programming new recipe. The good news is you can program each step manually.

Key Features:

• Detachable fruit dispenser
• Tempered glass lid and panel
• 17 automatic settings

Product Specifications:

Delayed start	Yes, up to 15 hours
Cycle	17
Kneading paddles	1
Gluten-free	Yes
Automatic dispenser	Yes
Warranty	3 years

6. Oster Expressbake Bread Machine

Oster Expressbake bread machine can bake a loaf of bread in 60 minutes with the fastest express mode.

The delay mode works up to 13 hours, except the express mode. The alarming beep will notify you of the right time for adding fruits or seeds but not before the baking process. The LCD screen shows the current progress so that you can remove the paddle in time.

Gluten allergic people shouldn’t buy this model as there is no setting for gluten-free. Although the blade and the pan are not dishwasher safe, you can remove them easily to wash by hand without scratching the non-stick surface. Moreover, the lid is removable for easy cleaning, which is a great addition.

Key Features:

• Express bake mode
• Removable lid
• LCD screen shows current progress

Product Specifications:

Delayed start	Yes, up to 13 hours
Cycle	12
Kneading paddles	1
Gluten-free	No
Automatic dispenser	No
Warranty	1 year

7. Panasonic SD-YD250 Automatic Bread Maker

(Best Capacity)

Panasonic automatic bread maker has exclusive automatic yeast dispenser with a large capacity of 2.5 lb.

Because of the limited baking programs (4 cycles), there is no gluten-free setting. Similar to Breville BBM800XL Custom Loaf Bread Maker, the Panasonic bread machine has three loaf sizes with the largest 2.5-pound size. The delayed start lasts for 13 hours with the auto-warm mode in one hour.

The typical window in the lid is replaced by the yeast dispenser. At the right time, the input amount of yeast is distributed to the dough mixture. The non-stick bread pan and blade are not dishwasher-safe as the dishwasher can damage the coating.

Key Features:

• Automatic yeast dispenser
• Large capacity (2.5 lb)
• Non-stick pan and blade

Product Specifications:

Delayed start	Yes, up to 13 hours
Cycle	4
Kneading paddles	1
Gluten-free	No
Automatic dispenser	Automatic yeast dispenser
Warranty	1 year

8. Rosewill Rapid Bake Bread Maker

(Best Automatic Nuts Dispenser)

Rosewill bread machine features built-in fruit and nut dispenser, and rapid bake setting. You can choose between 1.5 lbs. or 2 lbs. bread.

The rapid bake setting is highly convenient for busy people because this setting bakes bread in under one hour. Then it reverts to warm mode for another hour. The delayed start lasts for 13 hours.

The removable dispenser is compatible with gluten-free program. The size of the top dispenser is about one cup, which is suitable for a 2 lbs. loaf. It makes some loud noise while adding the nuts in the mixture. Normally, the machine is fairly quiet.

The rectangular bread pan is non-stick and dishwasher safe. The only paddle doesn’t mix the nuts thoroughly enough with the horizontal loaf.

Key Features:

• Automatic fruit dispenser
• Rapid bake setting
• Large dispenser capacity

Product Specifications:

Delayed start	Yes, up to 13 hours
Cycle	12
Kneading paddles	1
Gluten-free	Yes
Automatic dispenser	Yes
Warranty	No information

9. Sunbeam Bread Machine

Sunbeam and Oster bread machine share many features as Oster belongs to Sunbeam. Sunbeam bread machine also has the same delayed start, 12 programs, express bake mode, and no gluten-free setting.

You have no customization with this model, but the overall timer can be adjusted. The 6.5 x 5.5 x 7 pan has a tall oblong shape, which you should reshape for your kids. The beeping sound signals when to put in raisin and nuts but not before the baking process.

The noise during the kneading process is a little bit annoying with small room. The lid doesn’t lock but just shut so you can open it any time.

Key Features:

• Express bake mode
• Alarming beeps to add nuts
• Affordable price

Product Specifications:

Delayed start	Yes, up to 13 hours
Cycle	12
Kneading paddles	1
Gluten-free	No
Automatic dispenser	No
Warranty	1 year

10. SKG 1lb Beginner Friendly Bread Maker

This small size bread machine from SKG is suitable for couple or small family. You can choose from 19 automatic programs including gluten-free bread, jam, yogurt, and many other recipes. The non-skid feet keep the machine stay firmly on the counter.

The 15-hour delayed setting makes eating fluffy bread early in the morning possible. The power back-up function can support the bread machine in 15 minutes without power. The 8.6-pound bread pan is coated with non-stick finish. The paddle remains in the pan but not the bread.

The loud beep before adding fruits and nuts will alarm you. Furthermore, the bread machine cooks consistent bread texture, even crust, and super easy to use for beginners.

Key Features:

• 19 automatic settings
• Consistent bread texture
• Small pan for couples

Product Specifications:

Delayed start	Yes, up to 15 hours
Cycle	19
Kneading paddles	1
Gluten-free	Yes
Automatic dispenser	No
Warranty	2 years

11. SKG Multifunctional 2lb Bread Maker

SKG bread machine is the most versatile bread machine with 19 automatic programs, along with three loaf sizes, three crust colors. The start can be delayed up to 15 hours.

The removable non-stick pan sits wobbly inside the housing without touching the walls. This model offers three choices with the loaf size for the bigger family: 1, 1.5, or 2 lb. If the paddle stays in the bread, you can use included hook to get it out.

The lid with the monitor window is about an inch above the 10-pound pan. When the dough rises, it may touch the lid and leads to dent top.

Key Features:

• 19 program settings
• Transparent lid
• Non-slip feet

Product Specifications:

Delayed start	Yes, up to 15 hours
Cycle	19
Kneading paddles	1
Gluten-free	Yes
Automatic dispenser	No
Warranty	2 years

12. T-fal Actibread Bread Machine

(Best for Gluten-Free)

T-fal bread machine has 15 settings, which includes many gluten-free settings. However, the delayed start, which lasts up to 15 hours, doesn’t work with three gluten-free selections.

The warming mode keeps the bread warm in one hour. The memory protection feature is quite short, with only seven minutes. The indicator lights are a little bit confusing. The red one indicates the power is on. The green light tells when the bread is ready.

Other features include three loaf sizes and three crust settings. However, you can’t add your recipe or change any setting in the cycle. The non-stick pan, along with the paddle, is easy to clean.

The paddle gets stuck either in the bread or with the spindle, which you can use the little hook to get it out.

Key Features:

• Indicator lights
• Includes hook to get paddle out
• Three gluten-free settings

Product Specifications:

Delayed start	Yes, up to 15 hours
Cycle	15
Kneading paddles	1
Gluten-free	Yes
Automatic dispenser	No
Warranty	1 year

13. Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker – Best Overall

(Best Overall)

Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker features dual blades for kneading bread. The 14 settings are printed in the lid of the bread machine.

The heating element in the lid browns the top of the bread more evenly. The delayed start (up to 13 hours) and different crust settings are also available like other models. Another outstanding feature is the homemade function, which allows you to set the preferred knead, rise and bake times.

The built-in battery will memorize the homemade settings. Because of the large rectangular size pan, there are two paddles working at the same time to mix the dough better. Therefore, the flour is mixed and knead thoroughly, with no flour stuck in the corner.

The 9×5 pan sits in a horizonal position, which is different from the normal vertical position. However, be careful with the non-stick coating as it peels off.

Key Features:

• Homemade function for customization
• Two blades
• Horizontal baking pan

Product Specifications:

Delayed start	Yes, up to 13 hours
Cycle	14
Kneading paddles	1 dual blade
Gluten-free	Yes
Automatic dispenser	No
Warranty	1 year

14. Zojirushi Supreme 2lb Loaf Breadmaker

(Best Customization)

Similar to the Virtuoso Plus bread machine, this Supreme bread machine also has one dual blade, three crust settings, 13-hour delayed start, and homemade setting.

Although there are only 10 settings, less settings than the previous model, you can cook Sourdough bread by the Sourdough starter function for more than two hours. The 10-minute back-up feature lasts for 10 minutes during a power cut.

Three customized recipes can be set with the homemade menu function which allows you to set knead, rise and bake time. The dual blade in horizontal pan works effectively, just like the store-bought bread. The aluminum pan is coated with PTFE non-stick coating, which is easy to flake off after a while.

The 30-second beep tells you it’s time to add in nuts or seeds. However, when the paddles finish their jobs, there is no signal to remove the paddle. The preheat cycle takes care of the temperature, which results in consistent taste.

Key Features:

• Two blades
• Home-made function
• 30-second beep

Product Specifications:

Delayed start	Yes, up to 13 hours
Cycle	10
Kneading paddles	1 dual blade
Gluten-free	Yes
Automatic dispenser	No
Warranty	1 year

15. Zojirushi Home Bakery Mini Breadmaker

(Best for Small Family)

This mini bread machine from Zojirushi is suitable for small families with no allergy to gluten. Moreover, besides the crust option, you can choose between three bread textures: regular, firm, or soft.

The small baking pan is made out of aluminum with non-stick coating for extra durability. The paddle set on a fixed gasket should be removed before baking time so that you won’t have a hole in the bread.

Other additional features are removable lid, big viewing window, and cord storage for small kitchen. You can easily move the machine with a sturdy handle. To add in nuts and fruits, pay attention to the first set of beeps.

Key Features:

• Durable small pan
• Removable lid
• Cord storage
• Large window

Product Specifications:

Delayed start	Yes, up to 13 hours
Cycle	3
Kneading paddles	1
Gluten-free	No
Automatic dispenser	No
Warranty	1 year

Buying Guide

Check what you need in a bread machine first. Then, scroll up the list to see whether the product satisfies your demand.

Loaf Capacity

Consider the number of your family members and how quickly your family finishes a loaf of bread before it goes stale. The maximum size of the bread depends on the pan. The square and tall pan will bake the tall loaf, while the rectangular models cook better-shaped bread which is better for toasting.

Kneading Element

The bread machine uses a flipper-like paddle to knead the dough. During the process of mixing ingredients including flour, water, yeast, sugar, and salt, the kneading element forms and binds gluten, which promotes hydration.

Paddle is very important in the mixing and kneading process.

Gluten-Free Settings

If you are allergic to gluten, look for gluten-free feature. Most of the bread makers corporate this function.

Automatic Dispensers

To add more flavor to your bread, you can go with fruit and nuts. The automatic dispensers can automatically add nuts at the right time. If you prefer lots of nuts, or seeds, look for the large dispenser.

Customization

Each customer has different preferences other than the basic crust, the loaf size. Therefore, the programmable settings are very useful when the users need to adjust the time for kneading, rising, or baking. Some models will memorize these settings, while most of them don’t have customization.

This function is available in high-end bread makes with extra costs. If you have a limited budget, the best choice is to use the machine for kneading only or bake function only.

Tips For Baking Bread With Machine

Sometimes you miss the most up-to-date information and follow the wrong recipe. To make a fluffy batch of bread, check two tips below.

• Read the recipe in the most updated manual first. The recipe book included in the package is full of outdated recipes. Check the latest manual version on the website.
• For the first time making bread with the bread maker, check the process constantly to get to know your machine with the beeping sound or to see how it mixes, kneads, and bakes bread. After that, you can choose to rely on which process to get the tastiest bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are still hesitating about buying a suitable bread machine, check question two to see how valuable a bread maker is. The money wasted on inedible bread should be saved for the modern bread machine in your kitchen.

What are some popular brands for bread machine?

• Zojirushi: Japanese brand is famous for boiler dispensers, rice cookers, oven toasters and thermo flasks. There are three machines listed on this list.
• Cuisinart: is rather familiar American kitchen appliance manufacturers, which also features one model in this list.
• Breville: Australian brand is well known for kitchen appliances, and cookware.
• T-fal or TEFAL: French brand makes their name for the non-stick cookware.

Is a bread machine worth it?

The differences between homemade and store-bought bread are the price, the additives and preservatives, effort, and the smell of baking bread. However, if you care about how much money you save, let’s make a raw calculation.

The cost for ingredients and power to run the machine is about 50 cents per loaf while you spend around $2 per roll.

The average price of a standard bread maker is around $50. Therefore, the money paid for 25 loaves of bread at bakeries is equal to the cost of the bread machine. The bread machine starts paying off if you eat more than 31 loaves of bread with the ingredient costs included.

If you have a big family then after a few months, you can save a lot of money. The standard bread machine lasts for more than two years. Furthermore, some bread machines incorporate jam, and yogurt setting for a healthy breakfast.

Do all bread machines leave a hole?

If you don’t have a collapsible blade or remove the paddle before the baking process, the baked bread will have the paddle hole.

Is bread machine better than an oven?

As the bread maker mixes, kneads, preheats temperature for the proof process, it saves more time and effort for beginners.

	Bread Machine	Oven
Pros	– Save time on preparing stages. – Multifunction for making jam, yogurt.	– Easy to adjust the baking temperature. – Consistent form and shape. – Easy to add fruits, nuts or change the bread shape and size.
Cons	– Weird shape. – Most models need manually removing blade or adding nuts, or seeds.	– Takes more time and effort mixing, kneading, adjusting the temperature for the rising process.

How do you make homemade bread last longer?

Without preservatives, the homemade bread can’t last longer than a few days. After slicing the bread, put the slices into the airtight bags and store them at room temperature.

If you put them into the fridge, to reheat the bread, you should wrap them in aluminum foil and put it into the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes.

My Top Pick

After considering all the features along with my demands, I prefer Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker. Firstly, the horizonal pan with dual blades scrape the dough and leave no corner unnoticed. The point of buying the bread machine is to mix the ingredients thoroughly and then knead the bread dough to achieve light texture.

Secondly, the homemade settings can mesmerize three recipes, which is favorable for adjusting the time to my liking. In short, this bread maker makes soft, fluffy white bread that suits my preference.

Tell me what is the most desired bread maker you want to own now.