The 8 Best Bread Machines for Home Bakers

Best Overall

Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker

This bread maker is versatile, easy to use, and packed with special features that make it perfect for advanced and new bakers.

This bread maker is versatile, easy to use, and packed with special features that make it perfect for advanced and new bakers.

Although helpful when making the bread, the collapsible paddle is a little difficult to clean, especially around the hinges.

Although helpful when making the bread, the collapsible paddle is a little difficult to clean, especially around the hinges.

The Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker is perfect for bakers who want a versatile, easy-to-use machine that creates loaves almost too pretty to eat. This machine boasts an impressive lineup of special features, like an automatic fruit and nut dispenser. It conveniently incorporates tasty fillings at precisely the right moment, so you are less likely to add them at the wrong time and inhibit the rise.

This bread machine also offers a collapsible paddle that automatically folds down after the kneading process is complete. Unlike a fixed paddle, Breville’s collapsible design does not leave a hole in the bottom of your bread. This gives you a smoother, more aesthetically pleasing loaf, although washing the paddle’s hinges takes more care than non-collapsible paddles.

The Breville Custom Loaf also impresses when it comes to technological features. It offers manual options and automatic pre-settings for baking gluten- or yeast-free loaves, crusty breads, pasta doughs, and more. An intuitive digital display keeps you updated on your bread’s progress, and a 60-minute power interruption feature keeps your bread right on baking—even if there’s a power outage.

All this convenience and versatility come at a higher price point than cheaper models on the market. However, we believe the Custom Loaf’s special features and reliability make it a solid choice for beginners and seasoned bakers.

“I started with a hand-me-down Panasonic bread maker from my grandma, which I used till it failed,” Letal says. “I started doing research and settled on the Breville Custom Loaf, which has several features that my starter machine didn’t. The Custom Loaf has a ton of cycle options like a clear, easy-to-understand display. This bread machine also has variable loaf sizing, a nicely shaped bread pan, crust darkness settings, and a little light and window so snoopy bakers like me can check in on their bread’s progress without opening the lid.”

Key Terms to Know

Bread Machine: Also known as a “bread maker” this appliance is designed for making bread quickly and easily. While features vary, the best bread machines automate the process of mixing, kneading, rising, and baking.
Bread Machine Paddle: The paddle inside a bread machine is responsible for kneading the dough during the bread-making process.
Kneading: This is the process of mixing and working the dough to develop gluten, which gives the bread its structure and texture. This can be done by hand, with a mixer, or with a bread machine like the options listed below.
Delay Timer: This special feature allows users to program a bread machine to start baking at a specific time. Many bakers use this feature so they have the freshest bread possible at just the right time of day.

Best Budget

Elite Gourmet Programmable Bread Maker

This bread machine delivers consistent, delicious results.

This bread machine delivers consistent, delicious results.

Due to its low price, this machine lacks special features like automatic fruit and nut dispensers, custom loaf size options, and crust color control.

Due to its low price, this machine lacks special features like automatic fruit and nut dispensers, custom loaf size options, and crust color control.

Programmable Bread Maker is an excellent option. This budget-conscious machine has 19 pre-programmed settings for making a variety of breads.The Elite Gourmet Bread Maker also offers manual settings if you want something outside the automatic options.

The bread maker comes with a 15-hour delay timer, so you can set your bread to bake and be ready exactly when you need it. That means freshly baked bread right on time for dinner, breakfast, or just as your guests walk through the door.

When it comes to the price tag, Elite Gourmet offers a machine that is both affordable and effective. Its automatic kneading, rising, and baking cycles deliver consistent and delicious results while the non-stick pan leads to easy cleanup. A clear control panel and intuitive settings make this a great option for beginners who are baking on a budget.

It may not have all the bells and whistles of high-end models, but the Elite Gourmet gets the job done beautifully without any confusing menus or complicated features.

Best Splurge

Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Bread Maker

Bakers love this model’s abundance of features, superior versatility, and consistently high-quality loaves.

Bakers love this model’s abundance of features, superior versatility, and consistently high-quality loaves.

This is the largest bread machine on our list, so make sure you have the counter space or storage capacity to accommodate it.

This is the largest bread machine on our list, so make sure you have the counter space or storage capacity to accommodate it.

The Home Bakery Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus promises to elevate your homemade bread from beginner to gourmet. If you want a top-of-the-line appliance and don’t mind the higher price tag, add this bread machine to your cart.

The Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus offers special features like two non-stick kneading blades for dough development and a memory feature that allows you to create and save customizable loaf settings. The large capacity caters to various household sizes, and dual heaters on top and bottom of the bread maker create consistent browning for evenly baked loaves.

Time-saving perks like the 12-hour delayed start streamline your baking, letting you focus on other things while your loaf bakes itself. Usability is another perk, with a clear control panel and intuitive design that caters to both beginners and bread-baking experts.

Before you buy, remember that the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus is one of the most expensive bread machines on the market. It might not be a great option for casual bakers. Carefully consider your budget, baking goals, and your level of experience before deciding if this is the best choice for you.

Product Details: Capacity: Up to 2-pound loaves | Dimensions: 18 x 10.5 x 12.88 inches | Materials: Stainless steel | Pan Shape: Horizontal rectangle | Number of Paddles: Two | Settings: Basic, rapid, healthy, and customizable memory settings | Bread Types: White, rapid white, multigrain, European, whole wheat, rapid whole wheat, gluten free, salt free, sugar free, and vegan | Care: Hand wash only

Best Small

Zojirushi Home Bakery Mini Breadmaker

The compact size fits neatly on countertops, making it ideal for apartments or small kitchens without much storage.

The compact size fits neatly on countertops, making it ideal for apartments or small kitchens without much storage.

Some users report occasional issues with the kneading blade getting stuck in stiff or dense dough.

Some users report occasional issues with the kneading blade getting stuck in stiff or dense dough.

If you're a baker with limited counter space, the Zojirushi Home Bakery Mini Breadmaker is the perfect appliance for your kitchen. This reliable powerhouse bakes 1-pound loaves perfect for single servings or smaller households.

The Zojirushi Mini Breadmaker is only 8.5 inches wide, making it a conveniently compact countertop appliance. Despite its small size, this machine offers 10 settings for sweet bread, cakes, jams, and even dough for cookies or pasta. Like the larger models on this list, it also comes with a 13-hour delay timer and quick-bake settings, so you can have loaves when you want them.

While this mini breadmaker costs more than other models, its versatility and quality construction make it a worthwhile investment for those who plan to use it frequently. For space-conscious bakers who love variety and convenience, the Zojirushi Home Bakery Mini is a strong contender.

Best Large

West Bend High-Rise Bread Maker

This machine can make up to 3-pound loaves.

This machine can make up to 3-pound loaves.

The smallest loaf size this large machine can make is 2 pounds, unlike other machines on this list that can make 1-pound loaves.

The smallest loaf size this large machine can make is 2 pounds, unlike other machines on this list that can make 1-pound loaves.

The West Bend Hi-Rise Bread Maker produces extra-large loaves with no early-morning kneading, shaping, or baking. This bread machine has the capacity for 3-pound loaves, making it an excellent option if you’re feeding a crowd or a large family.

Beyond the impressive capacity, the West Bend Hi-Rise comes packed with special features. Its dual-knead paddles ensure even mixing for a consistently lighter, airier crumb. It also offers 12 preset programs, including gluten-free options, and customizable settings.

Like most of the options on this list, it comes with a delay timer for freshly baked bread on your schedule. The clear controls and intuitive design make it easy to navigate, while the included recipe book offers inspiration and guidance. It’s also durable, versatile, and one of the more affordable options on the market.

Remember that this machine is built to churn out large loaves, so it takes up more counter space than other models. It also cannot bake loaves under 2 pounds, so it’s not the best choice if you also want to be able to bake smaller breads.

Best for Sourdough

Panasonic Automatic Bread Maker - SD-R2550

Intuitive controls and clear instructions make the SD-R2550 easy to use.

Intuitive controls and clear instructions make the SD-R2550 easy to use.

The SD-R2550 doesn't have a window to check in on your dough's progress.

The SD-R2550 doesn't have a window to check in on your dough's progress.

Sourdough bread can be intimidating for new bakers. Luckily, the Panasonic Automatic Bread Maker simplifies sourdough-making without sacrificing quality.

This all-around bread machine is perfect for those who want some help on their baking journey. The Panasonic Bread Maker offers 20 auto-programs, three loaf size settings, and three crust color settings. One of these automatic cycles is specifically designed for sourdough, taking the guesswork out of timing and temperature. This means less stress and more delicious results.

While it’s not the cheapest option, the SD-R2550 can produce consistently delicious sourdough, even if you’re just learning how to use a bread machine. We love the ease of use, the time-saving convenience, and the wide variety of options. Plus, the machine has a quiet operation.

Best for Gluten-Free Bread

Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker

Along with a window, this machine has an interior light so that you can monitor your bread while baking.

Along with a window, this machine has an interior light so that you can monitor your bread while baking.

The machine beeps when it’s time to add and remove the paddle, but the sound is the same, which could be confusing to some users.

The machine beeps when it’s time to add and remove the paddle, but the sound is the same, which could be confusing to some users.

Gluten-free bakers know that loaves without gluten can sometimes struggle to rise in bread machines. Gluten is an important binding agent and provides structure in baked goods. However, many people live with varying levels of intolerance to gluten, so it’s important to find a way to make delicious bread without this crucial ingredient.

With the right recipe, it is possible to make tasty gluten-free bread with a machine. Many breadmakers offer gluten-free baking settings, but not all are created equal. That’s where the Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker comes in.

The Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker makes a variety of loaves and offers 12 pre-programmed cycles, including a gluten-free setting. This program tailors the mixing, rising, and baking times specifically for gluten-free flours, taking the guesswork out of achieving the right texture.

If you're a beginner exploring gluten-free baking, the Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker can be a budget-friendly option to experiment with. Like any bread machine, this model saves time compared to manual gluten-free bread making. Simply add the ingredients, choose the setting, and enjoy freshly baked bread without the fuss. The machine has reminders for adding and removing the paddle, but the notification beeps are the same sound for both, which may confuse some.

Another solid option for gluten-free baking is the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus. However, with a price tag of about $400, this bread machine is a less realistic option for many bakers.

Best Beginners

Amazon Basics Nonstick Bread Making Machine

This machine is a simple tool for consistently light and fluffy loaves.

This machine is a simple tool for consistently light and fluffy loaves.

There isn’t a viewing window.

There isn’t a viewing window.

Overall, the Amazon Basics bread machine is the best option for beginners who are on a tight budget and want a simple machine to get started with. Its low price point makes it a low-risk way to dip your toes into bread baking. Plus, its user-friendly design with 14 pre-programmed settings means you can make loaves, doughs, jams, and even cakes without needing a culinary degree.

Compact and lightweight, it fits snugly on countertops, and the non-stick pan simplifies cleanup. You can also bake bread in a hurry with the ExpressBake setting, which makes delicious bread in less than 90 minutes.

Keep in mind that the Amazon Basics bread machine sacrifices features like a viewing window or a timer delay. However, if affordability and ease are your priorities, this is the best option for you.