Home » Buying Guides » Appliances » Best Bread Machines | Bread Machines Review & Buying Guide
- Last Updated: February 20, 2023
- 1:47 am
Best Bread Machines | Bread Machines Review & Buying Guide
Americans are in a bread baking frenzy. According to the NPD Group, sales of bread cookbooks went up by 200,000 from 2019 to 2020. For many people, baking bread acts as the perfect stress reliever and for others it’s a fun and cool hobby that allows them to make food for loved ones.
Whatever your reason is for baking bread, a bread machine will help you make perfect, tender loaves with incredible consistency. We wanted to find bread machines that were cost effective, easy to use, and offered users the flexibility of making multiple types and sizes of bread loaf.
Bread machines are great for new bakers since they allow you to make excellent bread without all the risk and difficulties that come with making loaves by hand. Furthermore, they can be a great first step on the journey to becoming a skilled bread baker, since you can develop a good understanding of the bread baking process when using a bread machine.
Let’s get started with the full review to see which bread machine you like best!
Our top 3 bread machines of 2022 are as follows:
- 1. BEST CHOICE - Breville BBM800XL Custom Loaf Bread Maker
- 2. BEST BUDGET - Cuisinart Bread Maker, Up To 2lb Loaf, New Compact Automatic
- 3. BEST OVERALL - Zojirushi BB-PDC20BA Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker
Jump to Section
The 12 Best Bread Machines 2022 Reviews
Whether you’re going for sweet loaves like banana bread that lacks yeast, or a fluffy, well-risen loaf for your morning toast, one of these bread machines could be the exact appliance you need to make the delicious bread that you crave:
1. Breville BBM800XL Custom Loaf Bread Maker
If you appreciate high-tech kitchen appliances, then this bread machine is the product you need.
Breville dubs this bread machine the “smartest bread maker ever” and the many features built into the unit definitely back this claim. The smart lcd screen allows you to easily navigate the bread baking process with 13 different preset settings, and choices between 3 different levels of crust color and 4 loaf sizes.
If you want to set it and forget it, then this bread machine is perfect for you, since you can set the exact time that you would like your bread to finish baking. If your dough requires fruit or nuts, that’s no issue, as the automatic fruit and nut dispenser will drop those ingredients into the dough at the perfect time.
Finally, the bread machine has a power interruption protection feature, which will ensure that bread baking continues even in the case of an outage with 60 minutes of backup power.
Pros
- Smart tech features such as the automatic fruit and nut dispenser
- The backup power mechanism makes baking worry-free
- It is easy to use with 13 preset baking options
- Sleek, brushed stainless steel housing
- Breville provides 46 unique, step-by-step recipes to help customers get started
Cons
- High price point
- Some customers complain about the light frame shaking during the mixing process
2. Zojirushi BB-PDC20BA Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker
Zojirushi is considered the gold standard for bread machines. The company is over 100 years old and given everything that this machine can do, it’s no surprise that it’s touted as the best.
Every feature built into this bread machine is a reminder of Zojirushi’s attention to detail and commitment to building highly functional and quality products. This unit is equipped with heaters on the bottom and on the lid, ensuring even browning of all breads. Furthermore, there are double kneading blades which distribute the kneading load for more thorough results.
While your bread is baking, checking your loaf’s progress is simple since the unit has a large viewing window and a convenient LCD display showing baking time.
If you’re looking to make different types of breads for health reasons, then this bread machine is ideal. Its “healthy course” settings include multigrain, whole wheat, rapid whole wheat, gluten free, salt free, sugar free and vegan.
After baking, cleaning the kneading blades and baking pan is no pain since they are both non-stick.
With the rapid course option allowing you to bake bread as quickly as 2 hours and 25 minutes and the 2-lb loaf capacity, this machine will likely fulfill all of your bread baking needs.
Pros
- Rapid course option allows you to bake bread in under 2.5 hours
- Easy to clean as baking pan and kneading blades are non-stick
- Dual heaters ensure even cooking
- Healthy course options make this bread machine optimal for health-conscious consumers
- Strong brand reputation
Cons
- High price point
- Some complain about paddles being difficult to remove
3. Cuisinart Bread Maker, Up To 2lb Loaf, New Compact Automatic
If you’re looking for an affordable, compact, and powerful bread machine, then this unit made by Cuisinart is a great option.
This bread machine weighs under 11 pounds and is designed with a vertical baking pan that makes for easy storage of the unit. Even with this compact design, you can rest assured that you’re not sacrificing quality or quantity on your loaves, as the bread capacity is 2 lbs, in line with many other bread machines on the market.
We love that Cuisinart built a viewing window into the lid so monitoring your bread becomes a piece of cake!
Furthermore, if you want you prep bread for breakfast the night before, you can take advantage of the 13-hour delay start function and wake up to fresh, hot bread.
Even if you’re a little late to breakfast, the keep warm function will keep that freshly baked loaf warm for an extra 60 minutes ensuring that you enjoy your quality bake.
Pros
- Your bread stays warm with 60 minute keep-warm
- Lightweight
- Compact design makes it easy to store
- Versatile: can bake 1 lb, 1.5 lb, or 2 lb loaves
- Convenience features include 13-hour delay start function
- Viewing window in lid reduces risk of a bad loaf
Cons
- Not great for making gluten-free bread
- Durability concerns
4. Hamilton Beach Bread Maker Machine Artisan and Gluten-Free
Weighing under 10 pounds and listed at less than $100, this bread machine is perfect if you have limited counter space but still want to make delicious, healthy homemade bread.
Hamilton Beach designed this product with health nutrition in mind, and between the 14 pre-programmed settings, options like gluten-free and whole wheat allow you to use a variety of flours and work according to your dietary needs.
It couldn’t be simpler, all you need to do is add your ingredients, select your cycle, and press start. Then, it’s just waiting, and if you wish to monitor the status of your bread, the LCD countdown timer and the viewing window on the lid make doing so no hassle.
The stainless steel housing adds to the overall quality and look of the machine, making it feel sturdy and well-built.
Furthermore, the light, medium, and dark settings ensure that you get the right shading on your loaf every single time.
Pros
- Low price point
- Lightweight at 10 pounds
- Options for gluten free and whole wheat breads means you can use many types of flours
- Stainless steel housing adds to look and durability of product
- Reputable brand
- Automatic keep-warm after cooking
Cons
- Flimsy handle on baking pan
- Plastic parts are not durable
5. Zojirushi BB-HAC10 Home Bakery 1-Pound-Loaf Programmable Mini Breadmaker
There are compact bread machines, and then there is the Zojirushi BB-HAC10 Home Bakery 1-Pound Programmable Mini Breadmaker.
This mini machine packs a mighty punch, offering many of the same features found in larger bread machines and doing all of this in a tiny and lightweight frame.
Not everyone needs to bake large 2 lb loaves, and if you’re a student or just an individual who craves fresh bread, then this bread machine is your best option.
It’s designed with a vertical baking pan and convenient cord storage on the back of the unit, making it incredibly easy to store in your cabinets. Furthermore, we love there is a sturdy, rotating handle, making it incredibly easy to move the bread machine around your kitchen.
With the quick bake feature, you can have steaming, fresh bread in just two hours, and, on top of that, this machine can do more than just make a pillowy morning loaf.
This machine can also be used to make cakes, pasta and cookie dough, and even jam!
When you’re done, the lid pops off for easy cleaning, so device is very easy to maintain in the long run.
Pros
- Cute mini design
- Convenient cord storage in rear of unit
- 13-hour delay start function allows you to "set it and forget it"
- Lightweight
- Handle makes it easy to carry the bread machine
- Versatile: allows you to make traditional loaves, jams, cakes, cookie dough, pasta dough
Cons
- High price point
- Signal beep for incorporating additional ingredients is not loud enough
6. Hamilton Beach Premium Dough & Bread Maker Machine with Auto Fruit and Nut Dispenser
We like this bread machine for its sleek and minimalist design. The machine’s housing is stainless steel and beneath the LCD display are six convenient buttons to help you navigate the baking process.
In addition to the 14 programmed cycles, this bread machine has distinct features such as an automatic fruit and nut dispenser, which automatically incorporates mix ins into the dough at the right time.
Cleaning this machine is a breeze, as the lid is removable and the bread pan is nonstick. Furthermore, the bread pan and paddle are both dishwasher safe.
To help you stay on top of the baking process, Hamilton Beach included icons on both sides of the LCD display that signal the different stages of baking from preheating to resting to baking.
The intuitive design of this bread machine makes it perfect for customers looking to start baking bread with little to no experience.
Pros
- Sleek stainless steel design
- Automatic fruit and nut dispenser makes it easy to incorporate mix ins
- Easy cleaning as the lid is removable and the pan and paddle are dishwasher safe
- Intuitive design and convenient buttons make process easy for first-time bakers
Cons
- Some users complain of the machine being noisy
- Baking pan is slightly flimsy
7. Oster Expressbake Breadmaker, 2-lb. Loaf Capacity
This bread machine is both compact and effective.
Weighing just 8 pounds and designed with a vertical baking pan, this machine can be moved around with ease and then stored in your cabinets when it is not needed.
Even more impressive than the fact that this bread machine is capable of producing 2 lb loaves in such a compact frame is the “expressbake” function. When expressbake is used, the machine can bake bread in just one hour.
Other impressive features include an audible signal that indicate the right time to add mix-ins.
Everything you need to start baking is within reach when you open the box. Included with the bread machine are a measuring cup, spoon and kneading paddle.
Oster’s brand values three things above all else: performance, versatility, and durability.
You can rest assured that you are buying a quality device from a reputable brand if you purchase this product.
Pros
- Oster is a strong name in the kitchen appliance market
- Lightweight at 8 pounds
- Expressbake allows you to bake bread in under an hour
- Makes sounds to signal the addition of mix-ins
- Easy to get started with included measuring cup and spoon
- Low price point
Cons
- Paddle can be difficult to remove for washing
- Complaints about machine not getting hot enough for certain bakes
8. SAKI 3 LB Large Bread Maker Machine
For some people, a 2 lb loaf just isn’t large enough to meet their bread baking demands.
If this describes you, then the SAKI 3LB Large Bread Maker Machine can help you solve your baking problems.
The large capacity means that you can make your choice of 2 lb, 2.5 lb, or 3 lb loaves.
There are multiple reasons as to why this machine is capable of handling such large quantities of ingredients. The first is its powerhouse 850W high torque motor. The second are the double kneading ceramic blades that mix dough thoroughly and evenly.
SAKI went the extra mile with this bread machine in more than just its size, as the delayed start function is capable of delaying baking for up to 15 hours.
All baking controls are handled via an accessible and sleek digital touch screen.
Most importantly, SAKI is a buyer-friendly brand, and because of that they offer customers a 2 year replacement warranty on this product.
Pros
- Digital touch display makes product attractive and easy to use
- Generous 2-year replacement warranty
- Large capacity, capable of baking loaves as large as 3 lbs
- Powerful 850W high torque motor
- 15-hour delay start feature
Cons
- Paddles do not retract
- Some users complain of responsiveness issues with the touch screen
9. Oster Bread Maker with ExpressBake
This bread machine offers the features of higher-end products at an affordable price point.
The most notable feature is the automatic fruit and nut dispenser, which allows you to incorporate mix-ins into your loaf without having to worry about perfectly timing your additions.
What we love most about this bread machine are the unique presets. There are 12 pre-programmed features, which is standard for a bread machine in this price range. What makes this model unique, however, are the preset modes for yogurt and oatmeal.
These unique presets give this Oster Bread Machine a level of versatility that is phenomenal for the price point.
This bread machine is also equipped with Oster’s ExpressBake technology, which allows you to make bread in under an hour.
An added plus is that the machine’s housing is mostly stainless steel, so it is durable and compatible with many kitchen designs.
Pros
- Incredible value for price
- Automatic fruit and nut dispenser makes adding mix-ins simple
- Unique presets that include yogurt and oatmeal
- ExpressBake technology means that you can make bread in under an hour
- Stainless steel housing
Cons
- No parts are dishwasher safe
- Some complain of preset bread recipes lacking flavor
10. CUSIMAX Bread Maker Machine
This bread machine is capable of making larger loaves that any other machine we found in our research.
The massive capacity of the Cusimax bread maker can make over 3 lbs of bread in one go and has a customization range of 2.2 LB, 2.7 LB, and 3.3 LB.
We appreciate the attention to detail in the product’s design, as there are two small side handles to make the lid easy to pop open.
There are plenty of pre-programmed settings, with a few highly unique presets such as buttermilk, super rapid bake, and yogurt.
The delay feature on this bread machine is also excellent, allowing you to delay baking by up to 15 hours and then keeping the bread warm for another hour after finishing.
Cusimax has a quality customer service program that includes an 18 month warranty on this product and lifetime customer assistance.
Pros
- Small handles aside make the lid easy to open
- Massive capacity allowing for loaves up to 3.3 lbs
- Unique preset options such as yogurt and buttermilk
- 15-hour delay function is perfect for starting bakes in the early evening
- Customers are well-protected by 18 month warranty
Cons
- Some users complain of breads being dense
- Product is heavy
11. West Bend Hi-Rise Bread Maker Programmable
West Bend emphasizes one major selling point with this product, and that is the high rise you will get on your loaf when you use this bread machine.
The dual knead blades allow for more thorough kneading and mixing, and thus, a higher rise and lighter taste.
This is an important fact especially given the size of this product, which is capable of making loaves up to 3 lbs.
Using this product is easy, as the LCD display informs you of the exact stage that your bread is at in the breadmaking process. There are designated markers for the first rise, second rise, and third rise, as well as two markers for kneading and another for keep warm. These indicators, coupled with the window on the lid, make it incredibly easy to monitor the status of your bread.
The focus on highly risen breads and “sandwich” preset make this bread machine perfect if you frequently make or wish to make sandwich bread.
Pros
- Large capacity as it is capable of baking 3 lb loaves
- High-rise on loaves due to dual knead blades
- Sandwich preset for perfect sandwich bread
- Lightweight product
Cons
- No light underneath lid window
- Some users complain about the product being noisy
12. Panasonic SD-RD250 Bread Maker with Automatic Fruit & Nut Dispenser
It’s no surprise that Panasonic, a leading electronics and appliances manufacturer, produces a bread machine that is packed with impressive features.
Delicious bread is only a few clicks away with this highly capable bread machine. It is great for cinnamon breads or loaves with nuts, as the automatic dispenser will drop up to 5.29 ounces (150 grams) of raisins, dried fruits, or nuts into your bread dough at the perfect. Panasonic lauds their fruit and nut dispenser as being better than available alternatives, as the machine will incorporate the mix-ins properly and not leave you with clumps of mix-ins.
Precision is prioritized as this bread machine has a microprocessor to ensure controlled and even baking.
There is no viewing window, and that is intentional, as it allows more heat to be reflected within the unit thus yielding a darker and crispier crust.
This machine’s intentional design features are complemented by strong interior components, such as the diamond-fluorine coated, scratch-resistant baking pan. The use of diamond-flourine helps to heat breads more evenly and since the pan is non-stick, breads will glide out smoothly from the pan.
Pros
- Advanced fruit and nut dispenser
- Non-stick, diamond-flourine coated scratch-resistant baking pan makes the machine extra durable
- Capable of attaining high heat for extra crusty bread
- Precise baking with microprocessor for regulating even baking
- Compact design makes it easy to store and place on kitchen countertops
Cons
- High price point
- Breads bake fairly slowly
Best types of Bread Machines
The type of bread machine you buy matters as the use cases vary.
Best Adjustable Bread Machine
The best adjustable bread machine is the SAKI 3 LB Large Bread Maker Machine. It allows you to bake loaves that vary between 2 and 3 pounds.
Best Programmable Bread Machine
The best programmable bread machines include the Zojirushi BB-PDC20BA and the Zojirushi BB-HAC10 bread machines. Both are highly efficient bread machines
Best Delayed Start Bread Machine
The best delayed start bread machines are the SAKI 3 LB Large Bread Maker Machine and the CUSIMAX Bread Maker Machine. Both of these products are capable of delaying baking for up to 15 hours, which is higher than most other models available on the market.
Best Jam Maker Bread Machine
The Zojirushi BB-HAC10 is the best jam maker bread machine. In addition to making jam, it can also be used for making cookie dough, pasta, and cake.
Best Rapid Bread Machine
The best rapid bread machines are the Oster Bread Maker with ExpressBake and the Oster Expressbake Breadmaker. Both of these bread machines utilize Oster’s ExpressBake technology to achieve a rapid bake function that produces bread in under an hour.
Best Non-Stick Bread Machine
The Panasonic SD-RD250 Bread Maker is one of the best non-stick bread machines available on the market. Its bread pan is coated with diamond-fluorine, boosting the non-stick properties.
Functionality of a Bread Machine
The functionality that you should expect from a bread machine includes even heating, thorough kneading and mixing, automatic fruit and nut dispensing or an audible alarm for adding mix-ins, non-stick baking pans so there is no residue on the sides of the baking pan, adjustable browning settings, a delayed start function, and a keep warm function for once the bread has finished baking. Choosing the right preset on your bread machine will increase the likelihood of a good finished loaf. The darkness/browning settings allow you to customize the degree to which you cook your bread. Some settings will be better than others for making sandwich loaves, french bread, sweet breads like banana breads, and cakes. Bread machines may also have presets for making cookie, pizza, or pasta doughs, in which case only the dough gets made in the machine, and the final product is baked or cooked in the oven or on the stovetop.
What to Know for Buying a Bread Machine
There are several things to consider when buying a bread machine. The most important thing to look at is the type of bread machine being purchased. This is important because different bread machines are better suited for different tasks. A bread programmable bread machine is better for those with more baking experience who want to execute their own recipes with precision. An adjustable bread machine will be better for those who need to make loaves that vary in size. A jam maker bread machine is better for those who want to do more than just bake bread in their bread machine.
The overall price is another factor to consider. No matter the price point, finding a good balance between cost and features assures you value for money. This does not necessarily mean going for the priciest or cheapest option available.
Heat control is a major factor when making bread. It is important to consider the number of browning options available on a bread machine.
It is also important to select a bread machine that is adequate for your use cases. Some style cases to be mindful of are what size loaves you can make with the bread machine and will the bread machine fit on your kitchen counter. Do you need all of the different uses of a bread machine?
Convenience features such as a keep warm feature also come in handy. Also an automatic fruit and nut dispenser to incorporate mix-ins is helpful as the possibility of adding those at the wrong time and ending up with a flawed loaf is undesirable.
Price Ranges for the Best Bread Machines
The best bread machines come at a price range of $70-$350. Bread machines with many preset options, double kneading paddles, and automatic fruit and nut dispensers tend to be more expensive than bread machines with few presets. Bread machines with larger capacities are also considerably more expensive than smaller bread machines. The material of the bread machine is also factored in the price. Bread machines with stainless steel housing are typically more expensive than those with plastic housing.
Main Difference between a Bread Machine and an Oven
The main difference between a bread machine and an oven are the construction and use cases of the two types of item. A bread machine mixes, proofs, and then heats bread dough to produce a loaf of bread that fits to the size of the baking pan contained within the unit. An oven generates heat that cooks whatever bread, cake, roast, or vegetables that you place within the oven. Bread baking can be accomplished inside an oven, but you use a separate tin or baking pan to have the loaf retain its shape; it is not a part of the oven, as is the case with a bread machine. Ovens are not equipped to mix and prepare dough, as they do not have built in hooks or paddles and are typically too large to perform those functions.
Bread Machine Types
Here are 6 types of bread machines:
Adjustable bread machine: An adjustable bread machine lets you adjust the size of your loaf.
Programmable bread machine: A programmable bread machine has pre-set features that can automatically turn the unit off when the bread is done baking.
Delayed start bread machine: A delayed start bread machine allows you to set the start time, temperature, and cooling time, ensuring your bread is ready right when you want it.
Jam maker bread machine: A bread machine with a built-in jam maker means you can bake your bread and cook jam at the same time.
Rapid bread machine: A rapid bread machine uses a stronger motor to bake bread faster.
Non-stick bread machine: A non-stick bread machine is made with non-stick coating properties to prevent the bread from sticking to it during baking.
Common Use Mistakes of a Bread Machine
The common mistakes you can make when using a bread machine include adding the wrong quantity of ingredients. Too much of any particular ingredient could result in a dough that is too large for the bread machine to handle and ultimately, overflow that may damage interior components of the bread machine. Another mistake is setting the bread machine to a preset that is not correct for the bread you are baking. Additionally, high browning settings may be preferable for some users, but also may result in loaves that are too dark for others. Some bread machines makers have presets that allow you to make jams or yogurt. Not cleaning the baking pan properly after using those presets can result in damage to the bread machine. Other common mistakes include not letting the bread machine cool down before cleaning. All bread machines makers generate considerable heat during the baking process; letting the bread machine cool down before cleaning is critical for proper maintenance of the appliance. Using a bread machine properly gets easier as you learn how to use bread machines.
Abigail Clemente
To say that Abigail is passionate about gardening and landscaping would be an understatement. Abigail came to Your House Your Garden team with an already exceptional portfolio as an experienced writer.
Abigail Clemente
To say that Abigail is passionate about gardening and landscaping would be an understatement. Abigail came to Your House Your Garden team with an already exceptional portfolio as an experienced writer.