11 Best Bread Machines to Turn Out Fresh Loaves Every Day
Because there's nothing better than the smell of baking bread.
Have you ever had a craving for warm, fresh bread, but all you had in your house was a stale, pre-sliced grocery store loaf? We’ve all been there! Luckily, making bread at home is easier than you’d think with the help of one of the best bread machines on the market. You (yes, you!) can enjoy delicious loaves from scratch in a matter of hours with minimal hands-on time, thanks to these miracle machines. Never baked before? Not to worry. These handy gadgets do (almost) all the work. All you need to do is measure ingredients, pour them into the bread pan, choose a cycle, and press start. In a couple hours (or less!), you’ll have a crusty, delicious loaf ready to cut into and slather with butter and jam. Even better? Some of these bread makers make the jam for you!
With scratch-made bread, the possibilities are endless. A homemade sourdough loaf can be transformed into a mouthwatering bread bowl. Leftover cinnamon swirl bread? Hello, cinnamon bun French toast. With a quality bread machine, there are no limits to your culinary creativity. Even the pros at King Arthur Baking Company (bread royalty!) approve of bread machines, and created a bread recipe specifically for them. Most models come with multiple settings that allow you to choose how light or dark you’d like your crust, and how soft or firm you’d prefer your bread to be. And don’t forget mix-ins! From fruit and nuts to seeds and spices, you have full reign over your carb kingdom.
If the idea of filling your home with the aroma of fresh-baked bread appeals to you, but you find yourself short on time (or patience) for all the kneading, rising, and preheating required, breadmakers were invented for you. Still wondering what to look for in a bread machine? We’ve answered some of the most common questions below, so keep reading to find the best one for your kitchen!
What is the best bread machine for home use?
When looking for a bread machine, it’s important to determine how often you’ll be using it, and what you’ll be making. For instance, if you plan on baking bread multiple times a week, you might want to invest in a high-end model. We like the popular Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Bread Maker, which uses two kneading blades for top-notch bread. If you’re an experienced bread baker who wants to take your loaves to the next level, the KBS 17-In-1 Programmable Bread Machine has a whopping 17 settings, making it a great, versatile bet. On the other hand, novice bakers might prefer a more affordable option, like the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker. It’s easy to use, and won’t break the bank while you master the basics.
One common misconception about bread machines is that they’re bulky and take up a lot of space. While the larger capacity bread makers do require more room, there are plenty of options suitable for intimate kitchens and smaller households. For instance, this Zojirushi Mini Breadmaker turns out exceptional loaves and takes up less than one square foot of counter space! If larger loaves are what you’re after, models like the West Bend Hi-Rise Bread Maker can churn out three-pound behemoths.
Something else to consider is the kind of bread you’ll be making in your bread machine. While these appliances are traditionally used to make wheat-based doughs, some models, like the Hamilton Beach Premium Dough & Bread Maker Machine, have special gluten-free settings to accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions. How delightful to be able to enjoy a warm slice of homemade gluten-free bread, 100 percent worry-free!
Are bread-making machines worth it?
You might be thinking, “Do I really need another single-use kitchen appliance?” We get it! However, if you love the smell and taste of freshly-baked bread, the answer is a resounding “YES!” Not only does baking bread from scratch result in more delicious bread, it’s also less expensive than buying bread from a bakery.
One of the best things about bread machines is that they’re often so much more than, well, bread machines. Most have a wide range of settings that will mix up doughs for pasta, pizza, cookies, and even bagels. You can also use bread machines to bake cakes, banana bread, cornbread, and other non-yeasted quick breads to satisfy a sweet tooth. Some breadmakers are true multitaskers, like the Tiger JKT-S10U-K IH, which is a bread machine, rice cooker, and slow cooker all in one!
Another thing we love about breadmakers is that there are great options for every price point. If you’d rather test the waters before investing in a pricey pro-model, you can find quality machines for under $100 that will produce beautiful loaves. We’re partial to this Oster Expressbake Breadmaker, which bakes up bread in a jiffy, saving you time and money!
Still trying to narrow it down? We’ve chosen 11 of the best bread machines to help you crank out the very best bread machine recipes. Scroll down to shop our picks!
What are the best bread machines in 2021?
- Best Zojirushi bread machine : Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Bread Maker
- Best Breville bread machine : The Custom Loaf by Breville
- Best Cuisinart bread machine : Cuisinart CBK-200 Convection Bread Maker
- Best Panasonic bread machine : Panasonic SD-RD250 Bread Maker
- Best bread machine for beginners : Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker
- Best bread machine for gluten-free bread : Hamilton Beach Premium Dough & Bread Maker Machine
- Best express bread machine : Oster Expressbake Breadmaker
- Best multi-use bread machine : Tiger JKT-S10U-K IH Rice Cooker with Slow Cooking and Bread Making Function
- Best bread machine for sourdough : KBS 17-in-1 Programmable Bread Machine
- Best bread machine for pizza dough : Zojirushi BB-HAC10 Mini Breadmaker
- Best large-batch bread machine : West Bend Hi-Rise Bread Maker
Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Bread Maker
Best Zojirushi bread machine
Buy from Bed Bath & Beyond, $339.99
Why we like it:
- Has 15 speed settings
- Dual kneading blades ensure more thorough mixing
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
With 15 different settings and a see-through window so you can watch your bread baking, this 2-pound capacity machine has everything you need. Dual kneading blades and a heater in the lid make for perfect blending and even baking, and an LED display tells you where your bread is in its cycle. This one can handle multigrain, whole wheat, gluten-free, sugar-free, and vegan loaves, is easy to use, and comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty for peace of mind.
Happy customer: “Very high quality machine, you won’t regret purchasing this one. Makes many great recipes flawlessly per the included recipe book. Simple to use and fairly quiet, this makes delicious breads, doughs, and cakes, not to mention sauces and jams. I’ve now begun making my own pizza dough and cooking the most delicious pizzas I’ve ever eaten right here at home! The bread loaves are perfectly shaped — no slug-shaped or humpback whale misshapen loaves as with some others. Texture is uniform and perfect and crust is delectable and delicious!”
The Custom Loaf by Breville
Best bread machine for cinnamon raisin bread
Why we like it:
- Collapsible kneading blade allows more space for dough to expand
- Has 60 minutes of backup power protection
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
An automatic fruit-and-nut dispenser makes it easy to bake walnut, cranberry, raisin, olive, and other delectable varieties of bread in this smart bread machine. It knows how long your loaf needs to bake as soon as you make a selection, so you can set a custom time and have it hot and ready to eat exactly when you want it. You can also create your own recipes with this best-selling machine!
Happy customer: “This bread maker makes consistently amazing bread. You will have a hard time ever buying store bought bread anymore. Very happy with the product, and have baked at least 30 loaves with it. From whole grain to French bread it does it all flawlessly.”
Cuisinart CBK-200 Convection Bread Maker
Best Cuisinart bread machine
Buy from Amazon, $159.95 (originally $235)
Why we like it:
- Has low-carb and gluten-free preset options
- Audible tone indicators let you know when to add mix-ins
- Convection feature ensures even air circulation
Convection baking guarantees quick, even results by circulating the air around your masterpiece, which is why we love this Cuisinart convection model. The crust on your loaves will be second to none, and multiple menu options let you easily make low-carb, gluten-free, and artisan loaves. A tone signals you when it’s time to put in nuts, fruit, or other add-ins, and a second tone lets you know when you can remove the unbaked dough and shape it by hand before baking in your own oven.
Happy customer: “Our breads came out beautifully, perfectly golden brown from the convection feature, and cooked to the correct internal temperature in the time programmed for the gluten-free setting. If you are considering buying a bread machine to make gluten-free bread, regular bread, jams, and condiments, this is a great choice!”
Panasonic SD-RD250 Bread Maker
Best bread machine for quick breads
Why we like it:
- Has a scratch-resistant, diamond-flourine-coated baking pan
- Bake-only mode allows you to bake non-yeasted cakes and quick breads
- Comes with a one-year limited warranty
If you like having freshly-baked bread on the regular, this Panasonic model is the perfect everyday machine. It comes with 12 modes to customize your homemade loaves to your heart’s content. From whole wheat and French breads to cakes and pizza dough, your kitchen will be filled with endless sweet and savory aromas. The diamond-flourine-coated baking pan has an ultra-nonstick surface for no-hassle bread removal and easy cleaning, while the interior is equipped with optimal heat reflection to ensure your loaves look gorgeous and taste delicious.
Happy customer: “It makes superb bread with a soft interior and a nice golden crust on the outside. I’m looking forward to trying the pizza dough feature. The fruit/nut dispenser makes it easy to make raisin nut bread. And, with the delay feature there is not much better than the smell of fresh bread in the morning when you wake up! …This bread maker definitely lives up to all the reviews. If I had it to do over again, I would buy exactly the same machine.“
Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker
Best affordable bread machine
Why we like it:
- Includes 2 kneading paddles
- Comes with 3 crust settings and 2 loaf size settings
- Has nonslip feet
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a good, basic bread maker, especially if you’re just starting out! This Hamilton Beach bestseller has everything you need to create a delicious loaf, and an “express” setting lets you enjoy home-baked bread in less than an hour. The large digital display is user-friendly, and the viewing window offers a peek at your bread while it bakes. It kneads your dough, lets it rise, and bakes it, all without you doing a thing. What more could you want in life?
Happy customer: “This little machine makes great bread, and with the dough function, you can get creative and make pizza dough, cinnamon rolls, homemade bread… It’s better than some high-end models, and you can’t beat the price.”
Hamilton Beach Premium Dough & Bread Maker Machine
Best bread machine for gluten-free bread
Why we like it:
- Comes with 14 program cycles, including a gluten-free setting
- Bread pan and paddle are dishwasher-safe
- Has express settings for 1.5 to 2-lb loaves
No gluten? No problem! This premium breadmaker has a dedicated gluten-free setting for creating delicious and nutritious loaves. It comes with 14 programs, including express settings for loaves up to two pounds, so you don’t have to wait long to enjoy a slice of warm, homemade bread. We love that the baking pan and paddle are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning, and the stainless steel exterior adds luster to any kitchen.
Happy customer: “This makes the best gluten-free bread I have ever had. The loaf is not super heavy as a lot of gf breads are. It’s actually slightly airy like regular flour breads… I got tired of paying $5.50-$8.00/gf loaf… This has already begun to save me money; more importantly, it’s the best gf bread I have ever had. Wish I would have ordered this years ago!”
Oster Expressbake Breadmaker
Best express bread machine
Why we like it:
- Express setting lets you enjoy homemade bread in under an hour
- Delay bake timer can be set up to 13 hours in advance
- Removable lid for easy clean-up
This super-speedy Oster Expressbake Breadmaker is the perfect option for bread lovers with limited kitchen time. It comes with 12 speed settings, which can be used for whipping up the included recipes for breads, pizza, rolls, and even jam. True to its name, this bread machine features a convenient “express” setting, which bakes up bread in less than an hour. Also convenient are the included measuring cup and spoon, as well as the easy-to-clean removable lid and nonstick aluminum baking pan.
Happy customer: “This is a wonderful and compact bread machine that is so easy to use… It’s easy to clean, and the bread cooks quickly compared to doing it by hand. Also, I especially appreciated the user manual. It includes recipes and operating instructions, of course, but it also included a lot of information about the science of bread making and the appropriate ingredients to help with a successful outcome. I highly recommend this machine.”
Tiger JKT-S10U-K IH Rice Cooker with Slow Cooking and Bread Making Function
Best bread machine for rice
Why we like it:
- Bread maker, rice cooker, and slow cooker all in one
- Inner pot contains a handy measurement guide
- Comes with a handle for portability
Want to bake bread, but don’t have room for a one-use kitchen appliance? Enter: this all-in-one bread machine, rice cooker, and slow cooker from Tiger. Not only does it produce fine loaves of bread, it can also cook up to 5.5 cups of rice at a time! Thanks to induction heat and a thick, 8-ply inner pot, your bread (and anything else you decide to make) will stay warm for hours on end.
Happy customer: “The Tiger IH Rice Cooker works fantastically at cooking various varieties of rice, porridge, breads, and main dishes. The unit operates quietly, the inner pot is very thick and durable, and the unit cooks with great consistency. “
KBS 17-in-1 Programmable Bread Machine
Best bread machine for sourdough
Why we like it:
- Comes with 17 programs to choose from
- Includes an oven mitt for safe handling
- Sleek, stainless steel exterior
For the home bread baker who likes experimenting in the kitchen, this KBS model comes with a whopping 17 programs to play with. From specialty sourdoughs and multigrains to quick breads and cakes, there’s not much this machine can’t do. The safe-to-use ceramic interior pan ensures evenly-distributed heat, and comes with a handle to easily take your bread out. Other helpful extras include an oven mitt, measuring cup, measuring spoon, and stirring rod. The possibilities are endless!
Happy customer: “This bread machine truly does everything from start to finish… The ceramic mixing bowl makes bread easy to remove and helps with a quick clean-up of the bowl. I am totally impressed by all of the features this machine offers and with the high quality of the machine as it works to produce a rewarding loaf of bread. I highly recommend this excellent bread maker!”
Zojirushi BB-HAC10 Mini Breadmaker
Best bread machine for small spaces
Buy from Amazon, $174.79 (originally $233)
Why we like it:
- Compact design takes up less space in your kitchen
- Sturdy handle makes this a great portable bread machine
- Comes with 3 bread texture settings
Taking up less than one square foot of space, this small but mighty mini breadmaker is a fantastic option for smaller kitchens. It produces a wide range of one-pound loaves, meaning smaller households won’t have to worry about extra bread going to waste (though having leftover bread can be wonderful!). In addition to breads, this small wonder can be used to make jams, cookie dough, and pizza dough, making it a worthwhile, multi-use investment. It’s also perfect for bringing on trips, thanks to its portable size and handle.
Happy customer: “I bought this machine so I could make fresh pizza dough, and small loaves of bread since it’s just me in the house. I wanted to be able to make a fresh loaf and freeze immediately so that I could pop a frozen slice in the toaster, since that’s the next best thing to fresh out-of-the-oven bread. I love this machine. The loaves are the perfect size for a small household, and everything I’ve baked in it has been a perfect success. So far I’ve made pizza dough, regular white bread, rye bread, and raisin bread… There’s just so much you can do with this bread machine… And the cleanup is ridiculously easy. The machine is a small enough footprint that I just keep it out on my countertop. Really happy with my purchase.“
West Bend Hi-Rise Bread Maker
Best large-batch bread machine
Buy from Amazon, $110.51 (originally $139.99)
Why we like it:
- Large, 3-lb bread capacity
- Has dual knead blades for thorough mixing
- Instruction manual includes recipes for breads along with bagel and pasta dough
If you like big buns and you cannot lie, this West Bend bread maker is the machine for you! It bakes loaves weighing up to three pounds — the largest of any on our list — making it a great option for bread-loving families. With two blades for kneading, you can be sure your bread will be mixed to perfection for optimal texture. Another fun feature is the dough setting, which allows you to whip up other carb-filled delights, like bagels and pasta. Spaghetti and garlic bread, anyone?
Happy customer: “After reading the reviews on the West Bend Hi-Rise Bread Maker, we decided to give it a try. We were not disappointed. The 3 lb loaf was perfect… We converted our basic 2.5 lb recipe to a 3 lb recipe and had great results… I do like the two paddle system, which is a feature on more expensive bread makers, and the setting option for making pasta dough. I would not hesitate to buy it again.“
