While you can buy bread, making it at home is much more enjoyable. Not only does fresh bread provide satisfaction upon receiving the tasty fruits of your labors, but often it’s more cost-effective than store-bought loaves of bread. There are plenty of recipes you can follow, including some simple no-knead varieties. But a bread machine can streamline the baking process ever further. Check out the best bread maker options on the market, from small and cheap bread makers to high-end baking machines!
What is a Bread Machine and Why Should You Buy One?
A bread maker is a kitchen appliance that transforms raw ingredients into fresh-baked bread. Baking machines are comprised of a tin, or bread pan, with paddles mounted on the bottom. The bread pan and paddles are housed inside of a special oven, typically controlled by an onboard computer for inputting various settings. There are different recipes that come with break makers for whipping up different types of bread, from sourdough and whole-grain to pizza dough.
A bread machine eases the process of making bread. Rather than spending the time to mix ingredients and knead dough, you can simply throw a handful of ingredients into a baking machine and in a few clicks enjoy the deliciousness of cinnamon bun dough, white bread, pizza dough, or any number of baked goods. It’s effortless when compared to kneading dough. The convenience allows you to focus on other chores instead of baking bread.
What to Look for in a Bread Maker
Baking machines aren’t universal, so you’ll need to figure out what features you want. The price of bread machines can range from under $100 USD for a cheap bread maker to several hundred dollars for high-end units. Size matters too. If you’ve got limited counter space or simply live on your own, a small bread maker may be preferable over a larger model, so think about the loaf size you want. Basic bread machines mostly offer the ability to churn out different varieties of bread. Premium baking machines might be able to handle jam, cakes, and niche types of bread that entry-level models can’t handle.
Bread machine buying considerations:
- Cost
- Bread maker footprint
- Loaf size
- Types of bread or other foods like jams
Best Bread Making Machine for Most Users – Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus
The Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus is the best bread machine for most users. A premium baking machine, the Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus produces consistently high-quality loaves of bread. Its rectangular shape can generate a standard-sized loaf of bread, and build-quality is top-notch. But bread quality is where the Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus shines, and performance is mind-blowing. Boasting 14 different settings including white, gluten-free, and whole wheat, the Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus sports an array of baked good settings. Crust settings range from light to dark. A 13-hour delay timer makes for flexible start and finish times. Aside from programmed cycles, you can program in custom settings.
Unlike budget or even many mid-range baking machines, the Zojirushi stops kneading automatically once you open the lid. As such, if you need to give the sides a quick scrape, you won’t interrupt the kneading process. With its quality, there’s not a ton to complain about. However, the price is pretty hefty at more than $300 USD. For occasional users, the Home Bakery Virtuoso might not be a great fit. Because of its stellar performance, construction, and reliability, it’s an excellent investment. The other downside is its size. The gargantuan Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus really lives up to the plus in its name, and takes up a fair amount of space. While the Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus is definitely the best bread maker on the planet, it’s a better choice for power users than beginners, as many of its features are overkill for anyone just delving into the world of baking.
Pros:
- 14 different settings including multigrain, rapid whole wheat, whole wheat, gluten-free, vegan, pizza dough, pasta
- Double-kneading blades
- Rapid courses
- User-friendly
- Bakes a standard-sized loaf of bread
- Dual heaters
- 2-lb. capcaity
- 13-hour delay timer
- Includes measuring cups and spoon\
- Reliable
- Well-build
Cons:
- Expensive
- Large
Best Cheap Bread Maker – Oster Bread Maker Expressbake
The Expressbake Oster bread maker is a great cheap bread maker. At under $100 USD, it won’t break the bank, but it doesn’t skimp on features. It includes a cup and measuring spoon, large 2-pound capacity, and 13-hour timer. It’s a 650-watt bread machine with 12 different bread settings and three crust options for tons of different breads and doughs. In addition to bread making, the Expressbake handles jams. A signal alerts you to when it’s time to add in nuts or fruit to an in-progress bready concoction.
Capable of producing bread in under an hour and even tackling jams, it’s a solid affordable baking machine. The 2-pound capacity is enough to feed a family, and it’s comfortable enough pumping out white bread as it is jam or gluten-free bread. Unfortunately, there’s not a specific gluten-free option. Instead, you’ll need to select “wheat.” This workaround is completely functional and results in some fantastic gluten-free baked goods. But admittedly this isn’t as user-friendly as a standard gluten-free mode as found on the Oster CKSTBR9050. Moreover, if you put warm water into your Expressbake, expect a fogged up viewing window. While this in no way impedes performance, it might be a nusiance for anyone that wants to watch their bread rise. The MasterChef 2-pound programmable bread machine is another affordable alternative. Overall, the Oster Expressbake is the best budget bread maker on the planet.
Pros:
- Affordable
- 12 different bread settings including pizza dough, white bread, wheat bread, gluten-free bread
- Makes jams and jelly
- 3 crust settings
- 13-hour timer
- Signal for adding in nuts and fruits
- 2-pound capacity
- Makes bread in under an hour
- Includes measuring cup, spoon, and kneading paddle
Cons:
- While it makes gluten-free bread, there’s no gluten-free specific setting
- Hot water can fog up the viewing window
Best Small Bread Maker – Zojirushi BB-HAC10
If you’ve got limited kitchen space or live on your own, you might prefer a small bread machine to a hulking monolith. The Zojirushi BB-HAC10 is the top small bread maker on the market. Its compact and slim design doesn’t take up much room on the countertop. The controls are user-friendly, and it sports a handle for toting around easily, as well as a cord storage holder on the rear for great cable management. As a 1-lb. bread maker, the BB-HAC10 is perfect for small families or single bread makers. This mini bread maker is versatile enough to make traditional loaves of bread, pizza dough, pasta, cookie dough, and even jams. There’s a 13-hour delay timer, simple to follow instruction manual, videos, and recipe booklet, and less than two quick bake bread cycle. User-friendly, high-performing, and well-designed, the Zojirushi BB-HAC10 is the greatest small bread maker available.
Pros:
- Small bread maker – 1 lb. bread machine
- 13-hour delay timer
- User-friendly – easy-to-follow written and video instructions
- Under 2 hour quick bake bread cycle
- Versatile – handles breads, doughs, and jams
- Compact
- Well-engineered – includes handle and cord management system
Cons:
- None
Best Programmable Bread Maker – AICOOK Bread Maker
AICOOK makes a good bread maker that won’t break the bank. The 2-pound stainless steel bread machine touts 13 different settings and comes with a fruit and nut dispenser There are three different crust settings, a keep warm option, and non-stick pan for easy removal. As is the industry standard, the AICOOK baking machine rocks a 13 hour delay timer. A 15-minute power interruption recovery feature allows it to resume activity after a power outage or accidental unplugging. The intelligent fruit and nut dispenser is a neat touch, and accessories like a measuring spoon and cups come pre-packaged. The only real downside is that AICOOK is a rather unheard of brand. It’s got a feature set to rival top performers, and should be fine, but doesn’t come with the same clout as the likes of Zojirushi, Panasonic, or Oster.
Pros:
- 13-hour delay timer
- Stainless steel construction
- 2-pound capacity
- Intelligent fruit and nut dispenser
- Non-stick pan
- 1-hour automatic keep warm feature
- 15-minute power interruption
- Handles breads and doughs
Cons:
- Lesser-known brand
Best Mid-range Bread Maker Machine – KBS Pro Stainless Steel Bread Machine
The KBS Pro stainless steel bread maker machine is an awesome mid-range option. The 2 pound bread maker comes equipped with a wide-ranging feature set. Onboard, you’ll find a non-stick ceramic pan, fruit and nut dispenser, 15-minute power interruption recovery, and 1-hour automatic keep warm functionality. What’s more, its 15-hour delay timer is more than the average 13-hour delay. Constructed of stainless steel, it’s durable and sleek for an attractive design. There are over 300 free recipes for loads of different loaf varieties including whole wheat, gluten-free, and cake. A whipping 17 different categories are listed on its easy-to-use touch panel. Aside from bread, you can make jam in the KBS Pro. Ultimately, it’s a stupendous bread maker that works incredibly well.
Pros:
- 17 different categories including whole wheat, gluten-free, jam, and yogurt
- 15-hour delay
- Stainless steel construction
- Non-stick ceramic pan
- Fruit and nut dispenser
- 2-pound capacity
- Over 300 recipes
- User-friendly
Cons:
- Large – takes up counter and storage space
Best Bread Maker Options for Budgets and Users
Bread makers are in no short supply. There are plenty of different models for all types of bread and jam making. The Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus remains the best overall baking machine, although its high price and large footprint may deter beginners or occasional users. The Oster Expressbake is a cost-effective, cheap bread maker. For a small bread maker Zojirushi BB-HAC10 is a best-pick for singles and couples as a 1 pound bread maker. And there loads of options hail from the likes of AICOOK, KBS, and other manufacturers.
Your turn: What bread makers do you recommend?
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