Discovering the Best Bread Makers for Home

Whether you’re into gastronomical pleasures, healthy eating, or simply don’t have that much time to cook, a bread maker is an appliance that can make your life tastier and more delightful. In this article, we review the best bread maker models to help you choose the best machine for your kitchen.

Cuisinart CBK-110C Compact Automatic Bread Maker, Stainless Steel

This Cuisinart CBK-110C Compact breadmaker is the best overall machine that we found. It combines all the convenience of an easy-to-use bread maker with a compact design and is great for any kitchen.

Pros

• Perfect toaster-sized slices
• Quiet operation
• Small footprint with great results
• Comes with 12 preprogrammed menu options with 3 sizes and 3 shades
• It is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning

Cons

• Recipes for American flour not Canadian
• May need to experiment for perfect baking time
• Kneading may make machine vibrate and move

Review

The best overall bread maker is the Cuizinart CBK-110C Compact which combines a compact design with lots of features to give you a variety of delicious loaves of bread. It is easy to use while still giving you control over your bread making routine.

A few features that set this bread maker apart from the others are that it is quiet while it operates, and it has a compact footprint. The machine is designed to make the loaves vertically which means that you save counter space without compromising on quality. You will also love how quiet it is when it is kneading and baking fresh bread.

It has 12 preprogrammed menu options and a recipe book to help you get started. Most loaves can also be adjusted for how dark you want the crust to be and how large you want the loaves to be from 1, 1.5, and 2 pounds.

Cleanup is simple because the paddle and roasting pan are both removable, nonstick and dishwasher safe. The machine also allows you to remove the paddle prior to baking to avoid having a hole in the center of the bread, although this does take a little work.

One thing to note is that the recipes are designed for American ingredients, so if you are using Canadian flour and other baking ingredients, you may need to make some minor adjustments. You can also experiment with baking times to get your loaves just right.

The bottom line is that this bread maker from Cuisinart is everything you need to make delicious fresh bread at home without hassle or mess.

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Hamilton Beach Bread Maker Machine, Digital, Programmable, 12 Settings + Gluten Free, Dishwasher Safe Pan + Kneading Paddle, 2 lb Capacity, Black (29882)

This affordable bread maker from Hamilton Beach will give you great results at a decent price. It features 12 programs and allows you to adjust the ingredients to make bread the way you like it.

Pros

• Value priced
• Convenient window to allow you to see it working
• 12 programs for versatility and variety
• Easy to use

Cons

• Mostly plastic construction
• Need to adjust recipes for Canadian flour

Review

The Hamilton Beach 29882C HomeBaker is a solid choice for a bread making machine on a budget. It gives you most of the features you will see in the higher-priced models and give you decent results as well.

Featuring 12 preset programs, this will not only make various types of bread like white, wheat and French, but also gluten-free bread and even pizza dough. With each recipe you can adjust the ingredients to your tastes and health needs giving you control over your bread.

It gives you the option between a 1.5 and 2 pound loaf and will make bread in 3 simple steps. The bread pan and kneading paddle are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.

The digital display is lighted making it easy to read even in low light and the controls are fairly straightforward. It may take a little bit of reading in the instruction manual to figure out the crust settings, but overall the machine is simple.

You will notice that the exterior is all plastic and the buttons have a bit of a cheap feel to them, but this will not take away from the overall performance of the machine. You will also need to adjust the recipes to get your loaves just right, but this is a simple matter of trial and error to your own tastes.

For the price, the Hamilton Beach HomeBaker will give you delicious fresh bread quickly and easily.

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ZOJI BB-PDC20BA Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker, 2 lb. loaf of bread, Stainless Steel / Black

This premium bread maker from Zojirushi is built to give you perfect loaves of bread that will be the envy of everyone. It is made of stainless steel and gives you complete control over your bread.

Pros

• Double kneading blades for excellent results
• Dual heaters for even heating
• Viewing window to watch the bread bake
• Professional quality results
• Designed and built to last

Cons

• Expensive
• Larger than other machines
• Only makes 2 pound loaves

Review

For top-quality bread at home look no further than the Zoji BB-PDC20BA Home Baker Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker. While the name is a bit of a mouthful, you will love the results of this beautiful bread making machine.

While it is larger than some other bread makers, it includes dual paddles and dual heating coils to create loaves of bread that are not only delicious but beautiful to look at with even crusts. The convenient window allows you to observe the bread as it kneads and bakes so you can control the cooking process completely.

Another great feature is the rapid course feature which allows you to make a loaf of fresh bread in just 2 hours and 25 minutes. You can control the crust color from light, medium, and dark. It even includes a European setting giving you savory bread options.

It comes with everything you need to get started including a measuring cup, next measuring cups, and a spoon. All you need are simple ingredients and you can start making bread right away.

You will love the stainless steel finish and the high quality display and buttons. Everything feels like it is well-made and built to last. The Virtuoso is rather large and will take up counter space, but for the quality results it is worth it.

This premium bread maker from Zojirushi is a fantastic complement to your home cooking universe, and you will be very happy with your purchase.

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Zojirushi BB-HAC10 Home Bakery Mini Breadmaker

Not only does the BB-HAC 10 make delicious bread, but it will make cookies, pasta, and even jams all with the push of a button. Featuring several recipes, this programmable machine can do it all.

Pros

• Makes a variety of breads and many other delicious foods
• Easy to get started and instructions are clear and simple to follow
• Preheat feature saves time and effort
• Nice compact design for any kitchen
• Easy to clean

Cons

• It is a challenge to get the crust just right
• Mixing paddles may need to be replaced over time

Review

This versatile bread maker from Zojirushi is compact and designed to make not only bread but many other foods as well. It has a built-in handle and cord storage, so it is also easy to transport.

Like the other bread machines on our list, this one will make a nice 1 pound loaf of bread with the push of a button. However, it can also make pasta and cookie dough, pizza dough, and even homemade jam for your bread. You will be amazed at all you can do with this appliance.

It features a 13-hour delay timer and a viewing window giving you control over the whole cooking process. It is designed to only make smaller, 1-pound loaves, but this is the perfect size for a couple or small family, and you won’t have to worry about waste.

The control panel has an LCD screen and is fairly easy to use, although some of the lettering is a bit small and may take a few tries to work out all the options. Luckily, the included instruction and recipe book is clear and simple to follow.

It has a quick baking cycle to prepare you a fresh loaf of bread in under 2 hours. It is easy to clean with a non-stick pan and paddles—even the lid is removable.

Some users do point out that getting the crust just right may take a few tries, and the mixing paddles will wear out over time. The good news is that this machine is designed to last for several years, so you can use it over and over again without worrying.

The Zojirushi BBHAC10 Home Bakery Mini Breadmaker is so much more than just a compact bread maker, and it will make a great addition to your kitchen.

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Panasonic SDRD250W Bread Maker with Raisin/Nut Dispenser, White

The durable Panasonic SDRD250W is designed to make delicious loaves of bread and dough for pizza and other baked goods as well. It features 12 pre-set modes for variety and a raisin and nut dispenser.

Pros

• Includes a dispenser for added ingredients like nuts and raisins
• Delicious bread that is easy to make
• Durable construction for long-lasting use
• 13-hour timer and easy-to-read LCD display

Cons

• A bit expensive
• May take a few tries to get the loaves just right
• Somewhat noisy

Review

This excellent bread maker from Panasonic is a durable machine with a non-stick coating that is designed to last.

The compact, vertical design of the SDRD250W fits well on most counters, but with the lid open it is pretty tall, so make sure you have room. It features 12 different modes and can make many types of dough from standard breads to whole wheat as well as pizza and pasta dough. Many users love the pizza dough feature.

You can also control the darkness of the crust and it has a 13-hour timer so you can have fresh, hot bread when you want it. One feature that sets this apart is that it comes with an automatic raisin and nut dispenser for making unique loaves with various additional ingredients.

The non-stick coating on the pan and paddle make it easy to slide the bread out when it is finished. You can also control the size of the loaves to make exactly what you need for you and your family.

It comes with a recipe book that helps you get started as well as a measuring spoon and cup. However, some recipes may need a little tweaking to get them just right.

All this convenience does come at a higher price point than some other bread makers, but in the end it may be worth it because of its rugged design. It is also a bit noisier than other models when it is kneading the dough.

For delicious homemade bread made to your specific tastes, the Panasonic SDRD250W is a great choice.

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Bread maker buying guide

Making your own loaf from scratch can be a fun experience; however, it can be messy and time-consuming. While some solutions to facilitate the process were known (such as stand mixers), the true solution to this dilemma came only in 1986. This year, the first breadmaker was presented. As a result, new opportunities for home bakers became a reality, as the machine could perform everything from mixing and kneading to resting and baking on its own.

How to pick the best bread machine: essential features

Before you buy a breadmaker, there are quite a few aspects to consider. From making sure you have enough space for the machine to finding the optimal set of baking programs, we explain the differences between various models and how to find the right one.

Machine size and weight

While compact bread makers do exist, most models are quite bulky. Consider whether you’ll store your machine permanently on the counter or put it out of sight. Make sure the dimensions match the space available.

The weight is another aspect to consider, especially if your breadmaker won’t be on permanent display. Most models weigh 5-6 kg, but some can be over 8 kg. Choose a model in the weight range you feel comfortable carrying.

When looking for a space on the countertop, it is also advisable to leave a few extra centimeters around the machine when it is working. Some breadmakers slightly wobble during the kneading phase, and might even walk off the counter.

Finally, most breadmakers open vertically; this is a thing to keep in mind if you have eye-level cupboards installed above the counter.

Loaf shape

Modern bread makers can be classified in two groups. They make either squarish, vertical loaves or horizontal, rectangular ones.

• Vertical bread machines are great for smaller kitchens. The loaf may sometimes have a peculiar shape that might not fit in your toaster. Some models can also suffer from uneven baking, producing bread with darker bottom and light top.
• Horizontal bread makers deliver loaves that visually look similar to what you can buy in a grocery store. Thus, they work better for toasters and standard-looking sandwiches. However, they require more counter- and storage space. Horizontal models also usually prepare larger capacity loaves. However, a horizontal bread pan can pose a challenge for kneading if the machine has only one paddle.

Kneading paddles

Most breadmakers will have only one paddle, but the high-end models can have more. Some doughs behave differently from others, and specialized paddles allow more even kneading.

Typically, the paddle remains in place during baking. You have to remove it when the bread is ready, and a small hole remains in the loaf. Some models will have special hooks to alleviate taking the paddle out; you can also lightly oil it to prevent sticking. However, if you want loaves without any holes, look for a model with collapsible or removable paddles.

Loaf size

Homemade bread won’t last as long as store-bought since it doesn’t contain preservatives. Therefore, it is best to select the loaf size considering how many mouths you have to feed. Most breadmakers have 2-3 loaf size options. However, some are tailored for larger capacities (1 kg and more), and some will make only small to medium loaves (500-900 g).

Bread machines for larger loaves will also have higher power requirements. Higher power also helps when it comes to making dense bread or bread with added nuts, fruits, and seeds. Smaller bread maker models tend to be more economical.

Crust color settings

Depending on the type of bread being made and individual preferences, the darkness of the crust can differ. Therefore, nearly all models offer 2-3 settings, from light to medium.

Most common baking modes

At a minimum, you want a machine with special programs for white bread, whole grain (or wholewheat) bread, and a dough cycle. However, most breadmakers nowadays feature a range of programs way above that minimum and allow creating various bread types. Here are some of the most common programs:

• French – softer and airier than most types of white bread. It is typically made without adding oil or fat and is also characterized by its light and crispy crust.
• Gluten-Free – if you have ever tried making gluten-free pastries, you’ll know that the dough behaves differently. Getting a bread machine with a gluten-free setting is useful if there’s someone with allergies in your household. Some models will have just one program, whereas others may offer several ones, depending on the type of gluten-free flour you use.
• Express or Rapid setting – on Standard mode, your loaf can easily take 3-4 hours to make. Since there can be situations when you don’t have that much time, most models will also have one or several options that shorten the process to 1-2 hours. Although be aware that the texture and taste are usually inferior to what you get after a full cycle.
• Sourdough – having a tangy, rich taste, the sourdough bread has a soft center and thick crust. Making it is quite time-consuming, because you’ll need to prepare the starter in advance and let it sit. Unfortunately not many bread machines are optimized to make it.
• Rye – darker and denser than wheat bread, rye bread is higher in fiber, and not all models can prepare it well. If you’re fond of rye bread, it’s best to look for a model with a specific program.
• Brioche – this is a sweet bread with a tender texture of French origin. Brioche has a higher egg and butter content than most bread types; thus, it requires a different cooking cycle.
• Custom Programs – some high-end bread machines allow creating your own custom programs. This means you can choose the duration of each stage of the baking cycle.

Extra modes

• Dough Cycle – nearly every bread machine will be able to prepare dough without baking it. The most advanced models may have specific dough cycles for pizza, pasta, and other pastries.
• Jam – This setting allows easy preparation of preserves from fruits and berries. You’ll just have to pour them in jars afterwards.
• Yogurt – in this setting, the machine will maintain the right temperature to ferment milk and prepare yogurt.

Additional features

Modern bread makers also come with quite a few functions that are non-essential but make the process more automated and convenient.

Automatic dispensers

If you love bread with added ingredients (such as nuts, dried fruit), look for a model with an automatic ingredient dispenser. You’ll just have to fill its container with pre-chopped goodies before starting the program, and the machine will add them to the dough at the right time.

Some high-end models will also have a separate yeast dispenser. This allows adding the yeast after the initial mixing is done and prevents it from activating too soon.

Delay timer

If you want warm, freshly baked bread with your breakfast or after work, a breadmaker with a delay timer is a must. This allows weighing all the ingredients and putting them in the machine at a convenient time. Then, simply select the hour when the bread must be ready, and the breadmaker will deliver it.

Memory recall

If there is a momentary power loss or someone switches the machine off by accident, most models will stop the cycle, and you’ll have to start from the beginning. However, some breadmakers can resume the process from where they were left.

Viewing window

Most home bakers feel the urge to check on the progress from time to time. Thus, many bread maker models feature a glass viewing window that allows you to observe the process.

Keep-warm setting

It isn’t always possible to perfectly synchronize the eating time and the end of the baking cycle. Therefore, many models allow keeping the just-baked loaf warm for up to one hour.