Bread Machine Reviews: Which is the Best Bread Maker for You?
Looking for the best bread machine on the market? You are at the right place. Read our bread machine reviews.
[wps_toc style=”default” title=”In this Guide” heading_levels=”2,3″ show_heirarchy=”yes” bullet_spacing=”yes” ordered_list=”no”]Before you start searching for a bread maker, it is important to know what you want. Unlike other sites that list a “top 10” type of best bread machines review, here, I’ll do something different.
My aim is to help you know the best bread machine for you based on your needs. By “needs”, I mean capability, functionality and price.
In the end, there is no one “best bread machine” on the market, as your needs may be different from that of another person. For example, if you are looking for a unit that can make sourdough, your “best bread maker” would be different from that of someone looking for a bread machine for pizza dough.
In this bread machine reviews, I’ll provide an overview of the units that I feel will be best for different types of baking. Apart from this, I’ll list the features and link to their full reviews so that you can know more about them.
Before we get started, let’s look at some factors you should keep in mind when shopping for a bread machine.
Features of Bread Machines
When you want to buy your first bread maker, trying to understand all the features and functions available can be overwhelming. How would you know if you need an automatic ‘yeast dispenser’ when you have never baked a single loaf of bread before?
If you are looking for your first bread maker, it is important to think of your current and future needs. Today, you might be thinking that you need ‘just a simple’ bread maker. However, after you have used it for a few months and you gained more experience, you may want to try out different recipes. As a result, you might need a bread maker with more than just a few simple functions.
Below are important features you should consider when choosing a bread maker to avoid regretting your choice after gaining more baking experience in a few months.
Nonstick Kneading Blade and Baking Pan
These features are standard in most bread machines today. However, confirm that the bread maker you want to buy has these nonstick accessories. The last thing you want is having to cut your bread out of the baking pan.
Bread Making Recipes book
Many bread makers come with a recipe book, which you can follow to make your first homemade bread. The recipe book is really not a deal breaker as there are tons of homemade bread recipes online. You can even start with our bread recipe section.
Bread Shape
Not all bread makers bake the traditional rectangular-shaped loaves. Some units come with odd sized and shaped bread pans. Confirm the shape of the bread makers’ bread pans.
Bread Size
Check the size of the bread you can make with the bread machine. With some units, you can bake bread of up to 5 different sizes. If you have a large family, choose a bread maker for large breads.
Making Dough
You can use the bread maker to knead and bake bread. Apart from this, some bread makers can knead dough for cookies, pasta, fresh fruit jams, etc.…
Quick Bake Cycle
This is a program that allows you to bake bread in a shorter time (approx. 2 hrs) than the regular cycles (approx. 3 hrs). When using the Quick Bake Cycle, you will need a ‘quick rise yeast’ while with others, you can still bake with normal or instant yeast.
Pre-Programmed Cycles
Today, most bread machines come with a set of pre-programmed bread cycles e.g. white bread, whole wheat, French bread, sweet bread, pizza dough, etc. If you would be making different types of bread, check the pre-programmed cycles available in the unit you want to buy.
Homemade Cycle
The Homemade Cycle feature allows you to program your own cycle and decide on kneading, rising and baking time. You may want this feature if you are an experienced baker.
Dual Blade or Single Blade
Generally, the number of blades a bread machine has depends on the size of its bread pan. Machines with dual blade mix all ingredients properly mixed. However, the blades also leave two big holes in your loaf.
Delay Timer
If you’d like to wake up in the morning to freshly baked bread, this feature is a MUST.
Viewing Window
If you want to see the progress of the bread baking, get a unit with a viewing window.
Measuring Spoon and Measuring Cup
Some bread makers come with both a measuring spoon and cup. These accessories can be useful when you are trying a new recipe that requires ingredients with unfamiliar measurements.
Sourdough Starter
Sourdough recipe is not very different from that of normal bread. However, its rise time is longer and requires steam in the beginning. If you love sourdough bread, check whether your bread machine has the sourdough started feature.
Yeast or Raisin Dispenser
These separate dispensers are especially useful when you use the delay timer.
Crust Control
Do you want to prefer a hard crust of soft crust? Some bread makers let you choose the type of crust you would like your bread to have.
These are the most important features to consider when looking for a bread maker.
Now, let’s go straight to reviews of the top rated bread machines.
Bread Machine Reviews
If you are short on time, watch this video on best bread makers.
Below is our pick of the best bread machines on the market. These bread machines have been chosen based on their features, functionality, price and customer rating.
We have provided an overview of the machines and linked to the full review that we’ve featured. You will also find helpful links to alternative bread makers you may prefer rather than our top choices.
#1. Breville BBM800XL Bread Maker
The Breville BBM800XL Bread Maker can bake various types of bread. The appliance has an automatic fruit and nut dispenser, which makes it easy to bake breads that contain fruits and nuts. The feature allows you to add the fruits and nuts at precise times during the mixing process.
This Breville bread machine comes with different settings that allow you to make nearly any type of bread. The machine has 46 recipes, which include instructions for making sweet breads, yeast-free breads, gluten-free breads, whole wheat breads, among others.
Features
- Has a smart LCD screen, which makes it easy to choose different settings
- Its collapsible kneading paddle reduces the hole in the bottom of the bread
- Can bake 4 different loaf size options
Verdict
The Breville bread maker comes in three crust choices and can make 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5-pound loaves of bread. The appliance has different settings for baking various types of bread.
This bread maker is quite large, and takes up a lot of counter space. Moreover, it is quite expensive compared to other options in our list.
#2. Zojirushi BB-HAC10 I-Pound Mini Breadmaker
If your kitchen counter has limited space, you will do well with the Zojirushi BB-HAC1 Home Bakery Mini Breadmaker. This bread maker is designed to bake 1-pound loaves.
The Zojirushi Bread Maker features a simple design. You can use the appliance to bake various types of bread, as well pasta dough, cookies dough, cakes, and jam.
Features
- Comes with instructions for use
- Has a digital display for choosing different settings
- The digital display shows the time left when baking bread
- Can bake various types of bread
Verdict
The Zojirushi BB-HAC10 has a delay timer of up to 13 hours. The appliance has strong handles that make it easy to carry and store when not in use. This bread maker is sold with a recipe book that has instructions for baking dozens of breads.
However, unlike some bread machines, the Zojirushi BB-HAC10 Bread Maker does not have a clock. Moreover, you can only make 1-pound loaves of bread with this appliance.
If you have limited space on your kitchen counter, the Zojirushi bread maker would be great for you. You can use the unit to bake jam and different types of bread.
#3. Sunbeam Programmable Bread Maker
If you have a small budge but want a functional and versatile bread machine, get the Sunbeam Programmable Bread Maker. This bread maker has a delay timer that you can use to delay the baking time by up to 13 hours.
The Sunbeam Bread Maker has a large display screen where you can choose various bread settings. The machine has intuitive controls and is easy to use.
Features
- Has an LCD screen from where you can set various functions
- Has three different crust settings
- Can make 1.5- and 2-pound loaves of bread
Verdict
We love the Sunbeam Bread Maker because it is easy to use. Moreover, you can delay the baking time by up to 13 hours to ensure you have warm bread when you need it. Finally, the unit has a nonstick baking pan for easy cleaning.
The machine is quite bulky, weighing about 20 pounds. Therefore, it needs quite a lot of counter space.
#4. KBS Bread Machine
The KBS Bread Machine has an inbuilt microprocessor that automatically adjusts the temperature to ensure your bread rises and bakes properly. The bread maker is built with patented heaters that generate heat quickly and warm the bread evenly.
This bread maker comes with 17 different settings and can bake up to 2-pound loaf.
Features
- Can delay baking by up to 15 hours
- Has 3 crust color options
- Its high rotating speed allows thorough kneading
Verdict
The Sunbeam Bread Machine has a feature that enables it to keep bread for one hour after baking. This unit has an LCD display that shows various settings. The appliance is sold with a 1-year warranty.
However, before baking bread, make sure you remove the kneading paddle on the machine. Otherwise, your bread will have a large hole at the bottom.
The machine is quite large and can make 3 different loaf sizes.
#5. SKG 2lbs. Automatic Programmable Bread Machine
The SKG Bread Machine is convenient and has a setting that allows you to make bread in less than an hour. The bread maker can also bake other types of bread.
The SKG bread maker can bake 3 different loaf sizes. The unit also has different crust settings. On its LCD display screen, you can choose different baking and machine settings.
The bread machine has a 15-minute power interruption recovery function.
Features
- Can delay baking by up to 15 hours
- Its ergonomic top loading lid has a viewing window
- Can keep bread warm for up to an hour after baking
Verdict
The SKG Bread Machine comes with recipes for making different types of bread, including gluten free, oatmeal, rye, and others. This unit can make 1, 1.5, and 2-pound loaves. With the unit, you can also make jam and yogurt.
However, the bread machine cannot be used with metal utensils. Moreover, the pan is not dishwasher safe.
#6. Cuisinart Bread Machine CBK-200
The CBK-200 Cuisinart Bread Machine can produce bigger loaves than its ‘brother’ the CBK-100. On the lid of the bread maker is a viewing window on which you can see the progress of your bread while it’s kneading, rising, and baking. The appliance has a 13-hour baking delay timer.
The CBK-200 is easy to clean thanks to its removable lid, paddle and bread pan. The bread maker’s handles stay cool even during the baking session. This machine has various settings that allow you to bake different types of breads.
Features
- Has 12 pre-programmed baking options
- Comes with a spoon and measuring cup
- Its fan evenly controls and distributes heat in the machine
Here are some issues you should be aware of if you wish to buy this bread maker:
- The bread pan is made of thin aluminum. Some customers have complained that the nonstick layer peels off.
- Crust control is not consistent. You may experience ‘burnt crust’ even when the medium crust option has been selected.
- Sweet bread does not succeed too well because this bread maker bakes ‘very hot’.
The CBK-200 Bread Machine features a sleek and modern style. This bread maker has an easy-to-use control panel but is loud. You can use the machine to bake gluten-free bread.
#7. Oster Expressbake Breadmaker
The Oster Expressbake Breadmaker can make loaves of up to 2 pounds. Therefore, it is perfect for large families. The appliance is easy to use, even for beginners, and can bake different types of bread, fresh jam, and dough.
The bread machine has a large digital display on which you can select various settings according to what you wish to bake.
Features
- Can bake bread in less than one hour
- Has 3 crust settings to choose from
- Has 12 different baking settings
The Oster Expressbake is easy to operate thanks to its intuitive control buttons. The bread machine also has a 13-hour baking delay timer.
However, the bread maker does not have fruit setting. Therefore, it cannot automatically add dried fruit or nuts in your goods. Moreover, its paddle may be difficult to clean.
#8. Hamilton Beach 29882C HomeBaker Breadmaker
If you are looking for a budget bread maker, the Hamilton Beach 2988C will be perfect. This bread machine can bake 1.5- and 2-pound loaves. The unit bakes bread fast thanks to its express settings.
The Hamilton Breadmaker has different settings through which you can bake different types of bread. The appliance also has an audible alarm that will indicate when it’s time to add nuts or fruit to your bread. You can use the bread machine to make jam, dough, and various types of cakes.
Features
- Has a large digital display from where you can change various settings
- Has different crust settings
- Has 12 baking settings, including gluten-free
The pan and paddles of the Hamilton Breadmaker are dishwasher safe. The bread machine comes with two kneading paddles and can make nearly any type of dough or bread.
However, the bread maker produces loud sounds when kneading and mixing. Moreover, depending on the density of the bread, the paddle can make a large hole during baking.
Conclusion
If you like homemade bread but don’t have the patience to do everything by hand, you’ll find bread machines very convenient. In fact, you will agree that buying a bread machine is worth it.
There are many bread machines on the market. The best bread machine for you will depend on the type of bread you wish to make as well as you budget. Some bread makers feature basic designers while others look sleek and modern.
Generally, bread machines with more advanced features cost more than those with just basic features. The machines are also designed to bake different types of bread and dough. By reading bread machine reviews, you will know what to expect of any appliance you wish to buy.
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