We Tested The 10 Best Bread Machines With a Chef
Norah Clark
If you're into freshly baked bread without the hassle, you may want to try using a bread machine. This versatile kitchen appliance, mixes the ingredients, kneads the dough and bakes your desired loaf quicker than you can say banana bread.
We tried and tested over 20 different brand of bread machines and spent countless hours researching and testing the models to narrow down to the 10 best bread machines.
Whether you're a seasoned bread maker or a beginner, there's a bread machine on this list that will meet your needs.
Best Bread Machines
| Rank | Brand | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cuisinart Bread Maker Machine | Compact and very easy to use. |
| 2 | Elite Gourmet Digital Bread Maker Machine | Beginner friendly and automatic. |
| 3 | West Bend Hi-Rise Bread Maker | Ceramic set with different colors. |
| 4 | KITCHENARM SMART Bread Machine | High quality stainless steel 11-piece set. |
| 5 | KBS Pro Stainless Steel Bread Machine | Heavy, stackable and super high quality cookware. |
| 6 | Neretva Bread Maker Machine | Luxury copper colored with interchangeable lids and stackable. |
| 7 | Amazon Basics Bread Machine | Non-stick, dishwasher friendly and easily stacked to store them easily. |
| 8 | Kitchen in the box Bread Maker Machine | Budget friendly, nests and stacks to maximize storage space. |
| 9 | Zojirushi Home Bakery Breadmaker | Affordable option with 5-piece pan set. |
| 10 | Hamilton Beach Artisan Dough & Bread Maker | 14 different settings with 3 different loaf sizes |
1. Cuisinart Bread Maker Machine
If you're looking for a compact and versatile bread maker, the Cuisinart Bread Maker Machine is a great choice. It offers 12 preprogrammed menu options, 3 crust shades, and can bake up to a 2-pound loaf. With a 13-hour delay start timer, you can wake up to the smell of freshly baked bread. It doesn't get much better.
Pros
- The Cuisinart Bread Maker Machine is compact and easy to use.
- The 12 preprogrammed menu options make it easy to create a variety of different sized bread types with varied crust colors.
Cons
- The machine can be noisy while kneading the dough.
- The bread pan is not dishwasher safe.
- The instruction manual could be more detailed.
The Cuisinart Bread Maker Machine is impressive. The compact size makes it easy to store in your kitchen, and the stainless steel exterior gives it a sleek look. The 12 preprogrammed menu options are easy to navigate, and I appreciated the option to choose between 3 crust shades.
One thing to note is that the machine can be quite noisy while kneading the dough, so it's not the best option if you want a quiet machine. Additionally, the bread pan is not dishwasher safe, so it requires some extra cleaning effort. However, the removable kneading paddle and bread pan make it easy to clean by hand.
Overall, I would recommend the Cuisinart Bread Maker Machine to anyone looking for a compact and versatile bread maker. It's easy to use and produces delicious bread with a variety of crust colors and loaf sizes.
2. Elite Gourmet Digital Bread Maker Machine
Take the guesswork out of making homemade bread with the Elite Gourmet EBM8103M. With 19 pre-set functions for all types of bread, you can prepare various doughs, cakes, and even yogurt. The delay function bakes overnight, so warm bread is ready in the morning. Plus, you can select your desired crust color from light, medium, or dark settings.
Pros
- Making fresh artisan bread at home is now foolproof and automatic.
- Free up the oven and save on power. Reduce the heat in your kitchen and less washing of different cooking implements.
- Manage the nutrients that go into your bread by limiting preservatives and trans fat and even eliminating gluten.
Cons
- The lid seal can be a bit tricky to clean.
- The machine can be a bit noisy during the kneading process.
- The instruction manual can be a bit confusing at times.
Overall, I highly recommend the Elite Gourmet EBM8103M bread machine. It's perfect for busy chefs. The machine is easy to use and clean, and the results are delicious. Plus, with 19 pre-set functions, you can experiment with different types of bread and dough.
3. West Bend Hi-Rise Bread Maker
Another great choice is the West Bend Hi-Rise Bread Maker. This kitchen appliance handles everything from basic loaves to gluten-free and low-carb options.
Pros
- The dual knead blades ensure thorough dough kneading for a lighter taste and higher rise.
- With 12 digital settings, including Basic, Wheat, French, Sweet, Dough, Gluten-Free, and Custom, you can bake bread your way.
- The Custom Setting is perfect for the baker who is already familiar with bread maker baking. You can fully customize your settings for the perfect loaf of bread.
Cons
- The instruction manual can be overwhelming for beginners.
- The bread maker is slightly noisy during the kneading process.
- The nonstick bread pan can be difficult to clean.
The West Bend Hi-Rise Bread Maker performs well and is easy to use. The dual blades ensure that the dough is thoroughly kneaded, resulting in a lighter and fluffier bread. The 12 digital settings are easy to navigate, and I appreciated the customized settings that allowed me to tailor-make my bread-making.
While the instruction manual is comprehensive, it can be overwhelming for beginners. However, with a little practice, you'll be able to create delicious loaves of bread in no time. The bread maker is slightly noisy during the kneading process, but it wasn't a deal-breaker.
The nonstick bread pan is a great feature, but it can be a bit difficult to clean. I recommend using a non-abrasive sponge and warm, soapy water. Overall, the West Bend Hi-Rise Bread Maker is a great investment for the homemade bread aficionado.
4. KITCHENARM SMART Bread Machine
This machine is has not one menu but 29. So if you want to be spoilt for choice, , the KITCHENARM 29-in-1 SMART Bread Machine is the one for you. There are 21 bread menus and 7 non-bread menus. This machine can handle everything from basic white bread to gluten-free and sourdough. Additionally, the fully customizable cycle-level programming HOME MADE menu allows you to create your own recipes.
Pros
- The 29 automatic menus provide a wide range of options for bread and non-bread items.
- The 1-press bread making feature makes it easy to use the same recipe again.
- The machine is designed to handle fresh ingredients efficiently, saving you time.
Cons
- The machine is relatively heavy, which can make it difficult to move.
- Some users have reported issues with the bread not rising properly.
- The machine can be noisy during operation.
The machine is easy to use, with clear menus and buttons that make it simple to select the right recipe and settings. I've made a wide range of breads, including basic white bread, whole wheat bread, and gluten-free bread, and they've all turned out great.
A stellar feature is the 1-press bread making option. If you use the same recipe again, you can simply add the ingredients and press the start button once. How easy is that?
While the machine is relatively heavy, it's sturdy and well-built. It's also relatively compact, which means it doesn't take up much counter space. The only downside is that it can be noisy during operation, similar to other breadmakers.
Overall, I would highly recommend the KITCHENARM 29-in-1 SMART Bread Machine to anyone looking for a versatile and easy-to-use bread machine. With its wide range of automatic menus and customizable options, it's a great choice for both beginners and experienced bakers.
5. KBS Pro Stainless Steel Bread Machine
If you're looking for a bread machine that can do more than make bread, then the KBS Pro Stainless Steel Bread Machine is a great option. With its multiple customized programs and large capacity, you can make a variety of healthy and tasty homemade breads and cakes.
Pros
- The ceramic pan is designed to ensure the bread is evenly baked.
- The intelligent fruit and nut dispenser releases the ingredients automatically at the optimum time, so you don't need to monitor the time.
- The digital touch panel can easily view and select the cycle, crust, and loaf size.
Cons
- The bread machine is a bit heavy and takes up a lot of counter space.
- The user manual could be more detailed and informative.
- The bread machine is a bit noisy when kneading the dough.
The bread machine has 17 practical programs for French, Whole Wheat, kneading and fermentation. In addition, it mixes jam, yogurt, cake mix and pizza dough.
The ceramic pan is a unique feature which is designed to make the bread evenly baked. I've used it several times and was really happy with the results. The bread came out perfectly baked every time.
The digital touch panel can easily view and select the cycle, crust, and loaf size. It's also very intuitive and user-friendly. I like that its bright and large and easy to see.
The KBS Pro Stainless Steel Bread Machine is a great buy. It's versatile, easy to use, and always produces great results. Plus, it comes with many practical accessories and a recipe book.
6. Neretva Bread Maker Machine
Neretva Bread Maker Machine also made the top 10.
Pros
- You can easily make various bread types with 20 automatic programs, including gluten-free, quick bread, and pizza dough.
- The digital LCD display and 15-hour timer make it easy to program the machine to fit your schedule.
- The non-stick pan and kneading paddle are easy to clean and can be washed in the machine.
Cons
- The machine is on the smaller side, so it might not be ideal if you need to make larger loaves of bread.
- Some users have reported issues with the machine jumping off the counter during use.
- The recipe book that comes with the machine has some typos and errors.
This kitchen appliance will be a great addition to your culinary skills. The Neretva Bread Maker Machine is easy to use, and the variety of automatic programs means I can make a range of bread types without adjusting the settings myself.
One of the things I appreciate about this machine is the digital LCD display. It makes it easy to see what program is selected and adjust the settings as needed. The 15-hour timer is also a nice feature, as it allows me to set the machine to start making bread at a convenient time.
The non-stick pan and kneading paddle are easy to clean, which is a big plus. I don't want to spend a lot of time washing dishes, so being able to put these parts in the machine saves me time and hassle.
That being said, there are a few downsides to this machine. It's on the smaller side, so if you need to make larger loaves of bread, you might want to go with a different machine. Some users have also reported issues with the machine jumping off the counter during use. I'm glad that didn't happen to me.
Finally, the recipe book that comes with the machine has some typos and errors. I've found that some recipes don't turn out quite right, so I had to adjust them to get the desired results.
Neretva Bread Maker Machine does what it's supposed to do but be aware of its limitations.
7. Amazon Basics Bread Machine
The Amazon Basics Bread Machine is a solid choice if you're looking for an affordable bread machine that gets the job done.
Pros
- The non-stick pan makes cleanup a breeze.
- With 14 settings to choose from, you can make a variety of breads, doughs, and even jams.
- The ExpressBake setting delivers a loaf of fresh bread in less than 90 minutes.
Cons
- The 2-pound loaf capacity may not be enough for larger families.
- The machine can be a bit noisy during the kneading process.
- The LCD display can be difficult to read in certain lighting conditions.
The ExpressBake setting was a game-changer for me, as I often don't have the time to wait for a full bread cycle to finish.
However, the 2-pound loaf capacity may not be sufficient for larger families, and the kneading delivers a good growl. The LCD display can also be difficult to read in certain lighting conditions.
I won't say that it's a great buy but it's affordable and produces delicious bread.
8. Kitchen in the Box Bread Maker Machine
I tested the Kitchen in the Box Bread Maker Machine and it's quite a good buy.
Pros
- The 15 customizable automatic programs, including gluten-free options, make it easy to bake various bread types.
- The intuitive touch panel and easy-to-follow instructions make operating simple, even if you're a beginner.
- The 15-hour delay timer and 1-hour automatic keep-warm function ensure your bread is always fresh and ready to enjoy.
Cons
- The non-stick pan may not be as durable as some other materials and may need to be replaced over time.
- The machine is relatively heavy, which may make it difficult to move or store.
- The instruction manual could be more detailed, particularly when troubleshooting common issues.
One thing I particularly appreciated was the intuitive touch panel, which makes it easy to select the right program and adjust settings as needed. Even if you've never used a bread machine before, you should be able to figure out how to operate this one with minimal difficulty.
Another great feature of this bread machine is the 15-hour delay timer, which allows you to set it up the night before and wake up to fresh-baked bread in the morning. The 1-hour automatic keeping warm function sold me and it is not offered on the other bread makers.
If you're in the market for a new bread maker, I'd recommend trying the Kitchen in the Box Bread Maker Machine.
9. Zojirushi Home Bakery Breadmaker
The Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker is a versatile and technologically advanced bread maker that can perfectly bake a rectangular-shaped 2-pound loaf of bread.
Pros
- The various healthy course settings include Multigrain, Whole Wheat, Rapid Whole Wheat, Gluten Free, Salt Free, Sugar Free and Vegan.
- The double kneading blades thoroughly knead the dough for superior results; dual heaters on the bottom and lid of the bread maker promote even baking and browning.
- The rapid courses allow you to bake a loaf of white or whole wheat bread in 2 hours and 25 minutes.
Cons
- The bread maker is quite heavy, weighing in at 24 pounds.
- The bread pan is not dishwasher safe and requires hand washing.
- The bread maker is relatively expensive compared to other bread makers on this list.
I also appreciated the versatility of this bread maker. The machine's timer can be set to delay the end of the baking cycle by up to 13 hours, so set it before you o to bed and wake up to the smell of freshly baked bread. Or to come home to a warm loaf at the end of a long day. The bread maker provides two blades for thorough dough kneading and a higher rise, a large viewing window, an "on" indicator light, a start/reset button, and a removable nonstick bread pan for easy cleaning. Accessories not included in other models on this list include a liquid measuring cup, nested measuring cups, and a measuring spoon.
I can definitely recommend the Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker if you work around its shortcomings.
10. Hamilton Beach Artisan Dough & Bread Maker
Hamilton Beach Artisan Dough & Bread Maker is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Making fresh, homemade bread is incredibly easy with this bread maker. Just add ingredients, select the cycle, and press start.
- With 14 different settings, including Basic, French, Gluten-Free, Whole Grain, and Artisan Dough, you can make a wide variety of bread with this machine.
- The three different loaf sizes and three crust shades let you customize your bread just how you like it.
Cons
- The display can be difficult to read, especially in low-light conditions.
- The bread pan is not dishwasher safe, so you must clean it by hand.
- The machine can be a bit noisy during operation.
The Hamilton Beach Artisan Dough & Bread Maker is very easy to clean because the bread pan and kneading paddle are both removable. However, it is worth noting that the bread pan is not dishwasher safe and handwashing is the option.
The display on this machine can be a bit difficult to read, especially in low light conditions. However, it is not a major issue once you get used to it.
I wouldn't hesitate to suggest buying the Hamilton Beach Artisan Dough & Bread Maker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features differentiate the best breadmakers from others?
Top-rated bread makers often feature customizable settings for various bread types, programmable timers for delayed baking, and consistent performance across different recipes. They may also offer unique options like crust color control, rapid bake functions, and the ability to add nuts or fruits automatically.
How does the price of the bread maker correlate with its performance and features?
Generally, higher-priced bread makers come with more advanced features, such as additional bread programs, better build quality, and more precise controls for temperature and timing, leading to superior performance. Budget options can still offer good value but may have fewer features and less versatility.
Can these bread makers handle gluten-free or whole grain recipes effectively?
All of the bread makers in this guide are designed with specific settings for gluten-free and whole grain recipes, accommodating the unique kneading and rising requirements of these bread types to ensure optimal texture and taste.
How easy is it to clean and maintain these breadmakers?
Most top-rated bread makers are designed with ease of maintenance in mind, featuring non-stick baking pans and kneading paddles that are dishwasher safe. Regularly wiping the exterior and interior with a damp cloth and following manufacturer maintenance guidelines can keep the machine in good condition.
What is the warranty and customer support like for these models?
Warranty length and coverage vary by manufacturer, typically 1 to 3 years. Customer support quality also differs, with top brands offering comprehensive guides, responsive help desks, and online resources to assist with troubleshooting and usage tips.
Our Methodology for Selecting the Best Bread Machines
In our quest to bring you the most comprehensive and trustworthy roundup of the best bread machines, we've employed a detailed and structured approach.
Establishing Evaluation Criteria
Our evaluation began with defining a set of criteria crucial for assessing the performance and value of bread machines. These included:
- Size and capacity: Suitable for various kitchen sizes and baking needs.
- Ease of use: Factors such as preprogrammed settings and user interfaces were considered.
- Versatility: The machine's ability to bake different bread types.
- Performance: Evaluated based on the quality of bread produced.
- Maintenance: The ease of cleaning and upkeep.
- Features: Consideration of unique or standout features.
- Value: Assessment of the machine's cost relative to its offerings.
- Customer feedback: Analysis of user reviews and experiences.
Research and Hands-on Testing
We gathered extensive data on each machine, incorporating manufacturer information, expert opinions, and user reviews. However, key to our methodology was hands-on testing in our dedicated test kitchen, where we used the machines to bake various bread types, assessing them against our criteria.
Comparative Analysis and Ranking
Each bread machine was compared and ranked based on how well it met our criteria. We considered the balance of features, performance, and value to ensure our recommendations cater to a wide range of needs and preferences.
Writing Comprehensive Reviews
For each top pick, we crafted detailed reviews that include:
- Features: An overview of what makes each machine stand out.
- Pros and cons: A balanced look at the advantages and limitations.
- Personal insights: Observations from our testing to give you a sense of real-world performance.
