The bread machine has become a staple of the modern kitchen. From sweetbreads, to sandwich breads, to gluten free breads, people are using these handy bread maker machines to replace the less than appetizing store-bought breads. But choosing a bread machine isn’t exactly easy. There are a lot of features, accessories, and details that come into play when choosing the right machine for your needs. It can help to make a mental list of the maximum you want to spend as well as what type and size of bread you want to make. You can get a machine that offers all kinds of extras, from options to adjust the color of the crust to machines that will mix the dough for you. However, a perfectly hued crust isn’t going to matter if your machine just doesn’t make great bread.
Bread machines are equipped to make different sizes of bread. The sizes are usually 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3-pound loaf sizes. And remember, without the added preservatives in your homemade bread, unlike store-bought, this bread will need to be used or frozen in about two days. A machine that bakes a 1lb pan will yield about eight slices and a 2.5lb pan yields around 20.
Here, to help you decide which bread machine you should get, is a list of the 10 best bread machines available right now.
Ten Best Bread Maker Reviews
1. Zojirushi BB-CEC20 Home Bakery Supreme 2-Pound-Loaf Breadmaker
Let’s start with the best bread maker. If you aren’t really going for the cheapest machine, and just want the best, most reliable machine, then the Zojirushi BB-CEC20 Home Bakery Supreme 2-Pound-Loaf Breadmaker will not disappoint even the most discerning baker. It features a large window to view the bread baking, 10 pre-programmed settings including basic, quick, wheat, dough, jam, cake, and sourdough. The baking pan is nonstick and removable to make cleaning easy. Reviews point out that this machine is very reliable and easy to clean. And, more importantly, it makes the best bread the reviewers have ever tasted.
2. Panasonic SD-YD250 Automatic Bread Maker with Yeast Dispenser
If you are looking for a great value in a reliable machine, go for the Panasonic SD-YD250 Automatic Bread Maker with Yeast Dispenser. These are the best bread makers for larger families who want the option of making a number different sized loaves of bread. Bread can be made on the “rapid cycle” option, which will finish a loaf of bread in under 2 hours. This machine has a delay timer option, settings for light, medium, and dark crusts, and a buzzer to notify you when to add nuts, fruits, or other extras. The biggest draw for this machine is its automatic yeast dispenser to ensure that you add the right amount at the right time, since this step is an essential step, and one that’s easy to mess up, when making a quality loaf of bread.
3. Cuisinart CBK-100 2-Pound Programmable Breadmaker
For those looking to make gluten free bread (because store-bought GF bread is ridiculously expensive), the Cuisinart CBK-100 2-Pound Programmable Breadmaker is a good choice. This machine can make loaves up to 2lbs, has options for crust colors, and includes recipes for low-carb and gluten-free breads. This bread machine also features a delay timer, a viewing window, as well as a removable lid, pan, and paddle. These features make it easier to clean than many of the other best bread makers in this list, as well as bread machines in general.
4. Sunbeam 5891 2-Pound Programmable Breadmaker
Out of 1544 customer reviews on Amazon, this machine earned a respectable 4.3 out of 5 stars. This machine makes a 2lb loaf of bread in under an hour. This machine is great for those who want a simple, easy-to-use machine. The large display panel provides information on the current baking stage and a clear viewing window allows you to see what’s going on without opening the lid. This machine has 12 settings for different breads, doughs, cakes, and even jam. You can also choose if you want light, medium, or dark crust. One of the best features of this machine is its ability to program up to 13 hours it ahead of time so it can start baking the bread even when you’re asleep. This compact machine (measuring 13.5 x 14 x 19 inches), is a solid choice for someone who wants plenty of options in a small package.
5. Oster CKSTBRTW20 2-Pound Expressbake Breadmaker
This machine has an Expressbake® option that will bake a loaf of bread in under one hour. This machine is unique in its ability to prepare dough to be used in making bagels, pretzels, cinnamon rolls, or other breads to be baked in the oven. The Oster Expressbake is among the least expensive bread makers on this list, yet it is still among the highest rated on Amazon at 4.3 out of 5 stars from a lot of 1,549 reviews. This bread maker also offers options on crust color, a 13-hour delay start timer, and a large LCD display. This machine also provides nine pre-programmed settings for white, wheat, sweet, and French breads, as well as quick breads and jams. Reviewers also report that the machine is easy to clean and reliable.
6. T-fal PF311E ActiBread Programmable Bread Machine
The T-fal PF311E offers 15 presets to make a number of gluten free products, including gluten free cakes, breads, sweet breads, and dough, as well as jam and pasta. It offers three loaf sizes as well as crust color settings. It has a delayed baking program for up to 15 hours as well as a button for keeping the bread warm. This bread maker includes a useful recipe book, a hook, and kneading blade. This machine is a good option for those who want to cook gluten free or reduced sodium breads, as it includes recipes and settings that are tailored to making breads with varied ingredients.
7. The Breville BBM800XL Custom Bread Maker
The Breville is among the best in regards to features and is a good option for a more experienced baker. The machine is conveniently small, yet can bake up to a 2.5 lb. loaf. This machine includes an innovative collapsible paddle that prevents the hole that is often left in the middle of a loaf of bread when it is pulled out. There is a window to check on how the bread is baking and one is able to customize the settings to work best for the exact recipe being made. You can also manually select preheat, knead, rise, punch-down, bake, and warming stages. For someone who wants more options in their bread making, this machine has a lot to offer.
8. West Bend 41410 Hi-Rise Loaf Programmable Breadmaker
This machine includes some of the best features available on the most expensive bread makers on the market but at a lower price. The machine makes three loaf sizes and includes 12 pre-programmed settings, with one gluten free setting. It also includes a 13-hour delay timer and dual kneading blades. Several reviews note how quiet the machine is when compared to most bread machines, which generally make at least a small amount of noise. The machine includes two kneading blades, which knead the dough more thoroughly, leading to a higher rise in the bread. The bread pan is horizontal, making the bread appear more like a store-bought loaf.
9. Zojirushi Home Bakery Mini Breadmaker
For those who want the quality, along with the bells and whistles, of the original Zojirushi Breadmaker (see #1 in this list), but in a smaller package, the Zojirushi Home Bakery Mini Bread Maker is an excellent option. This machine is rated just as well as the full-size version, and those who want to make smaller loaves or have smaller counter space can make the same breads, jams, doughs, and more but in a 1lb loaf size. This machine is only 8 by 11 inches and includes a quick-bake cycle and several recipes. This machine offers options for three textures of bread, regular, firm, or soft, and also includes a viewing window and 13-hour delay timer.
10. Kuissential 2-Pound Programmable Bread Machine with Auto Fruit and Nut Dispenser
This bread maker has 13 settings for basic breads, French, whole wheat, sweet, multigrain, gluten free and also includes a customizable setting. It also includes an auto-dispenser for fruits and nuts, a 13-hour delay timer, and an option to keep bread warm. The Kuiseential bread machine does all the work for you, including kneading the bread, to proofing and baking the bread. This bread machine has an impressive 4.7 out of 5 star rating on Amazon.
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