Compare the best bread makers

Making your own bread from scratch produces delicious results, but can take a lot of time and effort.

After you pour your ingredients into the tin, the bread maker uses a paddle to combine the ingredients and knead the dough. It then lets the dough proof and rise before baking.

Compare top bread makers

Name	Price (USD)	Programmable	Dimmensions (H x W x D)	Weight (lbs)	Purchase
Hamilton Beach 2 lb Digital Bread Maker	$179.95	Yes	10.43 x 14.13 x 12.20 inches	11.86 pounds	Shop now
Hamilton Beach 29885	$149.99	Yes	16.00 x 10.00 x 10.00 inches	10.00 pounds	Shop now
Zojirushi BB-CEC20 Home Bakery Supreme	$390	Yes	12.81 x 13.56 x 18.88 inches	19.91 pounds	Shop now
Automatic Bread Machine	$241.99	Yes	436 x 316 x 41 2mm	13.4 lbs	Shop now

What types are available?

When shopping for a bread maker, compare products from a host of well-known kitchen appliance manufacturers, including:

To put this in perspective, a 500-gram loaf will usually make eight slices. Some bread makers only offer one loaf size — for example, a 500-gram machine — but most offer multiple loaf sizes.

The key is to consider how many people you’re cooking for and how much bread you plan to eat, and then choosing a machine that suits your needs.

How to compare bread makers

To ensure you choose the best bread maker for your needs, think about the type of baking you’ll be doing and how much money you want to spend. Consider these features:

• Cooking time. The standard baking process takes between three and five hours on most models. You may also want to check whether the machine has a rapid baking cycle.
• Kneading paddles. Single-paddle machines are usually cheaper, but you may find that a machine with two paddles offers more consistent mixing.
• Automated ingredient dispensers. More advanced bread makers feature automatic dispensers that can add ingredients like yeast, fruit and nuts at a preprogrammed time during the cooking cycle.
• Delay timer. Most models feature a timer that allows you to delay the start of the cooking process by up to 15 hours so you can ensure your bread is ready at the perfect time.
• Viewing window. A viewing window lets you check on the progress of your bread.
• Feet. Nonslip feet can prevent a bread maker moving around when kneading.
• Cleaning. Does the loaf tin have a non-stick coating to make it easier to clean? Can you remove the kneading paddles for more convenient washing? What about the fruit and nut dispenser?
• Dimensions. Consider the dimensions of each unit to work out how much space it will eat up on your countertop or in your kitchen cupboards.
• Warranty. Check the length of the warranty — most bread makers come with a one- or two-year warranty — and exactly what it covers.
• Price. For $80 to $150, you can get an entry-level bread maker that produces impressive results. However, if you want more control over your baking, you could spend anywhere from $200 to $500.

Bottom line

While bread makers aren’t ideal for all home cooks and kitchens, they’re a useful purchase for anyone who loves freshly-baked bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a bread maker take?

On average, bread makers take around three hours to make one loaf. But this will depend on the size of the loaf, the recipe and the specific model.

How do you keep homemade bread from drying out?

It’s best to eat homemade bread shortly after you bake it. If this isn’t possible, freeze it to preserve its freshness longer.

Why is homemade bread so dense?

Too much flour can cause bread to become very dense. Be sure to follow the recipe, or tweak it to achieve the desired texture and softness.