While fresh homemade bread easily wins against store-bought bread, the reality is that we don’t always have the willpower to knead dough or the time to let it rise. But fortunately, having a bread making machine at home can help make the process much easier and faster without sacrificing the taste, smell, and texture that make bread so delicious. Simply pop in all the ingredients and it will do the magic for you. If you think you could use one in your kitchen, here’s a roundup of the best bread making machines on the market to help you pick one out.
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Best Bread Making Machine Comparison Chart
Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker
The best bread making machine overall.
The Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker is the one to beat in our book because it will have perfect bread ready for you each and every time. You can opt for the classic white bread or go healthier with whole wheat bread. You can even choose to go gluten-free if that’s what you prefer. But whatever the case, your bread will come out with a perfectly rounded top, a soft crumb, and a crust that has just the right amount of crispiness to it. While it’s definitely a miracle worker for beginners, it can also cater to the more experienced bakers out there because of its advanced features.
You can, for example, make sourdough starter with it. You can also program it to make your own recipes if you already have tried and tested ones that you love. And if you have add-ins like nuts, raisins, or cranberries, it will even make a beeping noise for you when it’s the right time to mix them in. To top things off, you can choose from three crust colors which is pretty impressive to say the least.
Hamilton Beach Artisan Dough & Bread Maker
The best budget bread making machine.
Bread making machines can set you back by a lot but if you’re working with a tighter budget, the Hamilton Beach Artisan Dough & Bread Maker is a pretty good option. While it’s on the more affordable side, no corners were cut in terms of quality and you still get a wide range of settings to play around with. You get the typical settings like cake, jam, and gluten-free but there are also some unique ones that you wouldn’t normally find in other models. This includes settings for French bread as well as artisan bread which makes use of sourdough starter.
The most impressive thing about it is that it even has a couple of time-saving features that make it so much more convenient to use. It has an express setting that will have your bread ready for you in just two hours. This is pretty handy for when you’re in a rush and don’t have time to prepare. If you love your sleep, you can leave it to bake overnight and it will even keep your bread warm for you. It’s also very easy to clean up thanks to its dishwasher-safe pan and paddle.
Breville the Custom Loaf
The best high-end bread making machine.
If you’re serious about your bread and are willing to go all out for a high-end bread making machine, Breville the Custom Loaf is the one to splurge on. Anyone would be proud to display it in their kitchen given how beautiful it is, but there’s more to it than its looks. It’s priced the way it is because of its sophisticated features and a lot of other handy extras that are missing on other models. For starters, it can make loaves that are as massive as two and a half pounds while others usually max out at two. It also comes with 13 settings, allowing you to make gluten-free bread, extra crispy crusts, and many more.
If you want to add some extra ingredients to your bread, simply put them in the dispenser and they’ll automatically be incorporated into the mix once the time is right. The best part is that once your bread has been kneaded, the paddles fold automatically so that they don’t leave an unpleasant hole in your loaf. This also saves you from the hassle of having to manually remove them. Another convenient feature you get to enjoy is the built-in light which lets you check up on things without having to crack the lid open.
Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker
The best compact bread making machine.
If you want a bread maker but don’t have much space left on your kitchen countertop, you might be able to squeeze in the Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker. It’s a tiny machine, measuring in at just 10.25 x 13.25 x 11.25 inches, but don’t let its size fool you. It can make a 2-pound loaf with just as much ease as bigger models, plus it comes with 12 settings including one for packaged bread mixes. It also gives you control over crust color and will even remind you with a beep when it’s time to add your mix-ins.
Aside from being compact, it’s also affordable, making it ideal for aspiring bakers on a budget. But its low price point isn’t obvious just by looking at it, thanks to its beautiful brushed stainless steel exterior. It’s also impressive that it comes with an interior light so that you can check in on your loaf without opening the lid and disturbing its progress. All of these little details combined truly make it the best compact bread maker around.
Verdict
Bread making machines can cater to both beginner and advanced bakers.
Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker
Best overall bread maker
Hamilton Beach Artisan Dough & Bread Maker
Best budget break maker
The Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker is number one in our book because of its robust set of features. Whether you’re a beginner baker or have years of experience, it can help you make perfect bread every time. The Breville the Custom Loaf is another fantastic choice although it comes with a heftier price tag. But you might find it worth the splurge if you want advanced features that aren’t typically found on other models. As for those who need to stick to a tighter budget, there’s the Hamilton Beach Artisan Dough & Bread Maker. Despite its low price point, you get to play around with a handful of settings and features. As for the Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker, it’s the ideal pick for those who have limited space in the kitchen.
FAQs
Breville the Custom Loaf. It comes with a wide range of advanced features and settings, including one for gluten-free bread.
Both the Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker and the Hamilton Beach Artisan Dough & Bread Maker can make sourdough.
Both the Hamilton Beach Artisan Dough & Bread Maker and the Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker are good options for beginners on a budget.
The Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker is number one in our book because of its robust set of features. Whether you’re a beginner baker or have years of experience, it can help you make perfect bread every time.