The Best Bread Machines for Your Money

Baking your own bread is a good way to guarantee soft, fresh and delicious bread on demand.

But baking bread can be a pretty time- and labor-intensive process. Between measuring ingredients, kneading dough and allotting time for dough to rise and bake, it’s very easy to mess up and end up with a less-than-stellar loaf of bread. Bread machines do most of the work for you, ensuring you get consistent and delicious results — even on specialty breads like sourdough or gluten-free.

In a nutshell, bread machines handle the more involved parts of bread baking, allowing you to focus on adding ingredients at a specific time (which they helpfully point out) and simply “set it and forget it.”

Whether your budget is $80 or $300+, keep in mind the type of bread you want to bake when shopping for a machine. Because different breads require different ingredients, you might see a model that can bake white, whole grain and gluten-free breads — but not be capable of producing sourdough or pumpernickel.

Once you’ve found a model that can bake the bread you want, there are a few extra details to consider. Some models include extra features such as a choice of color of your bread’s finish (from light to dark toasting), the ability to mix in ingredients while the bread bakes (sunflower seeds, raisins, etc.), and even customizable programs to try your own non-standard recipes. More importantly, many models (including the ones on this list) feature a delayed start option that allows you to set it to begin baking bread overnight — perfect for waking up to warm, freshly baked bread.

Bread Machine Buying Guide

Before you rush to grab one of the useful kitchen appliances for your home, keep the following factors in mind:

• Appliance size. Bread machines are handy, but they’re pretty large appliances. Most models are about as wide and tall as a microwave. But some are smaller, or have different shapes that may work better in your kitchen. The Cuisinart CBK-110, for example, is built tall and thin to fit in small kitchens with limited counter space.

• Loaf size. Just because your bread machine takes up a lot of counter space doesn’t mean that it will make an equally large loaf of bread. Make sure to pick out a bread machine that will produce loaves that are large enough for your needs and there is plenty of fresh bread to go around the table come meal time. It's also nice to have the option to make breads in different sizes: While some bread machines have this versatility, others only make bread in a single size.

• Heating element. Many bread machines only use a heating plate at the bottom of the appliance, which can produce uneven browning on your bread. Some models have an additional heating plate on the top (like the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus), while others (like the Cuisinart CBK-200) use convection heating for a more even toast.

• Settings. Simply put, if you want to be able to bake more than just plain white bread, you’ll want to look for a bread machine with several baking settings. This way, you can try your hand at whole grain, yeast-free, gluten-free and more.

• Extra features. Depending on your needs, the extra features included with a specific bread machine can make or break your decision. Things such as a dedicated chute for fruits and nuts, a viewing window to track your bread’s baking progress, and dishwasher-safe pans are good perks.

The Best Bread Machines in 2023

1. Best overall: Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus

List Price: $462.50

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Loaf Size: 2 pounds | Size: 10.5” x 18” x 12.8” | Settings: 15

With 15 different baking settings and a design resembling a traditional bread box, Zojirushi’s Virtuoso Plus bread machine is one of the best-regarded models out there. Its control panel features large and easy-to-read buttons that make operating it simple, while the glass window lets you keep an eye on your bread as it bakes. It also features a heating element on its lid, which helps produce evenly browned bread every time.

The Virtuoso Plus is capable of baking bread such as white, whole wheat, gluten-free and even vegan. And it includes a recipe book to allow you to try out a few recipes while you get used to baking bread on your own. Once you’ve graduated from these recipes, you can program custom baking modes to try new, original recipes.

The Virtuoso Plus’s only downside, if you can consider it one, is that it only produces 2-pound loaves of bread. That might be a bit much for small households or infrequent bread eaters. This is also a bread maker that takes up a lot of counter space, so make sure to plan accordingly.

Pros

• Heating element produces evenly browned loaves
• Control panel features large, easy-to-read buttons
• Glass window for viewing bread while it bakes
• Ideal for gluten-free and vegan loaves

Cons

• Only makes bread in one size (2 pounds)
• Takes up a fair amount of counter space

2. Best for low prices: Hamilton Beach Bread Maker

List Price: $109.99

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Loaf Sizes: 1, 1.5, 2, pounds | Size: 16” x 10” x 10” | Settings: 14

Bread machines provide you with a great way to save time and money on your weekly or daily carb consumption, but they also represent a significant investment. Hamilton Beach’s budget model, on the other hand, is a solid compromise between cost and function. With 14 different baking settings, many common features such as crust color control and “keep warm,” and a price tag of about $100, it's a good option for home bakers on a budget.

This Hamilton Beach bread machine is fairly compact, about as tall as a blender, and slightly wider. It allows for loaves of bread of different sizes of 1, 1.5 or 2 pounds, which is great for small families who like to cook the occasional large meal. The baking pan and paddle are also dishwasher safe, which makes it a boon for anyone with limited cleaning time.

As expected from a budget model, the performance suffers with some types of bread, particularly gluten-free. Some users report inconsistent results if recipe instructions aren’t followed to the letter.

Pros

• Costs less than $100
• Features gluten-free settings
• Includes many common features and settings
• Can produce bread in three different sizes

Cons

• Loaf quality can be inconsistent if recipes aren’t followed
• Noisier than some other models

3. Best compact bread machine: Cuisinart CBK-110 Bread Maker

List Price: $128.00

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Loaf Sizes: 1, 1.5, 2 pounds | Size: 10.25” x 13.25” x 11.25” | Settings: 12

If you’ve always been curious about bread machines but feel your kitchen is too small for one, the compact Cuisinart CBK-110 Cuisinart Bread Maker might be a good fit. What sets this model apart from similar bread machines is its tall and narrow design, which helps it take up less space on countertops while still producing loaves up to 2 pounds. Of course, this means the loaves will be vertical, which isn’t ideal for sandwiches, but you can make it work with some creativity.

Regarding bread machines, the CBK-110 comes with all the features you’d expect from a $100+ model, including a “keep warm” setting, gluten-free baking and crust color control. It also has a small window to help you keep track of your bread’s progress as it bakes. The removable baking pan is non-stick, which makes cleanup easy, and a small recipe book is included to get you started on your home baking journey.

Pros

• Slim, tall design fits nicely in small kitchens
• Viewing window to monitor the baking process
• Non-stick removable baking pan for easy cleaning
• Recipe book included for getting started

Cons

• Tall loaves may not be ideal for sandwiches
• Bread pan can be tricky to secure

4. Best for multiple settings: Cuisinart CBK-200 Bread Maker

List Price: $309.99

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Loaf Size: 1, 1.5, 2 pounds | Size: 12” x 10.25” x 16.5” | Settings: 16

The Cuisinart CBK-200 is a terrific model for anyone looking to add variety to their home baking experience. With 16 different bake settings, the CBK-200 can handle several different bread types — white, whole grain, yeast-free and gluten-free.

The fact that it uses convection heating makes it one of the better models for an evenly browned crust, regardless of the type of bread. Convection heating is also faster overall, which is extra handy when using the “express” setting.

The CBK-200 also features customizable baking programs, which are useful for experimenting, and it even includes a low-carb setting for when you want to enjoy bread without messing up your diet. While it's a versatile and solid performer, it is pretty large — about as wide and tall as a microwave — so you'll want to ensure you have enough kitchen space for it.

Pros

• Sixteen settings for versatile use
• Convection baking delivers speed and consistency
• Customizable baking programs are ideal for experimenting
• Limited three-year warranty

Cons

• May not be ideal for baking gluten-free bread
• Takes up a lot of space

5. Editor's pick: Breville “the Custom Loaf” Bread Maker

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Loaf Sizes: 1, 1.5, 2 pounds | Size: 15.75” x 9.75” x 14” | Settings: 13

With a bread machine, it's easy to produce delicious and fresh homemade bread, even with ingredients such as oatmeal or raisins. Still, many bread machines require you to open the machine mid-process to dump these extras in, which can cause them to be unevenly distributed throughout your loaf. Breville’s “the Custom Loaf” bread machine avoids this by including a dedicated fruits and nuts chute.

In addition, this model includes 13 different settings, allowing for a variety of different breads, and it can make loaves between 1 and 2 pounds. Like any good bread machine, it has three different crust color settings (light, medium, dark) and a 13-hour delay start function, which is useful for baking overnight.

Besides regular bread, “the Custom Loaf” machine can make pasta and pizza dough, and it includes a “bake only” setting. Be aware that while this Breville model is outstanding overall, it carries a high price tag to match. It can also produce unevenly browned loaves occasionally, so pay close attention when baking.

Pros

• Fruit/nut dispenser for adding ingredients mid-bake
• Suitable for loaves between 1 and 2 pounds
• Delayed start function is ideal for overnight baking
• Suitable for making pasta and pizza dough

Cons

• Very expensive for a bread machine
• Loaves may occasionally be unevenly browned

People Also Ask

Q: Are there any special features that make certain machines stand out?

A: Several special features can make certain bread machines stand out from others. Many modern bread machines offer LCD displays with timer controls and various programs, multiple loaf size and crust color options, "delay start" capabilities and even automatic ingredient dispensers. Other features to look out for include kneading paddles, removable parts for easy cleaning and gluten-free settings.

Q: What is the difference between a basic and a premium model?

A: Basic bread machines offer basic baking functions such as kneading, baking and maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the baking process. Premium models typically offer more advanced features like programmable timers, multiple loaf sizes and crust colors. They can also come equipped with extra accessories such as a slow cooker or yogurt maker. Additionally, premium models tend to be more durable due to their higher-quality construction.

Q: What is the average cost of a good quality bread machine?

A: A good quality bread machine costs around $100 to $200, although prices can vary depending on brand and features. Basic models typically range from $50 to $100 while top-of-the-line models may cost upwards of $400 or more.

Q: How often should I replace my bread machine and what kind of maintenance does it require?

A: Bread machines can last anywhere from five to 10 years if properly maintained. The only maintenance your bread machine will require is cleaning of the interior walls and components such as the kneading paddle or dough hook. Additionally, you should periodically check for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or broken parts, that may indicate it's time to replace your machine.

Q: Are there any specific safety issues to watch out for when using a bread machine?

A: There are several safety issues to consider when using a bread machine. Always make sure to unplug the machine from the wall outlet when not in use, as well as keep all loose items away from its moving parts. Ensure that all accessories such as kneading paddles are securely attached before operating the machine. Lastly, never attempt to repair or disassemble the bread machine yourself, as this could lead to potential injury or electric shock.

Why Trust Us

Our commitment to the consumer begins with product selection and ends with the last word we write in each article. Each bread machine is carefully vetted quantitatively through star ratings and the number of reviews and qualitatively through careful examination of reviews and the features each one has to offer. Leveraging our team of bargain hunters, we’re also always sure to keep your budget in mind while we find the best bread machines on the market. Our team of experts is dedicated to accurately depicting the pros and cons of each bread machine, translating technical product specifications into information you can understand. Our mission is to help you make and enjoy the most delicious homemade bread for your money.

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