Why do you need a bread machine? Number one reason for purchasing a bread maker – you can control what you eat. The bread from the shelf in the shop might be tasty, yet - how healthy is it? Do you know which ingredients are in the bread loaf you just bought?
The store sold bread contains a lot of preservatives and other additives in order to keep the bread fresh for longer. Did you ever leave the store bought bread outside for some time? It takes literally weeks for it to get moldy, and this is not okay! Finding out what's the best bread machine is a great way to begin taking back control from the profit driven food manufacturers.
Organic foods usually go bad pretty quickly, since no chemicals are preserving the ‘freshness’ of the bread loaf. However, these additives are not good for our health either. That is why I prefer to make my own organic non GMO bread.
Today, we look into the best breads machines to buy. I have analysed a number of them and came up with a list of the best rated bread makers based on customer reviews.
We will look into and give you the key features and the technical specifications of these amazing appliances that offer so much convenience. The following buying guide should certainly be able to help your purchasing decision.
Ready? Let’s start with the understanding of what makes a bread machine a good one.
*Notice: On mobile devices, scroll right to see entire table.
Product Name | Our Rating | Check Price |
|---|---|---|
The Best Small Bread Machine | ||
The Best Large Bread Maker Machines | ||
Best Inexpensive Bread Machines | ||
Things To Consider When Buying A Bread Machine
A Best Buy bread maker will be able to bake loaves that are evenly thick, have a great crust, taste good and still be airy and light inside the bread. Those bread makers that produce loaves with large holes, sunken tops, burnt crusts and bottoms, definitely do not warrant your attention.
Yet, what are the main things to look at, when buying a bread maker?
Pricing
As per the pricing of the bread machine, the higher the price, the more features you can expect. The higher priced models will deliver the prettier and more even loaves of bread to your table.
Nevertheless, the lower price range models are also producing good quality bread loaves. Bread machines’ prices usually fluctuate somewhere between $60 and $300, so you can definitely find a bread maker within your budget.
Kneading Paddles
Kneading paddles come in all different shapes. Most of the bread machines come with at least one paddle, but the recommended amount of kneading paddles is two. This is due to the ability of both paddles being able to blend your ingredients better.
Some of the bread machines will offer special kneading paddles for pasta in addition to the one for bread dough. Moreover, machines with just one paddle might offer an additional (spare) paddle too.
One of the key things to pay attention to – is whether the kneading paddles of your bread machine are removable. This is important since you would want to remove the paddle before baking cycle in order not to have holes in your finished loaf. Some of the bread machines have a feature of notifying you when the paddles need to be removed.
Delayed Timer
The delayed timer is a great feature to look for when purchasing a bread machine. This function allows you to choose the time when you want your bread to start baking.
For instance, you can combine the ingredients in the baking pan the night before and set the time to start baking bread at 5 AM. Like this, as soon as you wake up, you can enjoy an amazingly fresh warm loaf of home-made bread. Think of how great your house will smell?!?
Noise
Kneading and mixing cycles are quite noisy, and it might be quite challenging to find the bread maker that does not make sounds. However, the levels of noise differ from one producer to another.
Moreover, some of the bread machines tend to move while in the process of mixing and kneading. Thus, they can move around and even fall off the counter. Hence, I would suggest making sure that you buy a good material quality bread maker that does not dance on your table.
Alarm
In case you plan to bake bread with some additives like berries or nuts, make sure your bread machines will notify you when to add these ingredients.
Remember, you would want to add them 3 minutes before the second kneading cycle is finished, so they are not completely crushed by the paddles.
Specialty Items
If you are willing to experiment with more than just a basic bread, look for special features in the bread machine. Some of the specialty settings include pizza dough, cake, jam, noodles, gluten-free bread, wheat bread, sourdough bread, or bread with nuts and seeds.
While using these settings, the machine tells you when to add them in.
Programmable Options
In general, bread machines do not differ much in pricing from brand to brand or based on the size of bread it bakes. However, when it comes to programmable options, the more of them you want – the more it will cost. Programmable options imply that you will be able to control, for example, the size of the loaf or the color of the crust.
As you can see, programmable options provide you a great level of control. Moreover, some of the bread machines come with the pre-programmable options. These include gluten-free, whole wheat, French, sweet, etc. Some higher end models will give you an opportunity to customize your own baking cycles.
Selecting The Right Bread Machine For Yourself
In this section, we will look into actual bread maker models that exist on the market. For the purpose of convenience, I grouped the bread makers by size and price of the models.
In the size section, we will discuss the best small bread machine and best large bread machine. As for the price section, I will go over two models of bread makers that are the best quality for the price.
The Best Small Bread Machine
For the small size bread machines category, I chose the following bread maker models:
Oster CKSTBRTW20 2-Pound Expressbake Bread Machine
This electric bread machine is able to produce a 2-pound loaf of bread in less than an hour with the help of its Expressbake cycle. This is one of the key competitive advantages of this bread machine. If you are looking for a faster bread maker, Oster 2-Pound Expressbake Bread Machine might be just the right choice for you.
- Color White
- Bread Capacity 2 lb
- Different Loaf Sizes Yes
- Programs 12
- Timer Yes
- Crust Selection Yes
- Notable Feature Expressbake (1 hour cycle)
Overview
The Oster 2-Pound Expressbake Bread Machine is offering a 13-hour delay timer that allows you to properly plan your bread making schedule. People enjoy the delay timer feature, as it gave them an opportunity to have freshly baked bread when they arrived home or first thing in the morning.
Source: walmart.com
OUR RATING
The highlights of the Oster 2-Pound Expressbake Bread Machine’s characteristics comprise:
- The Oster Expressbake Breadmaker makes 1-2-lb. family size loaves
- 9 bread settings for a variety of bread, dough, and jams
- Expressbake setting
- 13-hour delay timer
- Audible signal notification
- Large glass viewing window
- Removable lid for easy cleaning
- Non-stick aluminium bread pan
- Large easy to read LCD screen
- Cool-touch exterior
- The bread maker machine includes measuring cup, spoon and kneading blade
What is worthy to note, this appliance has 9 different bread baking settings, which includes a healthy gluten-free setting also. Oster 2-Pound Expressbake Bread Machine provides you with 3 crust settings in addition to the 9 bread settings. The item is also able to produce special dishes like jams and cakes.
The appliance has an LCD display and a large viewing window that allows you to monitor the bread while it is baking. The Oster 2-Pound Expressbake Bread Machine comes with a detachable baking pan and has a single kneading paddle. Moreover, this bread machine comes with an instruction manual, recipe book, measuring spoon, and measuring cup.
Zojirushi BB-HAC10 Home Bakery 1-Pound-Loaf Programmable Mini Breadmaker
Zojirushi 1-Pound-Loaf Programmable Mini Breadmaker is a small bread maker that produces a 1-pound loaf of bread. This bread machine is perfect for small families or just one person.
- Color White
- Bread Capacity 1 lb
- Different Loaf Sizes No
- Programs 8
- Timer Yes
- Texture Selection Yes
- Notable Feature Compact design
Overview
The small size of this bread machine is very convenient. Since homemade bread spoils just two-three days after cooking due to the lack of preservatives, small loaves from the 1-Pound-Loaf Programmable Mini Breadmaker are just right!
Zojirushi 1-Pound-Loaf Programmable Mini Breadmaker is a vertical bread machine, which is also an advantage since it takes much less counter space. This appliance offers different settings for baking bread. You can choose the texture of your bread: regular, firm, or soft.
Source: zojirushi.com
OUR RATING
Summing up the key features of Zojirushi 1-Pound-Loaf Programmable Mini Breadmaker:
- Produces 1 pound loaves of cakes or bread
- Perfect vertical design for smaller kitchens
- Viewing window
- Non-stick baking pan and kneading blade are extremely durable
- Option to choose your bread texture
- Measuring spoon & measuring cup included
- Comes with the new cookie/pasta dough setting
- Additional settings for making french bread, cake, dough, or jam
- “Quick Baking” cycle that allows you to make bread in less than 2 hours
- Dimensions are 11″ x 8″ x 12″
- Convenient 13-hour delay timer
- Carrying handle
- Help video, user’s manual, and a booklet that provides popular recipes
Moreover, you can choose between regular and light crust. Also, this appliance has a “Quick Baking” cycle that allows you to make bread in less than 2 hours. Furthermore, it is able to bake French bread, pasta/cookie dough, and cakes. The jam setting is available, too.
This appliance has one kneading paddle, which is more than enough for 1-pound bread loaf. In addition, this device comes with a detachable baking pan, so it is easily cleanable. Also, this bread machine comes with a viewing window that allows you to observe the baking process. FUN! Great way to involve the kids.
The Best Large Bread Maker Machines
Th Panasonic - SD-YD250 Automatic Bread Maker with Yeast Dispenser is definitely the best machine for making larger loaves of bread.
Panasonic SD-YD250 Automatic Bread Maker With Yeast Dispenser
Even though most of the bread machines have the same baking settings, this is not the case with the Panasonic SD-YD250 Automatic Bread Maker with Yeast Dispenser, as you can tell from the name. This model has an automatic yeast dispenser on the lid.
- Color White
- Bread Capacity 1.36 lb
- Different Loaf Sizes Yes
- Programs 10
- Timer Yes
- Crust Selection Yes
- Notable Feature YeastPro - Yeast Dispenser
Overview
You just need to add the correct amount of yeast, and the appliance releases it at just the right moment. Yeast is a very important component of bread dough, as it is playing the crucial role in making your bread perfect.
Panasonic SD-YD250 Automatic Bread Maker produces bread loaves in three different sizes: 1.5-, 2-, or 2.5-pounds. Therefore, this appliance is a perfect fit for larger families. This model of bread machine is also perfect for those who do not want to bother with a number of different settings.
The device offers rapid baking cycle, which allows you to bake bread in about two hours. Moreover, Panasonic SD-YD250 Automatic Bread Maker has a 13-hour delay timer, which is very convenient for people on-the-go.
Source: shop.panasonic.com
OUR RATING
The Panasonic SD-YD250 Automatic Bread Maker comes with a removable bake pan, single kneading blade, measuring spoon, and measuring cup. Summary of Panasonic SD-YD250 Automatic Bread Maker characteristics includes the following:
- Makes a rectangular vertical 1.5-, 2-, or 2.5-pound loaf
- Bakes bread in 2 hours
- Has an automatic yeast dispenser
- Has basic pre-programmed settings: Basic, Whole Wheat, Multi-Grain, French, Pizza, and Cake
- Has 3 crust settings: light, medium, dark
- Comes with instruction manual, recipe book, removable bake pan and single kneading blade, measuring spoon, and measuring cup
- 13-hour delay start timer
- Non-stick inner bake pan and built-in handle
This Panasonic Bread Maker have complicated settings, and simply concentrates on delivering the best dough and bread for you. The device has three different crust options: light, medium, and dark.
Moreover, the Panasonic SD-YD250 Automatic Bread Maker provides a myriad of baking settings: basic, whole wheat, multigrain, French, pizza, and cake. Also, this appliance has an alarm feature that allows you to add the desired ingredients at the right time.
Verdict
Nowadays, more and more people prefer to eat organic food. Shop owners also know this trend and easily take advantage of it – organic products simply cost more. But why pay additional money for organic bread with no GMOs and preservatives when you can make your very own loaf of bread?
In the previous section, we discussed a number of models based on their size. Two bread machines were nominated as the best small machines:
Zojirushi 1-Pound-Loaf Programmable Mini Breadmaker is a small bread maker that produces a 1-pound loaf of bread. This bread machine is perfect for small families or just one person.
Another candidate is Oster 2-Pound Expressbake Bread Machine with 13-Hour Delay Timer. This electric bread machine is able to produce a 2-pound loaf of bread in less than an hour with the help of its Expressbake cycle. This comes as one of the key competitive advantages of this bread machine.
Since homemade bread tends to spoil in just two-three days after baking, I recommend considering one of the above models, if you are a small family or just one person.
As per the best large bread machine, our candidate Panasonic SD-YD250 Automatic Bread Maker does a great job. This bread machine produces bread loaves in three different sizes: 1.5-, 2-, or 2.5-pounds. Therefore, this appliance would be a perfect fit for larger families.
Best Inexpensive Bread Machines
In the best, yet more affordable bread machine category, the following models of bread makers were chosen:
Cuisinart CBK-100 2 LB Bread Maker
The Cuisinart CBK-100 2 LB Bread Maker is a modern bread maker that is able to make 1-, 1.5-, or 2-pound loaves of bread. The appliance features 12 pre-programmed settings, including gluten-free, pasta dough, and packet mix.
- Color Silver
- Bread Capacity 2 lb
- Different Loaf Sizes Yes
- Programs 12
- Timer Yes
- Crust Selection Yes
- Notable Feature Power interruption protection
Overview
The latter option allows you to just place a mix of ready ingredients into the baking pan if you don’t want to worry about finding all the different ingredients to make your bread. Moreover, this bread machine offers 3 crust settings: light, medium, and dark.
Moving on, the Cuisinart CBK-100 2 LB Bread Maker also has a 13-hour delay timer that you can take advantage of if you are desirous of fresh and warm bread but are limited on time. The viewing window of Cuisinart bread machine allows you to monitor the progress of your bread.
What is more, this bread maker has a detachable baking tin, a single removable kneading paddle, measuring spoon, and measuring cup. The device has a very nice sleek design that will perfectly fit in your kitchen. It has a remarkable feature that certainly is a plus for big families – power interruption protection.
Source: cuisinart.com
OUR RATING
The characteristics of Cuisinart CBK-100 2 LB Bread Maker include:
- Makes a classic horizontal 1-, 1.5-, 2-pound loaf
- Bakes bread in 2 hours, with a 13-hour delay timer
- Beautiful silver design
- Large viewing window
- 12 pre-programmed settings: basic, French, whole wheat, sweet, gluten-free, packet mix, cake, dough, pasta dough, jam, bake-only, and rapid bake
- 3 crust settings: light, medium, and dark
- Comes with instruction manual, “foolproof” recipe book, removable bake pan with a single removable kneading blade, measuring spoon, and measuring cup
- Power interruption protection
Sometimes it happens that a lot of working devices in one house can cause an overwork of the electricity system. As a consequence, the electric power can go off, causing all the appliances to switch off.
Don’t worry - your Cuisinart CBK-100 2 LB Bread Maker remembers the stage it was in and can come back to that cycle when the power is back on. Note, that this function works when the power is off for short period of time.
Oster CKSTBRTW20 2-Pound Expressbake Bread Machine
We discussed the characteristics of this particular bread maker above in the section the best small bread machine. It happens that this Oster bread maker also has a very appealing price. Therefore, it is also presented in the category of the most affordable bread machines.
Conclusion
Many people purchase bread machines in order to make homemade fresh bread. Others might be tired of the store bought bread or they want to control what they eat. In addition, a bread machine will also save you a lot of money in the long term.
In the previous section we presented two models of bread machines that are under $75. Both of these bread machines feature an amazing number of various functions.
The Cuisinart CBK-100 2 LB Bread Maker is a modern bread maker that is able to make 1-, 1.5-, or 2-pound loaves of bread. The appliance features 12 pre-programmed settings, including gluten-free, pasta dough, and packet mix.
The other candidate was also presented in the size section of our discussion. Aside from its 9 different bread baking settings, which includes a gluten-free setting, the Oster 2-Pound Expressbake Bread Machine has an attractive price. Moreover, this product is able to produce special dishes like jams and cakes.
Where both of these models might be considered as a best bread machine for the money, I would go with Oster, since this machine produces bread in a very timely manner - in addition to the number of other outstanding features.
For you to decide what's the best bread machine, you have to look at your own needs and figure out which one best fits your family and lifestyle needs.
