How To Find The Best Bread Machine For Your Needs

The smell of fresh bread is something that I have loved since childhood.  It’s funny, such a minimal number of ingredients, yet a total art form to make delicious fresh bread.  That is, until the invention of the bread maker.  The bread machine takes care of the different phases of making bread, from mixing, kneading, letting the dough rise, and finally baking the bread all in one machine.  While baking your own bread can be an awesome experience, it is also time consuming.  Sometimes you just want a fresh warm loaf of bread with dinner without the hassle.  The goal of this website is to help you find the perfect bread maker for you, as well as provide tips to finding the best bread machine for the best price. See our Ultimate Comparison guide below

Picture
Product
Size
Price
Rating
Accessories
Zojirushi BB-HAC10 Home Bakery 8 x 11 x 12 188 4.7 Non-Stick Kneeding blade, baking pan, recipes
Zojirushi BB-PAC20 Home Bakery Virtuoso 18 x 10.5 x 13 279 4.6 Measuring spoon, measuring cup, user manual with recipes, removable nonstick bread pan for easy cleaning
Zojirushi BB-PAC20 Home Bakery Virtuoso Breadmaker Bundle 18 x 13 x 10.5 279 4.9 Heavy-duty stainless measuring cup set; stainless steel measuring Spoons, 4-Piece Set;Gluten-Free Baking Classics for The Bread Machine Paperback Book
Oster CKSTBRTW20 2-Pound Expressbake Breadmaker 13.8 x 13 x 14.1 47.25 4.3 Recipe book
West Bend 2 Lb. Breadmaker 11.5 x 17.3 x 12.5 59 4.3 Non-stick coated 2 lb loaf pan, instruction book that comes with the manual
Sunbeam 5891 2-Pound Programmable Breadmaker 19 x 13.5 x 14 65.13 4.2 Removable nonstick baking pan, instructions with recipes included
Panasonic SD-YD250 Automatic Bread Maker with Yeast Dispenser 14 x 13.5 x 9 129.99 4.3 Includes measuring spoon, measuring cup, kneading blade, and recipe booklet; Includes recipes for 40 breads and doughs, plus baking tips
Zojirushi BBCCX20 Home Bakery Supreme Bread Machine 19 x 14 x 12 219.95 4.3 Comes with a detailed manual, a recipe booklet, and a how-to video.
West Bend 41300 Hi-Rise Electronic Dual-Blade Breadmaker 18 x 10.5 x 11.8 94.99 4.1 Measuring cup and spoon, knead-blade removal tool, and instructions with recipes included
Hamilton Beach HomeBaker 29881 2 lb. Bread Machine 17 x 13 x 13 49.29 4.4 Nonstick pan for easy cleanup in dishwasher. Includes extra kneading paddle.
Rosewill R-BM-01 Programmable Bread Maker 11 x 15 x 13.8 57.99 4.5 measuring cup and spoon; Dishwasher safe, non-stick bread pan& kneading blade
Emeril by T-fal OW5005001 3-Pound Automatic Bread Machine – Baguette and Bread Maker 23 x 14 x 8 537 4.1 Includes nonstick loaf pan and baguette trays, baker’s brush, finishing blade, and recipes
Panasonic SD-RD250 Bread Maker with Automatic Fruit & Nut Dispenser 12.8 x 11.1 x 14. 139.04 4.2 Accessories include a measuring cup, measuring spoon, and recipe booklet with great tasting ideas for getting started.
Oster CKSTBR9050 Expressbake Bread Maker 13.5 x 12.1 x 13.2 79.99 4.4 Measuring cup, a measuring scoop, two kneading blades, and a hook-shaped kneading-blade removal tool; A user manual with step-by-step instructions and recipes comes included.
DeLonghi Bread Maker 9.2 x 15.2 x 12.5 188.09 4.3 Recipe book
Cuisinart CBK-100 2-Pound Programmable Breadmaker 18 x 12.2 x 15 75.49 4 Stay-cool handles; measuring cup, measuring spoon, and recipes included
Zojirushi BB-CEC20 Home Bakery Supreme Breadmaker Bakers Bundle 17 x 8.5 x 12.25 249 4.5 Includes an easy-to-follow instruction video, manual and recipe booklet
Breadman TR520 2 lb. Bread Maker 13.5 x 12.2 x 13.5 58.99 4 A paddle comes attached to electrical cord. Removable lid, and a nonstick baking pan for quick cleanup.
Panasonic: NEW Home bakery SD-BMS105-SW Silver White 24.1 × 30.4 x 34.5 275 5
Breville BBM800XL Custom Loaf Bread Maker 9.6 x 16.4 x 13.3 249.95 4.2 46 step by step recipes (basic, whole wheat, gluten free, crusty loaf, sweet, yeast free, dough, jam as well custom recipe charts)
Cuisinart BMKR-200PC Fully Automatic Compact Bread Maker, 2-Pound 14.5 x 12.5 x 8.2 101.52 4 Includes measuring cup, measuring spoon and instruction/recipe book
Cooks Essentials 2lb Capacity Bread Machine 54.49 4.8 Nonstick bread pan Kneading paddle Manual w/recipes
Oster 5838 58-Minute Expressbake Breadmaker 15.6 x 12.5 x 12.3 65.6 3.8 Aluminum bread pan, kneading paddle, user manual
Oster 5838 White Bread maker 2lb 18Settings Non-Stick Pan (5838) – 106.99 5 Easy to use manual with over 50 recipes included

Things to consider when choosing a bread maker

The following items should be considered when you are looking for your first bread machine, or possibly looking to upgrade your previous model.

  • Budget
  • Descriptions
  • Capacity
  • Settings
  • Recipes

Budget

Bread machines cover a broad range of prices, you can literally spend what you want.  Looking for a simple bread maker that can give you the convenience of fresh bread in your own home without breaking the bank? There are machines out there for you.  Are you a techie that loves appliances and only the best? You can certainly find a bread machine to fit your needs as well.  One thing to remember is that bread makers are priced according to the features that they offer, keep in mind your situation and what features will make for the best bread maker for you.  An expensive machine loaded with features doesn’t necessarily mean that it is the best bread machine for your needs.  Quality is important however, and you can get idea of the quality of the machine by reading the reviews of this site as well as others online.

Descriptions

The descriptions of the machines can give you a general idea of whether or not the bread maker will be a good fit for you.  Things like LCD screens and timers are usually listed on sites like Amazon under the product descriptions.  Looking for a bread machine that will match your kitchen? You will find that many machines come in a few different colors for the stylish and savvy bread enthusiast.

Capacity and Size

These two categories are, in my opinion, the most important factors in deciding what machine you will purchase.  Are you looking for fresh loaves of bread for a family of 5 or just for yourself with dinner?  The capacity of the machine will dictate the size of the loaf of bread… Most give a “lb” descriptor as a guide.  One thing to remember, while a freshly made loaf of bread is one of the tastiest items around, bread machine bread is made without preservatives.  This means that a short time after being made the bread quality deteriorates.  I would not recommend making loaves of bread for the week as they get hard and stale quickly.  Therefore, it is advised to not buy these machines with the thoughts of making multiple loaves and saving them.  The physical size of the machine is another thing that needs to be looked at before purchasing.  Having fresh bread is great, having a bread maker that you need to keep on the floor because it won’t fit your counter-space is not….. Take measurements if you have to, but do not over look this simple step as some machines can be rather clunky.

Settings

Bread makers often come with multiple settings, sometimes too many.  Take a look at the different settings and features of each machine that you think will suit your needs.  Will you use these settings? More settings will usually mean a higher price point per machine, don’t pay for settings that you won’t use.  With that being said, it also helps to check and see what types of accessories accompany the machine you are looking for.  Some will come with separate kneading tools, arms and spatulas.  If you get lucky you might even find a bread machine that comes with a great bread knife.

Recipes

At the very least you should be looking for a machine that comes with a basic recipe guide with a few different types of loaves of bread.  Some machines will come with many more types of recipes that work well with the temperature settings of the machine.  Also, there are some bread makers that will offer recipes for those concerned with consuming gluten or rather a gluten-free loaf of bread.

Best Bread Machine Guide’s Top Picks

The following are our top three picks for the best bread makers on the market.  While these picks only reflect our opinion they are based on price, rating and reviews.  Keep in mind that most expensive doesn’t always mean it will receive a top pick.  If you feel that the information provided on this site helps you to make a buying decision and you purchase through our link we greatly appreciate and thank you.  It is our goal to provide you with non-biased reviews for the best products out there.

Panasonic SD-YD250 Automatic Bread Maker with Yeast
Dispenser

The Panasonic SD-YD250 has the highest number of reviews on amazon, over 1500, and with that number of reviews it has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5.  There are over 1000 5 star reviews on this machine.  The numbers just don’t lie, this thing is the real deal.  The reason that this machine is so highly rated is the amount of versatility that is build right in.  You have 3 loaf sizes and 3 crust shades to choose from, six different types of bread/dough options and an automatic yeast dispenser that adds yeast at the exact time necessary.  This makes for a machine that you buy once, you won’t outgrow as your family grows and will make you perfect loaves time and time again.  Addition accessories with the purchase include a recipe book with 40 recipes, measuring cups, and measuring spoons.  It should also be noted that this model received the Good House Keeping Seal of Approval.

Pros

  • Extremely versatile
  • No viewing window for more even, consistent results
  • Yeast Dispenser

Cons

  • It has been reported as loud when mixing
  • Might move around on counter due to mixing

Zojirushi BB-HAC10 Home Bakery 1-Pound-Loaf Programmable Mini Breadmaker

The Zojirushi BB-HAC10 Home Bakery mini bread maker is the perfect bread machine for every day life.  With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 by customers on amazon, it is safe to say that many people will agree.  This bread machine is programmable and will produce a 1lb loaf….perfect for a small family.  That is not the only feature that makes this an extremely well like bread maker.  The BB-HAC10 allows for three bread textures that can be selected as well as two crust settings.  Multiple menu settings allow for basic bread, french bread, cookies, pasta, and cake/quick breads. The 13hr delay timer allows you to either wake up to the smell of bread baking or come home to a fresh loaf with dinner.

Pros

  • Size (extremely small and sleek to fit in small apartments/counterspaces)
  • quick bake cycle

Cons

  • Some reported the “keep warm cycle” toasts bread too much
  • Recipe book recipes have been reported “dry”

 Zojirushi BB-PAC20 Bakery Virtuoso Bread Maker

This is the “Rolls Royce” of the bread machine world.  The phrase “you get what you pay for” definitely applies here.  Out of the 262 reviews on amazon, 83% of those were a 5 star rating and it is easy to see why.  This machine comes with measuring spoons and cups and dual kneading blades to get the job done effectively.  The BB-PAC20 makes a 2lb loaf and has a quick baking 2hr cycle.  There are 3 crust shades to choose from as well as 10 pre programmed baking settings.  I am going to go ahead and recommend the “Bundle” option as it appears in amazon for one reason.  The Gluten Free Recipe book that is included.  This Zojirushi machine comes with a gluten free cycle to allow those with Celiacs or just trying to limit gluten to still enjoy a fresh loaf of bread.

Pros

  • Gluten Free Setting and recipe book
  • Easy to use instructions

Cons

  • A bit pricey
  • Noise

Wrap Up

Those are our top three picks for the best bread machine in no particular order based on amazon reviews and options that we feel are the most important in a bread maker.  Feel free to browse the bread maker reviews to see more detailed reviews of every bread maker included in the bread machine guide.