The 8 Best Bread Machines of 2024

Something about freshly baked bread makes meals feel a bit more luxurious. Whether it’s a sandwich on a crusty baguette or sweet French toast on a homemade brioche, warm baked bread is a great way to elevate any recipe. And while you don’t need too many tools to whip up a delicious loaf at home, a high-quality bread machine can make the process a lot easier.

“Breadmaking is as much of a science as it is an art,” says Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon. “While you do not need a bread machine to make bread, a bread machine can make it easier for a beginner to get a decent loaf of bread, shortening the learning curve a bit.”

When shopping for the best bread machine for your kitchen, Raymond Neil of TD Kitchen suggests, “Think about the kind of bread you want to make and how much space you have in your kitchen. You should also look at the different settings and controls and consider how easy the machine is to clean.”

To help you find the best bread machine for your kitchen, we spent hours researching the category, considering factors such as size, capacity, user-friendliness, and special features.

Our list of best bread machines has plenty of options to help you whip up a wide variety of artisan breads, cakes, and doughs.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker at Amazon ($130)

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Best Budget:

Amazon Basics Nonstick Bread Making Machine at Amazon ($65)

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Best Splurge:

Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Bread Maker at Amazon ($400)

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Best Compact:

Zojirushi Home Bakery Mini Breadmaker at Amazon ($204)

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Best Large:

West Bend High-Rise Bread Maker at Amazon ($102)

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Best for Beginners:

Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker at Amazon ($80)

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Best Automatic:

Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker at Amazon ($300)

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Best Settings:

KBS Large 17-in-1 Bread Machine at Amazon ($150)

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Best Overall

Cuisinart CBK-110 Compact Automatic Bread Maker

Amazon

View On Amazon $130 View On Target $130 View On Wayfair $110

Why You Should Get It

It’s easy to use, and the wide range of settings makes this the perfect bread maker for both new and experienced bakers.

Keep in Mind

Certain steps have to be done manually, so it’s not quite a “set it and forget it” appliance.

The Cuisinart CBK-110 is a complete bread-making system that can be comfortably used on any kitchen countertop thanks to its compact size and full-size vertical baking cavity. It features 12 pre-programmed menu options for a wide variety of breads, from French to white to whole wheat, and even cakes and doughs.

You can choose from three crust shades (light, medium, and dark) as well as three different loaf sizes (1, 1.5, and 2 pounds). There is also a timer option with a 13-hour delay start, making it convenient to start your bread-baking at any time.

Keep in mind that, while super effective, this bread machine does require some supervision. For example, mix-ins have to be added manually after the sound of a beep. You also must make sure that your initial dough isn't too wet, too dry, or sticking to the sides of the bread vessel. However, the removable kneading paddle and bread pan make for easy cleanup. We also like that the lid is outfitted with a viewing window, so you can monitor your bread as it bakes.

Product Details: Dimensions: 10.25 x 13.25 x 11.25 inches | Number of Settings/Cycles: 12 pre-programmed menu options | Loaf Weight: 1, 1.5, or 2 pounds

Best Budget

Amazon

View On Amazon $65

Why You Should Get It

The convenient ExpressBake setting makes bread in less than 90 minutes.

Keep in Mind

This is a lightweight machine that tends to move during the kneading process.

Looking for the best bread machine on a budget? This Amazon Basics 2-Pound Bread Making Machine gives you all the essentials for whipping up delicious loaves of fresh-baked bread for less money than other picks on this list. Measuring just under 12 inches deep and 6 inches wide, this small bread machine offers a full-size, non-stick interior vertical baking pan that can hold up to a 2-pound loaf.

The machine automatically mixes, kneads, rises, and bakes bread. There are 14 settings for baking different types of bread, dough, gluten-free options, jams, and more. You also get three crust color options—light, medium, and dark. But our favorite feature might be the ExpressBake setting, which allows you to bake a loaf in less than 90 minutes.

Keep in mind that because this machine is more lightweight than other options, it’s not uncommon for it to inch across the countertop during the kneading process. However, placing a kitchen towel underneath its legs can easily fix this issue.

Product Details: Dimensions: 11.7 x 5.6 x 11.5 inches | Number of Settings/Cycles: 14 pre-programmed settings | Loaf Weight: 2 pounds

Best Splurge

Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Bread Maker

Amazon

View On Amazon $400 View On Wayfair $400 View On Williams-Sonoma $400

Why You Should Get It

This is one of the most consistent bread makers on the market, thanks to its double-kneading blades.

Keep in Mind

This bread machine is larger and heavier than other options on our list.

Zojirushi has been making high-quality home products since 1918, and this programmable bread-making machine lives up to the brand’s reputation.

Like your standard bread machine, you can make artisan breads, doughs, jams, and even meatloaf, across its 15 pre-programmed settings. This bread maker also features specific baking cycles that accommodate gluten-free and organic baking ingredients. We also like that you can select a quick baking cycle that prepares bread in about two hours.

In addition, dual kneading blades thoroughly knead the dough, resulting in more consistent results. The baking pan can hold up to a 2-pound loaf. There’s also an additional heater on the lid to ensure even baking.

Keep in mind that while well worth the investment based on performance, this machine is a lot heavier and bulkier than other options. It will work best for those with ample counter space.

Product Details: Dimensions: 10.5 x 18 x 12.88 inches | Number of Settings/Cycles: 15 pre-programmed settings | Loaf Weight: 2 pounds

Best Compact

Zojirushi BB-HAC10 Home Bakery Mini Breadmaker

Amazon

View On Amazon $204 View On Wayfair $255 View On Walmart $255

Why You Should Get It

Built-in handles make this bread machine extremely easy to move around.

Keep in Mind

Crusts tend to be crunchier than with other bread machines.

For anyone looking for a smaller bread maker that’s both high quality and easy to use, the Zojirushi BB-HAC Mini Breadmaker is a great option. With 450 watts of power and 8 settings, this programmable bread maker produces 1-pound loaves of cakes or breads, as well as fresh fruit jams and dough for cookies or pasta.

It features a nonstick kneading blade and a basic baking function with three settings—soft, regular, or firm—as well as a quick baking cycle to prepare breads in under two hours. It also includes a bonus instructional video, manual, and easy-to-follow recipe book.

When it comes to convenience, this handy kitchen appliance is a worthy competitor. A built-in handle makes the Zojirushi Mini Bread Maker portable and easy to move around, which means it is a great option for campers and RVs. The removable baking insert and lid also make cleanup a breeze.

Keep in mind that this bread machine doesn’t give you much control over your crust. As a result, crusts tend to come out crunchier than those from other machines on our list.

Product Details: Dimensions: 11.25 x 8.5 x 12.25 inches | Number of Settings/Cycles: 8 pre-programmed settings | Loaf Weight: 1 pound

Best Large

Amazon

View On Amazon $102 View On Walmart $102

Why You Should Get It

Three-level crust control allows you to create a perfectly even crust on even your largest loaves.

Keep in Mind

This bread machine tends to be a little more challenging to use than other options on our list.

If you often find yourself baking for a crowd, the West Bend High-Rise Bread Maker is a fantastic choice. The extra-large bread pan has a 3-pound capacity, and the machine features 12 pre-programmed digital settings for a wide array of baking needs, including basic, wheat, French, sweet, dough, gluten-free, custom, and more. Easily control the texture of your crust with the three-level crust settings for a personalized finish on any loaf.

At under 5 pounds, this large-capacity bread machine is surprisingly lightweight and can be easily moved from your kitchen cabinet to the countertop. The traditionally shaped horizontal non-stick bread pan accommodates 2-pound, 2.5-pound, and 3-pound loaf sizes, while dual blades provide thorough dough kneading for a lighter taste and higher rise.

Because this bread machine has a slew of settings, including customizations for the loaf process and delayed start options, there’s a bit of a learning curve. However, the instruction manual offers a lot of guidance, including detailed recipes for goodies like garlic bread, bagels, pasta dough, and more.

Product Details: Dimensions: 11 x 15.5 x 13.5 inches | Number of Settings/Cycles: 12 pre-programmed settings | Loaf Weight: 3 pounds

Best for Beginners

Amazon

View On Amazon $80 View On Hamiltonbeach.com $74

Why You Should Get It

This is a very easy-to-use, set-it-and-forget-it type kitchen appliance.

Keep in Mind

Kneading blades aren’t as efficient as other models.

If you are new to the world of baking bread at home, the best bread machine is this pick by Hamilton Beach. This appliance makes everything from basic white and gluten-free bread to French loaves and cinnamon buns. Plus, it’s less expensive than many other options on our list.

Part of what makes this bread machine the best for beginners is its extremely easy-to-use control panel with 12 automatic settings for all your favorite types of breads. This means you simply mix your ingredients in the bread pan, choose your desired baking cycle, and hit start.

There’s no time spent waiting to manually add mix-ins, and there’s no need to supervise your loaf as it bakes. Plus, you get a generous range of size options for your loaves—1.5 pounds or 2 pounds—as well as three crust options for light, medium, or dark crust. When you’re finished, simply place the bread bucket into the dishwasher.

Keep in mind that compared to other options, the kneading paddles on this bread machine aren’t the most consistent. While they mix just fine, they sometimes leave behind a bit of flour, which tends to stick to the side of the baking vessel.

Product Details: Dimensions: 10.43 x 14.13 x 12.2 inches | Number of Settings/Cycles: 12 pre-programmed settings | Loaf Weight: 2 pounds

Best Automatic

Williams Sonoma

View On Amazon $300 View On Williams-Sonoma $300 View On Crate & Barrel $300

Why You Should Get It

Convenient features like the fruit and nut dispenser make it feel like you have your own personal baking assistant.

Keep in Mind

Kneading paddles may get stuck in the dough when using certain settings.

The main advantage of an automatic bread machine is convenience. The Breville Custom Bread Maker is more like an assistant than a kitchen appliance once you get the hang of using all its features. With 13 automatic baking cycles accessible via a sleek LCD screen, you can simply tell your bread maker your preferred loaf type and size (up to 2.5 pounds), press start, and walk away.

The bread maker features an automatic fruit and nut dispenser that releases ingredients at the right moment during the kneading phase so they are evenly incorporated throughout the dough. This feature is perfect for making all those delicious sweet loaves. In addition, you can choose from 46 step-by-step recipes (basic, whole wheat, gluten-free, crusty loaf, sweet, yeast-free, dough, jam) or use a custom recipe chart.

Another unique feature is the collapsible kneading paddle, which thoroughly mixes ingredients and collapses before the baking phase. This feature is intended to minimize the hole at the base of the baked loaf. Keep in mind that this setting isn’t foolproof, though. The kneading paddle can get stuck in your dough, depending on its consistency. Until you’re comfortable with this machine, you’ll want to supervise the kneading process.

Product Details: Dimensions: 7.17 x 16.22 x 10.75 | Number of Settings/Cycles: 13 pre-programmed settings | Loaf Weight: 2.5 pounds

Best Settings

Amazon

View On Amazon $150 View On Walmart $172 View On Newegg.com $179

Why You Should Get It

The pre-programmed options allow you to make yogurt and sourdough bread easily.

Keep in Mind

This is a heavy appliance.

Fans of sourdough will be excited to know they can make their favorite loaf using this pick by KBS. This heavy-duty, stainless steel bread maker has 17 pre-programmed settings—more than other options on our list—including baking cycles for natural sourdough bread, yogurt, raw dough, gluten-free, and sugar-free breads.

The 710W motor makes for quick and even kneading, which results in a dough that is consistently soft and elastic. The ceramic baking insert was designed for even baking and is easy to clean. We also appreciate the overheating protection function, which will help you avoid burnt loaves, as well as the keep warm setting that will keep your loaves toasty for up to one hour after baking.

Keep in mind that while this is an effective machine, it is more complex than some of the other models we recommend, and it may require a bit of trial and error to get the hang of it. At nearly 15 pounds, it’s also on the heavier side, so it may be hard to move in and out from wherever you store it.

Product Details: Dimensions: 15.7 x 11 x 16.1 inches | Number of Settings/Cycles: 17 pre-programmed settings | Loaf Weight: 2 pounds

The Bottom Line

The Cuisinart CBK-110 Automatic Bread Maker, with 12 convenient pre-programmed settings and options for different size loaves, is our favorite. If you have the budget to splurge on a high-end product with a slew of features, we also love the Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Bread Maker, which offers dual kneading blades for creating exceptionally consistent texture.

What to Know About Bread Machines Before Shopping

Dimensions

Bread machines come in various sizes, from small, square options to large rectangular appliances that can bake multiple loaves at once. These machines can range from 10 to 15 inches deep, 11 to 18 inches wide, and 10 to 16 inches tall.

The weight of bread machines varies as well. Compact options may weigh as little as 5 pounds, while larger appliances weigh as much as 15 pounds. Consider how often you’ll be moving the bread machine and where you’ll be storing it when making your selection.

There are generally four basic parts of a bread machine: the machine itself, the lid, the interior kneading blade, and the bread bucket, which holds your dough and, later, the finished product.

Settings

Bread machines offer a host of convenient cycles and settings for making different types of breads. Some common settings include:

Basic or medium, which is perfect for making savory yeast breads
Whole wheat, which gives extra rise time for whole wheat flour
Sweet, for dessert-style breads that require no yeast
Gluten-free, which works for baking with non-wheat flour
Quick/rapid, perfect for making bread in a hurry
Dough programs to create dough for pizzas, rolls, breadsticks, and pastries that are ready-to-bake in a traditional oven

Loaf Weight

Most bread machines are designed to bake two to three different sizes. The most common loaf sizes are 1-pound, 1.5 pounds, and 2-pounds. While less common, large bread machines like the West Bend High-Rise Bread Maker can bake up to 3-pound loaves.

Your Questions, Answered

Do you need a bread machine to make bread?

If you’re looking to make basic white or whole wheat bread, you don’t need a bread machine. “With just a few ingredients, some time, and patience, you can make bread from scratch with no machine required,” said Neil. “But if you want to explore a variety of breads and flavors, or if you want to skip some of the labor-intensive steps of bread making, a bread machine can be a helpful tool.”

Bread machines take care of the mixing, kneading, resting, rising, punching, and baking for you—and they do it all at the appropriate level, time, and temperature for the specific type of bread you want to make. All you have to do is put in the proper ingredients and set it up for your desired baking cycle. The machine does the rest.

Can you make sourdough in a bread machine?

“The answer is yes,” said Neil. “ Although it’s a bit more labor intensive than making regular bread, a bread machine can help you make a delicious sourdough loaf.”

Nei explains the key is to select the right settings and use the correct ingredient measurements. “Be sure to read the instruction manual of your bread machine carefully, as some models have specific instructions for making sourdough bread.”

Who We Are

This article was written by Adria Greenhauff, who has been writing about food and lifestyle topics for over a decade. To come up with this list, she interviewed Jessica Randhawa, head chef, and owner of The Forked Spoon, and Raymond Neil, professional chef and expert consultant at TD Kitchen.