Breadmaking dates back nearly 30,000 years, and as the techniques evolved, so did bread. Today, there are endless types of bread available at supermarkets and bakeries.
Even with so many options, many bread connoisseurs crave fresh, homemade bread. Making bread from scratch can be time-consuming and even challenging. Fortunately, bread machines simplify the process of producing fresh bread. Learn more about the top bread machines for inexperienced bread makers.
1. Easiest Operation: SKG Beginner-Friendly Bread Maker
The SKG Beginner-Friendly Bread Maker is an excellent option for beginner breadmaking enthusiasts. Engineered to simplify the baking process, even first-time bakers will find breadmaking easy.
The package includes simple instructions teaching beginners how to add ingredients to make a variety of bread, while the baking process only requires a few simple button presses.
The bread maker includes 19 baking options, allowing inexperienced bakers to make various bread types, including white, whole wheat, and gluten-free. The machine is also capable of making yogurt and jams.
Beyond the standard 19 bread styles, users can select between three loaf sizes (1, 1.5, and 2 pounds) and three crust colors (light, medium, and dark).
The user-friendly machine includes anti-skid feet and a touch-screen display. It is compatible with any kitchen counter, features a viewing window to check the loaf’s progress, and comes with a non-stick pan for easy removal.
Key Takeaways:
- Tons of options: Users can choose between 19 bread styles, three loaf sizes, and three crust colors.
- Made for beginners: Make delicious, fresh bread with just a few steps and simple button presses.
2. Best Variety of Baked Goods: Hamilton Beach Premium Dough & Bread Maker
If you’re a beginner baker who wants to venture into other baked goods, the Hamilton Beach Premium Dough & Bread Maker is a fantastic choice.
In addition to the 12 bread options, the Hamilton Beach Bread Maker can prepare dough for pizza and rolls, create jam, and bake cakes. You can add dried fruit to make banana bread or use the default settings to make a delicious 2-pound loaf.
The easy-to-clean machine includes a non-stick pan and kneading paddles, while standard bread types can be baked using the machine’s express baking options. All kinds of bread only require minimal preparation, and the bread pan and paddle are both dishwasher-safe.
Key Takeaways:
- Can make various baked goods: Besides several types of regular bread, the machine can make dough for pizza or rolls, fruit bread, nut bread, jam, and cakes.
- Easy to clean: The machine’s pan and paddles are non-stick and dishwasher safe.
3. Best for Busy Bakers: Oster Bread Maker with Express Bake
For many, the idea of producing freshly baked bread is a luxury preserved for people with plenty of time to spare. However, with the Oster Bread Maker with Express Bake, even the busiest people can bake their own bread.
With the machine’s express bake function, you can make various bread recipes in less than an hour. The Oster Bread Maker can make 12 types, 3 different crusts, and 2 loaf sizes: 1.5 and 2 pounds. In addition, users can bake each recipe quickly with a few simple button presses.
The Oster Bread Maker also includes several extra features. The device’s automatic nut and fruit dispenser make adding ingredients to your bread straightforward, and the auto-warming setting keeps your bread warm for up to 60 minutes. You can even program the Oster with a delay timer, allowing you to have a fresh loaf of bread as soon as you get home.
Key Takeaways:
- Express bake function: All recipes can be finished in under an hour, while some will take even less time.
- Extra features: The device offers an automatic fruit and nut dispenser, an auto-warm function, and a delay timer for extra convenience.
4. Best Overall: Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso
For amateur bakers who don’t want to compromise on features in their bread makers, the Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso is the best machine on the market. The Home Bakery Virtuoso is more expensive than other models but compensates for the higher price with an extensive list of features.
The machine can automatically make a standard 2 lb. loaf without user intervention. Its dual blades and lid heater ensure a perfectly-shaped loaf every time. You can use the Zojirushi to make a delicious array of food, including the following:
- White bread loaves
- Whole wheat loaves
- European-style loaves
- Multigrain loaves
- Gluten-free loaves
- Salt-free loaves
- Sugar-free loaves
- Vegan loaves
- Rapid white quick bread
- Rapid whole wheat quick bread
- Dough
- Sourdough starter
- Cake
- Jam
- Homemade loaves
You can even develop your signature baking style by customizing your homemade bread with three memory settings, allowing you to personalize your bread’s kneading, rising, and baking times.
The rapid-bake features allow you to make a fresh loaf of bread in less than 2.5 hours. The package includes all the accessories needed to be a master baker, including measuring cups, spoons, and a full-color recipe book containing over 50 recipes.
Key Takeaways:
- Superior bread quality: Dual blades and lid heater ensure the perfect knead and bake every time.
- Great for special diets: make various bread types, cakes, and jams, including sourdough, vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, and salt-free bread.
5. Best Value: Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker
The Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker is an excellent choice for bakers on a budget. The compact, stainless steel convection bread maker offers 12 pre-set options and 3 crust colors in loaves up to 2 lbs.
The kneading paddle and non-stick bread pan are removable for easy cleaning, and all components are BPA-free. The machine even offers a viewing window with an interior light.
The Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker also includes a useful power failure backup and a 13-hour delay start so that you can have freshly baked bread at any time. Additionally, the machine comes with a standard limited 3-year warranty, offering even more value to the already-low price.
Key Takeaways:
- Low price: At just $129.95, the Cuisinart Compact Bread Maker is one of the most affordable bread machines on the market.
- Three-year warranty: Unlike most similar models, the Cuisinart machine has a limited three-year warranty.
6. Best Mini-Maker: Sunbeam Programmable Breadmaker
While having a fully-featured bread maker with an extensive feature list can be attractive for some, many other bakers prefer a simpler, robust, low-profile breadmaking machine. If this describes you, the Sunbeam Programmable Breadmaker may be the bread maker you need.
The Sunbeam Programmable Breadmaker is significantly less expensive than full-featured bread machines. Still, it offers the main features needed to make freshly baked bread just how you like it.
Although the machine is small, it can still make 2 lb. loaves in 12 styles with the push of a button. It also features a book of recipes explicitly designed for use with the Sunbeam Bread Machine, ensuring consistently cooked bread every time you use it.
The machine features a clear top letting you monitor your bread with ease. It also features an easy-to-read programmable digital timer for up to 13 hours, so you’ll never overbake your bread again.
Key Takeaways:
- Focused on the basics: The Sunbeam bread machine offers the standard features you need at a price you’ll like.
- Compact design: Without the bells and whistles, this machine is considerably smaller than most competitors, saving you counter space.
Shop Smarter with The Smart Shopper
Whether you’re looking into buying a bread machine, looking for advice for your next vacation, or just searching for the perfect gift, The Smart Shopper is the resource you need.
Our insider blogs feature all the information you need about the latest products and services, allowing you to make an informed decision.
