Love the taste and smell of homemade bread? Of course! Everyone loves a slice of freshly baked bread, but baking yeasted breads at home can be intimidating. Between the finicky yeast, kneading the dough and waiting for it to rise, from-scratch loaves can be a challenge—unless you’ve got a bread machine.
Yes, a bread machine! This appliance might seem like a flashback from the ’90s, but bread makers are super handy. They mix the dough, knead and bake, all at the push of the button. It doesn’t get better than that. But before you click “buy now,” make sure you’re getting the best bread machine for your baking needs.
What to Look for When You’re Shopping for a Bread Machine
Do a quick online search and you’ll find so many bread maker options. Look for recognizable brands and sift through them by keeping these preferences in mind:
Settings: Gone are the days of basic 1990s bread machines. Today you can find bread makers with all kinds of settings, including gluten-free bread presets. Check the specs and see if they suit your baking—and eating!—style.
Cleanup: What level of cleanup are you willing to take on? Some bread maker models offer nonstick surfaces and dishwasher-safe inserts. Others require washing by hand.
Price: Keep in mind how much you want to spend. You can find a great bread machine for around $100.
The Best Bread Machine for Your Baking Style
Looking for the right bread machine? We’ve found four options to satisfy any type of home baker.
Best for Beginners: Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker
CUISINART COMPACT AUTOMATIC BREAD MAKER
New to bread baking and bread machines? You’ll want an appliance that’s a cinch to use right out of the box. That model is the Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker.
According to reviewers, this bread maker is incredibly easy to use: Intuitive buttons and an LCD display take all the guesswork out of baking bread. You can choose from pre-programmed bread options including packaged mixes, gluten-free bread, French bread and more, and the machine does all the work of mixing, kneading, proofing and baking. All you have to do is measure your ingredients!
One more thing we love is the finish of this appliance. It’s compact and looks great in stainless steel. This is one kitchen gadget you’ll definitely want to keep on the counter.
Capacity: Up to a 2-pound loaf
Special features: 12 pre-programmed settings, three crust options (light, medium and dark), delay start function
Best for Impatient Bakers: Oster Expressbake Bread Maker
Oster Expressbake Bread Maker with Gluten-Free Setting, 2 Pound, White (CKSTBR9050-NP)
In our Test Kitchen, you’ll find the Taste of Home team testing reader-submitted recipes in the Oster Expressbake Bread Maker.
This bread machine is beloved by our staffers and reviewers for many reasons, but its Expressbake option is definitely the most raved-about feature. With this accelerated process, large loaves of bread (up to 2 pounds) can be ready in under an hour! Bakers, you know that’s a big time-saver. Use this setting along with one of Oster’s 12 other pre-programmed options and you’ll have a full breadbox in no time.
Capacity: Up to a 2-pound loaf
Special features: 12 pre-programmed settings, three crust options (light, medium and dark), delay start function, express bake setting
Easiest Cleanup: Hamilton Beach Premium Dough & Bread Maker
Hamilton Beach® Premium Dough & Bread Maker in Stainless Steel
With fancy gadgets, you’re often left with lots of pieces that require washing by hand. While some of us don’t mind doing the dishes, many bakers prefer easy-to-clean machines with dishwasher-ready parts. When it comes to bread machines, that’s the Hamilton Beach Premium Dough & Bread Maker.
Reviewers love how easy this bread machine is to keep clean. After the bread maker does the mixing and baking, all you have to do is remove your bread and pop the parts into the dishwasher. No fuss! As for the bread itself, you can customize it just the way you like with 14 different settings, plus options for different types of crust. When your bread is done baking, this machine switches over to “keep warm” mode so you can be sure your loaf is nice and toasty for your bread basket at dinnertime.
Capacity: Up to a 2-pound loaf
Special features: 14 pre-programmed settings, three crust options (light, medium and dark), automatic keep-warm function, non-stick, dishwasher-safe components
Best Appliance for Proofing: Brod & Taylor Folding Proofer
Brod & Taylor Folding Proofer & Slow Cooker
Many home bakers derive a lot of satisfaction from mixing and kneading bread dough, so they may not be tempted by traditional bread machines. But there’s one part of bread making that many find challenging: proofing the dough. If you long for the assist of a bread maker just for proofing, you can opt for a specialized appliance: the Brod & Taylor Folding Proofer.
This compact appliance (it folds flat when you’re done!) maintains consistent temperature and humidity for proofing bread dough—perfect if you struggle with a dry climate or chilly house. Inside, this proofer is spacious enough to accommodate a large mixing bowl or two regular-sized loaf pans.
Special features: Folds up for easy storage; can also be used as a slow cooker
Don’t think for a second that you have to limit yourself to basic bread recipes when it comes to your bread machine. You can use this appliance to stir up specialty options like pretzels, cinnamon rolls, and bagels. Want to try your hand at naan? Let the machine do all the work of mixing, kneading and proofing. All you have to do is shape the bread and bake it off in the oven. Easy!
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Maple syrup sweetens these lovely little cinnamon buns. I make the dough in my bread machine before popping the rolls in the oven. My husband prefers them warm. —Juanita Carlsen, North Bend, Oregon
This savory loaf mildly flavored with chives is delicious when served warm with a meal, soup, salad or stew. It also tastes wonderful toasted the next day for breakfast. —Deborah Plank, West Salem, Ohio
As a stay-at-home mother of two little girls, I pack a lot of activity into my days. The bread machine makes it a snap to turn out this attractive loaf that gets its zip from cayenne pepper, pepperoni and Mexican cheese. —Dusti Christensen, Goodridge, Minnesota
My husband and I want whole grain bread, but we don't like the spongy store-bought whole wheat breads. I drastically altered one of my favorite batter bread recipes to create this earthy bread. It is crunchy, chewy and easy. The add-ins are just suggestions. Sometimes I use pepitas, sesame seeds or even 1/4 cup of a multi-grain hot cereal mix. —Amber Rife, Columbus, Ohio
My family eats this flavorful bread as fast as I can make it. Sometimes I add different herbs, red onion or crumbled bacon. It's one of my best recipes! —Mary Cass, Baltimore, Maryland
I love making this pumpkin monkey bread for a holiday brunch. Leftovers reheat well, and the sauce is good enough to make extra to use as waffle and pancake syrup. —Emily Main, Tonopah, Arizona
Chewy yeast-raised flat bread is a snap to make in a bread machine. Serve naan with your favorite Indian dish to soak up the curry and sauces. —Shannon Ventresca, Middleboro, Massachusetts
My husband and our friends and family love these soft, chewy pretzels. Let the bread machine mix the dough, then all you have to do is shape and bake these fun snacks. —Sherry Peterson, Fort Collins, Colorado
I adapted an old sour cream bread recipe for this deliciously different pull-apart loaf that smells heavenly while baking. It has a light crust, tender interior and lots of herb and butter flavor. We think it's wonderful with a hot bowl of potato soup. —Katie Crill, Priest River, Idaho
I can’t get enough of this beautiful, richly flavored loaf that starts in the bread machine. I tear off big chunks, dip them into extra virgin olive oil and eat. Delicious!—Carole Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
While looking through my bread recipes one day, I happened upon this one and decided to give it a try. I offered one to my dad and ever since then, he's raved about how much he loves them. He even offers samples to friends and family. —Becky
My husband worked in Chicago-area pizza restaurants throughout high school and college. He says pizza is a work of art, and his are beautiful. Our girls prefer Daddy’s pizza to ordering out! —Julie Host, Polk City, Iowa
A cousin in North Carolina gave me the recipe for these delicious honey-glazed rolls. Using my bread machine to make the dough saves me about 2 hours compared to the traditional method. The rich buttery taste of these rolls is so popular with family and friends that I usually make two batches so I have enough! —Sara Wing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
We love raisin bread and also enjoy the nutty flavor of pecans, so I decided to combine the two for this delectable loaf. It smells terrific and the taste…oh-so good! —Lora Sexton, Wellington, Texas
Big pizza flavor comes through in these rolls, thanks to the peppers, mushrooms, olives and pepperoni. This recipe makes two pans of rolls, and you can make the dough in a bread machine. —Barb Downie, Peterborough, Ontario
This bread smells wonderful when it’s baking in the oven. I make it mostly during the summer when rosemary is abundant in the garden, but also around the holidays when rosemary plants are available in the stores. —Tammy Bollman, Minatare, Nebraska
Ever wonder why a bread recipe includes mashed potatoes? The potato's starchy quality absorbs liquid during the kneading stage, and it holds onto that liquid during baking. The bread finishes with a crisp, brown exterior crust and a flavorful, moist interior that helps the bread keep longer. —Joan Ranzini, Waynesboro, Virginia
Since I love variety in my cooking, I tried adding dried minced onion to my usual recipe in attempts to copy a bread I had tasted, creating these two tasty loaves. Using the bread machine on the dough setting is a great timesaver. —Ruth Fueller, Barmstedt, Germany
Chipotle peppers leave some people tongue-tied; others can't get enough of the smoky heat. I came up with this recipe for chipotle, roasted garlic and caramelized onion focaccia. Some wanted it spicier—it's only a medium heat pepper—and some like it just the way it is. Add more if you crave the fire. —Frances "Kay" Bouma, Trail, British Columbia
These pretty cinnamon rolls are absolutely marvelous and taste just like the ones sold at the mall. Topped with a sweet cream cheese frosting, they are best served warm with coffee. Or reheat leftover rolls in the microwave and enjoy any time of day. —Velma Horton, LaGrange, California
Pineapple and coconut give a subtle sweetness to these golden homemade rolls. If there are any leftovers, they're great for sandwiches. —Kathy Kurtz, Glendora, California
Full of sweet cherries and nuts, this loaf has a mild cocoa flavor. It would be perfect to serve for breakfast, brunch or a mid-morning snack. Have a tall glass of milk at the ready. —Margaret Beyersdorf, Kissimmee, Florida
A bread machine hurries along the dough-making process, but chopped vegetables, bacon and cheese make the buttery wreath unforgettable. —Christi Ross, Guthrie, Texas
This bread is one of my favorites. It has a wonderful texture and slices beautifully, and the flavor of the herbs really comes through. (Psst—If you don't have a bread machine on hand, learn how to make bread without one!) —Gerri Hamilton, Kingsville, Ontario
It’s a treat watching guests enjoying these rolls. The tart cherries, sweet almond paste and crisp streusel topping have them reaching for seconds every time. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
The bagel recipes I saw in a magazine inspired me to try creating my own. I've been making them like crazy ever since! My whole wheat version dotted with cranberries is a favorite. —Tami Kuehl, Loup City, Nebraska
After I had my sixth child, a friend dropped off dinner, including these rolls, which start in a bread machine. They were so delicious that I quickly bought my own machine so I could make them myself. —Dana Lowry, Hickory, North Carolina
This golden brown bread offers satisfying sweetness in every slice. The hearty round loaves rise well and cut beautifully. With an egg wash and a sprinkling of Italian seasoning, the bread looks pretty, too. —Kim Ooms, Cottage Grove, Minnesota
My husband loves to make this bread. With its mild oat taste and soft texture, it's sure to be a hit with the whole family. Slices also are delicious toasted for breakfast. —Nancy Montgomery, Plainwell, Michigan
Not only are these breadsticks delicious, but they come together very easily. Whole wheat flour and a little honey help give them a wholesome taste and keep them on the healthy side. —Ted Van Schoick, Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania
A subtle banana flavor comes through in this moist whole wheat loaf. Flecked with poppy seeds, the sweet slices are wonderful warm or toasted and spread with butter. —Louise Myers, Pomeroy, Ohio
This hearty aromatic bread has just a hint of honey and garlic. It's one of my favorite breads. It goes with anything from bologna sandwiches to spaghetti. —Jami Blunt, Hardy, Arkansas
Discover a cheesy alternative to the usual sweet bread brunch offerings. There's no need to stop by a bakery when you can make this asiago bagel recipe at home. —Tami Kuehl, Loup City, Nebraska
Full of sweet cherries and nuts, this loaf has a mild cocoa flavor. It would be perfect to serve for breakfast, brunch or a mid-morning snack. Have a tall glass of milk at the ready. —Margaret Beyersdorf, Kissimmee, Florida
This healthful loaf loaded with whole grains couldn't be much easier to make—you just combine the ingredients in a bread machine and let it doe the rest of the work for you! Stack slices high with leftover turkey or ham from your special meals. —Ruth Skafte, Fort St. John, British Columbia
I create my delightful bagels by adapting several other recipes. I enjoy them spread with cream cheese or onion and chive cream cheese. —Pam Kaiser, Mansfield, Missouri
Dried cranberries and orange zest add bright flavor to these scrumptious morning treats. Switch up the taste, if you’d like, by using raisins and cinnamon. —Kristy Reeves, LeRoy, Kansas
