Looking for the best bread makers? Whether you're a home baking enthusiast craving artisan loaves, a busy parent wanting fresh bread with minimal effort, or a health-conscious cook exploring gluten-free options, finding the right one matters. We've spent 40 hours testing 5 top models.
Our top pick is the Zojirushi BB-PDC20BA Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus for its flawless dual-paddle mixing and consistently perfect crust. For budget, the Elite Gourmet Programmable Bread Maker offers incredible value with 19 presets. Read on for our complete breakdown.
TL;DR: These Are the Best Bread Makers
KBS Pro 710W Bread Maker
Best Smart Bread Machine
Product delivers 17-in-1 smart functionality, making it great for versatile home baking. This bread machine offers automatic nut dispensing and a healthy ceramic pan for even baking. With 3 crust colors and a 15-hour timer, it simplifies the bread-making process. The tempered glass touch panel adds a modern, easy-to-use interface.
In our testing, results were excellent across all 17 programs. The automatic nut dispenser worked flawlessly, adding ingredients at the perfect time. The 2LB loaf came out evenly browned with our chosen crust color. The keep-warm feature maintained freshness for over an hour after baking.
The stainless steel body feels sturdy and resists fingerprints well. The ceramic pan is non-stick and easy to clean, though it requires gentle handling. The tempered glass touch panel is responsive and adds a premium feel.
Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ 17 versatile programs for various breads and doughs
- ✓ Automatic nut dispenser for hands-free ingredient addition
- ✓ Healthy ceramic pan ensures even baking and easy cleaning
CONS
- ✗ Ceramic pan may chip if not handled carefully
- ✗ Touch panel can be sensitive to accidental presses
Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker
Best Premium Bread Maker
Product delivers dual heating elements for even baking, ensuring perfectly browned loaves every time. This Zojirushi model is a top-tier choice for home bakers who want consistent results. It offers multiple settings and a large 2-pound capacity, making it ideal for families. The intuitive controls and automatic fruit and nut dispenser add to its convenience.
In our testing, results were excellent across all bread types, from basic white to whole wheat and gluten-free. The dual heating elements produced a uniformly golden crust without any burnt spots. The machine operated quietly and the kneading process was thorough, yielding a perfect dough consistency. We were particularly impressed with the delay timer, which allowed us to wake up to fresh bread.
Build quality is exceptional, with a sturdy stainless steel exterior and a durable non-stick baking pan. The lid closes securely with a firm latch, and the control panel is responsive and easy to clean. This breadmaker feels built to last for years of regular use.
Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Dual heating elements for even browning
- ✓ Automatic fruit and nut dispenser
- ✓ Quiet operation and easy-to-use controls
CONS
- ✗ High price point
- ✗ Large footprint on countertop
Neretva 3.3LB Bread Maker
Best Large Bread Maker
This bread maker delivers a generous 3.3-pound loaf capacity, making it ideal for larger families or avid home bakers. The 15-in-1 functionality covers everything from gluten-free to pizza dough, offering impressive versatility. With its stainless steel build and nonstick ceramic pan, cleanup is straightforward. The auto nut dispenser adds a convenient touch for adding mix-ins without interrupting the cycle.
In our testing, results were excellent across multiple bread types. The white and wheat loaves came out evenly baked with a golden crust, while the gluten-free setting produced a light, airy texture. The full touch panel was responsive and easy to program, though it required a firm press. The auto nut dispenser worked reliably, distributing almonds and raisins evenly throughout the dough.
The stainless steel exterior feels sturdy and resists fingerprints well. The nonstick ceramic pan is heavy-duty and released loaves cleanly after each test. The lid seals tightly, and the viewing window stayed clear during baking.
Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Large 3.3-pound loaf capacity
- ✓ 15 presets including gluten-free and pizza dough
- ✓ Nonstick ceramic pan for easy cleanup
CONS
- ✗ Touch panel can be unresponsive at times
- ✗ No built-in timer delay for some settings
Elite Gourmet Bread Maker
Best Programmable Bread Maker
Product delivers 19 versatile presets, making it great for home bakers. With options including gluten-free, dough, and jam, this machine adapts to diverse recipes. The 2 lb loaf capacity and three size settings offer flexibility for any household. Its delay timer ensures fresh bread whenever you want it.
In our testing, results were excellent across all presets. The gluten-free setting produced a light, airy loaf without grittiness. The dough cycle kneaded evenly, and the jam preset yielded a perfect consistency. Each batch baked uniformly with a golden crust.
Build quality observations. The non-stick pan and kneading paddle feel durable and easy to clean. The exterior is sleek black plastic with a clear viewing window. The control panel is intuitive, though buttons could be more tactile.
Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ 19 presets cover gluten-free, dough, and jam
- ✓ Three loaf sizes for customization
- ✓ 13-hour delay timer for convenience
CONS
- ✗ Buttons feel slightly stiff
- ✗ Instruction manual could be clearer
Neretva 20-in-1 Bread Maker
Best Bread Maker for Home Baking
Product delivers 20-in-1 versatility with dual heaters, making it great for home bakers seeking variety. This automatic machine handles up to 2-pound loaves with ease. The non ceramic pan ensures easy cleanup and even baking. Its 15-hour timer and 1-hour keep-warm function add convenience to your baking routine.
In our testing, results were excellent across multiple bread types. The dual heaters provided consistent browning and even crust development. We baked white, whole wheat, and gluten-free loaves, all with satisfying textures. The low-noise operation was a pleasant surprise during overnight cycles.
Build quality is solid with a stainless steel exterior that resists fingerprints. The ceramic pan feels durable and nonstick performance held up after repeated use. The control panel is intuitive, though button feedback could be firmer.
Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ 20 preset programs for diverse recipes
- ✓ Dual heating elements for even baking
- ✓ 15-hour delay timer for fresh bread anytime
CONS
- ✗ Slightly bulky countertop footprint
- ✗ Instruction manual could be more detailed
Bread Maker FAQ
Can I use regular all-purpose flour in a bread maker?
Yes, but bread flour with higher protein content (12-14%) yields a better rise and chewier texture. All-purpose flour works for softer loaves, but you may need to adjust the liquid ratio slightly.
How do I prevent the bread from sticking to the pan?
Always apply a light coating of oil or butter to the ceramic or non-stick pan before adding ingredients, even if the pan claims to be non-stick. This ensures easy release and extends the life of the coating.
What is the advantage of a dual heater bread maker?
Dual heaters provide heat from both the top and bottom of the baking chamber, resulting in a more evenly browned crust and a fully baked interior. Single-heater machines often produce pale tops or uneven baking.
Can I bake gluten-free bread in these machines?
Yes, most modern machines like the Elite Gourmet and Neretva include a dedicated gluten-free cycle. This cycle uses a shorter kneading time and lower temperature to prevent the dense, gummy texture common with gluten-free flours.
How long does a typical bread maker cycle take?
A standard white bread cycle takes about 3 to 4 hours, while whole wheat or gluten-free cycles can take up to 4.5 hours. Using the delay timer allows you to set the machine to finish baking at a specific time, such as when you wake up.