Best Bread Makers for 2026

At a Glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus	excellent texture and reliable performance
Best value	Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker	affordable with solid results
Best for customization	Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker	multiple loaf sizes and programmable settings
Best compact	Zojirushi Home Bakery Mini	small footprint without sacrificing quality
Best budget alternative	Hamilton Beach Artisan Dough & Bread Maker	simple operation at low cost
Also recommended	Panasonic SD-BMT2000	top pick for authentic european-style breads
Also recommended	KBS 20-in-1 Bread Maker
Also recommended	Bread Maker: Offers extensive program options at a mid-range price	good for those who want maximum preset variety.

How we chose and tested

We evaluated bread makers based on performance across multiple bread types, including white, whole wheat, and gluten-free options. Our assessment considers consistency of results, ease of use, noise levels during operation, and available features like delay timers and crust settings. We prioritize products that deliver reliable results for both beginners and experienced bakers, with attention to build quality and user feedback.

The best bread makers right now

Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus - Best overall

This premium bread maker delivers consistently excellent results across all bread types, with dual paddles and heaters for even baking. It handles everything from basic white loaves to gluten-free and sourdough with precision.

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Key highlights

Dual mixing paddles create a more traditional loaf shape
Various healthy course settings include Multigrain, Whole Wheat, Rapid Whole Wheat, Gluten Free, Salt Free, Sugar Free and Vegan
Dual heaters (top and bottom) for even browning
13-hour delay timer for fresh bread when you want it
Clear LCD display with easy navigation

Pros

Produces bakery-quality bread consistently
Handles specialty breads like gluten-free and sourdough well
Even heating prevents hot spots
Quiet operation compared to many models

Cons

Higher price point than most competitors
Larger footprint takes up more counter space
Some users find the interface has a learning curve

Who it is for: Serious home bakers who want restaurant-quality results and don't mind paying for premium performance.

Skip if

You're on a tight budget or have very limited counter space.

Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker - Best value

For its affordable price, this compact machine delivers surprisingly good results with straightforward operation. It's a solid choice for beginners who want to try bread making without a big investment.

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Key highlights

12 preset programs including basic, whole wheat, and sweet bread
Compact design fits in small kitchens
1-pound, 1.5-pound, and 2-pound loaf size options
Delay timer up to 13 hours
Viewing window to monitor progress

Pros

Excellent value for the performance
Easy to use with clear controls
Compact size stores easily
Produces consistent results with standard recipes

Cons

Can be noisy during kneading cycles
Limited customization options
Some users report uneven browning on darker crust settings

Who it is for: Beginners and occasional bakers who want reliable results without complexity or high cost.

Skip if

You need advanced features or regularly bake specialty breads.

Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker - Best for customization

With four loaf sizes and extensive programmable options, this machine offers serious bakers complete control over their bread. The automatic fruit and nut dispenser adds convenience for enriched doughs.

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Key highlights

Three loaf sizes: 1, 1.5, and 2 pounds
12 preset programs plus 9 customizable memory slots
Automatic ingredient dispenser for add-ins
Collapsible kneading paddle reduces hole in finished loaf
LCD display with progress indicators

Pros

Unmatched customization options
Large capacity for bigger families
Automatic dispenser prevents over-mixing add-ins
Can make jam, yogurt, and cake in addition to bread

Cons

Premium price similar to Zojirushi
More complex interface requires learning
Larger size needs substantial counter space

Who it is for: Experienced bakers who want maximum control and versatility from their bread maker.

Skip if

You prefer simple set-and-forget operation or have a limited budget.

Zojirushi Home Bakery Mini - Best compact

This smaller version of the Virtuoso Plus delivers similar quality in a space-saving design. It's ideal for singles, couples, or anyone with limited kitchen space who still wants excellent bread.

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Key highlights

Makes 1-pound loaves perfect for smaller households
Settings for cookie/pasta dough and fresh fruit jams; quick-bake cycle
High-quality heating performance for even browning in a compact form
Compact footprint (10.5 x 8.7 x 11.8 inches)
Same build quality as larger Zojirushi models

Pros

Excellent bread quality in a small package
Quiet operation
Easy to store when not in use
Good for specialty breads despite smaller size

Cons

Only makes 1-pound loaves
Higher price per loaf capacity than larger models
Limited to smaller batches

Who it is for: Individuals, couples, or small households with limited counter space who want premium bread quality.

Skip if

You regularly bake for a family of four or more, or want larger loaf sizes.

Hamilton Beach Artisan Dough & Bread Maker - Best budget alternative

This straightforward machine offers basic bread making at an accessible price point. It's a good option for those who want to try bread making without committing to more expensive equipment.

See price

Key highlights

14 settings including Basic, French, Gluten-Free, Whole Grain, Express cycles, Package (Quick) Bread, Sweet, Dough, Cake, Jam Bake and Artisan Dough
Makes up to 2-pound loaves
Delay timer up to 15 hours
Viewing window with interior light
Keep-warm function up to 1 hour

Pros

Very affordable entry point
Simple, intuitive controls
Good basic performance for standard breads
Compact design

Cons

Limited to basic bread types
Can be loud during kneading
Build quality feels less substantial than premium models
Some users report inconsistent results with whole grain breads

Who it is for: Budget-conscious beginners or occasional bakers who want basic functionality.

Skip if

You plan to bake very frequently and want more advanced customization or heavier-duty build quality.

Also Good

Panasonic SD-BMT2000 - top pick for authentic European-style breads.
KBS 20-in-1 Bread Maker - offers extensive program options at a mid-range price, good for those who want maximum preset variety.

How to Choose

Consider these factors when selecting a bread maker:

Loaf size and capacity: Most machines make 1, 1.5, or 2-pound loaves. Choose based on your household size. Smaller loaves are better for singles or couples, while 2-pound machines suit families. Some premium models offer 2.5-pound capacity.

Program variety: Basic machines have 12-15 programs covering white, whole wheat, sweet, and dough settings. Advanced models add gluten-free, sourdough, jam, yogurt, and cake programs. More programs mean more versatility but also more complexity.

Customization options: Consider if you want control over crust darkness, loaf size, and programmable memory for custom cycles. Beginners usually prefer simplicity, while experienced bakers appreciate customization.

Size and storage: Measure your counter space and storage area. Compact models (around 11 inches wide) fit small kitchens, while full-size machines need 13-15 inches of width. Vertical designs are taller but narrower.

Special features: Delay timers let you wake up to fresh bread. Viewing windows help monitor progress. Automatic fruit/nut dispensers add ingredients at the right time. Dual paddles create more traditional loaf shapes with fewer holes.

FAQ

Do bread makers really make good bread?

Yes, modern bread makers produce excellent bread with proper recipes. The best models rival hand-made loaves in texture and flavor. Results vary by machine quality and recipe accuracy.

What's the hole in the bottom of bread machine bread?

The hole comes from the mixing paddle shaft. Some models have collapsible paddles that reduce the hole size, while dual-paddle machines create two smaller holes. It's mostly cosmetic and affects only one or two slices.

Can I make gluten-free bread in a bread maker?

Most modern bread makers have gluten-free settings that adjust mixing and rising times. The Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus and Breville Custom Loaf are particularly good for gluten-free baking.

How much electricity does a bread maker use?

Bread makers typically use 550-850 watts, less than a standard oven. A 3-hour bread cycle costs roughly 40-60 cents depending on local electricity rates, making them economical for regular use.

Do I need special bread flour?

While all-purpose flour works, bread flour with higher protein content produces better texture and rise. Most bread machine recipes specify bread flour for optimal results.