Finding the perfect bread maker can feel like a quest for a reliable kitchen companion. The right machine simplifies the process of creating fresh, wholesome bread, turning a complex baking project into a simple, set-it-and-forget-it task. Whether your goal is a classic sourdough with a tangy flavor and chewy crust, a hearty whole wheat loaf, or a quick gluten-free option, a dedicated bread maker delivers consistent results.
This roundup examines ten popular models to help you find the ideal match for your kitchen. We have considered a range of features from basic programmable settings for beginners to advanced options for seasoned bakers who want full control over the fermentation and baking process. Our selections focus on machines that excel at creating sourdough and a variety of other bread types with ease.
The Best Bread Makers for Your Kitchen
- Amazon Basics Programmable Bread Maker
- Elite Gourmet Programmable Bread Maker Machine
- KITCHENARM 29-in-1 SMART Bread Machine
- KBS Premium Convection Bread Maker Dual Heater
- Cuisinart CBK-110C Compact Automatic Bread Maker
- West Bend Hi-Rise Bread Maker Machine
- KBS 19-in-1 Programmable Bread Maker
- Zojirushi BB-PDC20BA Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus
- NutriMill Artiste Kitchen Stand Mixer
- Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker
Amazon Basics Programmable Bread Maker
For those seeking straightforward functionality and excellent value, the Amazon Basics Bread Maker is a solid starting point. This machine handles the entire process automatically, from mixing and kneading to rising and baking, making it incredibly simple to use. It offers 14 different settings, giving you the flexibility to make everything from basic white bread to gluten-free options and even dough for hand-shaped creations.
A notable feature is the ExpressBake setting, which can produce a fresh loaf in under 90 minutes—perfect for when you need bread in a hurry. With a 2-pound loaf capacity and a clear LCD display, this model covers all the essentials without complicating the experience. It’s a reliable workhorse for anyone new to home bread making.
Elite Gourmet Programmable Bread Maker Machine
The Elite Gourmet bread maker is designed to make artisan bread baking accessible to everyone. It automates the kneading, rising, and baking stages, ensuring foolproof results every time. This model provides excellent versatility with its 19 pre-programmed menus, which include settings for everything from basic white and wheat bread to more specialized options like pizza dough.
You can customize your bake by selecting from three different loaf sizes: 1-pound, 1.5-pound, or a full 2-pound loaf. This flexibility allows you to make the perfect amount of bread, whether you are baking for a large family or just for yourself. It’s a comprehensive solution for those who want a wide range of options at their fingertips.
KITCHENARM 29-in-1 SMART Bread Machine
If you desire maximum programmability, the KITCHENARM SMART Bread Machine is a top contender. It boasts an impressive 29 automatic menus, including dedicated cycles for sourdough, brioche, ciabatta, and even non-bread items like jam and yogurt. A unique “1-Press” feature remembers your last used settings, turning repeat bakes into a single-button operation.
This model is particularly focused on healthy baking, with support for recipes using all-purpose flour for lower gluten content, as well as 100% whole wheat and rye cycles. With three loaf sizes, three crust colors, and a 15-hour delay timer, it offers a high degree of customization for bakers who like to experiment and fine-tune their results.
KBS Premium Convection Bread Maker Dual Heater
The KBS Premium Bread Maker stands out with its advanced baking technology. It utilizes a powerful 710W motor for thorough kneading and a true convection system with dual heaters to ensure even baking and a perfect crust. This attention to temperature control also creates an ideal 100°F environment for dough to rise properly.
Health-conscious bakers will appreciate the included ceramic pan, which is free from PTFE and PFOA chemicals. With 17 popular functions, 53 chef-curated recipes, and the ability to make sourdough, gluten-free, and sugar-free breads, this machine is built to support a wide range of dietary preferences and baking projects.
Cuisinart CBK-110C Compact Automatic Bread Maker
Cuisinart brings its reputation for quality and design to this compact and efficient bread maker. Its streamlined profile is ideal for smaller kitchens, yet it still produces a full 2-pound loaf. The machine automatically handles every step of the process, making fresh bread as simple as adding ingredients and selecting a program.
You have control over your bake with 12 preprogrammed menu options, three loaf sizes, and three crust shades. This balance of simplicity and choice makes it an excellent option for those who want a trustworthy brand and a machine that is easy to use without being overly basic.
West Bend Hi-Rise Bread Maker Machine
The West Bend Hi-Rise is for those who prefer a traditional horizontal loaf shape. Its unique pan is paired with dual knead blades that work together to thoroughly mix and knead the dough, resulting in a lighter texture and a higher rise. This machine can handle larger batches, with loaf sizes of 2, 2.5, or even 3 pounds.
With 12 programmed settings, including a specific gluten-free cycle, and a 13-hour delay start timer, it offers great convenience. Wake up to the aroma of fresh bread or have it ready when you get home from work. It’s a great choice for families or anyone who appreciates the classic bread loaf form.
KBS 19-in-1 Programmable Bread Maker
This KBS model offers professional-level control with its fully programmable mode, allowing you to customize every stage of the bread-making process. This is a significant advantage for sourdough enthusiasts who need to manage fermentation times precisely. The 19 menus cover everything from gluten-free bread to jam and yogurt.
It features a healthy, PTFE-free ceramic pan and uses a 360° planetary mixing technique for consistently kneaded dough. Additional conveniences include a 15-hour delay timer, a 1-hour keep-warm function, and power-off protection, making it a robust and versatile machine for serious home bakers.
Zojirushi BB-PDC20BA Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus
Zojirushi is often regarded as a top-tier brand in the bread maker market, and the Virtuoso Plus demonstrates why. It is packed with features for the health-minded baker, including dedicated settings for multigrain, whole wheat, gluten-free, salt-free, and even vegan breads. The double kneading blades ensure dough is mixed thoroughly for a superior texture.
Dual heaters—one on the bottom and one on the lid—work in concert to promote even baking and perfect browning on all sides. For busy schedules, the rapid courses can bake a loaf of white or whole wheat bread in just 2 hours and 25 minutes without sacrificing quality.
NutriMill Artiste Kitchen Stand Mixer
For bakers who prefer a hands-on approach but want mechanical assistance, the NutriMill Artiste Stand Mixer is a powerful alternative. While not a bread maker in the traditional sense, its strong motor and bottom-drive design are exceptionally capable of kneading even heavy doughs, with a capacity to handle up to 6 pounds of dough at a time.
This mixer gives you complete control over the rising and baking stages, which is ideal for crafting artisan sourdough loaves that you can bake in your own oven. The included baker’s accessory bundle makes it a versatile centerpiece for all your baking projects, from bread to cakes and cookies.
Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker
This listing for the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus provides another opportunity to consider this highly-regarded model. Known for its consistent performance and advanced features, it is engineered to produce excellent results across a wide spectrum of bread types. The focus on healthy courses and even baking makes it a favorite among discerning home bakers.
Its robust construction and intelligent programming, including the rapid bake cycles, offer a blend of convenience and quality. If you are looking for a machine that can reliably produce everything from a simple white loaf to a complex multigrain sourdough, this Zojirushi model is consistently recommended.
Buying Guide: Finding the Best Bread Maker for Your Kitchen
I’ve been using a bread maker for years, and it completely changed my relationship with homemade bread. If you’re looking for one of the 10 best bread makers for sourdough and more, the first thing I tell people is to think about what you actually want to bake. Are you a sourdough fanatic, or do you just want a reliable machine for a basic whole wheat loaf? Your answer will steer you in the right direction.
For sourdough enthusiasts, the single most important feature is a custom program or a dedicated “dough” cycle. Sourdough requires a long, slow rise that most standard “basic bread” cycles don’t accommodate. You need a machine that lets you program a long rise time or, at the very least, has a dough setting that mixes and kneads without baking, so you can handle the final proof and baking in your own oven. Without this flexibility, making a proper sourdough loaf is nearly impossible.
Next, consider the size and shape of the loaf. Machines typically make loaves from 1-pound to 2.5-pounds. A 1.5-pound loaf is a great standard size for a small household, while larger families might prefer the 2-pound option. Also, look at the pan shape. Most machines produce a tall, rectangular loaf, but some models have pans that bake a more traditional, horizontal loaf, which is easier to slice for sandwiches.
The kneading paddle is a small part that makes a huge difference. A single paddle in the center is standard, but some machines have two paddles for more thorough kneading. Check how easy the paddle is to remove from the baked loaf—sometimes they get stuck. Also, look at the inner pot’s non-stick coating. A good coating makes cleanup a breeze, and a pot that is dishwasher-safe is an even bigger win.
Finally, don’t overlook the little things. A viewing window lets you check on your bread without losing heat. A delay timer is fantastic for waking up to fresh bread or having it ready when you get home from work. A fruit and nut dispenser that automatically adds mix-ins at the right time is a nice luxury. Think about which of these extras would genuinely improve your baking routine. By focusing on the features that matter most for the types of bread you love, you’ll find a machine that becomes a trusted kitchen companion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really make sourdough in a bread maker?
Yes, absolutely, but it requires a specific approach. You can’t just use a standard “white bread” cycle. The key is to use the “dough” cycle for the mixing, kneading, and initial rise phases. This handles the hard work of kneading your sourdough starter into the flour. After the cycle finishes, you’ll typically remove the dough, shape it, and let it do its final proofing in a banneton basket before baking it in your conventional oven. This hybrid method gives you the convenience of the machine with the artisan crust and crumb of a traditional sourdough bake.
What is the advantage of a bread maker with a double paddle?
I find that machines with two kneading paddles, instead of just one in the center, often do a more thorough job. They can better mix heavier doughs, like those made with whole grain flours, and ensure all the flour is fully incorporated from the sides of the pan. This can lead to a more consistent crumb without dry pockets of flour. It’s not a strict necessity, but it’s a feature I appreciate for complex recipes.
How do I clean my bread maker?
Cleaning is generally simple. Always unplug the machine and let it cool completely first. The bread pan and kneading paddle can usually be washed with warm, soapy water. The non-stick coating means they often clean up easily, but check your manual to see if they are dishwasher-safe. For the main unit, never immerse it in water. Instead, just wipe the interior and exterior with a damp cloth. Crumbs can collect at the bottom, so I use a soft brush or a dry cloth to get those out.
Why did my bread collapse in the machine?
A collapsed loaf is a common frustration, and it’s usually due to a few key issues. The most likely culprit is too much liquid or yeast. Accurate measuring is crucial in bread making. Using a kitchen scale for flour and water can make a world of difference compared to using cups. Another reason could be opening the lid during the baking cycle, which lets out too much heat and steam. Finally, the ambient temperature in your kitchen can affect how the yeast behaves. If your kitchen is very warm, the dough might rise too quickly and then fall.
Are bread makers worth the counter space?
As someone who uses theirs weekly, I definitely think so. It saves me a significant amount of active time and effort. I don’t have to stand and knead dough for ten minutes, and it keeps my countertops far less messy. If you eat bread regularly and enjoy having control over the ingredients, it’s a fantastic appliance. Many of the newer models are quite compact, and if you use it often, it earns its spot. If you’re only an occasional baker, you might find storing it in a cupboard when not in use is a good compromise.