Last Updated On July 1st, 2022
Bread makers have grown in popularity over the years, and for a good reason. They’re relatively easy to use, and they turn out perfect loaves – if you get the best bread maker and use it properly. Otherwise, the final product can turn out to be mealy, heavy or overly crusty, guaranteeing that the machine, along with the promise of wonderful smells and even better bread, will be tucked away in a cupboard, never to be seen again.
It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to do things right. Many high-quality machines are available on the market. The key to choosing the right one to buy for your kitchen is determining exactly what you are making, how often you’ll be using it and what types of loaves you’d like to make.
Of course, features and price will also factor into your choice, so we’ve compiled a full list of bread maker reviews as well as a detailed guide to help you buy and make the right purchase!
Our Favourite Bread Makers Compared
Best Bread Maker Reviews – Top 10 Picks
1. Morphy Richards Fastbake (Editor’s Choice)
Looking for a cheap bread maker? Take a look at the Morphy Richards Fastbake.
Features
This budget bread maker has all the features you need to start making your own bread at home without a large financial outlay. With 12 programmes, you will find preset modes for all of your needs. It includes a rapid 50-minute setting which is ideal if you’re often in a rush. The 13-hour delay timer is practical for setting to wake up to freshly baked bread. To customise your loaf to your needs and liking, there are three loaf sizes and crust degrees of darkness. So whether you live alone or have a large family, you can create bread to suit your requirements.
It’s worth noting that this model lacks a fruit/nut dispenser, but our biggest issue with the Fastbake is that it the paddle often sticks inside the loaf, so it’s better to remove it partway through the cycle. Furthermore, this is a little on the bulky side with a rather large footprint, so if you are short on space, be sure to check out some of our other bread machine reviews.
- 12 programmes/modes
- Three loaf sizes
- Three darkness settings
- Fast 50-minute setting
- 13-hour delay timer
- No fruit/nut dispenser
- Need to remove paddle before baking
- Large footprint
2. Morphy Richards Homebake (Best 600-Watt)
The Homebake by Morphy Richards is among the most popular models on the market. So, if you are wondering which is the best bread maker to go for then this could well be your ideal option.
Features
Considered by many as the best bread machine, this compact model is easy to store and won’t take up too much space on your kitchen worktop. It features 14 programmes, including gluten-free, fast bake and French as well as options for making jams and cakes. With its two-pound loaf capacity, you can serve food for the whole family.
Complete with three crust colour settings and a handy viewing window to let you keep an eye on your loaf, this product will surely make a good choice. However, at 90 minutes long, the “fast” bake option is almost twice as long as some other models. Also, bear in mind that this kitchen appliance is fairly noisy and the power cord is rather short.
- 14 programmes
- 2 lb loaf capacity
- Compact design
- Viewing window
- Three crust settings
- 90-minute fast setting
- Short power cord
- Fairly noisy
3. Panasonic Stainless Steel (Luxury Choice)
This bread maker machine is a stylish and practical Panasonic stainless steel model.
Features
Complete with 27 programmes and modes which includes white, gluten-free, rapid and rye bread. It comes with full instructions and recipes, so even if you’ve never made your own bread before, you won’t have any issues. There is even a diamond-fluoro coated bread pan to ensure that loaves turn out perfectly without sticking.
With a number of loaf size and crust darkness options, you’ll be able to create your loaf just how you like it. This model also benefits from a yeast, raisin and seed drop. This is particularly useful if you are planning to use the timer mode, allowing the bread maker to drop in the yeast just when it is needed to ensure the perfect baked good.
That said if you are planning to set your machine to run overnight, be aware that the yeast drop is a little noisy. Also, this has a rather large footprint and if you like very dark crusts, it tends to be little on the lighter side. Overall, though, if you’re asking yourself “are breadmakers any good?”, then you won’t be disappointed with this easy-to-use bread maker.
- 27 programmes/modes
- Loaf size and darkness options
- Yeast, raisin and nut dispenser
- Jam and compote mode
- Diamond-Fluoro coated bread pan
- Yeast drop is noisy
- Struggles to create very dark crusts
- Fairly large footprint
4. Panasonic SD-2500WXC Automatic (Best Small)
This automatic model by Panasonic is great if you are looking for a mid-range option with the proven quality that comes from an experienced manufacturer.
Features
This compact bread maker has all of the features that you’ll need for successful home bread baking, including an easy-to-use control panel, adjustable loaf size, crust setting options and 10 bread and dough modes. Create delicious homemade jams and compotes using the dedicated modes, or benefit from the 13-hour delayed start timer to wake up to the smell of freshly baked bread for breakfast without having to leave home.
As with many Panasonic models, the pan and blade are coated with diamond particles for a durable non-stick finish. However, unlike some more expensive models, there is no automatic ingredient drop. You should also be aware that the alert to add extra ingredients manually is a little quiet and this particular model is not suitable for making rye bread.
- 10 bread and dough modes
- Loaf size and crust settings
- 13-hour delay timer
- Diamond particle coated pan and kneading blade
- Jam and compote modes
- Not suitable for rye bread
- Alert to add extra ingredients not loud enough
- No automatic extra ingredient dispenser
5. Panasonic SD-2511WXC Fully Automated (Best with Non-Stick Pan)
If you are looking for the best bread machine, the Panasonic Fully Automated model is well worth considering.
Features
It features 17 different bread type programmes, making it a great choice if you want to try out making different bread varieties. It also features an automatic ingredient dispenser, so you can set it to make speciality baked goods overnight or when you’re out and about. In order to provide you with the perfect baked loaves, this bread machine has a special temperature sensor that allows it to adjust each baking process to the ambient temperature, ensuring excellent results every time.
Showcasing jam and compote modes, as well as crust and loaf size settings, this multi-function bread maker has all the settings you’ll need. However, on some programmes users noticed some slight raising inconsistencies. Before ordering, note that this is rather large and will take up a considerable amount of space. Also, should you need to order any spare parts in the future, they can be rather expensive.
- 17 bread type programmes
- Loaf size and darkness options
- Automatic ingredient dispenser
- Jam and compote modes
- Adjusts to ambient temperature
- Rising inconsistencies
- Large footprint
- Expensive spare parts
6. Panasonic Automatic (Best Large)
If you are looking for the best large bread maker, then we suggest taking a look at this Panasonic automatic model.
Features
It’s generous dimensions and loaf size options allow for making extra large loaves, as well as scaling back to smaller ones when needed. There are also crust darkness options, so you can create your bread just as you like it. With its diamond-flu0ro coated pan, it is quick and easy to remove loaves with no sticking, while the angled, intuitive control panel makes this a pleasure to use.
Unlike many cheaper models, this large bread maker features a fruit and nut dispenser, as well as a huge variety of 27 different settings. However, when using the nut dispenser on timer mode, it can be a little unreliable and you may not always get the bread you were hoping for. This model can also be a little noisy. This is another issue to bear in mind if you want to set it for overnight baking. Lastly, as this is 38cm tall and requires additional space to open the lid – be sure to measure the area between your kitchen counter and any overhead cupboards before ordering.
- 27 modes
- Fruit and nut dispenser
- Loaf size and darkness options
- Diamond-fluoro pan
- Angled, easy-to-use control panel
- Very tall
- Noisy
- Unreliable nut dispenser
7. Tower T11005 Digital (Best with Nut Dispenser)
The Tower T11005 bread maker is our top choice if you are looking for a powerful machine with a 650-watt motor.
Features
The Tower T11005 features 19 versatile programmes with easy to use controls that enable one-touch baking. This machine allows you to make half or full-sized loaves according to the recipe, and also offers an adjustable crust control, a view window, and an automatic nut and fruit dispenser.
Other functions include a convenient 60-minute keep-warm function and a delayed timer so you can have toasty bread at any time. Thanks to the removable non-stick bowl, the Tower bread maker is also easy to clean and your bread should come out easily after baking.
The design of this machine includes a power backup system that makes sure the bread maker continues to run for 15 minutes in the event that it accidentally gets unplugged or there’s a power glitch. A hook, measuring spoon, and measuring cup come included as well as a three-year warranty.
Unfortunately, the paddle on this bread maker is likely to leave larger holes in the base of the bread and the device itself has a larger than normal footprint. It also makes quite a bit of noise and may get louder over time according to some bread maker reviews.
- Keep warm function
- 19 cooking modes
- Easy to clean
- Power backup system
- 3-year warranty
- The paddle may leave larger holes
- May not be the quietest machine
- Relatively large footprint may be too big for smaller kitchens
8. Gastroback 62823 Design (Best for Fast-Baking)
We love the Gastroback 62823 Design bread maker for its versatile and extensive programme modes. This model includes a rapid option, making it perfect for anyone on a time crunch.
Features
Boasting 18 preset programmes, the Gastroback Design bread maker enables you to create a dough, jam, yoghurt, and a variety of bread types. It also features a defrost mode, three crust browning levels, and an automatic nut dispenser.
This Gastroback 62823 bread maker is capable of making three loaf sizes ranging from 500 grams up to 1000 grams in weight. To ensure your bread is ready when you want, it has a delayed start timer, a keep-warm function, and the option to use an impressively fast 15-minute bake cycle.
Gastroback made sure their bread maker includes a removable non-stick bowl with a handle so you can easily extract your bread and clean the pan afterwards. A bread hook, measuring cup, and measuring spoon are provided and an ice cream attachment is available for an additional cost.
Unfortunately, the Gastroback bread maker does not contain a viewing window and it is not known for being particularly quiet. Even with the bread hook included, you may also experience larger paddle holes in your finished bread.
- Automatic nut dispenser
- 18 programmes
- Rapid 15-minute mode
- Keep-warm function
- Three different loaf sizes
- May lack a viewing window
- Larger paddle may leave a large hole
- Operation may be noisy
9. Lakeland Compact Daily Loaf (Best Value)
The Lakeland Compact Daily Loaf bread maker makes an excellent choice if you are looking for a space-saving appliance to make smaller sized loaves of bread.
Features
This small bread maker by Lakeland makes one-pound loaves of bread. It also features a useful ‘knead only’ mode that allows you to make dough for pizza or pasta as well. In addition to its 11 settings, it has three crust browning options, a delayed start timer, and has an alert that lets you know when it is the optimal time to add any fruit or nuts, depending on the recipe.
Lakeland includes a view window on the top of the Compact Daily Loaf bread maker so you can monitor your recipe’s progress in real-time. A removable non-stick bowl with a small paddle not only makes this machine easy to clean but also preserves the structure of your bread, leaving only a tiny hole behind once extracted. A three-year warranty and a hook to help remove the paddle come included, too.
Keep in mind, this bread maker makes smaller loaves that may not be large enough for everyone. Additionally, it has a trickier container lock and doesn’t include an automatic nut dispenser.
- With knead only mode
- Delayed start timer
- 3-year warranty
- Compact space-saving design
- Small paddle hole
- Smaller loaf size may not be ideal for larger families
- Lacks an automatic nut dispenser
- Container lock may be tricky
10. Aucma Digital Intelligence (Best for Newbies)
The Aucma Digital Intelligence bread maker makes an excellent choice for anyone new to bread making or bread making machines. It has easy-to-use and read controls and has enough settings to be versatile, without being overwhelming for a beginner.
Features
The Digital Intelligence bread maker by Aucma comes equipped with 12 modes and is capable of making 500 gram or 1000 gram loaves of bread. It features an automatic nut dispenser and a convenient viewing window so you can watch the cooking process within.
Additional features include three different crust browning levels, a lengthy 13-hour delay timer, a 60-minute keep-warm function, and a 58-minute rapid bake setting for when you are short on time. It can also make cakes and jam, increasing its usability in your kitchen.
Cleaning up is hassle-free, thanks to the non-stick removable bowl on this bread machine. In addition, it features a 10-minute power cut protection in case you accidentally unplug the machine while it is running. A bread hook, measuring cup, and measuring spoon also come included with your purchase.
While this bread maker is a great beginner option, you should be aware that it does not come with a warranty and is relatively noisy compared to other options. Lastly, the bread pan may not be the appropriate size.
- Automatic nut dispenser
- View window
- Rapid cook function
- 13-hour delayed start timer
- Beginner-friendly machine
- May not include a warranty
- May have a noisier operation
- The bread pan may be a bit loose
What To Consider When Choosing a Bread Maker
Feeling hungry yet? Let’s take a look at the most important things to consider before you buy the right bread maker for your kitchen.
1. Choice of Loaves
Nearly all bread makers will be able to produce white, brown and wholemeal loaves, but many are better at working with some grains than others. If you prefer a specific type, get an option which outperforms other models in that area.
There are those that allow you to make granary, rye or other special varieties so if you want to get something more than a plain old white bread, you should look for a model with the appropriate programmes.
Varieties with ingredients which must be added during the cooking process, such as raisins or seeds, are better handled by a model which has an automatic dispenser or allows you to set custom programmes.
2. Speciality Settings
Many models have “gluten-free” settings which might be crucial features for those with gluten allergies or intolerances such as coeliac disease while others include settings for making normal dough or pasta for cooking. There are also those with a “bake only” setting for preparing the batter for a pre-mixed cake, or even a setting for making jams. Each of these options may add to the price but may be just what you’re looking for.
A fast-bake setting can come in handy for many families on-the-go but look a little more deeply. Some manufacturers’ idea of “fast bake” isn’t very fast at all, others only allow this for white bread, and many don’t do a proper job when the baking process is accelerated.
3. Removable Paddle
One telltale sign of loaves which have been made in a home machine is the hole that the kneading paddle leaves on the bottom of the loaf after it’s done. Of course, this is only a cosmetic issue which doesn’t affect the taste and texture of the bread, but you may prefer to avoid this nonetheless.
One way to ensure that the hole is as small as possible is to choose one with a removable paddle which can be taken out partway through the cooking process. There are also models with a collapsible paddle designed to not leave holes at all.
4. Ease of Use
Choosing kitchen appliances like deep fat fryers, mini ovens, soup makers or air fryers are not easy. A bread maker is no different. Buy something that suits your needs. Check that the control panel is simple to read and use. See if it has the most important options like different loaf size, a variety of crust settings (colour, thickness and crispiness), as well as a timer.
Many people also like having a “keep warm” button which can impress your guests who love the smell of freshly baked goods. Lastly, consider a see-through window can help you judge the “doneness” of your loaf.
Conclusion
All this talk about freshly-baked bread has us ready to head into the kitchen, and we’re guessing you’re getting pretty hungry as well. We’ve hopefully done our part, listing down our bread maker reviews and giving you all the tips you need to buy the right model – the rest is up to you.
Still can’t decide which bread maker to go for? If you’re struggling to choose the best bread maker for your needs, you can try our Editor’s Choice – the Morphy Richards Fastbake. It comes equipped with 12 programmes, three crust settings, a fast 50-minute setting, a 13-hour delay on the timer, and is capable of making three different loaf sizes.
Let us know how it goes!
One Response
What make to buy in Uk with Collapsible blade?