The scent of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen is no longer a distant dream reserved for expert bakers. With a modern bread maker, you can enjoy the simple pleasure of a warm, homemade loaf with minimal effort. These versatile machines handle the entire process for you, from kneading the dough to baking it to perfection, ensuring consistent results every single time.
Whether you’re catering to specific dietary needs like gluten-free, want to experiment with artisan recipes, or simply desire the convenience of having fresh bread on demand, there is a model designed for your lifestyle. Our roundup of the best bread makers for 2025 will guide you through the top options, highlighting the key features that make each one stand out, so you can find the perfect machine for your countertop.
Our Top Picks for the Best Bread Makers
- Oster Expressbake Bread Maker with Gluten-Free Setting
- KBS Pro 710W Bread Maker, 2LB 17-in-1 Automatic Bread Machine
- Cuisinart Bread Maker Machine, Stainless Steel Automatic Bread Machine
- Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme Breadmaker
- Cuisinart CBK-110C Compact Automatic Bread Maker, Stainless Steel
- Oster Bread Maker with ExpressBake | 2 Pound Capacity
- Elite Gourmet Programmable Bread Maker Machine 3 Loaf Sizes
- Panasonic Bread Machine, Automatic Bread Maker with 20 Presets
- 2LB Bread Maker Machine, OSIPOTO 17 in 1 Automatic Stainless Steel
- Hamilton Beach Artisan Dough & Bread Maker
Oster Expressbake Bread Maker with Gluten-Free Setting
Ideal for larger families, the Oster Expressbake offers a generous 2-pound loaf capacity. Its 13 settings provide excellent variety, allowing you to bake different types of bread, prepare dough for other recipes, make jam, and even create gluten-free loaves. You have full control over the final product with three crust color selections: light, medium, and dark.
This model is a fantastic all-rounder for households that consume bread regularly and appreciate having multiple options at their fingertips. The inclusion of a dedicated gluten-free setting makes it a considerate choice for those with dietary restrictions.
KBS Pro 710W Bread Maker, 2LB 17-in-1 Automatic Bread Machine
The KBS Pro is a feature-packed machine designed for the serious home baker. It boasts 17 programmable menus, including options for cake, yogurt, and jam, going far beyond basic bread. A key highlight is its food-grade ceramic inner pot, which is PTFE-free and designed to heat evenly for a superior bake. The 710W motor provides powerful kneading to achieve an ideal texture.
Convenience is a major selling point, with an automatic nut dispenser that adds ingredients at the perfect time and a 15-hour delay timer for fresh bread in the morning. The “quick bread” function can bake a loaf in under 1.5 hours, making it a great choice for those with busy schedules.
Cuisinart Bread Maker Machine, Stainless Steel Automatic Bread Machine
This Cuisinart model combines a sleek stainless steel design with practical functionality. It offers 12 menu programs to handle a wide array of baking projects, from classic white bread to pizza dough and cake. You can customize your bake with three loaf sizes and three crust colors, ensuring the final product meets your exact preferences.
The machine fully automates the process, taking care of mixing, kneading, rising, and baking. The removable nonstick baking pan and kneading paddle make cleanup a simple task, adding to the overall user-friendly experience.
Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme Breadmaker
Zojirushi is a respected name in kitchen appliances, and this breadmaker lives up to the reputation. It is incredibly versatile, with settings for baking a variety of breads, cakes, and even meatloaf. It also includes specialized functions for making jam and creating a sourdough starter, appealing to baking enthusiasts.
The machine produces a classic 2-pound rectangular loaf with an adjustable crust shade. The easy-to-read LCD control panel and non-stick interior contribute to a straightforward and satisfying baking process from start to finish.
Cuisinart CBK-110C Compact Automatic Bread Maker
For those with limited counter space, the Cuisinart CBK-110C offers a compact footprint without sacrificing capability. It can bake up to a 2-pound loaf and includes 12 preprogrammed menu options. Like its larger counterpart, it provides three crust shades and three loaf sizes for customization.
This machine handles the entire bread-making process automatically and even keeps the finished loaf warm until you are ready to serve it. It’s an excellent choice for smaller households or anyone who wants a reliable, space-efficient appliance.
Oster Bread Maker with ExpressBake
When you need fresh bread in a hurry, the Oster Bread Maker with ExpressBake is the perfect solution. Its standout feature is the ability to bake a loaf in one hour or less, providing unparalleled convenience. It includes 12 settings, including a gluten-free option, and three crust settings.
This model is designed for speed and simplicity, making it ideal for busy individuals and families. You don’t have to sacrifice a homemade meal for the sake of time with this efficient machine on your counter.
Elite Gourmet Programmable Bread Maker Machine
The Elite Gourmet bread maker takes the guesswork out of baking with 19 programmed preset menus. This extensive selection covers everything from basic white and wheat bread to more specialized doughs like pizza. It accommodates three different loaf sizes, up to a 2-pound capacity.
This machine is built for those who appreciate having a wide range of options at their disposal. It automates the kneading, rising, and baking processes, ensuring a high success rate for bakers of all skill levels.
Panasonic Bread Machine with 20 Presets
The Panasonic SD-R2550 employs advanced technology for a professional-grade bake. Its double temperature sensor detects both internal and room temperature, automatically adjusting the rise and rest times for perfect results. The unique artisan-style kneading blade and pan design work together to handle even firm doughs with ease.
With 20 presets and a raisin/nut dispenser for even ingredient distribution, this machine offers precision and convenience. It is an outstanding choice for bakers who are serious about texture and flavor, including those interested in gluten-free baking.
OSIPOTO 17 in 1 Automatic Stainless Steel Bread Machine
Designed with the beginner in mind, the OSIPOTO bread maker promises a high success rate for homemade bread. Its operation is simple: add the ingredients, select one of the 17 customizable programs, and the machine handles the rest. It features a large 2-pound capacity and offers three loaf sizes and three crust settings.
This model is an excellent entry-point into home baking, offering a wide range of functions without a steep learning curve. It’s built to be easy to clean and operates with low noise, making it a pleasant addition to any kitchen.
Hamilton Beach Artisan Dough & Bread Maker
The Hamilton Beach Artisan is a versatile machine that excels at creating a variety of doughs in addition to baking bread. It is perfect for anyone who loves making homemade pizza, cinnamon rolls, or bagels, as it provides a dedicated dough setting that prepares the dough for you to shape and bake in your oven.
Of course, it also bakes a full loaf of bread automatically, offering a great balance between hands-on baking projects and fully automated convenience. This makes it a flexible tool for creative cooks and traditional bread lovers alike.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in the Best Bread Maker
I remember how overwhelming it was to pick my first bread machine. The market is flooded with options, and it’s easy to get lost in the specs. After testing quite a few, I’ve learned what truly matters. This buying guide will walk you through the key features to consider for your ’10 Best Bread Makers – Reviews & Buying Guide for 2025′ research, helping you find the perfect machine for your kitchen.
First, think about loaf size. Most machines offer a few options, typically 1-pound, 1.5-pound, and 2-pound loaves. If you’re baking for one or two people, a 1-pound loaf is perfect to avoid waste. For a family of four or more, you’ll want the flexibility to make a larger 2-pound loaf. I found that a machine with at least two size options gives me the most versatility depending on the occasion.
Next, consider the shape of the loaf. Bread makers generally produce either a traditional vertical loaf or a more conventional horizontal one. The vertical loaf is the classic, tall square you often see. Horizontal loaves are longer and lower, resembling something you’d buy from a bakery, and they’re often easier to slice for sandwiches. Some machines even come with two pans for both shapes. I personally prefer the horizontal loaves for their sliceability.
The number of pre-programmed settings is a big one. At a minimum, you’ll want basic cycles for White, Whole Wheat, and Dough. But many models go much further, with settings for Gluten-Free, Sweet, French, Rapid Bake, and even Jam. If you have specific dietary needs or enjoy a wide variety of breads, these extra programs are a huge help. My machine has a gluten-free setting, and it makes a world of difference compared to using the basic white cycle.
Don’t overlook the crust control. This feature lets you select light, medium, or dark crust. It seems simple, but it’s essential for tailoring the bread to your taste. My family prefers a light crust, so I use that setting almost exclusively. Without this control, you’re stuck with whatever the machine decides, which might not be to your liking.
Finally, look at the little things. A delay timer is fantastic for waking up to fresh bread or having it ready when you get home from work. A viewing window lets you check on your bread without losing heat and disrupting the bake. A beep to add mix-ins like nuts or fruit is a small but useful feature. And of course, a simple, intuitive control panel makes the whole process much more pleasant. Taking the time to consider these points will ensure you get a bread maker you’ll use and enjoy for years.
FAQ
Can I use regular all-purpose flour in my bread maker?
Yes, you absolutely can. Bread flour is often recommended because its higher protein content creates more gluten, leading to a chewier, taller loaf. However, all-purpose flour works perfectly fine and will still produce a good, soft loaf of bread. I use all-purpose flour frequently when it’s what I have on hand. The key is to follow recipes designed for a bread machine, as the ingredient ratios and mixing times are specifically calibrated for the machine’s operation.
Why did my bread collapse in the middle?
A collapsed or sunken top is a common issue, and it usually comes down to a few culprits. The most frequent cause is using too much liquid. When the dough is too wet, it can’t support its structure as it rises and bakes, leading to a collapse. Another common reason is using too much yeast, which causes the bread to over-rise before the structure sets. Always measure your ingredients accurately, using a kitchen scale for the best results. Humidity can also affect your flour, so you might need to adjust liquid levels on damp days.
Do I really need to use bread machine yeast?
While you can use active dry yeast in a bread maker, I strongly recommend using bread machine yeast (also called instant yeast). The granules are finer and it doesn’t need to be dissolved in water first. It activates more quickly and consistently with the machine’s rapid mixing cycles. Using active dry yeast can sometimes result in a denser loaf if it doesn’t fully activate in time. For the most reliable results, bread machine yeast is the way to go.
How do I clean and maintain my bread maker?
Proper cleaning is simple but important. Always unplug the machine and let it cool completely. The bread pan, kneading paddle, and lid (if removable) are usually dishwasher safe, but check your manual. Never submerge the main machine unit in water. For the interior, I wipe it out with a damp cloth and use a soft brush to get any crumbs out of the corners. A tricky part can be the kneading paddle shaft inside the pan; a stiff-bristled brush or a pipe cleaner works well to clean out any stuck-on dough.
Is a bread maker a worthwhile appliance for a small kitchen?
As someone with limited counter space, I think it can be. A bread maker is a multi-tasker. Sure, it bakes bread, but its dough setting is its secret weapon. I use mine to make pizza dough, bagels, cinnamon roll dough, and even pretzels. It saves me the time and mess of kneading by hand. If you use it just for dough, you can store it in a cabinet and only bring it out when needed. For the convenience of fresh bread and hassle-free dough, it earns its spot even in a cozy kitchen. This is a key point to remember when using a ’10 Best Bread Makers – Reviews & Buying Guide for 2025′ to make your choice.