Are you a Bake-Off contestant in waiting? You really don’t need to be a budding bread maker to create the perfect loaf. There’s little room for error with an automatic bread maker.
It’s little wonder that these machines have seen a rise in popularity (call it self-raising, if you like). It makes a lot of sense when you consider just how good homemade bread actually tastes. We don't know who needs to hear this, but shop-bought and homemade bread are not the same. A freshly baked loaf is a thing of beauty, and deserves to be celebrated. It's the star of the show, not the side.
The good news when it comes to bread makers is that there are lots of models on offer from reliable brands. The bad news is that with so many options, it can be difficult to pick the right machine for you and your budget. We’re here to help, so your ultimate decision to invest in a bread maker isn’t, well, half-baked.
Do you need a bread maker?
Anyone who’s sampled the good stuff (by which we mean we mean home-baked bread) from the comfort of their own home knows the answer to this question. OK, it’s not one of life’s essentials, but it’s a definitely a bonus in the kitchen. You don't need to be a serious home baker, because a bread making machine will make fresh loaves — and plenty more, in fact — with just the touch of a button.
What can a bread maker make?
Well, bread for starters. That’s a given. But the great thing about bread makers is the sheer variety on offer. They usually come with a number of pre-set programmes that will make different types of bread products, from wholegrain and artisanal loafs to pizza dough and cake. You’ll also find a number of bread makers have options to make jams, compotes, and yoghurts — all delicious add-ons.
Do bread makers make gluten-free bread?
If you’re one of the gluten-free eaters — due to health reasons or personal choice — you can absolutely still use a bread maker. Many of the bread makers we’ve looked at to compile this list include gluten-free options as a baking pre-set.
What other features to bread makers offer?
The bread makers included in this roundup have all kinds of bonus features — all designed to make the best-tasting bread how and when you want it. Features can include an automatic fruit and nut dispenser, a delay timer for getting bread ready first thing, a viewing window to monitor progress, and a “keep-warm” function. These features aren't all essential, but they could make the difference when choosing a model.
What is the best bread maker?
To give you a clearer idea of what's available, we have lined up a selection of some of the best bread makers on the market. You'll find some of the very best machines from top brands such as Morphy Richards, Panasonic, and Russell Hobbs.
These are the best bread makers in 2023.
