6 Best Bread Machines, According to Testing (2024)

To make our recommendations, our experts thoroughly researched top-rated models, reading through hundreds of consumer reviews, and tested out several popular picks first-hand. When we weren't able to get hands-on with certain models, we relied on our expertise, having tested and reviewed many kitchen appliances from popular brands through the years.

So, which is the best bread maker to purchase? That all depends on what you need. Read our reviews below to find the right one for you, and find more details on shopping for the best bread makers at the bottom of this guide.

This Panasonic bread maker features 20 preprogrammed functions, ranging from basic white bread and sourdough to gluten-free breads, cakes and pizza doughs, and includes a delay-start timer and an automatic dispenser for nuts and other mix-ins. Testers found the machine straightforward and easy to use, though flagged that it was a bit too large and the accessories are hand wash only.

In our Lab tests, we found that this machine yielded a very tall, golden loaf of white bread that was comparable to a white bread you would buy from the supermarket — it had a very soft interior with a soft fine crumb and an exterior crust that was slightly tough, but not overly so. While the bread was easy to release from the bread pan, the handle did get in the way and dented the center of the bread.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliance and Innovation Lab tests thousands of appliances a year, evaluating each based on its performance and ease of use. Throughout the years, the culinary experts have tested hundreds of stand mixers, bakeware sets, bread knives and Dutch ovens.

While we haven't tested every one of these bread makers side-by-side in the Lab, members of our team have tested a handful of these picks in their own home kitchens, and others come from brands that the Lab has tested and trusted. To compile this list, our experts researched available options that prioritize ease of use and functionality and provide a range of sizes, prices, settings and unique features.

Bread makers give you full control over the ingredients in your breads, which is especially convenient for accommodating food allergies. Most newer models actually include designated gluten-free settings so it's easy for anyone with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity to make bread that's fluffy, not dense or chewy.

Bread makers are also great because they can save carb-lovers money in the long-run. A basic homemade bread recipe will run you about $1.50 per loaf — basically the cost of a handful of ingredients, including yeast and all-purpose flour. Meanwhile, you're spending way more at the grocery store buying packaged breads valued at about $2 and up (and possibly more due to inflation).

✔️ Size: Think about your ideal loaf size. Do you prefer to make a lot of bread at once? Most bread makers offer a few different settings, ranging from 1 to 2.5 pound loaves.

✔️ Settings: Some machines offer simple, basic settings while others feature more advanced options for things like gluten-free and mix-ins of fruit, nuts or seeds. Many allow you to control the shade of the crust, choosing from light to medium to dark, etc. Keep in mind that these settings typically affect the proofing times, baking times and baking temps.

✔️ Type of controls: Choose between manual controls or digital ones. The latter typically offers more options in terms of settings.

✔️ Footprint: Measure the amount of space on your kitchen counter and check how much storage space you have to house a bread maker. There are machines in a range of shapes and sizes — larger and rectangular or smaller and taller. Note that the shape of the machine might affect the size and shape of your bread.

✔️ Removable paddle: Some bread makers have this, while others don't. The paddle can be annoying to dig out of bread, but, on the other hand, having the removable handle may cause a hole in the bottom of the loaf if it gets stuck.

This article was written by GH Deputy Food Editor Trish Clasen Marsanico, who grew up enjoying freshly baked bread made by her mom in a bread maker. She continues that tradition today, baking up loaves in her beloved Zojirushi. She works in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen with a team that develops hundreds of delicious recipes each year and has over a decade of experience writing about food and cooking for various publications.

Testing for this story was overseen by Nicole Papantoniou, who runs the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, overseeing all content and testing related to cooking and baking products. She has been testing and developing cooking tools, gadgets, gear and appliances since 2014. She has tested the full gamut of baking-related kitchen gear, including bread makers, waffle makers, bakeware sets and best gifts for bakers.