
Best 10 Bread Makers
As Of June 2022
We did the
Make Your Own Loaf of Bread Like A Boss!
Are you tired of having to go out to get bread before meals? Do you wish you could have fresh bread in your bread bin every time you want it just in a couple of hours without hassles? Do you want bread in different forms ready to be eaten with snacks as well without having to locate a breadman for it? From different loaf sizes to gluten-free bread. There’s a kitchen appliance that takes bread making into a whole new level.
There is one answer to all these problems. Get the best bread machine! This could be the beginning of you making loaves at home that would make you feel like a fantastic home baker! Whether someone is diet conscious or just likes baking bread, a bread maker is something that is extremely useful to all. Bake bread like a pro!
The choices are unlimited! Basic bread, white bread, wheat bread, sweet bread and even french bread, sourdough or multigrain! No need for bread recipes or a recipe book in general! Choose your favourite crust setting and crust colour and enjoy your delicious bread.
Feeling overwhelmed with all the different options? No need to worry anymore! This guide has all the best bread makers and all the information that you need to make the right choice. Have a look at our insights and be sure that you can’t go wrong!
Why give Bread Makers a Chance?
A bread maker is something that you would initially think of as luxury equipment on your countertop but can quickly turn into one of the most used appliances in the kitchen. And if you lack creativity then you can have a look at different recipes (or gluten-free recipes) and experiment with various tastes. The only thing that’s for sure, is that the baking process is super fun!
Getting a bread maker is not only about convenience. But it is also pocket-friendly as you would make the investment just once and then be able to skip buying expensive loaves of bread as part of your groceries. At the same time, you would feel satisfied eating that bread as you would know exactly what ingredients have been used. No need to worry about your health either as you yourself can take care of it. Want to learn more through one of our in-depth reviews? Check out our Morphy Richards 48281 Fastbake bread maker review. It's a classic option!
How Long Does It Take To Bake Bread With A Bread Maker?
There’s not a simple answer to that. The time you need to bake your bread varies depending on the kind and the programme that you choose. If your bread maker has a quick baking mode then you can do it just in a couple of minutes. But have in mind that homemade bread that is made like that are less tasty than the ones that spend hours in there. It all comes down to the baking round. The range of time for achieving perfect taste is wide and can reach up to six hours. Which is a lot! But check the manufacturer’s details just to be extra sure about your purchase. And don’t forget that you can always wake up and find a delicious loaf ready for you if you spend a little time the previous day to add all the ingredients in the bread pan.
What Types Of Bread Machines Suit You?
Vertical Bread Makers
In the very beginning, the first bread makers produced tall and rectangular loaves of bread that seem a little funny. Their bread pans were square but for some reason, the loaf tended to become too tall. This strange shape might give you trouble while making your favourite sandwich in the toaster.
Fun fact, they are still popular because even though the shape is strange, some of them give you amazing results. There’s got to be something more than this! Well, the truth is that they don’t need much space which is ideal for people with small homes. Plus, they are less expensive and they remain a great option. Keep in mind though, that the heating element is located at the bottom of the machine so they can bake a little unevenly.
Horizontal Bread Makers
If you can’t stand the tall and funny shape, then you should go for a bread maker that has a horizontal outcome. Loaves look a lot like the ones that you get from the baker’s thanks to the better-designed baking pans which are longer. They also tend to have more capacity and help you bake larger loaves but they also need a larger space in your kitchen. So be clever!
There’s a chance that they are less efficient because of their design and their single kneading paddle, but if you go for a good product that has two kneading blades, you won’t face any problems. Try to avoid cheap products because the dough can get stuck on one end of the pan and then turn out uneven. It’s not hard to imagine that they are pricier but they are totally worth that extra money.
Load Capacity
If you have a big family or you want to treat a big number of guests, then you should consider the amount of bread that you can get in every baking cycle. Most products have settings for multiple loaf sizes. The maximum size though varies. For 1-2 people, you can get a mini bread maker and you’ll be more than pleased.
Size & Weight
The larger the machine, the larger the loaves. But make sure that you have the space to place it on your countertop because ending up with no space isn’t fun! Plus, smaller makers are easier to store and transport once you’re done. Keep in mind though that they probably have fewer settings than big ones.
Kneading Paddles
The cheaper models come with one kneading paddle most of the time which is decent but depending on the quality you might face some troubles. If you try a high-end bread maker with more than one paddle you’ll see the difference right away. Better kneaded bread that isn’t unevenly shaped.
Pre-Programmed Settings
There are so many features and settings to choose from. That makes the whole baking experience better and more fun even for beginners. So if you’re interested in trying different styles of bread and getting past that whole-wheat type that you’re used to, then make sure you aim for one that can do it. Depending on the type of bread that you want, the bread maker will adjust the baking time and the procedure to give you the best outcome. For the more experienced users, the cherry on top comes with the automatic fruit and nut dispensers.
Crust Control
Which is the desired darkness of your crust? Light, medium or dark? Maybe it’s not an essential feature, but it’s cool to have that option too, don’t you think? Don’t stay on a simple custom loaf bread maker. Go beyond that! It’s a personal preference that for some might seem unimportant. But a true bread lover knows that every single thing plays a part for that perfect bite.
Gluten-Free Options
Gluten-free bread needs a different approach than traditional bread. And if you’ve tried it in the past then you know what we’re talking about. Plus, the dough has a different behaviour! It’s good to go for an automatic bread maker with gluten-free settings because that will save you from a lot of trouble. The results always depend on the type of flour you’re using so it’s best to have a look at the variety of gluten-free recipes that are available.
Delayed Start
Delicious bread needs a couple of hours to get ready. So why don’t you try the delayed start feature and schedule it whenever you want? Don’t use the quick-bake option all the time. Give it some time and you’ll see that you can do so much more. A delayed start option lets you add the ingredients beforehand and choose the time that the baking cycle will start. Some models have a 13-hour delay timer for example! That way you can enjoy your fresh bread once you wake up or you get back from work. Just wait for the beep to know it’s ready!
Automatic ingredient dispenser
A small cup or basket that you can add all the ingredients that you need to use for your loaf makes the whole process much easier. No need for stopping the process in the middle to add something manually. You throw them all in and you’re good!
Viewing window
Some people tend to get impatient or really curious about their baking goods. A viewing window can solve their problems once and for all. Now, you don’t have to open the lid to check the process of your baking. Just take a look and get all the information you need.
What Else Can You Make With A Bread Maker?
The fun part about bread makers is that you can create other things as well. If you’re interested in something like this, make sure that you go for a product that can cover your taste buds and your needs.
- Yoghurt
Some programmable bread makers have settings that ferment and incubate at the right temperatures that are needed to make delicious yoghurt. All you need to do is choose the right mode from the control panel and add the ingredients.
- Pasta Dough
Making your own pasta can be troublesome and messy but there’s a solution for that. Choose the right setting and you’ll see the ingredients get kneaded together. All you have to do is take the dough to the fridge to get it chilled.
- Pizza Dough
If you’re more of a pizza person then you should know that pizza dough can be messy as well. Why? Because it tends to be wetter. There’s the right program for that as well. Just add the ingredients and your bread maker will knead them perfectly so you will only have to bake it.
- Jam
Add the sugar and the fruits using a measuring cup to get the right amount. Choose the right setting and let it work its magic!
How Much Do Bread Makers Cost?
Bread makers come in a wide range of prices. They start at around £40 but as you can imagine they don’t have premium modes and settings. If you want something high-end with amazing features then you might find yourself almost at £250. It’s not only their size that changes! Pricier models can produce more types of bread, different crusts, different colouring etc.
How do you clean a bread machine?
It’s necessary to clean your bread maker after every use to keep it sanitized and looking as good as new. Once you finish your baking process, unplug it and let it cool down completely before cleaning.
You can remove the bread pan and wash it. Some products come with dishwasher safe parts to make your life easier. Just check before going ahead and putting it in the dishwasher machine. The rest of the bread maker can’t be cleaned with water as it has electrical parts that need to stay dry. You can wipe the exterior though, with a damp cloth to remove any flour or any other ingredients that may drip. Let it air dry and it’s good to go again!
Some Extra Tips For Bread Making
How about some tips for a better bread-making experience? Have a look!
- Measure carefully and follow the instructions of the machine. Add the ingredients to the pan in the right order. Why? Bread makers are calibrated in a certain way and if you start adding more of some ingredients or add them in a wrong order, the recipe will be bad.
- Use the right type of flour for each type of bread. Don’t do your own stuff!
- Make sure that yeast and salt are separated. Most of the time salt is added first and yeast is near the end. Never add them together because salt kills the yeast and your bread will stay flat.
- Place your freshly baked loaf on a rack to cool down and prevent getting it soggy.
To keep your bread fresh for a couple of days, make sure that you put it in a large plastic bag and squeeze out the air. Close it tightly and you’re done!
Always Think About...
Are you ready to get the best bread maker for your needs? Are you ready to enjoy your homemade bread every time you want it? We hope you are! This guide has all the information and insights that you’re going to need. Check our top picks and find the ideal one for you! No need for worrying anymore! Take a walk to the bread-making side! You’re going to love it!