Best bread machines of 2024

While all of the bread makers I’ve tested can produce a decent basic loaf of bread, they come in different shapes and sizes with a range of additional features and prices. If size or price are limiting factors for you, the decision is going to become very simple, with only a few compact models under $100 to consider. Otherwise, it will likely come down to which additional features are most important, based on the types of bread you plan to make the most. When you start the process of choosing a bread maker, you will find that they vary greatly in terms of shape, size and price. A few factors contribute to these differences in bread maker options, and you’ll need to determine which features are most important for your baking needs.

Bread machine size

Firstly, automatic bread makers come in different sizes. This not only refers to the physical space of the bread baking appliance (which can be large), but also the size of the bread it can bake. Common bread machine sizes include 1 and 2 pound loaf models. If you’re only making a loaf of bread for yourself, a smaller bread maker might work just fine, while larger families might need larger loaves to keep everyone comfortable. crabs.

Bread machine shape

You will also want to think about the shape of the interior bread pan of the appliance, as this will determine the shape of the loaf of bread. Many bread machines come with square pans, which produce square loaves, but you can also find bread machine models that make horizontal loaves closer to those you would buy in a store.

Types of bread he makes

Some are better equipped to produce a thicker, heartier crust, some have built-in settings for gluten-free breads, while others allow you to preset mix-ins such as fruit or nuts, which will add them at the appropriate time . along the way. Want to make different kinds of bread? Bread machines can only produce specific types of bread depending on bread flour and settings. Therefore, if you want to prepare wheat, whole grain, French bread, white bread, sourdough bread, or other varieties, you will need a machine with the appropriate settings for your machine’s recipe bread. If you want gluten-free bread, opt for a gluten-free bread machine. Some fancier bread machines even have no-bread settings, like those for cakes.

Bread maker features and settings

Most bread makers produce a standard 1.5 or 2 pound loaf and come pre-programmed with various settings, including those for white bread, wheat, and quick bread, among other common bread types, as well as settings for dough and jam. All have the option of choosing a light, medium or dark crust, and also include a delayed start function, meaning you can assemble the ingredients in the morning and come home after work to the warm, pleasant aroma of freshly baked bread. (Throw some soup or chili mix into a slow cooker while you’re at it, and your party will be very pleased with your morning.) Alternatively, you can set it at night and wake up to freshly baked bread.