Are you looking for the best bread machine for beginners? If so, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled a list of 7 great machines perfect for amateur cooks.
Quick Summary
Best Bread Machines for Beginners
Hamilton Beach Non-Stick Bread Maker
This non-stick bread maker by Hamilton Beach is easy to use and can make delicious and healthy bread at home. It has 12 settings, including one for gluten-free bread. It can also make French bread, dough, cake, and more.
Choose between two settings, either 1.5 pounds or 2 pounds. A variety of crust options are there for those who prefer light to medium crusts. You have to add your ingredients, select the cycle, and start the machine.
This machine allows you to make foolproof bread at home and is easy to use. The detailed manual is there with instructions that are easy to follow and accompanied by drawings. You’ll also receive some recipes and baking tips which are perfect if you are new to making bread.
The audible reminder is there if you want to add fruits and nuts to your loaf. Even though the bread is baking, the body of the bread maker will not heat up. The non-slip feet mean it will be sturdy on your counter.
Pros
- The large display has a delay timer, so you can add ingredients and start baking later.
- It is non-stick and dishwasher safe
- Includes two kneading paddles
- Many said this machine was also on the quiet side
Cons
- A few reported that it bounces on the counter during the mix cycle
- Some users said their heating element broke very early on after purchasing
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KBS Stainless Steel Bread Machine with Fruit and Nut Dispenser
KBS’s stainless steel bread machine can make three different sizes of loaves, with the largest being 2-pounds. It has 17 different programs to make a wide variety of bread. You can even use it to make cakes and gluten-free bread.
The fruit and nut dispenser is detachable and will release any additional ingredients at the perfect time, so they are adequately cooked. The tempered glass cover and stainless steel materials make for a sleek design that will look nice if you leave it sitting on the counter.
Its ceramic pan is patented to make bread bakes evenly and does not have any chemicals to leach into the loaves. All the parts and pieces are food-grade materials for health and safety.
The inside light allows you to monitor the progress of your bread as it cooks. The 15-hour delay timer allows you to choose when the bread begins. You can come home or wake up to delicious-smelling bread every day.
Pros
- It has an easy to use a touchpad
- It will keep the bread warm for up to 1 hour
- It comes with a 2-year warranty for parts and accessories
- You will also receive free recipes via e-mail when you purchase this bread maker
Cons
- Some said it made a lot of noise
- A few reported that the machine did not stir the dough properly
Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Breadmaker
This home bakery bread maker by Zojirushi has a fast backing cycle that can make a loaf in approximately 2-hour. It has an extra heater on the lid so that the bread will bake more evenly, and you won’t have to worry about it cooking properly.
The dual kneading blades ensure the dough is mixed thoroughly and achieves the right consistency before baking. You will have ten different settings to choose from, including the various basic dough and several quick ones.
The baking cycle can be delayed up to 13 hours so that the bread will cook around your busy schedule. You can watch the bread rise and brown through the viewing window. The pan cooks in is non-stick, which makes cleaning it a breeze.
Pros
- It comes with a measuring cup and measuring spoon
- The LCD control panel is very user-friendly
- Can handle seeds being added into the bread
- It has a gluten-free setting and can use organic ingredients too
Cons
- Reports that the paddles got stripped
- Some said they had problems with their bread rising
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Sunbeam Programmable Bread Maker
This tiny bread maker by Sunbeam will fit easily on your kitchen counter and is small enough to be stored in a cabinet when not in use. It has a large LCD display and buttons that make it easy to program and control the settings.
It can make either 1.5 pound or 2-pound loaves with three different crust shades. There are 12 cooking functions to make dinner rolls or cinnamon raisins for breakfast.
The ExpressBake cycle ensures bread can be ready in about one hour, so you don’t have to wait long. You can also have freshly baked bread in time for a party or gathering that will still be warm when you serve it.
Pros
- Very user-friendly, which makes it perfect for first-time users
- The non-stick tray means bread doesn’t stick and is easy to clean
- It has a 13-hour delay so that you can bake anytime
- The display makes it easy to read and see settings
Cons
- Some said the bread did not rise properly
- A few reported that the bread pan started to leak after using it for a few years.
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AKG Automatic Programmable Bread Machine
You’ll love the look of this shiny silver bread maker by SKG. It can make three different loaf sizes ranging from one to two pounds. Like most bread makers, it has three crust colors so that you can adapt it to your preferences.
It also has 19 automatic programs and will make a large variety of bread. It can make whole-wheat bread, French bread, cornbread, and more.
The bread pan is removable and has a non-stick coating. This means the dough won’t stick, and you can easily clean it once the bread has been removed.
Check on the progress of your loaf through the viewing window to monitor how soon it will be done or if the crust is getting too dark.
The ergonomic top makes loading ingredients easy, and you can make bread in less than an hour. The 15-hour delay makes it convenient to choose when the bread is ready, and it will keep any cooked loaf warm for up to one hour.
Pros
- It comes with four accessories, including a measuring spoon, measuring cup, kneading blade, and a metal hook for lifting out the blade.
- Get a 1-month free trial, 2-year service for parts and accessories, 2-year warranty, and lifetime consultation from the manufacturer.
- It has non-skid feet so that it won’t move around on the counter
Cons
- A few reported that the loaves were smaller than 2 pounds
- One report said it did not arrive with a manual
Cuisinart CBK-200 Convection Bread Maker
Beginning bread makers can rest easy using this Cuisinart convection bread maker. As a trusted brand in kitchen appliances for many years, you can be sure that you are receiving a high-quality product.
You can mix and match between the three crust colors and loaf sizes along with the 16 different menu options to create over 100 different kinds of bread. You can even use it to make pizza dough and cakes.
There are options to use gluten-free ingredients and even low-carb bread. It has a menu option that will cook dough through slower and longer cool rises, resulting in a chewier texture and more rustic crust.
It also has a convection feature that circulates the air, making the crust color more even. A tone will be audible when adding things like nuts, dried fruits, or seeds. You will also have the option of removing the paddle before the bread is baked.
Pros
- It has a 3-year limited warranty
- It comes with a power failure backup
- Has low-carb and gluten-free options for those with food allergies or dietary restrictions
Cons
- Some said their bread was consistently burnt if it was on any setting higher than a light crust.
- A few said they broke, and the paddle wore out quickly
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ActiBread Bread Maker Machine
This bread maker is similar to other standard ones with three loaf sizes and crust colors. It has 700 watts of power and can make delicious bread of all types and flavors.
The 15 different settings make bread that can be either salty or sweet, and it has a gluten-free bread and cake option. You can even make a cake, and the rapid or super rapid bread setting means loaves are cooked even faster than ever.
Delay the start up to 15 hours and keep fresh bread warm, so it’s ready to be eaten when it’s most convenient. The digital display has an indicator light and LCD display so you can clearly see the settings and choose the one you prefer.
Pros
- It comes with a measuring cup and spooks, hooks, and kneading blade
- You will also receive a recipe book with 25 recipes
- Very easy to use and clean with removable plates
Cons
- Some said it takes up too much space in their kitchen
- A few thought it wasn’t durable enough and said it broke after being used a few times
Things to Consider When Choosing a Bread Machine for Beginners
Size
Think about the size of the bread machine and where you will put it in your kitchen. If you make bread several times a week, the bread maker may end up being a permanent fixture on your countertop.
So choose one small enough to do the job but will not take up too much room or make your kitchen look cluttered. If you won’t make bread that often, you could get a bigger one because it won’t be used very much.
Still, it should be a manageable size so you can store it easily and remove it from the cupboard or cabinet with ease. It also shouldn’t be too heavy or difficult to maneuver, or you’ll be less likely to use it.
Variety of Bread
The number of cooking cycles each bread machine has is a big draw for many people. One machine can often make between ten to twenty types of bread. The most common are normal bread, sweet bread, French bread, and fast bread.
Some bread machines can make cakes, yogurt, jam, or even warm-up sandwiches and paninis. If you like making bread with add-ins like dried fruit, nuts, or seeds, then look for a machine to handle those ingredients.
Most bread machines can also be used to make pizza dough. Just add the ingredients and let the machine do the mixing and kneading. Then remove the dough before it can cook and make your pizza at home.
Speed
Baking bread can be a very time-consuming process. It takes time to mix the ingredients, let it rise, knead it, and then finally shape the loaves and bake them. A bread machine is much faster because it does everything after adding the ingredients.
Some types of bread will take several hours to make, even when using a bread machine. But many machines have at least one option for making bread faster. Some can have a loaf ready in around one hour.
If you need to make bread quickly, look for a bread maker with some quick options. Some also have convection technology or heaters in the lid to make the bread cook faster, be more evenly baked, and have a nice crust.
Capacity
The purpose of a bread machine is to make enough bread to feed you and your family. Most loaves of bread you will buy at a bakery or in the store are around 1.7 to 2 pounds. The average bread machine usually has a few size options, often ranging from 1 to 2-pound loaves.
If you eat a lot of bread, you will want a machine that can consistently make loaves up to 2 pounds in size. Look at the bucket or pan size to see how large you can expect the baked loaves to be.
It’s a good rule of thumb to buy a bread machine that has a slightly larger capacity than what you will need. This means you will always have enough bread each time you make it and won’t have to bake as often. You’ll also want the loaves to be the promised size instead of falling short each time.
Delay Option
Because baking bread can take a long time, it’s very convenient to have a bread machine that has a delay feature. This allows you to add the ingredients and let them sit in the machine until the time when you want them to start being made.
You can add everything in the morning and set the delay, so the bread finishes baking right as you arrive home from work. Then you can enjoy fresh, warm bread for dinner. Alternately, add the ingredients the night before and have the machine start working overnight. On weekends you can wake up to bread eaten for breakfast.
Your home will smell incredibly warm, cozy, and inviting when the bread is baking. So controlling the time allows you to create a nice environment and have meals on your schedule. A delay option can make all the difference for those with a busy life.
Warming Feature
Although the delay option is one of the best things about a bread maker, it can become problematic if there is no warming option. Most bread makers have a warming feature that will keep finished loaves warm for up to an hour.
This provides a buffer of time if you are running late and won’t be able to eat the bread right away. It also saves you time and money because the bread will not spoil or harden in the machine.
Instead, you will still have warm bread even an hour after it has finished baking. If you are hosting a party or other event, you can accommodate guests running late and still have a delicious meal.
Once your bread is baked, you may store it for later consumption by freezing. Here’s our easy guide to freezing bread.
Wrap Up
Baking bread is overwhelming to most beginning cooks. Just because you can cook a delicious meal does not mean you can bake bread and pastries. But bread machines demystify this process and make it easy to bake bread in the comfort of your own home.
Not only will you save money and eat healthier, but you’ll also have fun in the kitchen. Not to mention all your family and friends will be so impressed! If we had to recommend just one bread machine, it’s the KBS Stainless Steel Bread Machine with Fruit and Nut Dispenser.
It has many different programs, can be delayed, and lets you monitor the bread as it cooks so nervous chefs can keep an eye on things. It’s also made from safe materials and has a 2-year warranty in case of any mishaps.
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Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
