Top 10 Bread Makers — Best Overall + Best Value in 2027

1. Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20

It ranks first because it is the only machine here with both top and bottom heating elements plus a heated lid, so the crust browns evenly instead of staying pale. It bakes a true horizontal 2 lb loaf in a 9x5-inch pan using dual kneading paddles, and adds gluten-free, sugar-free, and vegan courses. Three crust settings, a 13-hour delay timer, and a rapid course under 2.5 hours round it out.

This is for frequent bakers who want bakery-grade loaves and will accept the roughly $340 price and large countertop footprint. It trades away nothing in loaf quality but costs more than double the Cuisinart CBK-110 below it. If you bake weekly and care about sandwich-shaped slices, the premium is justified; occasional bakers can save $230 and barely notice.

2. Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL

It ranks second for offering the deepest customization menu in the category, with four loaf sizes up to 2.5 lb and 13 settings including gluten-free. A collapsible kneading paddle minimizes the hole left in the loaf bottom, and an automatic fruit-and-nut dispenser drops mix-ins at the right moment. Custom modes let you fine-tune knead, rise, and bake times.

This suits tinkerers who adjust every variable, not set-and-forget bakers. Its single bottom element browns less evenly on top than the Zojirushi above, and at roughly $380 it costs more despite that gap. Choose it over the Panasonic below only if the fruit-and-nut dispenser and custom programming matter more to you than program count.

3. Panasonic SD-YR2550 Bread Maker

It ranks third on flexibility, packing 31 programs and four dedicated gluten-free modes into a horizontal-pan machine. Dual temperature sensors adjust the bake to ambient room conditions, keeping loaves consistent in both cold and warm kitchens. An automatic yeast, raisin, and nut dispenser plus a 13-hour digital timer are included, and the rapid loaf finishes in about two hours.

This is for versatility seekers who want one machine to cover many diets and doughs. The interface has a learning curve and the unit is bulky on the counter. At roughly $300 it undercuts the Breville above while beating it on program variety, but it lacks the Breville's collapsible paddle and custom programming depth.

4. Cuisinart CBK-110 Automatic Bread Maker

It ranks fourth as the Best Value pick, delivering reliable full-size loaves at roughly $110, about a third of the premium machines' price. The space-saving vertical design bakes up to a 2 lb loaf across 12 preprogrammed menus including gluten-free and dough, with three crust shades and a 13-hour delay timer. The crumb is even and fluffy despite the budget price.

This is for first-time buyers who want a trusted brand without the premium spend. The vertical pan produces a taller, more square loaf rather than a sandwich shape, and the single paddle leaves a larger hole. It gives up convection and dual heaters found on the CBK-210 above, but saves roughly $70 for bakers who mostly want basic white and dough cycles.

5. Cuisinart CBK-210 Convection Bread Maker

It ranks fifth for adding a convection fan that circulates hot air for a crisper, more even crust than most single-element machines. It bakes loaves up to 2 lb across 16 programs including low-carb and gluten-free, with three crust shades and a 13-hour delay. The convection action narrows the browning gap to the dual-element Zojirushi for far less money.

This is for bakers who want better crust without paying top-tier prices, at roughly $180. It keeps the vertical loaf shape of the CBK-110 below, so slices stay square rather than sandwich-shaped, and it runs slightly louder during kneading. Step up to it from the CBK-110 if crust color matters; otherwise the cheaper model bakes similar crumb.

6. KBS Pro 19-in-1 Bread Machine

It ranks sixth for strong gluten-free performance at roughly $140, running 19 programs including a dedicated gluten-free cycle plus jam, yogurt, and dough. The nonstick ceramic pan releases cleanly and resists scratching, and it handles loaves up to 2 lb with three crust shades. An automatic fruit-and-nut dispenser and a 15-hour delay timer are included.

This is for gluten-free bakers on a budget who want a ceramic pan and broad menu under $150. Build quality feels less premium than the Zojirushi or Breville above, and the instructions are sparse. It beats the Cuisinart CBK-210 below on gluten-free results and pan durability, but gives up convection browning and the more established brand support.

7. Neretva 20-in-1 Dual-Heater Bread Maker

It ranks seventh as the rare budget machine with dual heating elements for 360-degree heat, a feature usually reserved for premium models. It offers 20 programs spanning gluten-free, sourdough, jam, yogurt, and meat floss, bakes in a nonstick ceramic pan, and includes a 15-hour delay with a 1-hour keep-warm. Loaves run up to 2 lb in a vertical pan with a simple touch panel.

This is for feature hunters who want dual heaters cheaply, at roughly $120. Long-term durability is less proven than the KBS Pro above, and the vertical shape limits sandwich slicing. It outfeatures the Hamilton Beach 29890 below on hardware, but that machine comes from a better-known brand with more predictable reliability.

8. Hamilton Beach Premium Bread Maker 29890

It ranks eighth as a strong sub-$100 option recommended by reviewers as a budget gluten-free pick. It includes a dedicated gluten-free program, an automatic fruit-and-nut dispenser, and 14 settings covering dough, jam, and standard loaves up to 2 lb. A 13-hour delay timer rounds out the feature set at roughly $90.

This is for budget gluten-free bakers who want mix-ins dropped automatically. Crust browning is uneven and the plastic build feels light compared with the Neretva above. It costs about $30 less than that dual-heater machine while offering a more trusted brand, making it the safer pick if you value reliability over raw hardware specs.

9. Hamilton Beach 2 lb Digital Bread Maker 29882

It ranks ninth as the most forgiving entry point in the category and the cheapest machine worth owning, at roughly $80. It keeps things simple with 12 preprogrammed settings, three crust shades, and loaves of 1.5 or 2 lb in a vertical pan. A 13-hour delay timer and an express bake cycle are included.

This is for absolute beginners testing whether bread baking is for them. There is no specialized gluten-free cycle beyond the standard menu, and the build is basic with a small viewing window. It saves about $10 over the Hamilton Beach 29890 above but loses that model's dedicated gluten-free program and automatic fruit-and-nut dispenser, so gluten-free bakers should pay the small difference.

10. Oster Expressbake Bread Maker

It ranks tenth as a no-frills bargain with a genuinely useful express cycle that bakes a loaf in about an hour, the fastest here. It offers 12 programs, a gluten-free setting, three crust shades, and loaves up to 2 lb in a vertical pan, plus a 13-hour delay timer, all at roughly $70.

This is for speed-focused bargain hunters who want fresh bread quickly and cheaply. The crumb is denser than premium machines and the crust browns unevenly, and it has the cheapest-feeling build on the list. It undercuts the Hamilton Beach 29882 above by about $10 while adding a one-hour express cycle, but that machine's interface is simpler and its results more consistent.

How we ranked these

We weighted loaf quality and crust at 25%, programs and versatility at 20%, loaf size and shape at 15%, ease of use and cleanup at 15%, build durability at 15%, and price-to-performance at 10%. Rankings drew on hands-on testing from Wirecutter, America's Test Kitchen, Serious Eats, Good Housekeeping, and The Spruce Eats, cross-checked against manufacturer spec sheets from Zojirushi, Breville, Cuisinart, Panasonic, and Hamilton Beach.

We deliberately ignored raw program counts and marketing claims like "19-in-1" or "20-in-1," since modes such as meat floss or yogurt rarely get used and inflate spec sheets. We also set aside cosmetic finishes, app connectivity, and brand prestige, none of which change crumb structure, crust browning, or how reliably a machine turns out a 2 lb loaf week after week.

What to look for

Pan shape matters more than almost any spec: horizontal pans (Zojirushi, Panasonic) make sandwich-shaped slices, while vertical pans (Cuisinart, KBS, Hamilton Beach) save counter space but produce tall, square loaves. If you bake gluten-free, confirm a dedicated cycle that adjusts knead and rise times, not just a generic setting. Dual heating elements and dual paddles genuinely improve browning and crumb evenness.

The mistake most buyers make is chasing the longest feature list instead of the best heating and pan geometry. A 20-program machine with one bottom element will still leave a pale top crust. Buyers also underestimate footprint and noise, then discover the machine does not fit under cabinets or vibrates across the counter during kneading. Match the machine to your actual diet and counter space first.

Related questions

What is the best bread maker overall in 2027?

The Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus (BB-PDC20) at roughly $340 is the best overall pick. It is one of the only home machines with dual top-and-bottom heating elements plus a heated lid, so the crust browns evenly. It bakes a true horizontal 2 lb loaf with dual kneading paddles and includes gluten-free, sugar-free, and vegan courses.

Which bread maker is the best value?

The Cuisinart CBK-110 at about $110 is the best value. It bakes reliable full-size loaves up to 2 lb, runs 12 preprogrammed menus including gluten-free and dough, offers three crust shades, and includes a 13-hour delay timer. It costs roughly a third of the premium machines while coming from a trusted brand.

Do bread makers actually make good gluten-free bread?

Yes, when they have a dedicated gluten-free cycle that shortens kneading and adjusts rise times. The Panasonic SD-YR2550 offers four gluten-free modes, the KBS Pro has a strong gluten-free cycle for the price, and the Hamilton Beach 29890 includes a dedicated program plus an automatic fruit-and-nut dispenser.

Is a horizontal or vertical loaf better?

Horizontal pans produce a wide, sandwich-shaped loaf that slices like store bread, which most households prefer for toast and sandwiches. Vertical pans make a taller, more square loaf and take up less counter space. Horizontal machines like the Zojirushi and Panasonic are typically larger and more expensive.

How long does a bread machine take per loaf?

A standard cycle runs about three to five hours including rise time. Rapid or express cycles cut that to roughly one to two and a half hours, though the crumb comes out slightly denser. The Oster Expressbake can finish a loaf in about an hour, and the Panasonic rapid course takes about two.

Why is there a hole in the bottom of my loaf?

The kneading paddle leaves a hole when you remove the loaf from the pan. The Breville Custom Loaf uses a collapsible paddle that folds down to minimize it. On other machines, simply pull the paddle out of the loaf before slicing; the hole is cosmetic and does not affect taste or texture.

Are dual heating elements worth paying more for?

Yes, if even crust browning matters to you. Single-element machines heat only from the bottom, so the top of the loaf often stays pale. The Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus uses top-and-bottom elements plus a heated lid, and the budget Neretva 20-in-1 also includes dual heaters for 360-degree heat.

What should I look for in a bread maker under $150?

Prioritize a dedicated gluten-free cycle, a 13-hour or longer delay timer, and a ceramic nonstick pan that resists scratching. The KBS Pro at about $140 offers 19 programs and strong gluten-free results, while the Neretva 20-in-1 at about $120 is the rare budget machine with dual heating elements.

FAQ

Is a dual-heating-element bread maker really worth it?

Yes, if even crust browning matters to you. Single-element machines heat only from the bottom, so the top of the loaf often stays pale. The Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus and Neretva use top-and-bottom elements for noticeably more even browning across the entire crust.

What is the difference between a horizontal and vertical loaf?

Horizontal pans produce a wide, sandwich-shaped loaf like store bread, while vertical pans make a taller, more square loaf. Horizontal machines are usually larger and pricier; vertical machines save counter space. Most home bakers want a 1.5 to 2 lb capacity either way.

Can bread machines really make good gluten-free bread?

Yes, with a dedicated gluten-free cycle that shortens kneading and adjusts the rise. The Panasonic SD-YR2550, KBS Pro, and Hamilton Beach 29890 all bake reliable gluten-free loaves. A generic setting without adjusted timing will usually produce a dense, gummy result instead.

Why is there a hole in the bottom of my loaf?

The kneading paddle leaves a hole when you remove the loaf. The Breville Custom Loaf uses a collapsible paddle to minimize this; on other machines you simply pull the paddle out before slicing. The hole is cosmetic and does not affect taste or texture.

How long does a bread machine take to bake a loaf?

A standard cycle runs about three to five hours including rise time. Rapid or express cycles cut that to roughly one to two and a half hours, though the crumb is slightly denser. The Oster Expressbake finishes a loaf in about an hour.

Do I still need to measure ingredients carefully?

Yes. Bread machines automate kneading and baking, but accurate measuring of flour, water, yeast, and salt is still the biggest factor in a good loaf. Weighing ingredients on a scale beats scooping by volume, especially for flour, which compacts easily.

How many programs does a bread maker actually need?

Far fewer than marketing suggests. A machine with 20 settings is not automatically better than one with 12, because many extra modes like meat floss or yogurt go unused. Focus on even heating, loaf shape, a gluten-free cycle, and a dough-only setting instead.

What is the most customizable bread maker?

The Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL is the most customizable, with four loaf sizes up to 2.5 lb, 13 settings, and custom modes where you can fine-tune knead, rise, and bake times. It also adds an automatic fruit-and-nut dispenser and a collapsible paddle.

Are cheap bread makers worth buying?

Yes, if you set expectations. The Hamilton Beach 29882 at about $80 and Oster Expressbake at about $70 bake consistent loaves with 12 programs and delay timers. The crumb is denser and crust browner unevenly, but they are the best way to test whether bread baking is for you.

How do I keep bread from drying out in a machine?

Use the delay timer so the loaf finishes right before you want it, and remove it from the pan promptly to cool on a rack. Store cooled bread in a plastic bag or bread box. Machines with a keep-warm setting, like the Neretva's one-hour mode, help but can dry the crust.

Sources

• https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bread-machine/
• https://www.americastestkitchen.com/equipment_reviews/2400-bread-machines
• https://www.seriouseats.com/best-bread-machines
• https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/appliances/g32282289/best-bread-makers/
• https://www.thespruceeats.com/best-bread-machines-4154532
• https://www.tomsguide.com/uk/best-picks/best-bread-machines
• https://www.techgearlab.com/topics/kitchen/best-bread-machine
• https://www.zojirushi.com/app/product/bbpdc
• https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/bread-makers/bbm800.html
• https://www.panasonic.com/uk/consumer/kitchen-appliances/breadmakers/sd-yr2550sxc.html

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