Verdict
The Best 8Aggregated review·24 sources·updated October 10, 2026·checked October 11, 2026

Best Bread Machines

Top 8 bread machines ranked by aggregate score from 24 published reviews.

This guide aggregates 24 published reviews across 8 products; the thinnest-sourced pick rests on 2. No publisher printed a score for the top pick — its rating is derived from what reviewers wrote. How we rank.

Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.
Quick answer

Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker (model # BB-PDC20BA) is our top pick for bread machines — an averaged 4.8/5 across 2 published reviews at about $454. Runner-up: Cuisinart CBK-110 Compact Automatic Bread Maker (~$236.08).

At a glance8 products ▾
2 sourcesall derived
$454Best for: Regular home bakers with counter space to spare who want consistent, sandwich-shaped 2-lb loaves.
$454 · Check Price on Amazon
4 sourcesall derived
$236.08Best for: Beginners and small-kitchen owners who want a compact machine and can add mix-ins or extra flour by hand.
$236.08 · Check Price on Amazon
1 sourceall derived
$160.99Best for: Bakers of traditional 2 lb loaves who want a ceramic non-stick pan and do not plan on gluten-free or sweet breads.
$160.99 · Check Price on Amazon
1 sourceall derived
$99.99Best for: Home bakers on 120V power who want many preset menus plus a programmable custom cycle for their own recipes.
$99.99 · Check Price on Amazon
1 source
$220.84Best for: Bakers who want horizontal, traditionally shaped loaves with crisp convection-baked crusts and have room for a bulky machine.
$220.84 · Check Price on Amazon
1 sourceall derived
$97.99Best for: Small US households that want 1 lb or 1.5 lb loaves from a compact machine with a carrying handle.
$97.99 · Check Price on Amazon
2 sources
$391.95Best for: Recipe tinkerers who want to store custom programs and have mix-ins added automatically, and who have counter space for a bulky machine.
$391.95 · Check Price on Amazon
1 source
$109.95Best for: Beginners who want a simple 12-cycle machine with a keep-warm function and can accept spotty availability on a discontinued model.
$109.95 · Check Price on Amazon

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

The full ranking

How we rank →
Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker (model # BB-PDC20BA)
#1 · Top Pick
★ Premium Pick
Best for: Regular home bakers with counter space to spare who want consistent, sandwich-shaped 2-lb loaves.
Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker (model # BB-PDC20BA)
2 sourcesall derived$454as of Oct 11
▾Why it's ranked here

The Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker (model # BB-PDC20BA) turns out consistent, fluffy loaves in under three hours, helped by dual kneading blades and a Crust Control setting that improves the bake. Reviewers point to the range of the 50-plus included recipes, which cover pizza dough and sourdough starter, and rate it well for sandwich loaves. It occasionally needs a manual dough punch-down and takes extra cleaning effort, but reviewers still call it a reliable machine for home bakers who want convenience and quality. Those who bake regularly and can spare the counter space are the fit.

Strengths
  • — Features dual kneading blades and an additional heater on the lid for thorough kneading and even baking
  • — Includes 50+ recipes in the included recipe book, with options for sandwich loaves, pizza dough, jam, and sourdough starter
Watch-outs
  • — Cleaning requires soaking the pan to loosen baked-on dough from the detachable paddles
Cuisinart CBK-110 Compact Automatic Bread Maker
#2
Best for: Beginners and small-kitchen owners who want a compact machine and can add mix-ins or extra flour by hand.
Cuisinart CBK-110 Compact Automatic Bread Maker
4 sourcesall derived$236.08as of Sep 25
▾Why it's ranked here

The Cuisinart CBK-110 Compact Automatic Bread Maker takes up little counter and asks little of you, which is why it suits small kitchens. Reviewers noted consistent bread quality and sturdy construction, with one calling it a favorite after testing multiple models. It does need extra attention in the early stages of a recipe, and dough consistency sometimes needs adjusting. Beginners and anyone short on kitchen space who want reliable automatic bread making are the fit.

Strengths
  • — Compact design fits well in small kitchens with minimal counter space
  • — Easy to use with clear program settings and LCD display
Watch-outs
  • — Sometimes requires extra flour to achieve proper dough consistency
  • — 2-pound recipes don't always fill the pan completely
KBS MBF-016 2LB Bread Maker
#3
Best for: Bakers of traditional 2 lb loaves who want a ceramic non-stick pan and do not plan on gluten-free or sweet breads.
KBS MBF-016 2LB Bread Maker
1 sourceall derived$160.99as of Sep 25
▾Why it's ranked here

The KBS 2LB Bread Maker (MBF-016) offers 19 preset baking cycles, with settings for gluten-free and sourdough among them. It holds 2 lb, has a 15-hour delay timer, and uses a healthy non-stick ceramic pan. Traditional bread is where it delivers; gluten-free and sweet breads are not.

Strengths
  • — 19 customized baking programs including gluten-free and sourdough settings
  • — 2 lb capacity with multiple size and crust options
Watch-outs
  • — Cake recipe was undercooked
KITCHENARM 29-in-1 SMART Bread Machine (model # 85203)
#4
Best for: Home bakers on 120V power who want many preset menus plus a programmable custom cycle for their own recipes.
KITCHENARM 29-in-1 SMART Bread Machine (model # 85203)
1 sourceall derived$99.99as of Sep 25
▾Why it's ranked here

The KITCHENARM 29-in-1 SMART Bread Machine runs 29 automatic menus, including gluten-free, keto, and salt-free options. Reviewers praised how easy it is to use, especially the 1-PRESS function for repeating a recipe and the fully customizable HOME MADE menu that gives precise cycle control. The book includes 77 recipes, with more in a cloud-based library. Beginners get along with it, though users noted limited loaf size options and power compatibility problems for international use. Home bakers who want a feature-rich, customizable machine are the fit.

Strengths
  • — 77 recipes included in the recipe book with access to hundreds more via KitchenArm Recipe Cloud
  • — 1-PRESS operation for repeat recipes with all settings saved for next use
Watch-outs
  • — Limited to 3 loaf sizes (2LB, 1.5LB, 1LB) and 3 crust colors (Dark, Medium, Light)
Cuisinart Bread Machine CBK-200
#5
Best for: Bakers who want horizontal, traditionally shaped loaves with crisp convection-baked crusts and have room for a bulky machine.
Cuisinart Bread Machine CBK-200
1 source$220.84as of Sep 25
▾Why it's ranked here

The Cuisinart CBK-200 Convection Bread Maker does white loaves with crispy crusts particularly well, across 16 settings that include rapid cycles. Homes and Gardens reviewer Camryn Rabideau credited the convection function for even baking and better crust development, while noting some recipes came out dense. The horizontal loaf shape and three size options are its distinguishing features. Complaints center on the bulky design and how hard loaves are to remove. Against the Zojirushi and Breville models it produced more defined crusts but left deeper kneading paddle indentations. It fits bakers who want traditional loaf shapes with convection benefits, not those after a compact machine or easier removal.

Strengths
  • — Delivers classic horizontal loaves with extra crispy crusts
  • — Features convection baking for crispier crusts and more even results
Watch-outs
  • — Bulky design that takes up significant counter space
  • — Certain recipes come out dense
Briskind 19-in-1 Compact Bread Maker Machine (model # BM8605)
#6
Best for: Small US households that want 1 lb or 1.5 lb loaves from a compact machine with a carrying handle.
Briskind 19-in-1 Compact Bread Maker Machine (model # BM8605)
1 sourceall derivedOne review so far, so ranked one place lower$97.99as of Sep 25
▾Why it's ranked here

The Briskind 19-in-1 Compact Bread Maker runs 19 programmed settings covering breads, jams, and yogurt. It takes 1 lb and 1.5 lb loaves, with a 15-hour delay timer and automatic keep-warm function. It is a 120V machine for the US market: units sold in the UK were recalled in July 2024 because it isn't built for 230V mains and its plug can overheat there. There is no US recall.

Strengths
  • — 19 programmed settings for versatile baking including breads, doughs, jams, and yogurt, per Royal Kitchen TV's Briskind 19-in-1 Compact review
  • — Capable of baking 1 lb and 1.5 lb loaves suitable for small families
Watch-outs
  • — Not compatible with 230V electrical systems (UK/EU markets)
  • — UK units recalled in 2024: not built for 230V mains or a UK plug, per Electrical Safety First
Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker
#7
Best for: Recipe tinkerers who want to store custom programs and have mix-ins added automatically, and who have counter space for a bulky machine.
Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker
2 sources$391.95as of Sep 25
▾Why it's ranked here

The Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker turns out high-quality bread with crispy crusts and a light crumb. Reviewers keep coming back to the automatic fruit and nut dispenser, along with how much of each recipe you can customize. TechGearLab called it a machine for recipe tinkerers, noting the included recipes give only average results. It's large and bulky enough to be a significant kitchen commitment, and the collapsible paddle is finicky and fragile. Serious bread makers who want customization more than convenience are the buyers.

Strengths
  • — Produces crispy-crust bread with light and fluffy crumb texture
  • — Features automatic fruit and nut dispenser that adds mix-ins at the perfect time
Watch-outs
  • — Machine is bulky and takes up significant counter space
Hamilton Beach Automatic Bread Maker Machine (model # 29982)
#8
Best for: Beginners who want a simple 12-cycle machine with a keep-warm function and can accept spotty availability on a discontinued model.
Hamilton Beach Automatic Bread Maker Machine (model # 29982)
1 source$109.95as of Oct 11
▾Why it's ranked here

The Hamilton Beach 2 Lb. Bread Maker (model #29982) reduces homemade bread to a 3-step process across 12 program cycles. Reviewers highlighted the range of loaves it handles, gluten-free and whole grain included, along with customizable loaf sizes and crust settings. An automatic keep warm feature holds the bread at temperature for an hour after baking. One source noted the product is no longer available. It was described as beginner-friendly, with dishwasher-safe accessories and a large digital display for monitoring progress.

Strengths
  • — Versatile with 12 program cycles including basic, French, gluten-free, whole grain, and sweet
  • — Customize bread with 3 loaf sizes and 3 crust settings
Watch-outs
  • — Reported as discontinued, so availability is spotty and support may be limited
Reviews aggregated from
SeriouseatsPeanutblossomHomesandgardensTechGearLabThemilleracresThegadgeteerSofistipsenglish

Spec comparison

8 products
vs
SpecZojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker (model # BB-PDC20BA)Cuisinart CBK-110 Compact Automatic Bread Maker
ModelBB-PDC20BA—
Capacity2-lb. loaf1 lb, 1.5 lb, 2 lb
Wattage120 volts / 700 watts—
Programs50+ recipes12 preprogrammed options
Crust Optionslight, medium, or dark crustLight, medium, dark
Dimensions18 x 10-1/2 x 12-7/8 inches10.25" x 13.25" x 11.25"
Pan Typelarger, rectangular panvertical orientation
Timer13-hour delay timer13-hour delay start timer
Voltage120 volts110 volts
MaterialStainless SteelPlastic, Stainless Steel

Frequently asked questions

Which bread machine should I buy?
Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker (model # BB-PDC20BA) is the top pick for bread machines — 4.8/5 averaged from 2 published reviews. The Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker (model # BB-PDC20BA) turns out consistent, fluffy loaves in under three hours, helped by dual kneading blades and a Crust Control setting that improves the bake. Reviewers point to the range of the 50-plus included recipes, which cover pizza dough and sourdough starter, and rate it well for sandwich loaves. It occasionally needs a manual dough punch-down and takes extra cleaning effort, but reviewers still call it a reliable machine for home bakers who want convenience and quality. Those who bake regularly and can spare the counter space are the fit.
When was this guide last updated?
This guide was last re-checked in October 2026. Prices, links, and source ratings are re-verified on a rolling basis, and the ranking updates when the underlying scores change.

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