Head-to-head · Best Bread Machines

vs

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.0). The gap is mostly about frequent bakers who value quality and minimal user intervention — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked # in Best Bread Machines

4.3

The Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker is praised for producing high-quality bread with crispy crusts and light crumb texture. Reviewers noted its sturdy construction and automatic dispenser feature for mix-ins. Tom's Guide called it one of their favorites among tested models, while Peanut Blossom reviewer Tiffany Dahle highlighted its ability to make excellent dough for various recipes including sourdough. The appliance requires a significant kitchen commitment due to its large size but offers minimal user intervention during baking. It's ideal for frequent bakers who value quality over compact design.

Strengths

— Produces crispy-crust bread with light and fluffy crumb texture
— Features automatic dispenser for mix-ins like raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts
— Very sturdy construction with solid stainless steel body that holds up well to frequent use

Watch-outs

— Larger size takes up significant counter and cabinet space
— Not one of the quieter machines tested

Full review →

Ranked # in Best Bread Machines

4.0

$100

The Hamilton Beach Bread Maker is a budget-friendly option that performs adequately for dough kneading but falls short on bread quality, with reviewers noting overly crispy crusts on traditional loaves. TechGearLab rated it average across all tests, calling it underwhelming despite its low price point. While it's sturdy and beginner-friendly, the machine's performance is lackluster compared to competitors. It's best suited for those seeking an inexpensive dough maker rather than a high-quality bread maker.

Strengths

— Easy to use for beginner bakers
— Solid motor excels at kneading dough for pizza, rolls, and buns
— Can make both 1.5-pound and 2-pound loaves

Watch-outs

— Bread tends to overbake and become overly crispy and dark
— Nonstick bread pan coating is prone to scratching and feels flimsy

Full review →

← See the full ranking of best bread machines