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11 best bread makers for delicious home baking
Become a star baker in your own home, with a little help from one of the our expert's top-rated bread makers
Tested by Blossom BoothroydHomes Testing Manager
Best compact bread maker and best for making jam
Panasonic SD-PN100 Automatic Mini Breadmaker
Read review
Making your own bread doesn’t have to be complicated – in fact, it’s surprisingly easy to do with one of the best bread makers on the market and one of our cookery team's triple tested bread recipes.
These clever small appliances mean you can have the scent of freshly baked bread filling your home whenever the urge for tea and toast hits. Plus, these days, bread makers do so much more than just making plain loaves – as well as every style of bread, including seeded and gluten-free, many can also whip up everything from pizza dough to sweet brioche, while others can make jam and even yoghurt.
If you’re looking to pick up a new skill (and a delicious one, at that), learning how to make sourdough or a crunchy French bread with a new bread maker is a great way to impress friends and family.
Our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute put a range of the market-leaders to the test. Channel your inner star baker with their top-rated picks below.
If you’re replacing an existing bread maker, there are plenty of places for you to safely recycle your old one. Find your nearest electrical recycling point, or read our guide on how to donate or dispose of your appliances and tech for extra guidance.
How much are bread makers?
A bread maker will set you back at least £40 (our top budget pick from Morphy Richards is currently £79), but some of the more advanced models, such as the more premium Panasonic machines, can go up to almost £250. They’re not small either, so you need to make sure you’ve got not only the counter space but the space to store them too.
To help you out, we’ve listed the size dimensions of each of our top-scoring bread makers below.
What should I look for when buying a bread maker?
While they’re not a necessity, some bread makers come with added features designed to enhance the baking experience.
Automatic ingredient dispenser
This is a small basket where yeast or other add-ins, such as nuts, sultanas, chocolate and others, sit. Instead of stopping the kneading process and manually adding the ingredients, an automatic ingredient dispenser will do it for you at the right time.
Delay timer
A delay timer means that ingredients can be added to the mixing bowl hours in advance so you have freshly baked bread the moment you need it. Great if you’d like bread with your dinner, or want to wake up to a fresh loaf.
Viewing window
This is handy if you want to check on the progress of your bake without having to open the lid. It’s not a necessity, but we find it noticeable when a bread maker doesn’t have one.
Keep-warm
Second only to the smell of fresh bread is warm bread. A 'keep warm' setting will keep your freshly baked loaf warm for up to an hour after the programme has finished.
Bread maker settings and features to look out for
While all bread makers will have the standard white and wholemeal settings, as you’ll see with our top-scorers, many of them also offer a wider range of bakes. These are some of the options to look for.
Speciality bread
• Brioche: A sweet, enriched bread with a soft, tender texture
• Rye: A dark and dense loaf made from rye flour rather than wheat; high in fibre
• Sourdough: A tangy, sour bread with a soft centre and thick crust
• Italian: A tender loaf with a pillowy centre and a soft, light crust
• French: A crisp crust that is light in colour and soft and airy inside
What else can I make in a bread maker?
Yoghurt
This setting will ferment and incubate at the right temperatures needed for making yoghurt.
Pasta and pizza dough
Pasta is typically messy to make, but this setting will mix the ingredients together with ease. Pizza dough is notoriously wet, and can be just as messy, but a bread maker with a pizza dough setting will knead the ingredients and let the dough prove before it’s ready to be used.
Jam
This setting will cook the sugar and fruits for a set amount of time before needing to be decanted into jars.
What order do you put ingredients in a bread maker?
Most manufacturers will advise you on this, but it's not always the case and, as we know, baking is a science. We’d recommend placing ingredients in the pan in the following order: liquids first, followed by butter, eggs, oils, salt and sugar, then flour and finally the yeast.
How we test bread makers
We test bread makers by making a white loaf using both the manufacturer’s recipe (if one is supplied) and Good Housekeeping’s own recipe. This tests not only how well the white bread setting works, but how well the bread maker deals with different recipes. We repeat this test for wholemeal bread.
We also test out the rapid bake setting – and then repeat to check for consistency. If the bread maker has a gluten-free setting, we make a gluten-free loaf using the manufacturer's recipe. If it doesn’t come with a recipe, we’ll use our own.
If the bread maker has a jam setting, we’ll also make Good Housekeeping’s strawberry jam. And, as ever, we make a note of how intuitive the controls are and how long each programme takes. We also score the machines on their design features and the instruction manual.
Already got your dough proving? Read our household advice editor's guide to making your bread last longer.
Pros
- Consistently delivered quality loaves
- Rapid bake function works just as well as full bake cycle
Cons
- Jam did not set well
Score: 95/100
Scoring the highest marks on test, this stylish and compact bread maker delivered impressive white and wholemeal breads. Each loaf had a nice, crunchy crust and golden colour, so you can create bakery-quality bread at home. The loaves were also well risen, fluffy and (most importantly) tasty, with all slices remaining intact. This machine also shone when it came to our gluten-free recipe.
The removable lid makes it easy to use, while the included recipe book is full of ideas to inspire a budding baker. Overall, this is a versatile bread maker that delivers consistently delicious bakes.
Key specifications
| Number of settings | 20 |
|---|---|
| Settings of note | French, brioche, gluten free, rye bread |
| Gluten-free setting | Yes |
| Jam setting | Yes |
| Choice of crusts | Light, medium, dark |
| Choice of sizes | 3 choices |
| Dimensions (cm) | H36.2 x W40.8 x D25.2 |
Pros
- Easy-to-read display shows progress of the bake
- One of the better gluten-free manufacturer recipes that we’ve tried
Cons
- Some programmes took longer than other bread makers we’ve tested
Score: 92/100
This large, premium model made light work of our wholemeal and white bread recipes, with all loaves ending up fluffy and flavoursome.
Its automatic ingredient dispenser was a welcome addition for those who want to experiment with new flavours and twists on the everyday loaf. It’s worth noting that the mixing paddle is quite flimsy though and can twist out of shape. The option to remove it in the proving stage can prevent any damage to the look of your bread, though.
Our testers loved the rapid bake function, as their loaves had a better crust colour than the longer cycle. As for the gluten-free recipe, all agreed the bread was a little pale but tasted great.
Our jam tasted sweet and fruity too; however, it had more of a compote texture.
Key specifications
| Number of settings | 18 |
|---|---|
| Settings of note | Pizza dough, cake, French |
| Gluten-free setting | Yes |
| Jam setting | Yes |
| Choice of crusts | 3 browning settings |
| Choice of sizes | 1.1/1.65/2.2 lb |
| Dimensions (cm) | H33.4 x W35.3 x 27.4 |
Panasonic SD-PN100 Automatic Mini Breadmaker
Pros
- You can choose the crust browning level
- User-friendly and well-labelled controls
Cons
- Exterior can get hot
- No ‘keep warm’ or ‘mix only’ function
Score: 91/100
This small bread maker is fantastic for couples or those living on their own, with the option to make small 400-gram loaves or mini, 200-gram ones. It boasts dual temperature sensors, which adjust the programme as your bread bakes to ensure top-quality results every time. Plus, the 18 auto-programmes ensure you’re never stuck for ideas – both the pizza dough and cake settings worked a treat in our tests.
You can sandwich your cake together with some homemade jam too, as our experts achieved delicious, spreadable jam in two hours – something many bread makers struggle with.
Across the board, it baked excellently, delivering white and wholemeal loaves with good height, an even shape and fluffy texture. The rapid bake loaf was a little lopsided and chewy though, as was the gluten-free bread.
Key specifications
| Number of settings | 18 |
|---|---|
| Settings of note | Cake, pizza, pasta, gluten-free loaves |
| Gluten-free setting | Yes |
| Jam setting | Yes |
| Choice of crusts | Yes |
| Choice of sizes | 400g or 200g |
| Dimensions (cm) | H29 x W25.5 x D30.7 |
Pros
- Produced a flavourful strawberry jam
- Manual programmes offer greater flexibility for experienced bakers
Cons
- No viewing window to check the progress of your bake
Score: 90/100
This impressively versatile model is ideal for any budding bakers keen to experiment with different recipes. Interior and exterior temperature sensors ensure a perfect crunch and the unique kneading blade gives your loaf the ultimate artisan texture.
During testing, it performed almost flawlessly. Our white and wholemeal loaves emerged well-risen, light and airy, with crusty sides and a slightly softer top. The rapid bake setting made delicious bread in just shy of two hours.
Key specifications
| Number of settings | 30 |
|---|---|
| Settings of note | Sourdough, brioche, french, manual |
| Gluten-free setting | Yes |
| Jam setting | Yes |
| Choice of crusts | Light, medium, dark |
| Choice of sizes | Medium, large, extra large |
| Dimensions (cm) | H36.2 x W40.8 x D25.2 |
Pros
- Four gluten-free settings to choose from
- Quiet while mixing and kneading
Cons
- Yeast dispenser is noisy
Score: 89/100
This beast of a bread maker boasts 32 programmes for making a range of breads, cakes, doughs and jams. It’s got the same high-tech dual sensors and smartly designed kneading blade as the Panasonic model above, which means you can enjoy a professional-standard loaf every time, but the manual settings encourage a little more creativity.
Our white and wholemeal loaves were well-risen, fluffy and flavoursome, and the rapid bake setting made a feathery light loaf in under two hours. Our gluten-free loaf was also tasty, if a little cakey, and the separate yeast and nut/fruit dispensers came in handy.
Key specifications
| Number of settings | 32 |
|---|---|
| Settings of note | Sourdough, spelt, brioche, rye, manual |
| Gluten-free setting | Yes |
| Jam setting | Yes |
| Choice of crusts | Light, medium, dark |
| Choice of sizes | Medium, large, extra large |
| Dimensions (cm) | H36.2 x W40.8 x D25.2 |
Pros
- Rapid bake cycle performed almost as well as the full bake
- Gluten-free bread was tasty despite being pale
Cons
- Some damage to the loaves from the mixing paddle
Score: 89/100
This is a substantial unit that would work best in a larger kitchen. It has an easy-to-read display and is also simple to clean, so you can enjoy fresh bread without any hassle.
Our wholemeal and white bread recipes produced bread that was well-risen, fluffy and delicious. If you’re gluten-free, you may want to avoid the included recipe – it fared better with our own version. The jam function left the strawberries intact but soft, and there was a distinct flavour. However, there was some undissolved sugar left in the base.
Key specifications
| Number of settings | 12 |
|---|---|
| Settings of note | Croissant, pizza dough, raisin loaf |
| Gluten-free setting | Yes |
| Jam setting | Yes |
| Choice of crusts | 3 options |
| Choice of sizes | 1/1.5/2 |
| Dimensions (cm) | Not specified |
Pros
- Rapid bake setting produced nicely risen loaves
- Gluten-free loaf was well-baked and tasty
Cons
- Rapid bake setting took almost two hours
Score: 89/100
This one's a touch less fancy than some of its Panasonic siblings, making it perhaps better suited to beginners, but it still features 21 settings. It was really quiet when mixing and kneading, which the families of early morning bakers will appreciate, and we loved the fresh flavour and fluffy texture of both our white and wholemeal loaves.
The main downside is the lack of fruit and nut dispenser. There's also no viewing window for spying on our bakes. Still, our breads all tasted fantastic and our strawberry conserve was very tasty too.
Key specifications
| Number of settings | 21 |
|---|---|
| Settings of note | French, brioche, compote |
| Gluten-free setting | Yes |
| Jam setting | Yes |
| Choice of crusts | Light, medium, dark |
| Choice of sizes | Medium, large, extra large |
| Dimensions (cm) | H36.2 x W40.8 x D25.2 |
Pros
- Gluten-free bread had good texture and rose well
- Testers liked the clear controls and handy end-of-cycle beep
Cons
- Flour stuck to the side of the pan and the bread (but this didn’t impact flavour)
Score: 88/100
This bread maker kneaded dough easily and both our white and wholemeal loaves came out near-perfect with a good colour and light texture. Our gluten-free bread baked well, too.
You’ll want to avoid making jam, however. Some bread makers excel at this, but after two attempts to whip up some strawberry jam, our testers decided this model missed the mark. Our jam was runny and more like syrup.
Jam isn’t a bread maker’s main purpose though, and this mean loaf machine was easy to use, has a handy timer and an extra ingredient beep. It also comes with a guide full of great recipes and tips for inspiration, and there’s a one-hour automatic ‘keep warm’ function, so it will taste oven-fresh whenever you’re ready for it.
Key specifications
| Number of settings | 12 |
|---|---|
| Settings of note | French bread, sweet bread, cake, fastbake |
| Gluten-free setting | Yes |
| Jam setting | Yes |
| Choice of crusts | Light, medium, dark |
| Choice of sizes | Medium or large |
| Dimensions (cm) | H27.7 x W28.2 x D32.8 |
Pros
- Collapsable paddle doesn’t leave a hole in the loaf
- Large handle on lid makes it easy to lift
Cons
- Stainless steel exterior marks easily with fingerprints
Score: 87/100
Coming with a large recipe book filled to the brim with tips, this bread maker is ideal for bakers keen on experimenting. The modify button allows you to fully customise any of the programmes and the weights can be displayed in pounds or kilos.
It also comes with an automatic fruit and nut dispenser and a collapsible paddle. Our white and wholemeal loaves were light and fluffy with nice crisp crusts, and they had a rustic homemade appearance. However, the 1.25kg rapid loaf took two hours and 20 minutes (not so rapid!), but it did have a lovely soft texture.
Overnight bakers will love the 13-hour delay timer, allowing you to wake up to the smell of fresh bread.
Key specifications
| Number of settings | 21 |
|---|---|
| Settings of note | Pasta dough, pizza dough, crusty |
| Gluten-free setting | Yes |
| Jam setting | Yes |
| Choice of crusts | 4 from light to dark |
| Choice of sizes | 500g, 750g, 1kg, 1.25kg |
| Dimensions (cm) | H35.2 x W24.8 x D39.9 |
Pros
- Clear instruction manual with comprehensive breakdown of each programme
- Has a viewing window that never steams up
Cons
- The paddle got stuck in some loaves
Score: 81/100
Sometimes a classic white loaf is best, and this machine produced a fantastic one; it had an even texture and tasted and smelled incredible. In fact, most of our loaves came out well – including those using the rapid bake function, which produced crunchy crusts in almost half the time of the longest programmes. Even the jam function, a challenge for most bread makers, was successful!
Our testers liked the countdown timer, viewing window and keep warm function, but found it frustrating that you had to cycle through all the programmes in a set order to find the right one. Our gluten-free loaf didn’t come out as hoped though.
But gluten-free challenges aside, this is a worthy buy for preparing batch after batch of delicious loaves.
Key specifications
| Number of settings | 15 |
|---|---|
| Settings of note | Pizza dough, French bread, desserts |
| Gluten-free setting | Yes |
| Jam setting | Yes |
| Choice of crusts | 3 from light to dark |
| Choice of sizes | 500g, 750g, 1kg |
| Dimensions (cm) | H29 x W22.5 x D35 |
Pros
- Loaves are a good farmhouse shape, making them well-suited to sandwiches
- Has a ‘keep warm’ function
Cons
- Stainless steel sides became hot when baking
Score: 71/100
A touchscreen design and clear display won this bread maker brownie points with our testers, as did its large viewing window. The basic white and wholemeal settings produced decent loaves, with a light, fluffy texture and crunchy crust. Our testers found the gluten-free bread incredibly doughy on the inside though, so it’s best to avoid this one if you often cater to gluten-free diets.
The jam function didn’t have great results either – one recipe came out too thick, another too thin and ultimately our experts struggled to nail that goldilocks consistency. However, stick to more traditional breads and you can’t go wrong – with three loaf sizes and three crusts settings, this is a decent buy for any budding bakers.
Key specifications
| Number of settings | 12 |
|---|---|
| Settings of note | Pizza dough, sweet brioche loaf |
| Gluten-free setting | Yes |
| Jam setting | Yes |
| Choice of crusts | 3 from light to dark |
| Choice of sizes | 1kg, 1.25kg, 1.5kg |
| Dimensions (cm) | H30 x W26 x D44 |
Which bread maker is the best?
For loaves that are consistently tasty, well-risen, and golden, we recommend choosing the Tefal PF240E40 Bread Maker as it shone in our white, wholemeal and gluten-free bread tests.
However, if you want a bread maker that will allow you to experiment more and broaden your baked goods offering, Panasonic's SD-YR2540 bread maker is a brilliant option thanks to its 32 different settings and automatic fruit and nut dispenser.
Why you should trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
We’ve been testing products at the GHI for 100 years, so we know exactly what separates a good product from a middling one. Our homes team, Hannah Mendelsohn and Megan Geall, have written about hundreds of products and are committed to finding the best bread makers to help you nail your at-home bakes.
Every bread maker in this list has been rigorously reviewed by our testing team so you can shop with confidence.
Megan is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s homes writer. She loves diving into the latest product releases to find the very best buys on the market. When she’s not writing about the newest gadgets and gizmos for your home and garden, you’ll find her cooking, running and exploring London’s foodie hotspots – or trying to make friends with every dog she passes. Megan has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously written for Stylist, Glamour, TimeOut, SquareMeal, and YOU magazine. You can find Megan on Instagram @meganlouisegeall and on X @megan_geall
Hannah is our homes editor, specialising in reviewing the latest kitchen appliances, cleaning products, mattresses and bedding, and crafting equipment. Hannah has written about hundreds of products, from air fryers to smoothie makers to pillows, and is committed to finding the most reliable and best value for money buys.
Hannah is also interested in sustainability in the home and has completed a course with the University of the Arts London in sustainable textiles, so she can help cut through the noise on what’s green and what’s not. Hannah has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously worked as a freelance lifestyle and women’s sports journalist, working for Stylist, Sky Sports and more.
Hannah has also previously worked in a florist and can normally be found caring for her house plants or sewing something new for her home or wardrobe.
Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.
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