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Best bread makers for delicious homemade loaves
Get ready to elevate your baking game with the best bread maker for your kitchen. Whether you're a novice or a pro, discover the joy of baking the perfect loaf every time with our top picks.
By Gemma Lumley | Last updated Sep 7, 2023
This guide was updated by MNHQ on 7 September to ensure all products are up-to-date, accurate and still the very best models on the market.
We think you'd be hard pressed to find a more welcoming scent than a fresh-baked batch of bread. And then there's the taste, which is when you can truly reap the rewards of your homemade delights. As dreamy as this all sounds, who actually has the time to knead and proof dough by hand, especially when you factor in busy family life?
That's where the best bread maker comes in. These nifty machines take all the hard work out of bread baking, so you can enjoy fresh, delicious loaves whenever you want. Along with gadgets like the best slow cooker and the most efficient air fryer, a decent bread machine can revolutionise your mealtimes, saving you time and money in the long run. Just add your chosen ingredients, usually starting with a base of water, flour and yeast, and let the machine work its magic.
Our in-depth guide to the best bread maker includes products Mumsnet users have tried, tested and rated highly after extensive use, and we also took notes on which models home technology experts recommended, plus those that didn’t cut the mustard for various reasons. To make sure we're only bringing you the very best, we then thoroughly analysed authentic consumer reviews, noting the pros and cons of each machine on our shortlist so you can find the best homemade bread maker for your family.
Best bread maker 2023: at a glance
Best bread maker overall: Panasonic SD-B2510, £129
Best bread maker for smaller kitchens: Russell Hobbs 23620 Compact, £100
Best bread maker for gluten-free bread: Panasonic SD-YR2540, £240
Best bread maker for a range of settings: Panasonic SD-YR2550SXC, £199
Best bread maker for easy cleaning: Morphy Richards 48281, £96
1. Best bread maker overall: Panasonic SD-B2510 Automatic Bread Maker
Price on writing: £129 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Number of settings: 21 | Standout settings: Gluten-free, French, cake, pizza dough | Delay timer: Yes | Gluten-free setting: Yes | Jam setting: Yes | Crust choices: Three | Size choices: Three | Dimensions: 25.2 x 39.5 x 36.2 cm | Wattage: 550
What we like
Long-lasting, quality build
Super easy to use
Offers 21 programmes
Bakes delicious bread
What we don't like
No viewing window
Pricey
Quite big
What Mumsnet users say
“Panasonic! We got it as a wedding pressie and it’s the best thing we ever got - haven’t bought bread from the shop in nearly a year! We always have lovely fresh homemade bread on the weekends and we’ve got into making our own sourdough and various other types of bread - also we can make pizza dough and things like that! Highly recommend.” (Brand recommended by KaptenKrusty)
Our verdict
Thanks to the quality of loaves it produces, we think the SD-B2510 is the best Panasonic bread maker. Our tester was delighted with the ease of use and results - the French white bread loaf was a particular highlight.
With 21 programmes, there are plenty of settings to play with, and it's super intuitive to use, just add your ingredients, choose your settings and press start. It also has a sleek, modern design which will look good in most kitchens, but it may be a little bulky if you're short on counter space.
It's not the cheapest option out there, but it's less expensive than some other Panasonic models, and it's an investment that will last for many years. It also comes with a selection of recipes, but if you’re wanting to push the boat out and get really experimental, it may be worth investing in one of the best cookbooks for bread - The Bread Machine Cookbook has good reviews on Amazon, and contains over 400 recipes to try.
Read our full Panasonic SD-B2510 Breadmaker review
2. Best compact bread maker: Russell Hobbs 23620 Compact Bread Maker
Price on writing: £100 | Buy now from Argos
Key specs
Number of settings: 12 | Standout settings: Fast bakes, French, wholewheat | Delay timer: Yes | Gluten-free setting: Yes | Jam setting: Yes | Crust choices: Three | Size choices: Three | Dimensions: 32.2 x 29 x 30 cm | Wattage: 660
What we like
Viewing window
Great value
Simple to use
Compact size
What we don't like
Manual addition of nuts, seeds and raisins
Less versatile than some other models
What Mumsnet users say
“I love my Russell Hobbs. It’s cheap and compact and no one else with a bread machine makes it as tasty as my machine.” (Brand suggested by NemophilistRebel)
Our verdict
While the Russell Hobbs 23620 isn’t our cheapest option, it is the best affordable bread maker for families who need a gluten-free setting. Our favourite feature is the compact size - a lot of bread makers are quite bulky and have a large footprint on the counter, but we found this gadget was easy to store compared to other models.
Its small size certainly doesn't impact on the quality of loaves it produces, however - our tester was delighted with the results, and reported that that it's super easy and intuitive to use. We also loved the fast bake options. Pop it on after the school run, and your kids will eat yummy warm bread in under an hour.
The main drawback is that it doesn't have as many settings as the Panasonic models featured in our round-up, but it still has 12 excellent programmes including gluten-free, dough-only and jam-making, so it's a great option if you want more of a basic bread maker. Along with the best sandwich toaster, it’s just the thing for elevating your work from home lunch.
Read our full Russell Hobbs 23620 Compact Breadmaker review
3. Best gluten-free bread maker: Panasonic SD-YR2540 Automatic Bread Maker
Price on writing: £240 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Number of settings: 32 | Standout settings: Brioche, rye, sourdough | Delay timer: Yes | Gluten-free setting: Yes | Jam setting: Yes | Crust choices: Three | Size choices: Three | Dimensions: H36.2 x W40.8 x D25.2 | Wattage: 550
What we like
Makes cakes and jam as well as bread
High-quality build
Attractive design
Four gluten-free settings
What we don't like
Expensive
Instructions could provide more guidance for those with dietary limitations
Bulky
No viewing window
Our verdict
The Panasonic SD-YR2540 is a superb machine for families who want to make their own bread and need something that can make gluten-free loaves. It has an astonishing 32 programs (the most on our list), including cake and jam and a rapid bake setting, producing a fluffy loaf in under two hours.
Our tester rated it highly - she needed a bread machine that could produce keto bread for her son, and after trial and error with the different settings, she managed to produce tasty bread he could enjoy. We would like to see more variety in the instructions for dietary restrictions, however.
We loved the sleek black design - while it is on the bulky side, it will look stylish in most kitchens. It also has sensor technology and a thoughtfully constructed kneading paddle to help optimise bread baking for perfect results. The downside? It's our most expensive pick, but we think it's well worth it if you can afford to splash out.
Read our full Panasonic SD-YR2540 Automatic Bread Maker review
4. Best bread maker for a range of settings: Panasonic SD-YR2550SXC Bread Maker
Price on writing: £199 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Number of settings: 31 | Standout settings: Wholewheat, sourdough, brioche | Delay timer: Yes | Gluten-free setting: Yes | Jam setting: Yes | Crust choices: Three | Size choices: Three | Dimensions: 25.2D x 36.2W x 39.5H cm | Wattage: 550
What we like
Excellent versatility
Super easy to use
Simple to clean
Has a fruit and nut dispenser
What we don't like
Pricey
No viewing window
Bulky
What Mumsnet users say
"Very easy to use and simple to clean. I didn't find anything hard... I love it way more than I thought I would." (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter Alex)
Our verdict
You've probably noticed that Panasonic reigns supreme in the world of bread makers, but what sets the SD-YR2550SXC apart from other options from the brand? It's one of the most versatile bread makers out there - with 31 programs is has an excellent range of settings, and compared to the SD-YR2540, it only has one less setting, which is the option to make spelt bread. So, if that need isn't on your list, this is a great, slightly cheaper option. That said, at just under £200, it is still quite pricey!
Our tester found it was super easy to use and a doddle to clean, and was impressed with the loaves it produced. The pizza dough was a highlight, too. Like most Panasonic bread makers, it is bulky and doesn't have a viewing window, but if you want versatility in a stylish design, this is the bread maker for you.
5. Best bread maker for easy cleaning: Morphy Richards 48281 Bread Maker
Price on writing: £96 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Number of settings: 12 | Standout settings: Fast bake, cake, jam | Delay timer: Yes | Gluten-free setting: Yes | Jam setting: Yes | Crust choices: Three | Size choices: Three | Dimensions: H30 x W28.5 x D40.5 cm | Wattage: 600
What we like
Fast bake setting
Easy to clean
Viewing window
What we don't like
More suited to bread-making beginners - only 12 settings
What Mumsnet users say
“I have a Morphy Richards Fast Bake. It's fab. Use it nearly every day. Pop all the ingredients in before I go to bed and wake up to the smell of fresh bread, delicious. I also use it for pizza base dough, banana bread and doughnuts.” (Tried and tested by dontblamemee)
Our verdict
If you need a bread maker that can bake a soft and fluffy loaf in under an hour, the Morphy Richards 48281 is the ideal choice. It only has 12 automatic settings, but they are all useful and produce excellent bread. In addition, the design is modern and stylish, so it would suit being left out on the counter.
The 13-hour timer delay means you can switch it on before you go to bed and wake up to the glorious smell of fresh bread. Bliss! We love that it's compact and lightweight but still feels robust enough to last for years of use. Reviewers were also consistently impressed with the non-stick coating on the pan and kneading paddle, which made this machine easy and quick to clean.
Read next: Make family mealtimes easier with the best recipe boxes
6. Best bread maker for beginners: Panasonic SD-R2530 Automatic Bread Maker
Price on writing: £179 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Number of settings: 30 | Standout settings: Sourdough, brioche, jam, pizza dough | Delay timer: Yes | Gluten-free setting: Yes | Jam setting: Yes | Crust choices: Three | Size choices: Three | Dimensions: 25.2 x 39.5 x 36.2 cm | Wattage: 550
What we like
Space-saving design
Robust and durable
Lots of useful settings
What we don't like
No viewing window
Bulky
What Mumsnet users say
“Yet another Panasonic owner! Love it!” (Brand tried and tested by Gilead)
Our verdict
The Panasonic SD-R2530 has many practical settings, including dough-only and gluten-free. You can also choose from three size options; this is great for smaller families and will prevent waste. Alternatively, if you bake a big loaf and are worried you won’t use it all, you can place it in Tupperware and freeze it. We love its space-saving design that allows you to weigh ingredients in front of it. The downside is that it is taller than some models, so if you have low wall cupboards, it may not fit.
Bread making is a science, so we were delighted to discover it includes a measuring cup and spoons that make precision measuring very straightforward. The menu of settings is simple to navigate too. However, the screen itself needs to be bigger and brighter. That said, the build quality of this Panasonic bread maker is impressive, and the components should last for years.
Read next: Save time in the kitchen with the best pressure cooker, according to Mumsnet users
7. Best bread maker for style: Lakeland Touchscreen Bread Maker
Price on writing: £112 | Buy now from Lakeland
Key specs
Number of settings: 12 | Standout settings: Quick bread, yoghurt, wholewheat bread | Delay timer: Yes | Gluten-free setting: Yes | Jam setting: Yes | Crust choices: Three | Size choices: Three | Dimensions: 36 x 25 x 29.5 cm | Wattage: 550
What we like
Attractive design
Three-year guarantee
Easy to use
What we don't like
The timer alarm is very loud
Large size
What Mumsnet users say
“The Lakeland one is great.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user JennyForeigner)
Our verdict
The chic black Lakeland Bread Maker looks fantastic and has been designed to take pride of place in your kitchen. Make sure you have room for it, however, as it is quite bulky. We love that it makes bread and pizza dough and has a gluten-free option. There are only 12 programmes though, so there isn’t much room for creativity. However, the treats it does make are excellent quality, and you can choose from various loaf sizes and crust colours.
This fab machine is easy to use and has a large viewing window so you can keep an eye on the progress of your bread. In addition, it has a large and bright LCD screen and a simple-to-use touchscreen that can be wiped clean in moments. Our favourite features? The timer delay for fresh bread when the kids come home from school, and a keep warm function for when breakfast is interrupted by family chaos.
Read next: The best food processor for chopping, dicing and blending, as recommended by Mumsnet users
8. Best automatic bread maker: Tefal Pain et Delices PF240E40 Breadmaker
Price on writing: £115 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Number of settings: 20 | Standout settings: Brioche, porridge and jam, plus can also make dairy products | Delay timer: Yes | Gluten-free setting: Yes | Jam setting: Yes | Crust choices: Three | Size choices: Three | Dimensions: 31.7 x 29 x 29.8 cm | Wattage: 700
What we like
Compact
Lots of gluten-free settings
Easy-to-read controls
What we don't like
Big families may need a larger machine
Our verdict
The Tefal Pain et Delice Bread Maker is a compact machine ideal for a small kitchen. It has 20 programmes so it would suit the creative baker. If you have gluten-free family members, this is also an excellent choice, as it has several suitable settings to choose from.
Beginners will also love the Tefal as it has a comprehensive manual that takes you through bread making and will allow you to build the confidence to create your own recipes. We love that the touchscreen is bright, has a straightforward menu, and is simple to wipe clean. The countdown timer is helpful, too; you’ll be able to tell impatient children how long they have to wait for their lunch. Plus, don’t miss our guides to the best lunch box and bento box if you’re planning on sending them to school with a sandwich made with your freshly-baked bread.
9. Best bread maker with a keep warm function: Tower T11005 Digital Bread Maker
Price on writing: £110 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Number of settings: 19 | Standout settings: Multigrain, sourdough, French, memory recall feature | Delay timer: Yes | Gluten-free setting: Yes | Jam setting: Yes | Crust choices: Three | Size choices: Two | Dimensions: 24.8 x 34.5 x 31cm | Wattage: 650
What we like
Sleek design
Keep warm function
Easy to use
What we don't like
Noisy
Our verdict
The Tower Bread Maker wouldn’t look out of place in a professional kitchen. It looks elegant, feels sturdy and has fuss-free controls that offer 19 programmes, including sourdough and gluten-free baked goods. It even makes jam and will ferment homemade yoghurt. The stainless steel casing also has a practical finger-print resistant coating.
Unlike many Panasonic models, the Tower has a viewing window to watch your bread turn golden. The handy nut and seed dispenser will add your nutritious ingredients automatically, so you can get on with other things or play with the kids. If you need to keep your bread machine in the cupboard, this is a brilliant choice as it is lightweight, and the shape makes it easy to move around and slot under the counter.
Please note: this product is currently sold out, but we're checking back regularly and will update the page when it's back in stock.
Read next: The best deep fat fryer for indulgent DIY takeaways
What should I look for when buying a bread maker?
Do you need help choosing the best bread maker for your family? Have a look at these design features you should consider - it may help to think about them in order of priority to narrow down your list:
Gluten-free programmes: Family members with dietary restrictions can still enjoy warm and fresh homemade bread.
A timer delay setting: Set the timer to start the machine, wake up, or come home to the delicious smell of fresh bread for breakfast.
Loaf size: Most machines offer three choices – larger loaves are ideal if you have a big family.
Crust colour: Customise the look and taste of your loaf.
Keep warm function: If you fancy a lie-in or get distracted just before lunch, this function will keep your bread warm for around an hour.
Size: Consider how much room you have on your worktop or shelves and check the dimensions of a machine before purchasing.
Viewing window: Keep an eye on the rise and colour of your bread without interrupting the cycle.
Dispensers: These chutes will automatically add yeast or nuts and seeds at the optimum moment in the breadmaking cycle, so you can get on with other jobs while the machine does its thing.
Design: Some bread makers wouldn’t look out of place in a professional kitchen. Choose from the standard colours of white, black, grey and stainless steel.
Screen: A large and bright LCD screen will be easy to see. Touch controls are easy to wipe clean.
Ease of use: If you’re a lover of plain white bread or simple wholemeal loaves, choose a basic machine with fewer settings.
Read next: The best kettles to buy for brilliant brews
Tips for using your bread maker
Making bread in a machine can be quick and easy. However, taking the time to understand the science of bread making and getting to know your new machine is a good idea. It will prevent initial disasters and help you to create the perfect loaf for your delighted family. Here are some tips from Mumsnet users to get you started:
"The most important thing to remember is to put the ingredients into the tin in the right order. You will get an instruction book with your bread maker which will tell you to do this. You then set the bread maker, and approximately three hours later you will have a loaf of bread." - RampantIvy
"I’d suggest getting one with a delayed timer option as you can put everything in before bed and set it so that you have a loaf to wake up to." - ServeTheServants
"If any bread is still around after a day I slice and freeze it, makes fabulous toast." - AcanthusFlower
"The main thing to bear in mind is that bread maker bread doesn't keep like packet bread. It's stale in a couple of days." AmaryllisNightAndDay
Read next: We’ve been on a mission to find the best Instant Pot multi-cookers to make family food prep easier
What else can I make in the best bread maker?
Top-of-the-range bread machines often have settings to make artisanal fruit spreads, dairy products and doughs.
Jam: Make a batch of sweet and fruity jam with a clever setting that will cook the fruit and sugar for the optimum amount of time.
Pizza/pasta: Making the dough needed for these Italian classics can be tricky. Using a bread machine to combine and knead all the ingredients will save your hands and countertop from getting sticky. Once done, pop the dough in the fridge until you need it.
Yoghurt: A bread machine is ideal for fermenting and storing homemade yoghurt.
Are bread makers energy efficient?
The cost of living crisis and high gas and electricity prices are a source of worry for many families. So choosing a bread maker that is energy efficient is essential.
The Sust-it energy calculator is a good way to get an estimate of running costs - just input the watts and how long you plan to use it for, and it'll estimate the cost per use (this will vary on a number of factors though). The general rule is that the higher the power, the more expensive the appliance will be to run.
How we chose the best bread makers
To find the best bread makers for busy and hungry families, we scoured all the most recent reviews to see what the experts were saying and what was new to the market and assessed them against our criteria for what we’d choose for our own loved ones.
We then sought out parents' advice on the Mumsnet forums to discover which bread machines they had bought and whether they were still happy with those purchases some time on. We also made sure we made notes on any models that Mumsnetters didn’t rate too.
We also consulted with our Mumsnet Voices panel testers to get their in-depth insights, asking them to evaluate their bread makers and get their opinions on the ease of use and cleaning, versatility, design, and how tasty the results were. Through using real, independent Mumsnet users for feedback, we ensure we get honest, unbiased reviews from people just like you.
From there, we also analysed authentic reviews on domestic technology sites. We then collated both lists to develop a shortlist of bread makers that had won industry awards, expert accolades and applause from real parents. We also chose the bread makers that represented the best value for money.
About the author
Gemma Lumley is a Content Writer for Mumsnet with a focus on home and lifestyle product round-ups and reviews. With many years of experience as a content and copywriter for her family business Urban Media Publishing, Gemma has written articles and blogs on travel, the outdoor industry, parenting and finance.
Finding the products that will make parents' lives easier is important to Gemma. She loves the research and detective work that goes into our Swears By lists, and was determined to find the best bread maker for Mumsnetters.
Gemma is a mum of two grown-up children, has two dogs and a tortoise. Alongside her writing, she spent many years as a home and travel expert and breastfeeding counsellor at a leading nursery retailer. Gemma is also a sensory analyst (aka chocolate taster!).
Why you should trust us
Mumsnet has been helping parents make their lives easier since 2000, and, in that time, we've investigated, tried, and reviewed thousands of products.
As someone committed to providing delicious and nutritious food for her family without expending lots of time and energy, our writer Gemma was determined to provide honest and independent advice on the bread makers that will effortlessly create homemade loaves, pasta and pizza dough.
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