Our Picks for the Best Bread Machine

Bread Machines are great for making bread, but they are good at other tasks too. They can create both jam, AND butter. Due to the fact that most of the best bread machines have different features and functions, the best bread machine for you might not be the best bread machine for someone else. For example, the 13hr delay feature. This is a feature that doesn’t come equipped on the cheaper, low end bread machine models but is present on the majority of the more expensive, high end models. What the delay timer does is gives you the ability to mix and add in ingredients to the unit at one time (I.E early in the morning), and then actually bake those materials at a later time (I.E later in the evening). Below is a list of all of the features to look for when trying to find the best bread machine, according to experts, bread enthusiasts, and consumer reviews.

What to look for:

1. Serving Size – Look for a bread machine that will yield enough slices relative to the people that you will be serving. According to bread enthusiasts, a 2.5lb loaf is best for most households.

2. Features – Try to find a bread machine that will allow you to fully program your unit for the most control and customizable settings. Sometimes being the pre-programmed machines isnt good because everyone wont want to use all of the same settings. Also make sure that you decide on the layout of the loaf. Do you prefer horizontal (which is what most people use), or vertical.

3. Delay Timer – As mentioned earlier in this write-up, the delay timer will allow you to begin the baking process at one time, leave, and come back later to a fresh loaf of bread. We’ve found that most bread machines on the upper end have 13hr delay timers.

4. Size – The size of your unit will largely determine the speed in which your bread will bake. Smaller machines bake smaller loafs, which means they will bake faster (typically in about 60 minutes or less). Larger units on the other hand will take longer. Some of the larger units have “quick bake cycle” features, but according to bread enthusiasts you should stay away from this feature because it will make your loaves more dense, and yeastier.

5. Usage Tip – Be sure to run your machine through 2 cycles so that you can burn off any oils from the manufacturer. While you may not read this in your owners manual, a lot of consumer reviews have said this to be a big problem.