A bread machine is a small oven with a mixer built into its pan. Add flour, water, yeast and salt, choose a program, and it kneads, rises and bakes on its own schedule, or stops after the first rise so you can shape the dough yourself. For a Mexican kitchen that second job is the useful one: a machine can knead a lean dough for bolillos and teleras, or a soft, buttery dough for conchas and pan de muerto, while you get on with the rest of the cooking.
Machines differ more than they look. Some bake a tall cube and some a long sandwich loaf, some have two paddles and a heated lid, and only a few have gluten-free courses or drop in nuts and fruit for you. This guide compares eight using the makers’ specifications, the Amazon listings and America’s Test Kitchen’s bread machine review.
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Quick verdict: which bread machine to buy
For most kitchens, the best bread machine is the Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme: America’s Test Kitchen named it its winner for reliable, consistently attractive loaves, and it kneads with two paddles and bakes a traditional rectangular 2-pound loaf. For a heated lid and a gluten-free course, choose the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus. On a smaller budget, the Cuisinart Compact is ATK’s Best Buy; for one or two people, the 1-pound Zojirushi Home Bakery Mini; and for automatic fruit and nut add-ins, the Cuisinart Convection Bread Maker.
Each pick below explains who it suits and gives one honest reason to skip it.
Five bread machines side by side
Our five standout picks, one for each kind of baker, with the loaf size, paddles and programs each maker or listing states. All eight machines are reviewed in full below.
| Bread machine | Best for | Loaf and paddles | Programs and extras | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme Bread MakerBest overall
|
Most home bakers | 2 lb rectangular; two paddles | Dough, jam, sourdough starter; 13-hour timer | View on Amazon |
Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus Bread MakerBest upgrade
|
Frequent bakers, gluten-free | 2 lb rectangular; two paddles | 15 settings incl. gluten free; heated lid | View on Amazon |
Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread MakerBudget pick
|
A first machine on a budget | 1, 1.5 or 2 lb; vertical pan | 12 programs; 13-hour timer | View on Amazon |
Zojirushi Home Bakery Mini Bread MakerBest small
|
One or two people | 1 lb; one blade | Dough, jam, cake; 13-hour timer | View on Amazon |
Cuisinart Convection Bread MakerBest for mix-ins
|
Fruit, nut and seed loaves | 1, 1½ or 2 lb; removable paddle | 16 programs incl. gluten free; auto dispenser | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Loaf sizes and features are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best bread machine
These eight cover the range: Zojirushi’s two rectangular-loaf machines and its 1-pound mini, ATK’s Best Buy from Cuisinart, a well-rounded Hamilton Beach, and three machines with automatic dispensers from Cuisinart, Panasonic and KBS for bakers who want mix-ins, gluten-free courses or custom programs.
1. Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme Bread Maker – Reliable Loaves, Two Paddles
The Home Bakery Supreme is the bread machine America’s Test Kitchen names as its winner, describing it as reliable, with consistently attractive loaves. It bakes a 2-pound loaf in the traditional rectangular shape, closer to a store-bought sandwich loaf than the tall cube many machines turn out, and Zojirushi uses two kneading blades to work the dough thoroughly.
The menu is short and practical: white and wheat bread, quick bread, cake, jam, dough and a sourdough starter setting, plus three Home Made memory settings where you set your own knead, rise and bake times. A quick-bake cycle takes about two hours and the delay timer runs to 13 hours, according to Zojirushi. It draws 700 watts and measures 17 by 8½ by 12¼ inches.
For a home baker, the dough cycle is the useful part. Let the machine mix, knead and give a first rise to a soft enriched dough for conchas or a lean dough for bolillos, then shape the pieces by hand and bake them in the oven. ATK’s one complaint was the crust, which often came out lighter than the medium shade selected, and the menu has no dedicated gluten-free course.
Why we like it
- ATK’s winner: reliable, consistently attractive loaves
- Two kneading blades; 2-pound rectangular loaf
- Dough, jam, cake and sourdough starter settings
- Three Home Made memory settings
- 13-hour delay timer
Key specifications
| Machine | Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme, model BB-CEC20 |
|---|---|
| Loaf size(s) | 2 lb, rectangular |
| Paddles | Two kneading blades |
| Programs (gluten-free/dough/jam) | No gluten-free course listed; dough, jam, cake, quick bread, sourdough starter, 3 Home Made |
| Delay timer | 13 hours |
| Fruit/nut dispenser | None listed |
| Power | 700 watts |
| Dimensions | 17 x 8½ x 12¼ in |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want the machine with the strongest independent review behind it and a loaf shaped like sandwich bread.
Skip it if you bake gluten-free; Zojirushi’s menu for this model lists no gluten-free course.
Pros and cons
Pros
- ATK’s top pick
- Two paddles knead evenly
- Custom memory settings
- Traditional loaf shape
Cons
- Crust can run lighter than chosen, per ATK
- No gluten-free course
- No automatic mix-in dispenser
2. Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus Bread Maker – A Heated Lid for Even Crusts
The Virtuoso Plus is Zojirushi’s top home model, and the main difference from the Supreme is a second heater in the lid. Zojirushi says the bottom and lid heaters together promote even baking and browning, and America’s Test Kitchen agreed: it rated the machine Highly Recommended, noting that the heated lid gave golden crusts in exactly the shade selected.
It shares the two kneading blades and 2-pound rectangular loaf, and adds a longer menu of 15 settings: white, whole wheat, European, multigrain, gluten free, salt free, sugar free, vegan, rapid white and rapid whole wheat, plus dough, sourdough starter, cake, jam and three Home Made memory settings. The rapid courses bake a loaf in about two hours and 25 minutes, and the delay timer runs to 13 hours.
ATK’s reservation was the control panel, which it found harder to use than the Supreme’s. Zojirushi also sells a version, the BB-PPC20BA, that it describes as free of PFAS and BPA on all food-contact surfaces; it was in stock on Amazon when we checked, if that matters to you.
Why we like it
- ATK Highly Recommended for golden, accurate crusts
- Heaters in the base and the lid
- Dedicated gluten-free course
- Two kneading blades
- Three customizable memory settings
Key specifications
| Machine | Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus, model BB-PDC20BA |
|---|---|
| Loaf size(s) | 2 lb, rectangular |
| Paddles | Two kneading blades |
| Programs (gluten-free/dough/jam) | Gluten free, dough, jam, cake, sourdough starter and 10 more; 15 settings |
| Delay timer | 13 hours |
| Fruit/nut dispenser | None listed |
| Power | 700 watts |
| Dimensions | 18 x 10½ x 12⅞ in |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you bake several loaves a week, want a gluten-free course and care about an evenly browned crust.
Skip it if you want the simplest controls; ATK found its panel less intuitive than the Supreme’s.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Most even browning, per ATK
- Long menu including gluten free
- Two paddles
- PFAS-free version available
Cons
- Harder control panel, per ATK
- Takes more counter space
- No automatic dispenser
3. Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker – Easy to Use and Compact
Cuisinart’s compact machine is ATK’s Best Buy, rated Highly Recommended and described as easy to use and affordable. It bakes in a removable nonstick vertical pan in three loaf sizes, 1, 1.5 and 2 pounds, with light, medium or dark crust, and the footprint is small enough for a crowded counter.
There are 12 menu programs, an LCD that shows the countdown, cycle and settings, audible beeps, a 13-hour delay-start timer and a 60-minute keep-warm cycle, according to the listing. Cuisinart says it also makes cakes and pizza dough, and the warranty is a limited three years.
ATK’s caution is worth knowing: the machine struggled with the larger 2-pound batches on longer proof settings. If you mostly bake 1- or 1.5-pound loaves, or use the dough setting for a tray of bolillos you will shape and bake in the oven, that limit matters less. The listing does not name each of the 12 programs, so check the manual if you need gluten-free.
Why we like it
- ATK’s Best Buy, Highly Recommended
- Three loaf sizes up to 2 pounds
- 13-hour delay-start timer
- 60-minute keep-warm cycle
- Limited three-year warranty
Key specifications
| Machine | Cuisinart Compact Automatic, model CBK-110P1 |
|---|---|
| Loaf size(s) | 1, 1.5 or 2 lb (vertical pan) |
| Paddles | Not stated in the listing |
| Programs (gluten-free/dough/jam) | 12 programs incl. pizza dough and cake; gluten-free not named in the listing |
| Delay timer | 13 hours |
| Fruit/nut dispenser | None listed |
| Power | Not stated in the listing |
| Dimensions | Compact; not stated in the listing |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a well-reviewed first bread machine that does not take over the counter.
Skip it if you plan to bake mostly 2-pound loaves on long cycles; ATK found it struggled there.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Strong ATK rating for the money
- Simple controls
- Small footprint
- Long warranty
Cons
- Struggled with large batches on long proofs, per ATK
- Tall loaf shape
- Program list not spelled out in the listing
4. Zojirushi Home Bakery Mini Bread Maker – One-Pound Loaves for Small Households
Most bread machines bake a loaf too big for one or two people to finish before it goes stale. Zojirushi’s Home Bakery Mini bakes 1-pound loaves, about half the size of the Supreme’s, in a slim body that measures 8½ by 11¼ by 12¼ inches, according to Zojirushi.
The menu covers basic bread in regular, firm and soft textures, French, quick bread, cake, jam, and both bread dough and cookie or pasta dough. A quick-bake cycle prepares breads in under two hours, there is a 13-hour delay timer, and a viewing window and carrying handle make it easy to check and move. It draws 450 watts.
It uses a single nonstick kneading blade and pan, per the listing, and there is no gluten-free course. ATK’s review did not include it. If you mostly want a small loaf for toast with the morning coffee, or a little dough for a few rolls, it is the right size.
Why we like it
- Bakes 1-pound loaves
- Slim footprint with a carrying handle
- Dough, cookie/pasta dough, jam and cake settings
- Quick bake in under two hours
- 13-hour delay timer
Key specifications
| Machine | Zojirushi Home Bakery Mini, model BB-HAC10 |
|---|---|
| Loaf size(s) | 1 lb |
| Paddles | One nonstick kneading blade |
| Programs (gluten-free/dough/jam) | No gluten-free; dough, cookie/pasta dough, jam, cake, quick bread |
| Delay timer | 13 hours |
| Fruit/nut dispenser | None listed |
| Power | 450 watts |
| Dimensions | 8½ x 11¼ x 12¼ in |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you live alone or as a couple and want fresh bread without leftovers going stale.
Skip it if you feed a family; a 1-pound loaf goes quickly.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Right-sized loaves
- Small and easy to store
- Zojirushi build
- Jam and dough settings
Cons
- Only 1-pound loaves
- No gluten-free course
- Not reviewed by ATK
5. Cuisinart Convection Bread Maker – Automatic Fruit and Nut Dispenser
Cuisinart’s convection machine is the step up from its Compact for bakers who like add-ins. An automatic fruit and nut dispenser holds up to three-quarters of a cup and, according to the listing, releases it at the second knead so raisins, pecans or seeds end up spread through the loaf rather than sunk at the bottom. It bakes 1, 1½ or 2-pound loaves.
The other headline feature is a convection fan that circulates air during baking, which Cuisinart says helps give a more consistent crust color and texture, with three crust shades to choose from. There are 16 programs, from everyday loaves to Gluten Free, Low Carb and a Sourdough Starter cycle, plus a Custom Memory slot to save your own settings. The kneading paddle can be removed before the final rise, and a hook is included to pull it out of the finished loaf.
A glass top runs edge to edge so you can watch the dough, the delay timer goes up to 13 hours, and the listing gives a limited three-year warranty and a size of 12.25 by 8.85 by 13 inches. We could not find an independent review of this model, and the listing does not state the wattage or list dough and jam programs by name.
Why we like it
- Automatic fruit and nut dispenser, up to ¾ cup (listing)
- Convection fan for crust color (Cuisinart)
- 16 programs including gluten free and sourdough starter
- Limited three-year warranty (listing)
Key specifications
| Machine | Cuisinart Convection, model CBK-210NAS |
|---|---|
| Loaf size(s) | 1, 1½ or 2 lb |
| Paddles | One removable kneading paddle, with removal hook |
| Programs (gluten-free/dough/jam) | 16, including gluten free, low carb and sourdough starter; dough and jam not named in the listing |
| Delay timer | Up to 13 hours |
| Fruit/nut dispenser | Yes, automatic (up to ¾ cup) |
| Power | Not stated in the listing |
| Dimensions | 12.25 x 8.85 x 13 in (listing) |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you bake loaves with fruit, nuts or seeds often and want to save and repeat your own custom program.
Skip it if you want a machine with a track record in independent reviews; for that, the Zojirushis and the Cuisinart Compact are the safer buys.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Dispenser adds mix-ins on time
- Convection fan for the crust
- Custom program memory
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- No independent review we could read
- Wattage not stated in the listing
- Dough and jam programs not named
6. Panasonic Automatic Bread Maker SD-R2550 – Four Gluten-Free Programs and a Dispenser
Panasonic’s SD-R2550 is its North American model; a related machine, the SD-YR2550, is sold in Europe and Australia. It has 20 preset programs, and Panasonic says four of them are designed specifically for gluten-free bread, cake, pizza dough and pasta dough, more gluten-free options than any other machine here. The rest cover whole wheat, French bread, brioche, sourdough, cakes and jam.
Panasonic says a double temperature sensor reads both the dough and the room and adjusts rising and resting times, and a kneading blade works with ribs molded into the pan to handle firm doughs. A raisin and nut dispenser funnels raisins, nuts or seeds into the pan at timed intervals, and manual settings let you set your own kneading and fermentation times.
It offers three loaf sizes, medium, large and extra-large, and three crust shades, according to Panasonic. A brioche-style program is a good starting point for enriched doughs like conchas or pan de muerto, which you would shape and bake in the oven. ATK’s review did not include it, and the listing does not state a delay timer, so check the manual.
Why we like it
- 20 programs, four of them gluten-free, per Panasonic
- Raisin and nut dispenser
- Temperature sensor adjusts rise times
- Sourdough and brioche programs
Key specifications
| Machine | Panasonic SD-R2550 |
|---|---|
| Loaf size(s) | Medium, large and extra-large |
| Paddles | One kneading blade with ribbed pan |
| Programs (gluten-free/dough/jam) | 20 presets: 4 gluten-free, pizza and pasta dough, jam, sourdough, brioche |
| Delay timer | Not stated in the listing |
| Fruit/nut dispenser | Yes, raisin/nut dispenser |
| Power | Not stated in the listing |
| Dimensions | 9.9 x 16 x 14.3 in (D x W x H) |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you bake gluten-free often or want an automatic dispenser from an established appliance maker.
Skip it if you want a machine backed by an independent review; we found none we could read for this model.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Most gluten-free programs here
- Automatic dispenser
- Sensor-adjusted rising
- Wide program list
Cons
- Not reviewed by ATK
- Delay timer not stated in the listing
- Wide footprint, 16 inches across
7. Hamilton Beach 2 lb Digital Bread Maker – Gluten-Free and Artisan Dough Settings
Hamilton Beach’s 2-pound machine is a plain, capable choice that ATK rates Recommended. Its 14 settings include basic, French, gluten-free, whole grain, three express sizes, quick bread, sweet, dough, cake, jam and artisan dough, and it bakes 1-, 1.5- or 2-pound loaves with light, medium or dark crust.
There is no dispenser, but the machine beeps before the second knead so you can add fruit, nuts or seeds yourself, and it keeps the bread warm for an hour after baking. Hamilton Beach says the pan and kneading paddle have a PFAS-free nonstick coating, and the warranty is one year.
ATK found the darkest setting gave the best results and the pale setting was uneven, so start on dark. The sweet and dough settings are where to begin for a soft sweet bread, and the artisan dough setting suits lean doughs you shape into rolls.
Why we like it
- ATK Recommended
- 14 settings incl. gluten-free, dough, jam and artisan dough
- Three loaf sizes and crust shades
- Beeps when it is time for add-ins
- One-hour keep warm
Key specifications
| Machine | Hamilton Beach 2 lb Bread Maker, model 29982 |
|---|---|
| Loaf size(s) | 1, 1.5 or 2 lb |
| Paddles | One kneading paddle |
| Programs (gluten-free/dough/jam) | Gluten-free, dough, artisan dough, jam, cake and 9 more; 14 settings |
| Delay timer | Not stated in the listing |
| Fruit/nut dispenser | No; beeps for add-ins |
| Power | Not stated in the listing |
| Dimensions | Not stated in the listing |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a well-rounded, independently reviewed machine with gluten-free and dough settings and no extras to learn.
Skip it if you like pale, soft crusts; ATK found the light setting uneven.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Solid ATK rating
- Broad settings list
- Add-in beep
- PFAS-free coating, per Hamilton Beach
Cons
- Light crust setting uneven, per ATK
- No dispenser
- Delay timer not stated
8. KBS Pro 17-in-1 Stainless Steel Bread Maker – Ceramic Pan, Dispenser and 15-Hour Timer
KBS packs a long feature list into a brushed stainless steel body. The Pro has 17 automatic programs plus a custom setting, including basic, gluten-free, sourdough, French, whole wheat, multigrain, cake, jam, yogurt and dough, and bakes 1-, 1.5- or 2.2-pound loaves with three crust shades.
The pan and paddle have a ceramic nonstick coating, and an automatic stainless steel dispenser adds nuts or fruit during the cycle. KBS lists a 710-watt motor, a 15-hour delay timer, an hour of keep-warm and 15 minutes of power-failure backup, and it ships with two kneading paddles, a paddle hook, a glove, measuring tools and a 53-recipe book.
KBS is less established than Zojirushi or Panasonic, and the machine was not part of ATK’s review. The listing makes some broad claims about health and bakery-quality results that we do not repeat; judge it on its stated features, which are generous.
Why we like it
- 17 programs plus a custom setting, incl. gluten-free and sourdough
- Automatic fruit and nut dispenser
- 15-hour delay timer
- Loaves up to 2.2 pounds
- 15 minutes of power-failure backup
Key specifications
| Machine | KBS Pro, model MBF-010 |
|---|---|
| Loaf size(s) | 1, 1.5 or 2.2 lb |
| Paddles | Ceramic-coated paddle; two in the box |
| Programs (gluten-free/dough/jam) | Gluten-free, sourdough, dough, jam, yogurt, cake and more; 17 + custom |
| Delay timer | 15 hours |
| Fruit/nut dispenser | Yes, automatic |
| Power | 710 watts |
| Dimensions | Not stated in the listing |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a dispenser, a long delay timer and a stainless finish in one machine and do not need an established brand.
Skip it if you want independent review data; we found none we could read for this model.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Long feature list
- Dispenser and custom program
- Longest delay timer here
- Accessories included
Cons
- Not reviewed by ATK
- Listing makes broad marketing claims
- Less established brand
How to choose a bread machine for loaves, rolls and pan dulce
Decide first whether you want the machine to bake the bread, or mostly to knead dough you will shape and bake in the oven.
1. Loaf size and shape
Most machines bake up to 2 pounds; the Zojirushi Mini bakes 1 pound. Shape is a matter of taste: ATK notes that longer pans bake rectangular loaves and taller, squarer pans bake cube-shaped ones. If you want slices that fit a toaster and a sandwich, look for a horizontal pan like the Zojirushis’. A loaf that goes stale before it is finished belongs in a good bread box.
2. One paddle or two
ATK generally prefers two paddles, which mix the dough more thoroughly and give more evenly shaped loaves, while a single paddle works in smaller, cube-shaped pans. It advises avoiding collapsible paddles, which it found hard to keep upright and unreliable about folding before baking.
3. Programs you will use
Basic, wheat and sweet cycles plus a dough setting cover most baking. If anyone in the house eats gluten-free, look for a dedicated course: the Virtuoso Plus, Cuisinart Convection, Hamilton Beach and KBS list one, and Panasonic lists four. Jam and cake settings are extras. A dough cycle is the one to use for bolillos, teleras and conchas, which need shaping by hand.
4. Delay timer and dispenser
A delay timer lets you load the pan at night and wake to bread; most machines here offer 13 hours and the KBS 15. Check the manual before delaying recipes made with milk, eggs or butter. An automatic dispenser, on the Cuisinart Convection, Panasonic and KBS, adds nuts or fruit at the right moment; other machines beep and wait for you to add them.
5. When to use the machine only for dough
For rolls and sweet breads with a shape, let the machine knead and give the first rise, then turn the dough out. A bench scraper divides it cleanly, and a proofing basket holds a round loaf in shape for its last rise. If you bake big batches of dough, a stand mixer is the other way to do the kneading.
How we chose these eight bread machines
We started from America’s Test Kitchen’s bread machine review, which names the Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme its winner, rates the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus Highly Recommended, names the Cuisinart Compact Automatic its Best Buy, and rates the Hamilton Beach 29982 Recommended. We then added the Zojirushi Mini for small households and three dispenser machines from Cuisinart, Panasonic and KBS, using Zojirushi’s and Panasonic’s own product pages and each Amazon listing for specifications. Every pick was in stock on Amazon when we checked; where a listing was silent we wrote “Not stated.”
Some machines are missing on purpose. The West Bend Hi-Rise and the 16-program Cuisinart showed only limited stock, ATK did not recommend the Cuisinart 2 lb Convection or the Oster 2 lb, and we passed over several lesser-known brands with thin listings. We searched the CPSC recall database for bread makers and for every brand here; the bread maker recalls we found cover Lidl’s Silvercrest machines and a much older West Bend breadmaker, neither of which is recommended here. We have not used these machines ourselves, and we did not read Wirecutter, Good Housekeeping, The New York Times or Serious Eats for this guide, so we do not quote them.
Bread machine questions, answered
What bread machine does America’s Test Kitchen recommend?
ATK’s winner is the Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme (BB-CEC20). It rates the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus Highly Recommended and names the Cuisinart Compact Automatic (CBK-110P1) its Best Buy.
What are the best bread machine brands?
Zojirushi has the strongest independent reviews, with two of ATK’s top three. Cuisinart, Hamilton Beach and Panasonic make well-specified machines, and KBS offers a long feature list. Loaf shape, paddles and programs matter more than the badge.
Which bread machine is best for sourdough?
Look for a sourdough setting: the Zojirushi Supreme and Virtuoso Plus have a sourdough starter course, and Panasonic and KBS list sourdough programs. Follow the maker’s manual for how to use your starter with each one.
Can a bread machine make bolillos or conchas?
Yes, on the dough setting. The machine mixes, kneads and gives the first rise; you then shape the rolls or conchas, add the sugar topping, let them rise again and bake them in a regular oven. Bolillos get their shape and split top from hand shaping and an oven bake, not from the machine’s pan.
Is a bread machine worth it for home use?
If you bake more than once a week, or want fresh bread without kneading by hand, it earns its counter space. If you bake occasionally, a stand mixer with a dough hook is more versatile.
Our final pick for baking bread at home
Buy the Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme if you want the most reliable loaves with the least fuss. Choose the Virtuoso Plus for even browning and gluten-free baking, the Cuisinart Compact on a budget, the Zojirushi Mini for small households, the Cuisinart Convection, Panasonic or KBS if you want automatic mix-ins, and the Hamilton Beach for a well-rounded machine with plenty of settings.
More small-appliance guides: food processors, personal blenders, hand mixers, vegetable choppers, spice grinders, meat grinders, food dehydrators, yogurt makers, pasta makers.
Baking gluten-free? See our guide to the best gluten-free bread makers.
On a budget? See our guide to the best value bread makers.
Related guide: Best bread machine cookbook.
Related guide: Bread machine vs stand mixer.
Keep the finished loaf fresh in a bread box, and if you would rather leave the baking to someone else, see our menu or call to order.