KITCHENARM 29-in-1 SMART Bread Machine
A feature-heavy 2-pound machine with 29 programs and a gluten-free setting.
Check Price on Amazon Read the full reviewThe 10 Best Bread Machines of 2026, Ranked
Our verdict: The best bread machine in 2026 is the KITCHENARM 29-in-1 SMART Bread Machine. It tops our ranking with 9.1 out of 10.
Our bread machine picks
Fewer picks than usual: no other model in the top half is better value.
Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker BB-PDC20BA
The machine other bread makers get compared to.
Check Price on Amazon Read the full review
Elite Gourmet Programmable Bread Maker EBM8103
The cheapest here and still a 2-pound machine with 19 presets.
Check Price on Amazon Read the full reviewAll 10 bread machines, compared
We compared 17 bread machines sold in the US and ranked ten by owner ratings. They run from 2-pound compact machines to a 2.5-pound premium model and a 3-pound two-paddle machine, with fruit-and-nut dispensers, convection heat and gluten-free programs, from the cheapest here to the priciest. Every product links to its full review below.
- 1 KITCHENARM 29-in-1 SMART Bread MachineBest Choice 9.1 out of 10 Check Price
-
2
Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker BB-PDC20BABest Premium
9.0 out of 10
Check Price
-
3
Elite Gourmet Programmable Bread Maker EBM8103Best Budget
8.8 out of 10
Check Price
-
4
Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker CBK-110
8.7 out of 10
Check Price
-
5
Zojirushi Home Bakery Mini Breadmaker BB-HAC10
8.7 out of 10
Check Price
-
6
Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme Breadmaker BB-CEC20
8.6 out of 10
Check Price
-
7
Hamilton Beach 2lb Bread Maker 29982MN
8.5 out of 10
Check Price
-
8
Cuisinart Convection Bread Maker CBK-210
8.3 out of 10
Check Price
-
9
West Bend Hi-Rise Bread Maker 47413
8.2 out of 10
Check Price
-
10
Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker BBM800XL
8.2 out of 10
Check Price
Why No. 1 beats No. 2
The KITCHENARM 29-in-1 SMART Bread Machine (9.1) edges the Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker BB-PDC20BA (9.0) on the balance of all three parts.
The full bread machine reviews
1.KITCHENARM 29-in-1 SMART Bread Machine
A feature-heavy 2-pound machine with 29 programs and a gluten-free setting. Owners rate it highly for the price.
What makes up the score
- How happy owners are1st of 10
- How many rated it2nd of 10
- How new it is4th of 10
Each bar shows its place in this guide, so a full bar is 1st of 10. How happy owners are counts for most of the score.
Why it's here
- 29 programs including gluten-free and a custom cycle
- 1, 1.5 and 2 pound loaf sizes
- 15-hour delay timer
- Recipe book included
Keep in mind
- Brand sells mainly through Amazon, with limited US parts support
- Single paddle leaves a hole in the loaf
- Little long-term data on lifespan
2.Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker BB-PDC20BA
The machine other bread makers get compared to. Two paddles, dual heaters and a rectangular 2-pound loaf make it the one reviewers pick when they want the best crumb.
What makes up the score
- How happy owners are2nd of 10
- How many rated it3rd of 10
- How new it is5th of 10
Each bar shows its place in this guide, so a full bar is 1st of 10. How happy owners are counts for most of the score.
Why it's here
- Two kneading paddles and two heaters give an evenly browned, well-risen loaf
- Programs include gluten-free, sourdough starter, jam, cake and a custom cycle
- Delay timer, three crust shades and a viewing window with an interior light
- Owners report many years of regular use
Keep in mind
- One of the priciest machines here
- Pan and paddles are hand wash only, and the paddles leave two holes in the loaf
- Heavy and wide, so it needs a permanent spot on the counter
3.Elite Gourmet Programmable Bread Maker EBM8103
The cheapest here and still a 2-pound machine with 19 presets. A sensible first machine if you are unsure you will keep baking.
What makes up the score
- How happy owners are3rd of 10
- How many rated it5th of 10
- How new it is3rd of 10
Each bar shows its place in this guide, so a full bar is 1st of 10. How happy owners are counts for most of the score.
Why it's here
- 19 presets including gluten-free
- Three loaf sizes and three crust shades
- Rated at 550 watts
- Light enough to move in and out of a cabinet
Keep in mind
- Some owners report recipes in the booklet needing adjustment
- Some owners report it failing after light use
- Basic build with no dispenser and one paddle
4.Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker CBK-110
A compact vertical machine that fits under a cabinet and bakes a 2-pound loaf. Easy to learn, with a long US warranty.
What makes up the score
- How happy owners are5th of 10
- How many rated it1st of 10
- How new it is5th of 10
Each bar shows its place in this guide, so a full bar is 1st of 10. How happy owners are counts for most of the score.
Why it's here
- Small footprint of about 11 by 9 by 12 inches
- 12 programs, three crust shades and a 13-hour delay start
- Viewing window and interior light
- Three-year limited warranty on parts and labor
Keep in mind
- Some owners report the machine shifting on the counter while kneading
- Some owners report the pan coating wearing, so the loaf sticks
- No fruit and nut dispenser
5.Zojirushi Home Bakery Mini Breadmaker BB-HAC10
A 1-pound vertical machine for one or two people and small kitchens. It carries the Zojirushi build in a smaller size.
What makes up the score
- How happy owners are4th of 10
- How many rated it7th of 10
- How new it is5th of 10
Each bar shows its place in this guide, so a full bar is 1st of 10. How happy owners are counts for most of the score.
Why it's here
- Compact size of about 8.5 by 11 by 12 inches
- Programmable with several bread and dough cycles
- Suits a small household that finishes a loaf quickly
- Bakes a compact vertical loaf with a delay timer and crust control
Keep in mind
- Only a 1-pound loaf
- No gluten-free or sourdough starter program
- Expensive for its size
6.Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme Breadmaker BB-CEC20
Shares the Virtuoso Plus baking approach, with two paddles and a 2-pound rectangular loaf, but has a shorter feature list and no gluten-free program. A fit for buyers who want the brand's even bake and don't need the extras.
What makes up the score
- How happy owners are6th of 10
- How many rated it4th of 10
- How new it is5th of 10
Each bar shows its place in this guide, so a full bar is 1st of 10. How happy owners are counts for most of the score.
Why it's here
- Two kneading paddles and a rectangular 2-pound loaf
- Basic, whole wheat, sourdough starter, dough, jam and cake programs
- Delay timer and three crust shades
- Owners report it lasting for many years
Keep in mind
- No dedicated gluten-free program
- No fruit and nut dispenser, so add-ins go in at the beep
- Hand wash parts and a large footprint
7.Hamilton Beach 2lb Bread Maker 29982MN
A plain, beginner-friendly 2-pound machine with a gluten-free setting at a budget price. It beeps when add-ins are due.
What makes up the score
- How happy owners are7th of 10
- How many rated it9th of 10
- How new it is1st of 10
Each bar shows its place in this guide, so a full bar is 1st of 10. How happy owners are counts for most of the score.
Why it's here
- 12 programs including gluten-free, dough and jam
- Three loaf sizes and three crust settings
- Dishwasher-safe accessories
- PFAS-free nonstick pan
Keep in mind
- No automatic dispenser, so add-ins are by hand
- Single paddle leaves a hole and can leave unmixed flour in corners
- Plastic body feels light next to the premium machines
8.Cuisinart Convection Bread Maker CBK-210
Adds convection air movement and a mix-in dispenser to the Cuisinart format. Owners report more even browning than on the compact CBK-110.
What makes up the score
- How happy owners are9th of 10
- How many rated it10th of 10
- How new it is1st of 10
Each bar shows its place in this guide, so a full bar is 1st of 10. How happy owners are counts for most of the score.
Why it's here
- Convection fan for more even crust color
- 16 menu programs, a custom mode and three crust shades
- Mix-in dispenser for nuts and fruit
- Nonstick pan with a removable paddle
Keep in mind
- Larger and louder than the compact Cuisinart
- Few owner reports yet on long-term life
- Single paddle leaves one hole in the loaf
9.West Bend Hi-Rise Bread Maker 47413
The biggest loaf here at 3 pounds, with two kneading blades at a budget price. Good for large households that go through bread fast.
What makes up the score
- How happy owners are8th of 10
- How many rated it6th of 10
- How new it is5th of 10
Each bar shows its place in this guide, so a full bar is 1st of 10. How happy owners are counts for most of the score.
Why it's here
- 3-pound capacity with two kneading blades
- 12 presets plus a custom mode, three crust shades
- Delayed start of up to 13 hours
- Wipe-clean nonstick pan
Keep in mind
- Pan and blades are hand wash only
- Two blades leave two holes in the loaf
- One-year limited warranty, shorter than Cuisinart's
10.Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker BBM800XL
The most adjustable machine here, with four loaf sizes up to 2.5 pounds and nine custom program slots. Its collapsing paddle leaves a smaller hole than most.
What makes up the score
- How happy owners are10th of 10
- How many rated it8th of 10
- How new it is5th of 10
Each bar shows its place in this guide, so a full bar is 1st of 10. How happy owners are counts for most of the score.
Why it's here
- Loaf sizes from 1 to 2.5 pounds and an automatic fruit and nut dispenser
- Nine custom program slots plus gluten-free, jam and dough settings
- Paddle folds during baking, so the hole in the loaf is small
- Clear LCD with a progress display and a delay timer
Keep in mind
- A single paddle can leave flour in the corners of the pan
- Nonstick pan coating wears with time, according to some owners
- Costs more than most machines here, and its owner rating trails the Zojirushi models
Before you buy a bread machine
What is the best bread machine for beginners?
Choose a machine with a basic cycle, three crust shades, a delay timer and a viewing window, because that is all a first loaf needs. The Hamilton Beach 2lb Bread Maker and the Cuisinart CBK-110 fit that description. Measure ingredients by weight and add them in the order the manual gives, liquids first, yeast last.
Is it cheaper to make your own bread with a bread machine?
A typical loaf takes 0.4 to 0.7 kWh. At the average US residential price of about 17 cents per kWh, that is roughly 7 to 12 cents of electricity. Flour, yeast and salt add about a dollar or two a loaf, so you save against a premium store loaf but little against the cheapest supermarket bread. The saving grows with whole-grain, gluten-free or seeded loaves, which cost far more in a store.
Which bread machine works best for gluten-free bread?
Gluten-free dough needs a dedicated program that mixes once and skips the punch-down, then bakes without a long rise. The Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus, Breville Custom Loaf, Cuisinart CBK-210, Hamilton Beach, Elite Gourmet, KITCHENARM and West Bend all include one. Use a gluten-free flour blend made for bread machines and scrape the pan sides early in the mix.
Can a bread machine make real sourdough?
Most machines proof a dough made with an active starter but have no true sourdough program. The Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus and Supreme and the Cuisinart CBK-210 have a starter cycle, which is the closest here. On other machines, use the dough cycle with your starter, then bake on the basic or whole wheat cycle. The result is a soft sandwich loaf, not an open-crumb artisan one.
What size bread machine should I buy: 1.5 lb or 2 lb?
Most machines here bake 1, 1.5 and 2 pound loaves, so you can choose at each bake. Buy a 2-pound capacity for a family, since a smaller loaf in a large pan can rise unevenly. The West Bend makes 3 pounds and the Breville 2.5 pounds. Vertical pans take less counter space, and horizontal pans, like the Virtuoso Plus and Supreme, make a loaf closer to a store slice.
What is one drawback of using a bread machine?
The kneading paddle leaves a hole in the bottom of the loaf, and two-paddle machines leave two. Many owners remove the paddle during the last rise to shrink it. The nonstick pan coating also wears over years of use, and most pans are hand wash only, so check warranty terms and parts support for replacement pans before you buy.
How we ranked these ten bread machines
Every score here comes from our ranking model; no editor sets the order. Too few review sites cover bread machines for their verdicts to lead, so this ranking is led by owners. It ranks products by how happy owners are, holding back any product few owners have rated until more agree. How many rated it and how new it is only settle close calls, and value for money earns its own badge rather than a higher place. We compared 17 models for this guide before settling on these ten.
Brands can't pay to be included or to move up. We last checked these picks in October 2026.
How we rank, in fullOur No. 1 bread machine
KITCHENARM 29-in-1 SMART Bread Machine
A feature-heavy 2-pound machine with 29 programs and a gluten-free setting. 9.1 out of 10.