--- title: "Best Bread Machines of 2026" description: "Ten bread machines compared from published reviews and owner ratings: loaf size, paddles, gluten-free and sourdough settings, noise and cleanup." canonical: https://vettedten.com/us/kitchen/bread-machines/ published: 2026-10-31 updated: 2026-10-31 category: "Kitchen" language: "en-US" --- # The 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. Updated October 2026 · 17 models compared · [How we rank](https://vettedten.com/how-we-rank/) ## Our bread machine picks Fewer picks than usual: no other model in the top half is better value. - **Best Choice:** [KITCHENARM 29-in-1 SMART Bread Machine](https://vettedten.com/us/kitchen/bread-machines/#kitchenarm-29-in-1-smart-bread-machine), 9.1 out of 10. A feature-heavy 2-pound machine with 29 programs and a gluten-free setting. [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087FB8SCK) - **Best Premium:** [Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker BB-PDC20BA](https://vettedten.com/us/kitchen/bread-machines/#zojirushi-home-bakery-virtuoso-plus-bb-pdc20ba), 9.0 out of 10. The machine other bread makers get compared to. [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BQ28TQ6) - **Best Budget:** [Elite Gourmet Programmable Bread Maker EBM8103](https://vettedten.com/us/kitchen/bread-machines/#elite-gourmet-ebm8103), 8.8 out of 10. The cheapest here and still a 2-pound machine with 19 presets. [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09RYYGJXR) ## All 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. | No. | Product | Score | Badge | | ---: | --- | ---: | --- | | 1 | [KITCHENARM 29-in-1 SMART Bread Machine](https://vettedten.com/us/kitchen/bread-machines/#kitchenarm-29-in-1-smart-bread-machine) | 9.1 | Best Choice | | 2 | [Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker BB-PDC20BA](https://vettedten.com/us/kitchen/bread-machines/#zojirushi-home-bakery-virtuoso-plus-bb-pdc20ba) | 9.0 | Best Premium | | 3 | [Elite Gourmet Programmable Bread Maker EBM8103](https://vettedten.com/us/kitchen/bread-machines/#elite-gourmet-ebm8103) | 8.8 | Best Budget | | 4 | [Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker CBK-110](https://vettedten.com/us/kitchen/bread-machines/#cuisinart-cbk-110) | 8.7 | | | 5 | [Zojirushi Home Bakery Mini Breadmaker BB-HAC10](https://vettedten.com/us/kitchen/bread-machines/#zojirushi-home-bakery-mini-bb-hac10) | 8.7 | | | 6 | [Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme Breadmaker BB-CEC20](https://vettedten.com/us/kitchen/bread-machines/#zojirushi-home-bakery-supreme-bb-cec20) | 8.6 | | | 7 | [Hamilton Beach 2lb Bread Maker 29982MN](https://vettedten.com/us/kitchen/bread-machines/#hamilton-beach-2lb-bread-maker-29982mn) | 8.5 | | | 8 | [Cuisinart Convection Bread Maker CBK-210](https://vettedten.com/us/kitchen/bread-machines/#cuisinart-cbk-210) | 8.3 | | | 9 | [West Bend Hi-Rise Bread Maker 47413](https://vettedten.com/us/kitchen/bread-machines/#west-bend-hi-rise-bread-maker-47413) | 8.2 | | | 10 | [Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker BBM800XL](https://vettedten.com/us/kitchen/bread-machines/#breville-custom-loaf-bbm800xl) | 8.2 | | ### 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 9.1 out of 10 · Best Choice 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, each part placed against the other nine in this guide: - How happy owners are: 1st of 10 - How many rated it: 2nd of 10 - How new it is: 4th of 10 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 [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087FB8SCK) · [Full review](https://vettedten.com/us/kitchen/bread-machines/kitchenarm-29-in-1-smart-bread-machine/) ### 2. Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker BB-PDC20BA 9.0 out of 10 · Best Premium 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, each part placed against the other nine in this guide: - How happy owners are: 2nd of 10 - How many rated it: 3rd of 10 - How new it is: 5th of 10 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 [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BQ28TQ6) · [Full review](https://vettedten.com/us/kitchen/bread-machines/zojirushi-home-bakery-virtuoso-plus-bb-pdc20ba/) ### 3. Elite Gourmet Programmable Bread Maker EBM8103 8.8 out of 10 · Best Budget 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, each part placed against the other nine in this guide: - How happy owners are: 3rd of 10 - How many rated it: 5th of 10 - How new it is: 3rd of 10 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 [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09RYYGJXR) · [Full review](https://vettedten.com/us/kitchen/bread-machines/elite-gourmet-ebm8103/) ### 4. Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker CBK-110 8.7 out of 10 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, each part placed against the other nine in this guide: - How happy owners are: 5th of 10 - How many rated it: 1st of 10 - How new it is: 5th of 10 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 [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C8V4FDR) · [Full review](https://vettedten.com/us/kitchen/bread-machines/cuisinart-cbk-110/) ### 5. Zojirushi Home Bakery Mini Breadmaker BB-HAC10 8.7 out of 10 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, each part placed against the other nine in this guide: - How happy owners are: 4th of 10 - How many rated it: 7th of 10 - How new it is: 5th of 10 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 [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000G32H84) · [Full review](https://vettedten.com/us/kitchen/bread-machines/zojirushi-home-bakery-mini-bb-hac10/) ### 6. Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme Breadmaker BB-CEC20 8.6 out of 10 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, each part placed against the other nine in this guide: - How happy owners are: 6th of 10 - How many rated it: 4th of 10 - How new it is: 5th of 10 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 [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002XVUAOU) · [Full review](https://vettedten.com/us/kitchen/bread-machines/zojirushi-home-bakery-supreme-bb-cec20/) ### 7. Hamilton Beach 2lb Bread Maker 29982MN 8.5 out of 10 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, each part placed against the other nine in this guide: - How happy owners are: 7th of 10 - How many rated it: 9th of 10 - How new it is: 1st of 10 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 [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLXGJ27V) · [Full review](https://vettedten.com/us/kitchen/bread-machines/hamilton-beach-2lb-bread-maker-29982mn/) ### 8. Cuisinart Convection Bread Maker CBK-210 8.3 out of 10 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, each part placed against the other nine in this guide: - How happy owners are: 9th of 10 - How many rated it: 10th of 10 - How new it is: 1st of 10 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 [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BY3CGVYD) · [Full review](https://vettedten.com/us/kitchen/bread-machines/cuisinart-cbk-210/) ### 9. West Bend Hi-Rise Bread Maker 47413 8.2 out of 10 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, each part placed against the other nine in this guide: - How happy owners are: 8th of 10 - How many rated it: 6th of 10 - How new it is: 5th of 10 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 [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D82LJ4Q) · [Full review](https://vettedten.com/us/kitchen/bread-machines/west-bend-hi-rise-bread-maker-47413/) ### 10. Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker BBM800XL 8.2 out of 10 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, each part placed against the other nine in this guide: - How happy owners are: 10th of 10 - How many rated it: 8th of 10 - How new it is: 5th of 10 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 [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004RCNJA0) · [Full review](https://vettedten.com/us/kitchen/bread-machines/breville-custom-loaf-bbm800xl/) ## 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 full](https://vettedten.com/how-we-rank/) ## Our 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. [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087FB8SCK) ## More kitchen rankings - [Electric Grills](https://vettedten.com/us/kitchen/electric-grills/): No. 1 Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill FG551 - [Knife Sets](https://vettedten.com/us/kitchen/knife-sets/): No. 1 Home Hero Stainless Steel Knife Set - [Cookware Sets](https://vettedten.com/us/kitchen/cookware-sets/): No. 1 Made In Stainless Clad 10-Piece Cookware Set - [Rice Cookers](https://vettedten.com/us/kitchen/rice-cookers/): No. 1 COSORI 5.0-Quart Rice Cooker CRC-R501-KUS --- Canonical page: https://vettedten.com/us/kitchen/bread-machines/ · Every guide: https://vettedten.com/llms.txt · For AI agents: https://vettedten.com/agents.md