For thousands of years, bread has been a dietary staple food, with countless varieties from sourdough, whole wheat, and white bread. However, many people find that store-bought bread lacks the flavor and texture they crave.
Fortunately, with the rise of home baking, it's easier than ever to make your own bread with a bread maker. Not only can you enjoy the satisfaction of baking your own bread, but you can also experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create a unique and delicious fresh loaf.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of owning a bread maker and how it can help you taste the difference in various loaves of bread.
What are the benefits of owning a bread maker?
There are several benefits to owning a bread maker:
First and foremost, making your bread at home is healthier than buying store-bought bread, which often contains preservatives and additives. With a bread maker, you can control the ingredients and ensure that your bread is made with only the highest-quality, wholesome ingredients.
Secondly, owning a bread maker can save you money in the long run. While the initial cost of a bread maker may seem high, making your bread at home is much cheaper than buying bread from a bakery or grocery store. You can also save money by purchasing ingredients in bulk and avoiding the cost of gas or transportation to go to the store.
Thirdly, a bread maker is very convenient. You can set it up to start baking while you're sleeping or at work and come home to freshly baked bread. You don't have to worry about kneading the dough, letting it rise, or even turning on the oven. With a bread maker, all you have to do is add the ingredients, and the machine takes care of the rest.
Lastly, owning a bread maker allows you to experiment with different bread recipes and flavors. You can try out different types of flour, seeds, nuts, and spices to make unique bread that you may not find in stores. It's a fun and creative way to add variety to your meals.
In summary, owning a bread maker is a great investment that can lead to healthier, cheaper, and more convenient bread-making. It also allows for experimentation and creativity in the kitchen.
What types of bread can one make with a bread maker?
Bread makers can make a variety of bread types including white bread, whole wheat bread, multigrain bread, sourdough bread, gluten-free bread, and more. Some bread makers also have settings for making pizza dough, jams, and cakes. With a bread maker, you can easily customize your bread to your preferred crust color and loaf size. Bread makers can be a great addition to any kitchen, making it easy to enjoy fresh, homemade bread anytime you want.
What tips should one consider when using a bread maker?
Using a bread maker can be a convenient way to make homemade bread, but there are some tips to consider to get the best results. Here are some tips to keep in mind when using a bread maker:
- Read the manual: Make sure to read the manual that comes with your bread maker to understand how it works and how to use it properly.
- Measure ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale to measure ingredients accurately as even small variations can affect the texture and rise of the bread.
- Use fresh ingredients: Use fresh and high-quality ingredients, including flour, yeast, and water, for the best results.
- Choose the right flour: Different types of flour have different protein content, which affects the texture of the bread. Choose the right type of flour based on the recipe you're using.
- Add ingredients in the right order: Always add ingredients in the order specified in the recipe, typically starting with liquids and ending with dry ingredients.
- Don't overload the bread maker: Don't overload the bread maker with too much dough, as it may not rise properly.
- Use the right cycle: Use the right cycle for the type of bread you're making, such as a whole wheat cycle for whole wheat bread.
- Remove the bread promptly: Remove the bread from the bread maker promptly after it's done baking to prevent it from becoming soggy.
By following these tips, you can make delicious bread with your bread maker.
Conclusion
A bread maker can be a valuable investment for anyone who loves bread and wants to enjoy it at its best. By using fresh ingredients and experimenting with different recipes and flavors, you can create bread that is tailored to your own tastes and preferences. Not only will you enjoy the delicious taste and texture of freshly baked bread, but you'll also have the satisfaction of knowing that you made it yourself. So why settle for store-bought bread when you can experience the joy of making your own with a bread maker? Give it a try and taste the difference for yourself!
Need help? We've done the research for you and found the Best Bread Maker on Amazon. Every day, we read hundreds of reviews and try the highest-rated products we have on our list.
Best Bread Maker - Reviews
The Best
Product information
- Looking for a delicious and healthy way to make bread at home? Look no further than our selection of bread makers with various healthy course settings, including Multigrain, Whole Wheat, White Bread, Gluten Free Bread, Salt-Free, Sugar-Free, and Vegan.
- Our Double Kneading Blades ensure that your dough is thoroughly kneaded for superior results, while our Dual heaters on the bottom and lid promote even baking and browning.
- With our Rapid courses, you can bake a loaf of white or whole wheat bread in just 2 hours and 25 minutes! Our large, easy-to-read LCD display and convenient key code on the lid simplify course selection, and our Rapid Setting allows you to have your loaf ready to eat in under two and a half hours.
- Plus, with an Electrical Rating of 120 volts / 700 watts and a Cord Length of 39 inches, our bread makers are as convenient as they are efficient. Get yours today!
This is an amazing machine. It's user-friendly, easy to clean, and lightweight and the recipes included in the cookbook are fantastic. The gluten-free recipe is the best we've ever made. This Breadmaker does a lot. You can make white, rye, honey wheat, French, and sweet bread. All came out tasting great which is one of the main reasons for making homemade bread.
Zojirushi has no idea what a warranty is and certainly does not plan to honor it. The aluminum paddles tend to wear out and they have to be replaced. A few mentioned that it's not worth the money.
Our Thoughts - No matter the product, there are always going to be some lemons in the number of machines produced. The problem with this product is that the company needs to support those people with machines that have issues.
Very Good
Product information
- Introducing the KitchenArm 29-in-1 Smart Bread Makers - perfect for both newbies and pros alike! With just a click of a button, you can enjoy fresh and healthy homemade bread in no time. This machine features 29 automatic programs, including 21 bread menus (Basic White Bread, Sweet, French, Whole Wheat, Rye, Keto, Gluten Free Bread, Sourdough, and more), and 7 non-bread menus (Cake, Jam, Yogurt, Dough, etc.). It even includes a customizable cycle-level programming HOME MADE menu that allows you to create almost any recipe.
- The KitchenArm bread machine is incredibly user-friendly. All your settings are saved for the next use, including Menu, Loaf Size, and Crust Color for a preset menu and your own settings for the HOME MADE menu. It's a unique 1-press bread-making machine - simply add ingredients and press the START button once. The machine even includes advanced features like a 15-hour delay timer, 1-hour keep warm, 15-minute power interruption recovery, ADD-NUTS alarm, and more.
- What's more, KitchenArm menus and recipes support both high-gluten bread flour and less-gluten all-purpose flour. They're designed to handle fresh ingredients like onions, oranges, zucchini, and bananas, and more efficiently, minimizing human preparation time. The bread machine also includes various gluten-free and whole wheat bread recipes without external gluten, and 77 recipes are already included, with hundreds more available on the KitchenArm Recipe Cloud.
- If you're feeling creative, the KitchenArm bread makers machine includes a fully customizable cycle-level programming HOME MADE menu. This allows you to specify each bread-making cycle time (KNEAD, REST, RISE, BAKE, etc.) to fully adapt the machine to your own recipes. Plus, KitchenArm provides quality build and devoted services, including a US/Canada standard three-prong grounding plug, a 2.5" large visual digital display, a food-grade Teflon coated non-stick bread pan and a 2-year product warranty with a lifetime of free customer service including Cloud Recipes and Recipe Personalization. Try it out risk-free with the 1-month free trial, and enjoy delicious, homemade bread with ease!
Overall this is a great product and we believe you will have many years of enjoyment using it. Think of the creations this will assist you in making, and the ease and the time it will save you is just icing on the cake. Some customers mentioned that customer service is good and quick to respond. A few said that having carpal tunnel and making bread by hand was no longer fun or an option. With this bread machine, they just put the ingredients in and the machine does all the work!
A few said that it never worked well from the start, and it eventually stopped. Some mentioned that they received used machines that didn't work out of the box. Long-time makers of bread: Have had cheap bread makers for up to 20 or so years with no issues. This one is a disaster, no matter what we do/try, the outcome fails. Followed instructions, then tried adjusting ingredients, same result. Rye bread either falls apart (only rye flour) or soggy (if we add white flour). Can't just keep wasting flour and other products.
Our Thoughts - We seem to keep repeating ourselves but it's the old story. Not all the products that a company produces will come out 100%.
Good Value
Product information
- Want Fresh Homemade Bread without all the hassle? With the Hamilton Beach bread machine, you can have delicious, mouth-watering loaves in just 3 Easy Steps: add your ingredients, select the cycle, and press start! Plus, with 12 versatile cycles, you can make everything from basic white bread to gluten-free and even cake.
- What's more, you control the ingredients and nutritional content of your bread. Say goodbye to preservatives and trans fats and hello to healthy, delicious loaves made just the way you like them. The bread maker is also great for preparing dough for dinner rolls, pizza crusts, and cinnamon buns, which can be baked in a conventional oven.
- Choose from 1.5 lb. or 2 lb. loaves and select from 3 crust settings for light, medium, or dark crust. Easy to clean and even easier to use, the Hamilton Beach bread maker is the perfect addition to any kitchen.
A few users said that they love this bread machine. However, The negative reviews really had them worried. Some mentioned that even though they were a bit skeptical of the process they've discovered that if they can make bread this easily that anyone can. This bread machine has exceeded their expectations.  From a happy user: "I was looking for a price that would fit my budget and it did so. I have made several loaves of bread, and very happy, easy to clean easy to set it up couldn’t be more pleased."
Some users discovered potential issues with missing components and longevity is questionable. A few mentioned that it didn't work out of the box. Customer support is non-existent. From a long-time user of Hamilton Beach bread maker: "I have had the same model of Hamilton Beach bread machine for about 7 years. No problems. Ever. So I replaced it with the new version. It is so cheaply made that I can’t imagine it will last. When you try to turn the bread pan to remove it, it feels like it will twist and break because the plate holding the handle is flimsy."
Our Thoughts - When are these companies ever going to learn? They should know by now that a bad word goes around very quickly. They may sell 100 machines today but they will sell fewer another day.
Good
Product information
- Looking for a powerful bread machine that can handle larger families? The Oster bread maker boasts a whopping 650 watts of power and can make up to a 2.0-pound loaf of bread.
- With 12 bread settings and 3 crust settings, you can easily create a variety of bread, dough, and jams. Plus, the Expressbake setting bakes bread in under an hour, perfect for those busy mornings.
- Take control of your baking with the 13-hour programmable baking timer, ensuring that you always have fresh bread whenever you need it. The large LCD display and intuitive button controls make operation a breeze, and the 40-inch cord length provides plenty of flexibility in your kitchen. Get ready to enjoy delicious, freshly baked bread with the Oster bread machine.
This bread machine has a small footprint so fits better in tight spaces. Some people wanted something that would make good bread with store-brand ingredients and produce a good loaf of bread with minimal fuss. This does just that! They have made white bread, crusty French bread, and honey wheat bread, and all loaves have been soft, fluffy, and tasty, without using premium ingredients. From a long-time user: "I purchased this model in 2016 and it's still chugging along."
Flopped bread seems to be a problem in this machine (based on some reviews and our own experience). No lighted display so depending on ambient light may need to use a flashlight. Loud, it thumps around on the counter during kneading.
The bread pan is oddly shaped loaf is very high. Uneven browning the top is very lightly baked while the sides and bottom are very brown.
Our Thoughts - Easy to clean makes wonderful bread every time you start it and walk away 3 1/2 hours later you got a delicious product. Even makes pizza dough.
Product information
- The KBS automatic bread machine is a versatile and healthy kitchen appliance that offers 17 practical programs to create a variety of nutritious bread, including French, White Bread, Whole Wheat, Gluten-Free, and more. It has a large 2lb actual capacity and the convenience of a pizza dough setting. You can also make Jam, Yogurt, Cake, and more, with an added Quick Bake feature that bakes a loaf in under 1.5 hours. With 3 crust settings in light/medium/dark, you can customize your bread to your taste.
- The bread maker features a unique healthy non-stick ceramic pan that evenly bakes the bread and is free from harmful chemicals like BPA, Teflon, and PTFE, making it healthier and easier to clean. Its powerful 710W motor kneads the dough quickly, making it soft and elastic, and comes with an overheating protection function to extend the life of the bread machine. Its motor noise is less than 40dB, so it will not disturb your sleep.
- The KBS bread machine also has an intelligent fruit and nut dispenser that releases the ingredients automatically at the optimum time. It has a 15-hour delay timer and a 1-hour automatic warm/fresh-keeping function, so you can enjoy fresh bread anytime without worrying about keeping an eye on the time.
- The intuitive digital touch panel control, fully sleek stainless steel, and 360° surrounding baking features make the bread machine efficient and faster. It's bright and large viewing digital touch panel allows you to view and select the cycle, crust, and loaf size. The stainless steel material is heat-resistant, making the baked bread more delicious and healthy.
- The KBS bread machine comes with practical accessories like a ceramic pan, kitchen glove, measuring cup, measuring spoon, hook, user manual, and recipe book. Its maximum convenience includes a long viewing window, a start/stop button, and the option to cancel the current program. This bread machine is ETL certified and has a 2-year warranty. Contact us 24/7 for any issues. The KBS Professional bread machine will be your lifelong quality build companion in the kitchen.
These bread makers are attractive and easy to use, it makes delicious bread, it runs quietly, and the price was very reasonable. Not only does it make great loaves of bread but also makes great pizza dough.
A few customers said it was damaged on arrival. Some customers mentioned that customer support needs improving. Durability is questionable. Long-time users said that this bread machine works well but the bread pan lasts anywhere from 9 months to a year. In four years they had to replace 5 bread pans already at about $80 per piece.
Our Thoughts - Some customers mentioned that they bought this bread machine almost entirely due to its containing a ceramic pan and not a toxic "non-stick' covered pan.
Good
Product information
- Discover the Perfect Bread with 14 Customizable Settings - The Pohl + Schmitt Bread Maker lets you create the ideal White Bread, Whole Grain, French, Quick Bread (no yeast), Dough, Cake, and other varieties to suit your taste. Achieve your desired results with ease and precision. Convenient Digital Display and Delay Timer - With a delay timer, you can add ingredients and select the cycle, crust, and loaf size ahead of time, perfect for busy mornings and gatherings.
- The digital display of this bread machine makes baking effortless and enjoyable. Effortless Cleaning with Non-stick Pan - Say goodbye to messy and time-consuming cleanups. The Pohl + Schmitt Bread Maker features a removable interior pan for easy maintenance. A kneading paddle is also included for your convenience.
- Quick & Easy with Handy Features - This bread maker's beep feature reminds you to add final ingredients during the working cycle such as fruit, nuts, or cereals. The convenient viewing window allows you to keep an eye on the baking process at all times.
- Experience the Best Quality with Pohl + Schmitt - Our top-quality products are designed to make your life easier and more enjoyable. If you need assistance, our professional customer support team is always available to help.
Upgrade your kitchen with a sleek stainless steel bread maker featuring 14 pre-set programs to make your baking effortless. Customize your bread with multiple functions for crust shades and loaf sizes, and enjoy the convenience of a compact design that won't take up too much space on your countertop or in your cabinet. Just follow their instructions and it's easy peasy. Definitely better than
store-bought bread.
A few customers said that this bread machine didn't work out of the box. While this product has some strong features, it may require a bit more skill to operate compared to some of its competitors. Additionally, some users have reported uneven baking results when using this bread maker. Customer service needs improving. Made in the PRC (People's Republic of China).
Our Thoughts - Space-saving design and useful features of this bread machine make it a must-have for your kitchen.
FAQs
Is making your own bread at home healthier?
Making your own bread at home can be a healthier option compared to buying bread from the store. When you make bread at home, you have control over the ingredients that go into it, which can help you avoid additives, preservatives, and other unhealthy ingredients that are often found in commercial bread. Additionally, homemade bread is often made with whole grains, which can provide more fiber and nutrients than bread made with refined flour. Overall, making your own bread at home can be a delicious, fresh-baked bread, and a healthy choice.
What is the healthiest and best flour for making bread?
When it comes to making bread, the healthiest and best flour choice depends on your dietary needs and preferences. However, whole grain flour is generally considered to be the healthiest option because they contain all parts of the grain, including the bran, germ, and endosperm. These parts of the grain provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are important for maintaining a healthy diet.
Whole wheat flour, spelt flour, and rye flour are all excellent choices for making bread that is both healthy and flavorful. Whole wheat flour is the most commonly used whole grain flour and is rich in fiber, protein, and nutrients. Spelt flour has a nutty flavor and contains less gluten than wheat flour, making it easier to digest for some people. Rye flour has a robust flavor and is also rich in nutrients.
If you have dietary restrictions, you may want to consider alternative flour such as almond flour, coconut flour, or chickpea flour. These flours are gluten-free and can be used in place of traditional wheat flour in bread recipes. However, keep in mind that these flours have different properties and may require adjustments to the recipe to achieve the desired texture and taste.
Why does bread turn out so dense in the bread machine?
Bread turning out dense in the bread machine can be a common issue that many home bakers face. The reasons for this can vary, but some possible causes include using too much flour, not enough liquid, expired yeast, or not allowing the dough to rise properly. Additionally, over-kneading the dough in the bread machine can also lead to a dense texture.
To avoid dense bread when using a bread machine, it's important to measure the ingredients accurately and use the recommended amounts specified in the recipe. Adding too much flour can result in a dry and dense texture, while not enough liquid can cause the dough to be too stiff and heavy. Checking the expiration date of the yeast and ensuring that it is fresh is also important, as expired yeast can result in poor rising and a dense texture.
Another helpful tip is to ensure that the dough has enough time to rise properly. This can be achieved by following the recommended rising time in the recipe or using the "dough" cycle on the bread machine to allow for a longer rising time. Lastly, avoiding over-kneading the dough can also help prevent a dense texture. It's recommended to stop the machine once the dough has formed a smooth and elastic ball. By following these tips, you can achieve light and fluffy bread in your bread machine.
What's the best bag to store bread in plastic or paper?
When it comes to storing bread, choosing the right bag can make a significant difference in keeping it fresh for longer. While both plastic and paper bags can be used for storing bread, the best option depends on several factors.
Plastic bags are a popular choice for storing bread, as they provide an airtight seal that helps to keep the bread fresh. However, it's essential to choose the right type of plastic bag, as some may release harmful chemicals or not allow the bread to "breathe," leading to a soggy texture. Opt for bags labeled as food-grade, BPA-free, or made of polyethylene, which is a safer plastic for food storage.
On the other hand, paper bags can be a good option for storing bread if you plan to consume it within a day or two. They allow the bread to "breathe," preventing it from getting too moist, which can lead to mold growth. However, paper bags are not airtight and may not keep the bread fresh for as long as plastic bags.
In summary, both plastic and paper bags can be used for storing bread, but choosing the right bag depends on how long you plan to store it and your personal preferences. If you plan to store bread for more than a day, a food-grade plastic bag may be a better option, while paper bags are suitable for short-term storage.
What is bread machine yeast?
If you're a bread enthusiast or just starting to bake at home, you might have come across the term "bread machine yeast." But what exactly is it?
Bread machine yeast, also known as instant yeast or rapid-rise yeast, is a type of dry yeast that's designed to be used in bread machines or other high-speed baking processes. Unlike active dry yeast, which needs to be dissolved in water before use, bread machine yeast can be added directly to the other dry ingredients in your recipe.
This yeast is formulated to work quickly, allowing your dough to rise faster and reducing the overall baking time. It's also more tolerant of higher temperatures than other types of yeast, making it ideal for use in bread machines or other environments where the dough is subjected to heat and pressure.
Overall, bread machine yeast is a convenient and reliable option for baking bread at home, especially if you're using a machine or want to streamline your baking process. Just be sure to follow the instructions on your yeast package to ensure the best results!
