With a handy bread machine, you can make homemade bread and other dough-based dishes in just a few hours.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
This Is Why Your Kitchen Needs a Bread Machine
We’re all about the ’90s coming back in the kitchen. This means blue and white Corningware, farmhouse-inspired decor and, yes, the bread machine! But if you ask our Test Kitchen, these gadgets are always in style. Here’s why you’ll want to dust yours off—or invest in a new one.
What can a bread machine do?
Bread makers are an all-in-one appliance. To make bread, add your ingredients and select the program for your recipe; from there, the machine will mix, knead, proof and bake the bread. It’s really that simple.
You can also use a bread machine for more specific tasks or portions of your favorite bread recipe.
Mixing and Kneading
The paddle inside a bread maker is designed to fully incorporate ingredients. This goes for basic bread recipes as well as ones with added flavors or mix-ins. In fact, many newer models come with a chute and alert you when to add in those extras. This feature is especially handy when making recipes like our Test Kitchen’s favorite panettone.
Bread makers will also knead the bread dough for you so it’s just the right texture. It works the same way a dough hook does when you use a stand mixer to knead dough.
Proofing
Getting the right proof on your bread can be tricky—especially when you’re kitchen isn’t particularly warm or humid (musts for the yeast inside the bread). A bread machine will gently heat the dough so it gets the right lift.
Custom Bakes
Some bread recipes are more challenging than others. Breads that use whole wheat, rye or other nontraditional flour can be tricky to get just right in terms of kneading and proofing. Bread machines make creating these loaves so simple. Most models come with a whole-grain loaf preset.
You’ll also find that some bread machines have settings for other popular bread styles like rustic loaves with a crusty exterior, sourdough or even banana bread! You can even use a bread machine to make pizza dough.
Time
Bread machines are an asset for busy folks. Instead of lingering in the kitchen all morning to mix, knead, proof, shape, proof (again) and bake, a bread machine tackles all that for you. With a bread machine, you can have fresh bread with only a few minutes of hands-on time.
Plus, many models have settings that allow you to schedule your bakes to start when you see fit. That means you can set up this gadget to have a loaf of bread ready the same time you’re pulling dinner out of the oven.
The Best Bread Machines You Can Buy
Our Test Kitchen knows that bread machines are incredibly useful—when you choose the right one. That’s why our pros put 10 different models to the test. In the end, these models got our pros’ stamp of approval.
- Best for beginners:Â Cuisinart Bread Maker
- Best for serious bread bakers:Â Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker
- Easiest to clean:Â Hamilton Beach Premium Dough & Bread Maker
- Best compact model:Â Dash Everyday Bread Maker
 Get Started with These Bread Machine Recipes
1 / 14
Soft Oatmeal BreadWhen you get your first bread machine, start off with a simple all-purpose recipe like this oatmeal bread. It's similar to a classic white bread but has a little extra texture thanks to the oats. Use it for sandwiches or to make toast in the morning. 
Soft Garlic BreadsticksLove Olive Garden breadsticks? Who doesn't! This recipe is so similar to the restaurant's and it's a breeze to put together. Use your bread machine to knead the dough—the hardest part of bread-making.
Golden Honey Pan RollsNo family dinner is complete without a side of rolls. Instead of relying on a store-bought package, you can make your own with ease. This recipe relies on a bread machine to do all the work. In fact, once you master this recipe, it's just as easy as making an extra run to the store (and way more delicious).
Seeded Whole Grain LoafTypically, whole grain breads are more challenging to make. Using nontraditional flours can make kneading and proofing less straightforward. However, the bread machine allows you to make a more challenging loaf with ease. 
Garlic Herb Bubble LoafWho doesn't love a good tear-and-share bread? This tempting bubble loaf dough is made all in the machine, then individual pieces of dough are dipped in butter and herbs to create a loaf everyone will be happy to tear to pieces.
Flavorful Herb BreadThis bread is herbaceous and perfect for serving with simple suppers—like a hearty soup or stew. While it might sound more complicated, this bread is really a basic white loaf with lots of tasty herbs mixed in to amp up the flavor. While it is tasty, know that if you have leftovers, it's easy to freeze bread. 
Mini Maple Cinnamon RollsNope, bread machines aren't just for basic loaves. Use your machine to make homey cinnamon rolls. These mini buns are perfect to make for a brunch for friends or overnight guests. This recipe is also one of our favorite bread machine recipes of all time.
Bread Machine NaanWhen you start cooking Indian food at home, you'll want to spend your time focusing on getting the right spice blends and flavors for your tikka masala and chicken korma. While you work on those mains, you can have homemade naan working in the bread machine. All you have to do is take the dough out of the appliance and quickly bake it in a skillet.
Pumpkin BreadI keep my freezer stocked for our harvest crew with home-baked goodies like this deliciously spicy, easy pumpkin bread recipe. —Joyce Jackson, Bridgetown, Nova Scotia
Pecan Raisin BreadTo make this bread, you'll need a bag of bread flour. This type of flour gives the bread more structure and a perfectly chewy texture. And don't worry about having that bag in your pantry. There are lots of recipes that use this common bread ingredient. 
Bread Machine Pumpkin Monkey BreadThere's nothing wrong with making shortcut monkey bread with biscuits from a can. But if you want to level up (while still keeping the process easy), make monkey bread right in your bread machine. 
Sour Cream Chive BreadChives and sour cream are a classic combo. Impress your family when you slice into this loaf at dinnertime. It's an easy yeasted bread you'll make over and over. 
Pepperoni Cheese BreadWhen it comes to homemade bread, can it get any tastier than a pizza-flavored bread? This loaf is made like a regular bread machine loaf, but with cheese and pepperoni added in at the end. 
Bread Machine PanettoneMany holiday bread recipes can be pretty complicated. With this Italian panettone, you can get those holiday flavors easily. Make the dough right in the bread machine and fill it with candied and dried fruit. It's simple and oh-so tasty. 
