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10 best bread makers for freshly baked loaves at home
Become a star baker in your own home, with a little help from one of the our expert's top-rated bread makers
Tested by Blossom Boothroyd and Jasmin Joyce
Making your own bread doesn’t have to be complicated – in fact, it’s surprisingly easy to do with one of the best bread makers on the market.
These clever appliances do so much more than just making plain loaves, too. As well as every style of bread, including seeded, sourdough and gluten-free, many can also whip up everything from pizza dough to sweet brioche, while others can make jam and even yoghurt. Channel your inner star baker with our top-rated picks.
Best bread makers to buy in 2026
How we test bread makers
To test bread makers, we make bread! Here’s what we’re looking for from our freshly based loaves, plus the other settings we consider.
Quality of the loaves: We start by making two white loaves: one using the manufacturer’s recipe if there is one; and one using Good Housekeeping’s own recipe. Each loaf should be well-risen with a good, nicely browned crust. The texture should be light but without any large air bubbles. We then repeat this test with wholemeal bread.
Range of programmes and time to bake: The bread makers should have a wide range of settings and customisable options so you can choose the size of loaf and colour of the crust. During testing, we also check that the time displayed for the length of programme is accurate.
Rapid bake setting: We try the rapid bake setting twice to check for consistency, judging the rise, overall bake, and texture of the final loaf.
Gluten-free setting: If there’s a gluten-free setting, we try either the manufacturer’s recipe or our own if there isn’t one. Once again, we assess the finished loaf.
Jam setting: If the model has a jam setting, we also make Good Housekeeping’s strawberry jam recipe. We look for a well-set jam that isn’t too runny and tastes perfectly sweet.
Ease of use, design and instructions: Throughout, we make a note of how intuitive the controls are, how easy the bread maker is to use, and whether the parts are simple to clean. We also score the machines on the how clear the instructions are and whether the recipes are easy to follow.
Tefal PF240E40 Bread Maker
Pros
- Consistently delivered quality loaves
- Rapid bake function works just as well as full bake cycle
Cons
- Jam did not set well
Score: 95/100
Scoring the highest marks on test, this stylish and compact bread maker delivered impressive white and wholemeal breads. Each loaf had a nice, crunchy crust and golden colour, so you can create bakery-quality bread at home. The loaves were also well risen, fluffy and (most importantly) tasty, with all slices remaining intact. This machine also shone when it came to our gluten-free recipe.
The removable lid makes it easy to use, while the included recipe book is full of ideas to inspire a budding baker. Overall, this is a versatile bread maker that delivers consistently delicious bakes.
Key specifications
| Number of settings | 20 |
|---|---|
| Settings of note | French, brioche, gluten free, rye bread |
| Gluten-free setting | Yes |
| Jam setting | Yes |
| Choice of crusts | Light, medium, dark |
| Choice of sizes | 3 choices |
| Dimensions (cm) | H36.2 x W40.8 x D25.2 |
Panasonic SD-PN100 Automatic Mini Breadmaker
Panasonic SD-PN100 Automatic Mini Breadmaker
Pros
- You can choose the crust browning level
- User-friendly and well-labelled controls
Cons
- Exterior can get hot
- No ‘keep warm’ or ‘mix only’ function
Score: 91/100
This small bread maker is fantastic for couples or those living on their own, with the option to make small 400-gram loaves or mini, 200-gram ones. It boasts dual temperature sensors, which adjust the programme as your bread bakes to ensure top-quality results every time. Plus, the 18 auto-programmes ensure you’re never stuck for ideas – both the pizza dough and cake settings worked a treat in our tests.
You can sandwich your cake together with some homemade jam too, as our experts achieved delicious, spreadable jam in two hours – something many bread makers struggle with.
Across the board, it baked excellently, delivering white and wholemeal loaves with good height, an even shape and fluffy texture. The rapid bake loaf was a little lopsided and chewy though, as was the gluten-free bread.
Key specifications
| Number of settings | 18 |
|---|---|
| Settings of note | Cake, pizza, pasta, gluten-free loaves |
| Gluten-free setting | Yes |
| Jam setting | Yes |
| Choice of crusts | Yes |
| Choice of sizes | 400g or 200g |
| Dimensions (cm) | H29 x W25.5 x D30.7 |
Panasonic SD-R2530 Bread Maker
Panasonic SD-R2530 Bread Maker
Pros
- Produced a flavourful strawberry jam
- Manual programmes offer greater flexibility for experienced bakers
Cons
- No viewing window to check the progress of your bake
Score: 90/100
This impressively versatile model is ideal for any budding bakers keen to experiment with different recipes. Interior and exterior temperature sensors ensure a perfect crunch and the unique kneading blade gives your loaf the ultimate artisan texture.
During testing, it performed almost flawlessly. Our white and wholemeal loaves emerged well-risen, light and airy, with crusty sides and a slightly softer top. The rapid bake setting made delicious bread in just shy of two hours.
Key specifications
| Number of settings | 30 |
|---|---|
| Settings of note | Sourdough, brioche, french, manual |
| Gluten-free setting | Yes |
| Jam setting | Yes |
| Choice of crusts | Light, medium, dark |
| Choice of sizes | Medium, large, extra large |
| Dimensions (cm) | H36.2 x W40.8 x D25.2 |
Panasonic SD-YR2540 Bread Maker
Pros
- Four gluten-free settings to choose from
- Quiet while mixing and kneading
Cons
- Yeast dispenser is noisy
Score: 89/100
This beast of a bread maker boasts 32 programmes for making a range of breads, cakes, doughs and jams. It’s got the same high-tech dual sensors and smartly designed kneading blade as the Panasonic model above, which means you can enjoy a professional-standard loaf every time, but the manual settings encourage a little more creativity.
Our white and wholemeal loaves were well-risen, fluffy and flavoursome, and the rapid bake setting made a feathery light loaf in under two hours. Our gluten-free loaf was also tasty, if a little cakey, and the separate yeast and nut/fruit dispensers came in handy.
Key specifications
| Number of settings | 32 |
|---|---|
| Settings of note | Sourdough, spelt, brioche, rye, manual |
| Gluten-free setting | Yes |
| Jam setting | Yes |
| Choice of crusts | Light, medium, dark |
| Choice of sizes | Medium, large, extra large |
| Dimensions (cm) | H36.2 x W40.8 x D25.2 |
Morphy Richards 48281 Breadmaker
Morphy Richards 48281 Breadmaker
Pros
- Rapid bake cycle performed almost as well as the full bake
- Gluten-free bread was tasty despite being pale
Cons
- Some damage to the loaves from the mixing paddle
Score: 89/100
This is a substantial unit that would work best in a larger kitchen. It has an easy-to-read display and is also simple to clean, so you can enjoy fresh bread without any hassle.
Our wholemeal and white bread recipes produced loaves that were well-risen, fluffy and delicious. If you’re gluten-free, you may want to avoid the included recipe – it fared better with our own version. The jam function left the strawberries intact but soft, and there was a distinct flavour. However, there was some undissolved sugar left in the base.
Key specifications
| Number of settings | 12 |
|---|---|
| Settings of note | Croissant, pizza dough, raisin loaf |
| Gluten-free setting | Yes |
| Jam setting | Yes |
| Choice of crusts | 3 options |
| Choice of sizes | 1/1.5/2 |
| Dimensions (cm) | Not specified |
Panasonic SD-B2510 Bread Maker
Pros
- Rapid bake setting produced nicely risen loaves
- Gluten-free loaf was well-baked and tasty
Cons
- Rapid bake setting took almost two hours
Score: 89/100
This one's a touch less fancy than some of its Panasonic siblings, making it perhaps better suited to beginners, but it still features 21 settings. It was really quiet when mixing and kneading, which families of early morning bakers will appreciate, and we loved the fresh flavour and fluffy texture of both our white and wholemeal loaves.
The main downside is the lack of fruit and nut dispenser. There's also no viewing window for spying on our bakes. Still, our breads all tasted fantastic and our strawberry conserve was very tasty too.
Key specifications
| Number of settings | 21 |
|---|---|
| Settings of note | French, brioche, compote |
| Gluten-free setting | Yes |
| Jam setting | Yes |
| Choice of crusts | Light, medium, dark |
| Choice of sizes | Medium, large, extra large |
| Dimensions (cm) | H36.2 x W40.8 x D25.2 |
Russell Hobbs Bread Maker
Russell Hobbs Bread Maker
Pros
- Gluten-free bread had good texture and rose well
- Testers liked the clear controls and handy end-of-cycle beep
Cons
- Flour stuck to the side of the pan and the bread (but this didn’t impact flavour)
Score: 88/100
This bread maker kneaded dough easily and both our white and wholemeal loaves came out near-perfect with a good colour and light texture. Our gluten-free bread baked well, too.
It's not one for making jam, however. Some bread makers excel at this, but after two attempts to whip up some strawberry jam, our testers decided this model missed the mark. It was runny and more like syrup.
Jam isn’t a bread maker’s main purpose though, and this mean loaf machine was easy to use, has a handy timer and an extra ingredient beep. It also comes with a guide full of great recipes and tips for inspiration, and there’s a one-hour automatic ‘keep warm’ function, so it will taste oven-fresh whenever you’re ready for it.
Key specifications
| Number of settings | 12 |
|---|---|
| Settings of note | French bread, sweet bread, cake, fastbake |
| Gluten-free setting | Yes |
| Jam setting | Yes |
| Choice of crusts | Light, medium, dark |
| Choice of sizes | Medium or large |
| Dimensions (cm) | H27.7 x W28.2 x D32.8 |
Pros
- Clear end of cycle beep
- Measuring spoon, cup and hook included
Cons
- No jam setting
- No back button so you have to cycle through all the programmes if you miss your choice
Score: 87/100
This machine's white and wholemeal loaves were a hit with our experts, impressing on taste, texture and irresistible baking smell. But the surprise highlight was its rapid bake setting, an area where many of its competitors fall down.
While it wasn't the quickest, taking two and a half hours, it managed to produce a springy loaf with golden, crunchy crusts over 40 minutes faster than the normal setting for white bread. Each loaf slid easily out of the pan too, with little to no damage from the paddle.
The gluten-free recipe was more disappointing – the loaf was chalky underneath and lacked the bounciness of the others. The bread maker remained stable throughout kneading and mixing though, and the instructions included loads of tips and tricks to help turn out star bakes.
Key specifications
| Number of settings | 12 |
|---|---|
| Settings of note | French, quick, butter milk, sandwich |
| Gluten-free setting | Yes |
| Jam setting | No |
| Choice of crusts | Light, medium, dark |
| Choice of sizes | 700g or 900g |
| Dimensions (cm) | H37 x W27.5 x D23.5 |
Pros
- Clear instruction manual with comprehensive breakdown of each programme
- Has a viewing window that never steams up
Cons
- The paddle got stuck in some loaves
Score: 81/100
Sometimes, a classic white loaf is best, and this machine produced a fantastic one; it had an even texture and tasted and smelled incredible. In fact, most of our loaves came out well – including those using the rapid bake function, which produced crunchy crusts in almost half the time of the longest programmes. Even the jam function, a challenge for most bread makers, was successful!
Our testers liked the countdown timer, viewing window and keep warm function, but found it frustrating that you had to cycle through all the programmes in a set order to find the right one. Our gluten-free loaf didn’t come out as hoped though.
But gluten-free challenges aside, this is a worthy buy for preparing batch after batch of delicious loaves.
Key specifications
| Number of settings | 15 |
|---|---|
| Settings of note | Pizza dough, French bread, desserts |
| Gluten-free setting | Yes |
| Jam setting | Yes |
| Choice of crusts | 3 from light to dark |
| Choice of sizes | 500g, 750g, 1kg |
| Dimensions (cm) | H29 x W22.5 x D35 |
Why you should trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
We’ve been testing products at the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 100 years, so we know exactly what separates a good product from a middling one. Every bread maker in this list has been tested to the exact same rigorous protocols, designed by our homes testing manager, Blossom Boothroyd.
Once we’ve collected all the important data about the fluffy (or not-so-fluffy) loaves, our senior homes and lifestyle writer, Megan Geall, turns it into an easy-to-read review that tells you everything you need to know before shopping.
Megan has written about hundreds of appliances and gadgets that are essential for home baking, including the best stand mixers and the best hand mixers and likes to get creative in the kitchen herself, so knows all the best buys to help you nail those showstoppers.
What should I look for when buying a bread maker?
While they’re not a necessity, some bread makers come with added features designed to enhance the baking experience.
Automatic ingredient dispenser
This is a small basket where yeast or other add-ins, such as nuts, sultanas, chocolate and others, sit. Instead of stopping the kneading process and manually adding the ingredients, an automatic ingredient dispenser will do it for you at the right time.
Delay timer
A delay timer means that ingredients can be added to the mixing bowl hours in advance so you have freshly baked bread the moment you need it. Great if you’d like bread with your dinner, or want to wake up to a fresh loaf.
Viewing window
This is handy if you want to check on the progress of your bake without having to open the lid. It’s not a necessity, but we find it noticeable when a bread maker doesn’t have one.
Keep-warm
Second only to the smell of fresh bread is warm bread. A 'keep warm' setting will keep your freshly baked loaf warm for up to an hour after the programme has finished.
What settings should I look for in a bread maker?
While all bread makers will have the standard white and wholemeal settings, as you’ll see with our top-scorers, many of them also offer a wider range of bakes. These are some of the options to look for.
Speciality bread
• Brioche: A sweet, enriched bread with a soft, tender texture
• Rye: A dark and dense loaf made from rye flour rather than wheat; high in fibre
• Sourdough: A tangy, sour bread with a soft centre and thick crust
• Italian: A tender loaf with a pillowy centre and a soft, light crust
• French: A crisp crust that is light in colour and soft and airy inside
Is it worth getting a bread maker?
As with most specialised kitchen appliances, a bread maker is only worth investing in if you plan to use it regularly. However, these machines are incredibly easy to fit into your weekly routine – simply pop all the ingredients into the bread pan, select the programme, and let it do its thing! And who doesn’t love the smell of freshly baked bread?
Plus, with so many settings and ways of customising your loaf, it’s easy to bake something that fits with your dietary needs – from gluten-free bread to ones high in fibre with plenty of nuts and seeds.
What else can I make in a bread maker?
Yoghurt
This setting will ferment and incubate at the right temperatures needed for making yoghurt.
Pasta and pizza dough
Pasta is typically messy to make, but this setting will mix the ingredients together with ease. Pizza dough is notoriously wet, and can be just as messy, but a bread maker with a pizza dough setting will knead the ingredients and let the dough prove before it’s ready to be used.
Jam
This setting will cook the sugar and fruits for a set amount of time before needing to be decanted into jars.
The verdict: What is the best bread maker?
For loaves that are consistently tasty, well-risen, and golden, we recommend the Tefal PF240E40 Bread Maker as it shone in our white, wholemeal and gluten-free bread tests.
However, if you want a bread maker that will allow you to experiment more and broaden your baking repertoire, Panasonic's SD-YR2540 bread maker is a brilliant option, thanks to its 32 different settings and automatic fruit and nut dispenser.
We also love Morphy Richards’ 48281 Breadmaker, which is compact, easy to clean, and great value for money.
Megan is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s senior homes and lifestyle writer. She loves diving into the latest product releases to find the very best buys on the market and has written hundreds of product reviews on everything from the best vacuum cleaners and coffee machines to the best ice cream makers and robot window cleaners.
When she’s not writing about the newest gadgets and gizmos for your home and garden, you’ll find her running every distance from 5km to 100km or relaxing at home with her cat – there really is no in between.
Megan has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously written for Stylist, Glamour, Women's Health, TimeOut, SquareMeal, and YOU magazine. You can find Megan on Instagram @meganlouisegeall.
Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.
Jasmin is a Household Product Specialist at the Good Housekeeping Institute, with extensive experience testing products across kitchen, sleep, laundry care, household cleaning, refrigeration, dish care and more. Her work ranges from detailed performance analysis of washing machines, dishwashers and refrigeration appliances to hands-on assessments of cookware, cleaning products and sleep essentials.
With a Master’s degree in Chemistry from Imperial College London, Jasmin combines technical expertise with a strong aptitude for interpreting large datasets to deliver clear, evidence-based consumer insights.
