What to look for when buying a bread maker

There’s a lot to love about breadmaking with the help of a machine, but finding the right one starts with knowing how you like to bake. If you’re someone who enjoys experimenting, look for machines with plenty of programs and adjustable crust settings. Want to wake up to the smell of fresh bread? A delay timer is your new best friend. Non-stick pans make cleanup easy, and a viewing window lets you keep an eye on things without lifting the lid.

What is the best bread machine for home use?

That depends on what “best” looks like in your kitchen. If you’re short on space or just want something simple, a compact model with essential settings will do the job beautifully. Want more creative control? Look for a high performance machine with custom modes, a fruit and nut dispenser, or even a dual ingredient dispenser for sourdoughs and seeded loaves.

Brands like Panasonic, Sunbeam and Wolstead each offer standout options, from speedy express bakes to custom loaf settings. It's all about choosing the one that fits your baking habits, your kitchen layout, and your appetite for adventure.

Types of bread makers: finding your perfect loaf partner

Compact options

If you’re after fresh bread without the bells and whistles, a compact bread maker could be just right. They’re all about doing the basics well, without taking up too much space or complicating the process. Unlike larger or more advanced models, they offer just the core functions, making them easier to use and quicker to clean. The Morphy Richards Compact Bread Maker is a great choice for keeping things simple, delivering consistent results without the fuss.

Uses: Everyday loaves like white, wholemeal and sweet bread, baked in smaller batches.

Features: 12 bake programs, gluten free options, 2 loaf sizes, 3 crust settings, viewing window, 13 hour delay timer and a compact, lightweight design that’s easy to store.

Great for: Simple tastes, occasional bakers and anyone short on space but big on bread.

Dispenser features

If you love baking loaves with a little something extra, like chopped walnuts, raisins, olives or herbs, a bread maker with an automatic dispenser is a game changer. These models handle the timing for you, releasing ingredients mid-cycle so they’re evenly mixed and perfectly baked in. That’s where the Wolstead Rise Bread Maker with Fruit and Nut Dispenser comes in, giving you the freedom to customise your dough while it takes care of the timing.

Uses: Custom flavoured loaves, fruit bread, seeded crusts, pizza dough, cake and yoghurt

Features: 17 bake programs, adjustable loaf size and crust colour, auto fruit and nut dispenser, 15 hour delay timer, 60 minute keep warm, Ceramax™ non-stick interior and LCD touchscreen

Great for: Sweet tooths, savoury snacks, and experimenting with textures and flavours

High performance picks

For those who want full control over their baking, high performance bread makers bring a whole new level of flexibility. These machines go beyond basic programs, giving you more ways to control texture, timing and temperature. With unique kneading technology, the Panasonic Dual Dispenser Bread Maker brings a level of precision and consistency that’s hard to beat.

Uses: Artisan loaves, sourdough, gluten free recipes, speciality doughs, cake and more.

Features: 31 automatic programs, manual settings, four gluten free modes, dual ingredient dispensers, 3 hour delay timer, two temperature sensors and kneading blades.

Great for: Experienced bakers, custom loaves, gluten free households and full creative control.

Built to bake: the advantages of a bread maker

If you bake often enough, a bread maker can be cheaper to run than an oven as it uses less energy and doesn’t need to preheat. This is a big advantage for those wondering how much it costs to make your own bread, which can be just a few dollars per loaf. Busy households can rest easy, with a variety of automated settings and timers you can set in advance, keeping effort to a minimum. And yes, it’s perfectly fine to leave bread in the machine as it’ll stay warm until you’re ready. Pair it with a stylish bread bin to keep things fresher for longer.

While you can make bread in an air fryer, it won’t mix, knead or prove the dough, so results can be hit and miss. What else you can make in a bread maker is part of their versatility, with plenty of useful models able to handle pizza dough, jam, pasta and even yoghurt.

What are the disadvantages of a bread maker?

Like any appliance, these machines have a few quirks worth knowing. While quality bread makers don’t use a lot of electricity, they can take up space which is something to factor in. Some wonder why bread maker bread is so heavy, but this is typically due to the shorter rise times or recipe choice, which gets easier to tweak once you know your machine.

And while it might seem like people don’t use bread machines anymore, they’ve quietly returned to kitchens everywhere, largely thanks to their convenience, versatility and the simple joy of fresh homemade bread!

What is the best flour for a bread maker?

The type of flour you use can make a big difference to your loaf’s texture and rise. Bread flour is ideal for most machines as it has a higher protein content, which helps develop the gluten needed for a light, springy crumb. That said, you can use all-purpose flour in a bread machine, especially in softer loaves or with recipes that don’t need a strong structure.

With no preservatives and full control over salt and sugar, as well as flour, homemade dough is an easy way to bake better from scratch. If you’re just getting started, try our simple bread dough recipe to get the feel for your machine, or branch out with our wholemeal fennel and oat loaf for something with a little more character.

Top brands bakers come back to

• Wolstead: known for intuitive designs and thoughtful features at an everyday price \

• Sunbeam: dependable Australian brand with easy programs and express cycles \

• Panasonic: advanced features, great control and versatile, precise home baking

The best bread starts here

A good bread maker can take the effort out of baking while giving you more control over what goes into each loaf. For many home cooks, it’s one of those appliances that quickly proves its worth. So, is it worth it to buy a bread maker? If you’re after fresh bread with minimal fuss, then absolutely. Find everything you need to get started, from ingredients to tools and tips, on our bread baking page. You’ll soon discover there’s nothing quite like enjoying homemade loaves from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Explore the full range of breadmakers online today or visit Kitchen Warehouse in store to find your perfect match.

FAQs

Is it healthier to make your own bread?

Yes, it can be. You get full control over what goes in, from the type of flour to how much salt or sugar you use. If you choose to bake with simple, wholesome ingredients then your homemade bread will be healthier than store-bought loaves.

Can bread makers make sourdough?

Not completely, but they can help. Most can help with mixing and kneading, and some have a specific setting. However, because sourdough needs a longer rise, you’ll usually need to ferment the dough separately before baking it in the machine or oven.

How much does it cost to make your own bread?

It often works out to just a couple of dollars per loaf, depending on your ingredients. If you’re wondering whether it’s cheaper to buy bread or make it in a bread machine, regular home baking can definitely add up to savings over time. Saving up for a bread maker? Why not try a quality loaf pan or bread tin to shape and bake by hand.