7 Best Bread Machines for Beginners

People are becoming more health-conscious and budget-conscious these days, leading many people to start baking their own bread. But I’ll be the first to admit it’s not an easy undertaking. 

A bread machine designed for beginners can make your life so much easier, and I recommend Hamilton Beach.

Hello there, everyone! My name is Michelle, and I love to eat and bake bread. I eat bread at least once a day, but sometimes I’m “naughty” and have way more than I should. Hey, you only live once, right?

Well, making bread was my kryptonite when I first started baking. It was just so hard for me to nail it, and I think plenty of other bakers are in the same boat. Having a bread machine makes bread-baking so much simpler, especially if it’s designed for newbies!

If you’re looking for the best beginner-friendly bread machine, look no further than Hamilton Beach. I love this bread maker because it’s super straightforward. The simplicity and minimalism are unmatched, yet it still has 12 different settings to make various types of bread.

This might not be the bread machine for you, though. You might want added features, something smaller, or a bread maker made of stainless steel. That’s why I made this comprehensive list of the top seven bread makers for beginners.

Who’s ready to bake some bread?

Best Bread Machine for Beginners: Top Picks

There are a lot of bread machines on the market, but not all are beginner-friendly. I made sure that each of my top seven had unique features that were suitable for newbies. You won’t have any struggles with one of these machines on your side!

1. Hamilton Beach Bread Maker Machine (Top Choice)

• Key Features: Easiest to use, three crust options, two loaf size options, 12 settings, straightforward process, dough prep, non-slip feet, dishwasher-safe accessories
• Capacity: 2 pounds
• Color: Black
• Weight: 11.88 pounds
• Material: Plastic
• Wattage: 600 watts
• Dimensions: 10.43 x 14.13 x 12.2 inches

Oh, Hamilton Beach, how I love thee! Okay, I’m a little obsessed with Hamilton Beach products. What can I say? They have reliable products that don’t break the bank. Honestly, is there anything more you’d want from your cookware?

Now, this bread machine did not get my number one slot because it has all the bells and whistles. I ranked it as number one because of the simplicity and straightforwardness that is 100% essential for newbie bread bakers.

For one, this bread machine is so easy to use. Just add your ingredients from your favorite bread recipe, select which cycle you want, and hit start. Yes, it’s so easy that you can almost do it with your eyes closed.

The machine comes with 12 different cycles to ensure you’re baking the bread of your dreams, whether it’s a delicious loaf of sweet bread or something grainy for a PB&J. You can even dough prep for cinnamon rolls and pizza crusts right inside! 

This bread machine can get a little noisy, especially over time. But honestly, it is nothing unbearable. It’s no louder than 90% of the appliances you already have sitting on your kitchen countertop.

2. Elite Gourmet Maxi-Matic Programmable Bread Maker (Most Functions)

• Key Features: 15-hour delay, impressive 19 functions, beginner-friendly and easy to use, keep warm function, three crust and loaf options
• Capacity: 2 pounds
• Color: Black
• Weight: 2 pounds
• Material: Aluminum
• Wattage: 550 watts
• Dimensions: 15.59 x 13.89 x 11.06 inches

Sweet bread? French bread? Rye? Pizza dough? If you need to create just about anything that requires dough, you can count on the Elite Gourmet bread maker to see you through. This stellar bread machine has an impressive 19 functions, trouncing the competition.

If the 19 functions aren’t enough to make you add this bread machine to your cart, you will also love to hear that it comes with a 15-hour delay and a warm function that keeps your bread toasty for up to an hour at a time.

Don’t be intimidated by the overhaul of functions. Although 19 is a pretty significant number, this breadmaker was designed to be beginner-friendly. With a lustrous appearance and straightforward operating system, you will be crafting casual and fancy bread in no time.

There was no buyer’s remorse with this bread machine. The only real disappointment is the recipes that come with the breadmaker. I would suggest ditching the complementary recipes and finding some better ones online.

3. KBS Large 17-in-1 Bread Machine (Premium Pick) 

• Key Features: Ceramic pan, touch panel, 17 programs, three crust and loaf sizes, intelligent fruit and nut dispenser, 360-degree surrounding baking, 15-hour delay timer, warm function, sleek and modern appearance
• Capacity: 2 pounds
• Color: Silver
• Weight: 14.7 pounds
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Wattage: 710 watts
• Dimensions: 13.7 x 8.6 x 11.8 inches

You might look at the price tag and say, “No way,” but I implore you to check out all of the immense features this KBS bread machine has to offer. By the end, I think you might end up shelling out a few extra dollars for this innovative device.

For starters, this is a multifunctional product with a whopping 17 programs. You can choose from three crusts and loaf options to make the perfect bread, whether it’s gluten-free for the fam or a quick bread on busy weekday mornings.

The machine also comes with an intelligent fruit and nut dispenser, releasing your mix-ins at the optimal time for gorgeous results every time. With 360-degree surrounding baking and a 15-hour delay timer, nothing is off-limits.

Perhaps the most significant bonus of this machine is the ceramic pan. It’s entirely non-stick, safe, and easy to use, leaps and bounds ahead of competitor pans. Oh, and the sleek and modern stainless steel shell isn’t too shabby of a feature, either.

4. Pohl Schmitt Stainless Steel Bread Machine Bread Maker (Best for Mix-Ins)

• Key Features: 15-hour delay, fruit and nut dispenser, keep warm function, 14 customizable settings, LED display, three crust and size options, convenient and easy to use
• Capacity: 2.2 pounds
• Color: Silver
• Weight: 11.92 pounds
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Wattage: 710 watts
• Dimensions: 15 x 13 x 11 inches

Bread with mix-ins? Absolutely. (I’m looking at you, chocolate chip banana bread and pistachio nut bread – yum!). But trying to add mix-ins with a bread machine can be challenging, especially for newbie bread bakers. Not anymore, thanks to the Pohl Schmitt bread maker.

This state-of-the-art bread maker comes with 14 different settings, so you can quickly whip up your favorite kinds of bread, whether it’s crunchy French bread or whole-grain bread for tomorrow morning’s breakfast sandwich.

Aside from the 14 settings, this bread maker comes with something ultra-unique: the nut dispenser (which can conveniently dispense dried fruits, too). All you need to do is place your mix-ins in the slot before the final timer beeps, and the bread machine adds them to your bread automatically. No more guesswork or fuss!

While the fruit and nut dispenser is a standout feature of this bread machine, it can be a nuisance when you do not need to add any mix-ins, yet the door still opens. While this won’t ruin your loaf of bread, it’s kind of annoying.

5. Cuisinart Convection Bread Maker (Best Convection Option)

• Key Features: 16 programmed options, convection feature for ample air circulation, low carb and gluten-free options, 15-minute pause, bake-only option, audible tone indicators, 12-hour delay, power failure backup 
• Capacity: 2 pounds
• Color: Silver
• Weight: 16 pounds
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Wattage: 680 watts
• Dimensions: 12″ x 16.5″ x 10.25″

I’ll start by saying I am a big big fan of Cuisinart. Their products never disappoint. Naturally, I had to add their uniquely designed convection bread machine to the list. Although it might sound tricky, I promise you that it is beginner-friendly and ready to go. 

First of all, this Cuisinart bread maker comes with 16 preprogrammed options, including three different crust colors and loaf size accommodations. With so many options – including low-carb and gluten-free – no bread recipe is off-limits.

What really sets this machine apart from the crowd is the convection feature. This attribute ensures ample air circulation throughout the device, allowing for the most beautiful-looking and delectably-tasting crusts.

Aside from that, there are a few other key features you won’t want to miss. For example, a 15-minute pause, bake-only option, and audible tone indicators for adding mix-ins or removing the bread for hand shaping. So convenient while also allowing 100% customization.

A few people had issues here and there with the paddle. It wasn’t strong enough, or it wasn’t getting cleaned off properly. These were simple fixes, and each reviewer commented that they loved this bread machine. It might just take some getting used to!

6. Oster Expressbake Breadmaker (Fastest Breadmaker)

• Key Features: 12 functions, three crust options, express bake makes bread in under an hour, 13-hour delay timer, handy LCD screen 
• Capacity: 2 pounds
• Color: White
• Weight: 8 pounds
• Material: Aluminum
• Wattage: 650 watts
• Dimensions: 8 ½ x 11 ¼  x 12 ¼  inches

One thing that might sway a newbie bread baker from actually baking bread is that it’s time-consuming. Bread isn’t exactly a “quick and easy” recipe, most of the time. If you want your bread and you want it now, consider adding the Oster breadmaker to your kitchen.

There’s plenty to enjoy with the Oster breadmaker. For one, it comes with 12 different bread settings and three crust options so you can make the bread of your dreams. With a 13-hour delay timer, you can have your bread done precisely when you need it.

Perhaps the best feature of this 2-pound breadmaker is the Express Bake option. It’s not lying when it says “express.” This innovative machine can whip up bread in less than an hour, so you can spend less time sitting around smelling yeast and more time making garlic bread and sandwiches.

A lot of users said they struggled with removing the pan. While it’s a little complicated and requires a specific twisting movement, it’s not impossible. With a bit of elbow grease, you will be able to get it out with no problem. 

7. Zojirushi Home Bakery Programmable Mini Breadmaker (Best Mini Bread Machine)

• Key Features: Programmable, several course options, quick-bake option for bread in under two hours, nonstick kneading blade and pan, instructions and recipes included, 13-hour delay timer, LCD control panel, sturdy handle, compact and sleek
• Capacity: 1 pound
• Color: White
• Weight: 1 pound
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Wattage: 450 watts
• Dimensions: 8 ½ x 11 ¼  x 12 ¼  inches

Let’s be honest – bakers brand new to the world of baking bread likely aren’t going to want to make 100 loaves in their first week. Not only that, but they probably don’t want a bread machine taking up half their counter space.

Well, that’s why I added this mini breadmaker from Zojirushi. This compact and slim bread maker doesn’t take up too much space but still allows for up to one pound of bread with regular, firm, or soft textures. Although small, it comes with a sturdy handle to ensure easy maneuvering around the kitchen.

Another reason why users might prefer this model is due to its convenience. This breadmaker has a user-friendly LCD control panel, several courses to make various treats beyond bread (such as fresh pasta and jams), and a quick-bake cycle to make bread in less than two hours.

When I say this is beginner-friendly, I mean it. The appliance comes with an instruction video, manual, and accompanying recipe booklet to make life easier. Needless to say, it’s a cinch to whip up bread in this fully programmable and non-stick bread maker for beginners.

This tiny but mighty breadmaker is excellent for beginners and small kitchens and families alike. The only drawback is that you have to wait 20 minutes before the machine starts kneading. Obviously, that’s 20 minutes out of your day that you don’t want to waste, but not a huge ordeal.

Best Bread Machine for Beginners: Things to Consider

Knowing you’re oh-so-close to making bread without struggles is exciting, right? But before you dive into buying one of these superior bread machines, there are a few things you should consider.

Capacity

One pound? One and a half pounds? Two pounds? Newbie bakers and those with smaller families likely don’t need a whole lot of bread capacity, while others do. Consider the capacity when choosing a bread machine.

Wattage

Watts describes how powerful the bread maker is. The more watt, the easier your bread machine will have to create loaves of bread. If the bread machine has a high capacity, it should have high wattage to accommodate. 

Size

Pay attention to the dimensions, especially if you have a smaller kitchen. Some of these bread makers are relatively large, while others are sleek and compact. It’s essential to find which one is suitable for your kitchen.

Functions

Just because you’re new to the bread-baking world doesn’t mean you have to resist functions. Functions are a good thing. They simply give you more options for bread. The more functions, the better. But don’t overwhelm yourself if you’re not quite ready for an overload of functions.

Extra Features

If you look at the “key features” listed below every product name, you will discover the unique features each machine has. For example, one has a ceramic non-stick pan while others have keep-warm functions. Think of which elements are essential to you and go from there.

Verdict

These are all great bread machines for beginners, but the Hamilton Beach Bread Maker Machine is undeniably number one. It’s the most straightforward machine to use, yet it doesn’t slack on functions, providing 12 options and convenience like three crust options.

Have you tried any of these bread makers or got a good one to share? Feel free to leave a comment below.

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