Best bread maker 2025: top picks for you to loaf about at home

Home LivingAppliancesKitchenBest bread maker 2025: top picks for you to loaf about at homeThe best bread maker for baking your own wholemeal, white, sourdough, artisan and gluten-free breadWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

The best bread maker for baking your own wholemeal, white, sourdough, artisan and gluten-free bread

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Panasonic)

best bread maker: Panasonic SD-YR2540

(Image credit: Panasonic)

Bread, after all, should be consumed in as fresh a state as possible and, sadly, most supermarkets and bakeries do only one early morning bake and come the afternoon – if there’s any bread left on the shelves – their breads will already have entered their first level of staleness, especially baguettes, which should of course always be consumed within a couple of hours of baking, max.

However, home baking in a bread maker does come with a caveat or two. We’ve tried many bread makers, watched loads of videos and checked many images of home bread-making machine results and, to be honest, the breads that home baking machines produce do tend to look a bit anaemic and dull when compared to professional baker’s products. But, and it’s big but, the actual bread inside the normally pale, lacklustre crust is actually blooming excellent – soft, spongy and lightly textured, and as fresh as fresh can be. So, although most home bread makers can make damn fine bread, just don’t expect spectacular boulangerie-style visual results unless you follow a specific recipe that involves following the machine’s automatic kneading and proofing process with a final bake in a proper home oven.

When bread makers work well, it really is as simple as chucking in a load of ingredients and then going away to do something more productive. There’s no kneading, no proofing, no pouring in mixed seeds: the best bread makers do it all for you.

How to choose the best bread maker for you

Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.

Obviously, the most important thing to look out for when buying a bread maker is how well the machine can actually bake bread. Luckily, we’ve done that part of testing for you, and ranked the machines on how reliably they pump out quality loafs.

You’ll also need to decide what type of machine you want and how much you want to spend – most of the models on this list are pretty simple to operate, just add the ingredients, press a few buttons and let the machine do all the work for you.

Bread makers have health benefits as well, don’t ya know: a number of our selections here have gluten-free modes. And weirdly, you can usually use them to make jam, giving you an entire breakfast from one device. What’s not to like?

The best bread makers you can buy today, or even tomorrow

(Image credit: Sage)

Sage The Custom Loaf on pink background

T3 Best Buy Award badge

(Image credit: Sage)

Sage The Custom LoafBest high-end bread makerAverage Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆Today’s Best DealsView at AmazonView at AmazonView at BrevilleReasons to buy+Incredibly reliable+Makes gluten-free bread+Super interface+Window to the bakeReasons to avoid-It’s large-Not cheap either
Sage The Custom Loaf

1. Sage The Custom Loaf

Best high-end bread maker

Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆☆

Today’s Best DealsView at AmazonView at AmazonView at Breville

Today’s Best Deals

View at AmazonView at AmazonView at Breville

View at Amazon

View at Breville

Reasons to buy+Incredibly reliable+Makes gluten-free bread+Super interface+Window to the bake

+Incredibly reliable+Makes gluten-free bread+Super interface+Window to the bake

Incredibly reliable

Makes gluten-free bread

Super interface

Window to the bake

Reasons to avoid-It’s large-Not cheap either

-It’s large-Not cheap either

It’s large

Not cheap either

The stainless steel Sage The Custom Loaf looks better than the competition, costs somewhat more, and is that bit more serious – a tool for the keen baker who wants to perfect their own artisan loaves. This model comes with 13 automatic settings – from basic white, wholewheat, sourdough and crusty to gluten free, sweet and yeast free – plus nine custom settings and three crust options, from light to dark. It will also make bread and pizza dough for oven use. Not all bread makers come with a glass window to the baking chamber but this one does and it’s a very handy thing indeed. It also features a collapsible kneading paddle that doesn’t leave as big a hole in the bottom of the loaf.

With Sage’s customary intuitive interface onboard, the Custom Loaf is a breeze to use – simply load in the ingredients, turn the main selection knob and press it on the setting you want. If you wish to add extra ingredients like nuts, seeds and raisins during the bake, simply pour them into the automatic dispenser and they’ll be added during the bake.

The Custom Loaf excelled in all the disciplines we presented it, producing a tranche of different loaves with a level of consistency that many of its competitors couldn’t match. If you’re prepared to fork out a little more on a machine that not only performs exceedingly well but is equipped to handle a variety of breads, the Sage Custom Loaf may be the model for you.

(Image credit: Panasonic)

Panasonic SD-YR2540 on pink background

T3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Panasonic)

Panasonic SD-YR2540Panasonic’s flagship model is a master bakerToday’s Best DealsCheck AmazonReasons to buy+Extremely versatile+Makes sour dough bread+Collapsible paddle+Glass windowReasons to avoid-The jury’s out on crust quality-Not the easiest of interfaces
Panasonic SD-YR2540

2. Panasonic SD-YR2540

Panasonic’s flagship model is a master baker

Today’s Best DealsCheck Amazon

Today’s Best Deals

Check Amazon

Reasons to buy+Extremely versatile+Makes sour dough bread+Collapsible paddle+Glass window

+Extremely versatile+Makes sour dough bread+Collapsible paddle+Glass window

Extremely versatile

Makes sour dough bread

Collapsible paddle

Glass window

Reasons to avoid-The jury’s out on crust quality-Not the easiest of interfaces

-The jury’s out on crust quality-Not the easiest of interfaces

The jury’s out on crust quality

Not the easiest of interfaces

If there’s one brand that’s pushing the ancient science of machine bread making forward, it’s Panasonic. This model comes with more features than most, including a two-stage, rustic sourdough function. We tried our hand at this most artisan of bread-types and some of the other 28 main programs on offer.

It’s an unusually tall machine because built into the hinged lid is a dispensing compartment with two hatches, one for nuts, seeds and raisins and another for yeast. The latter innovation ensures the active ingredient is timed for maximum effect. That means there’s no room for a window through which to peer at your dough, but it seems a sacrifice worth making if using yeast as opposed to a pre-packaged bread mix. On average it took about four hours to complete the process from warming and kneading to proofing and baking. Our test results using two standard Waitrose bread mixes weren’t quite up there with the Sage Custom Loaf – the Panasonic’s top crust was much paler even after selecting a darker crust – but the internal structure was spot on.

The sourdough feature is well handy, too, but only if you know what you’re doing because this process requires a fermented dough starter to rise. Thankfully you get a plastic container for the starter and a specific setting that heats it up before storing in a fridge overnight ready for baking the following day. This writer managed to turn out a pretty decent sourdough but, if I were honest, it wasn’t in the same airy league as a San Francisco from Gail’s bakery.

Nevertheless, despite being more complicated to use than the Sage Custom Loaf, the Panasonic SD-YR2540 is a mighty fine baker with a few extra functions that also happens to sell for a few quid cheaper.

best bread maker: Russell Hobbs 18036 Fast Bake

T3 Approved badge

Russell Hobbs 18036 Fast BakeSpeedy baking for the impatientAverage Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆Today’s Best DealsCheck AmazonReasons to buy+Very affordable+Quick modeReasons to avoid-Looks cheap-Only 12 modes
Russell Hobbs 18036 Fast Bake

3. Russell Hobbs 18036 Fast Bake

Speedy baking for the impatient

Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆☆

Today’s Best DealsCheck Amazon

Today’s Best Deals

Check Amazon

Reasons to buy+Very affordable+Quick mode

+Very affordable+Quick mode

Very affordable

Quick mode

Reasons to avoid-Looks cheap-Only 12 modes

-Looks cheap-Only 12 modes

Looks cheap

Only 12 modes

Although it looks a bit naff, this inexpensive blob of plastic turns out perfectly acceptable loaves of regular and gluten-free bread, and it made us a decent cake too. The Fast Bake is a compact, no-frills thing without a nut dispenser or bundled accessories and a smaller bread chamber than other machines, which means your loaf rises right up to the especially large viewing peephole.

There are only 12 preset modes, but they include a gluten-free cycle, which worked very well for us, and a record-breaking 55-minute rapid bake mode, which was perhaps a bit rushed, giving doughy results.

The manual is a mere pamphlet, but it’s surprisingly well written and full of tips and great recipes. Sure, it’s ugly, but this Russell Hobbs is the only bread maker that actually fits in a cupboard and we have no hesitation in recommending it as a budget best buy.

(Image credit: Panasonic)

Panasonic SD-ZB2502BXC on white background

T3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Panasonic)

Panasonic SD-ZB2502BXCAnother great bread maker from PanasonicToday’s Best DealsCheck AmazonReasons to buy+Three sizes of loaf+Features a yeast tray+More affordable PanasonicReasons to avoid-Tall-Bread basket on the small side
Panasonic SD-ZB2502BXC

4. Panasonic SD-ZB2502BXC

Another great bread maker from Panasonic

Today’s Best DealsCheck Amazon

Today’s Best Deals

Check Amazon

Reasons to buy+Three sizes of loaf+Features a yeast tray+More affordable Panasonic

+Three sizes of loaf+Features a yeast tray+More affordable Panasonic

Three sizes of loaf

Features a yeast tray

More affordable Panasonic

Reasons to avoid-Tall-Bread basket on the small side

-Tall-Bread basket on the small side

Tall

Bread basket on the small side

No, it’s not as good as the Panasonic SD-YR2540, but this is cheaper, and another really tech-fuelled machine that delivers high quality loafage. A tray ensures the yeast is not entered into the cooking process before it’s suitably ready – another dispenser adds fruit and seeds – and Panasonic’s gently maturing bread maker is also capable of churning out three sizes of loaf – up to 590g – as well as jam. Again, there’s a 100% gluten-free setting and the Speciality Mode helps you experiment with a variety of interesting grains. Not bad at all.

(Image credit: Morphy Richards)

Morphy Richards Multi-use Fastbake 48281 on white background

T3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Morphy Richards)

Morphy Richards Multi-use Fastbake 48281The bread it bakes is better looking than the machineToday’s Best DealsCheck AmazonReasons to buy+Bakes a surprisingly good loaf+Keenly pricedReasons to avoid-Awful interface-Ugly design
Morphy Richards Multi-use Fastbake 48281

5. Morphy Richards Multi-use Fastbake 48281

The bread it bakes is better looking than the machine

Today’s Best DealsCheck Amazon

Today’s Best Deals

Check Amazon

Reasons to buy+Bakes a surprisingly good loaf+Keenly priced

+Bakes a surprisingly good loaf+Keenly priced

Bakes a surprisingly good loaf

Keenly priced

Reasons to avoid-Awful interface-Ugly design

-Awful interface-Ugly design

Awful interface

Ugly design

The Morphy Richards is massive and strikingly ugly to look at but, hey, it’s cheap and it produces loaves of better appearance than some models at three times the price. Features are thin on the ground, with no nut dispenser and only 12 preset modes – basic white, French, wholewheat, quick, sweet, dough, jam, cake, sandwich, extra bake, two fast-bake settings but no specific gluten-free option. Its maximum size loaf is 900g which is perfectly acceptable for couples and soloists.

The MR’s clunky, cheap-looking interface is quite awful, it has to be said, and a millions miles from the likes of Panasonic and Sage. It’s noisy when kneading the ingredients, too. Nevertheless, the quality of the crust on the white loaf we baked in it really surprised us – it had a shiny, uniform appearance and the bread itself tasted marvellous, too. At a smidge under £70, the Morphy Richards Multi-use Fastbake 48281 is well worth a punt.

Liked this?

Fancya coffee with that loaf?… Or what aboutsome freshly squeezed juice?

Nowhow about toasting that bread?

Round up of today’s best deals

Breville BBM800XL

Amazon

$249.95View

$249.95

See all prices

We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts

Kindle Colorsoft review

Amazon upgrades Kindle Colorsoft already – new model addresses customer complaintsAmazon’s full-colour e-reader fixes a problem that was plaguing its display

Amazon’s full-colour e-reader fixes a problem that was plaguing its display

Daredevil: Born Again poster

Disney+’s most eagerly-awaited new Marvel series also looks to be its most brutalDaredevil: Born Again clearly won’t be for the faint of heart

Daredevil: Born Again clearly won’t be for the faint of heart

nutrition test

Best personalised nutrition test 2025: find out what works for your body and whyWhich personalised nutrition tests are the best on the market? Here’s our top recommendations

Which personalised nutrition tests are the best on the market? Here’s our top recommendations

Mammotion LUBA 2 AWD lawn stripes

Best robot lawn mower 2025: autonomous mowers that cut the grass so you don’t have toThese are the best robotic sward scythes to keep your lawn in tip-top condition while you sit back and relax

These are the best robotic sward scythes to keep your lawn in tip-top condition while you sit back and relax

microcurrent device

Best skincare gadgets 2025: perfect your complexion at home without the salon price tagThe best LED masks, facial massagers, cleansing devices and more for firmer, clearer, glowing skin

The best LED masks, facial massagers, cleansing devices and more for firmer, clearer, glowing skin

Philips Hue E14 luster bulbs in lamps in room

Best Philips Hue lights 2025: sophisticated smart bulbs for your spaceThe best Philips Hue lights bring state-of-the-art, remote-controlled lighting to your home

The best Philips Hue lights bring state-of-the-art, remote-controlled lighting to your home

Stihl RM 448 VC petrol lawn mower lifestyle

Best petrol lawn mower 2025: rugged lawn mowers for larger gardensTrim the sward with one of these top-rated petrol-powered lawn mowers

Trim the sward with one of these top-rated petrol-powered lawn mowers

Gino D’Acampo Pizza Oven

Best pizza ovens 2025: enjoy the crisp, crunch and gooeyness of freshly-baked pizzaFind the best indoor and outdoor domestic pizza ovens to make your al fresco bash go off without a hitch

Find the best indoor and outdoor domestic pizza ovens to make your al fresco bash go off without a hitch

Char-Broil Smart-E lifestyle

Best electric barbecue 2025: indoor and outdoor grills for all-year-round cookingFind the best all-in-one electric barbecues and grills with plug-and-play convenience

Find the best all-in-one electric barbecues and grills with plug-and-play convenience

Best cordless lawn mower: Worx Nitro 80v WG761E lifestyle

Best cordless lawn mower 2025: top battery-powered trimmers that tackle all types of turfReplace your rusty old mower and embrace the time-saving pleasures of the best cordless lawn mowers

Replace your rusty old mower and embrace the time-saving pleasures of the best cordless lawn mowers

How to choose the best bread maker for you#

The best bread makers you can buy today, or even tomorrow#

1. Sage The Custom Loaf#

2. Panasonic SD-YR2540#

3. Russell Hobbs 18036 Fast Bake#

4. Panasonic SD-ZB2502BXC#

5. Morphy Richards Multi-use Fastbake 48281#

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox#

How to choose the best bread maker for you

The best bread makers you can buy today, or even tomorrow

1. Sage The Custom Loaf

2. Panasonic SD-YR2540

3. Russell Hobbs 18036 Fast Bake

4. Panasonic SD-ZB2502BXC

5. Morphy Richards Multi-use Fastbake 48281

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox