Bread makers: 5 of the best
There’s nothing quite like the smell of a fresh bread wafting through the house, so why not have a go at baking your own? But with so many bread makers on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? Good Homes take a look at some of the star bakers on the market right now, from cheap and cheerful models to super hi-tech gadgets.
On your marks, get set, bake…
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1. Small bread maker
Boasting 21 automatic programs, the Panasonic SD-B2510WXC Bread Maker from Currys (£119) will do everything for you. To start off it enables you to add just bread mixture and water, but later down the line if you’re feeling more confident you can use your own recipes and tweak ingredients to create your own combinations.
The horizontal design with flush lid takes up minimal space in your kitchen. Plus, it’s both scratch proof and stain-free, which is ideal for ease of use. To make it easier still, you can use the delay timer to start the process 13 hours later, so you can ensure you wake up to a fresh loaf.
Additionally, this bread maker enables you to make gluten-free bread, cake, pasta and pizza dough so you can enjoy its delights whatever your dietary requirements.
Amazon review rating: 4.7 stars
Panasonic SD-B2510WXC Bread Maker from Currys
2. Multifunctional bread maker
Multifunctional bread makers are a baker’s dream. You can wake up to the smell of freshly baked bread thanks to the delay setting of up to 13 hours on the Morphy Richards Fastbake Bread Maker (currently reduced from £99.99 to £49.99). It also has a Fastbake function for fresh bakes in just 50 minutes.
Not only is this one of the cheapest bread makers on the market, it’s also a multi-functional marvel. Choose from 12 programmes, three loaf sizes between 1lb and 2lb, and three crust settings. Plus, this clever kitchen gadget also bakes cakes and makes jams or marmalades. A must for everything from tea and toast to afternoon tea!
Amazon review rating: 4.5 stars
Morphy Richards Fastbake Bread Maker
3. Touch-screen Bake Off buddy
Lakeland’s Touchscreen Bread Maker & More (£149.99) has an innovative double-padded loaf pan and multiple loaf sizes to choose from. Alongside the removable bread pan and machine, this also comes with two kneading blades, a measuring cup, spoon and hook so you have everything you need to create delicious bread straight off.
The silver and black sleek design immediately stands out, and the 12 preset functions include sweet bread, gluten-free bread, and dough, as well as cake, jam and yoghurt. Plus, the touch screen panel is on the front, rather than the top, making it easy to program to create your desired loaf. This is definitely an investment for any keen home cook or budding Bake Off contestant.
Amazon review rating: 4 stars
Lakeland’s Touchscreen Bread Maker & More
4. Super smart bread maker
The Sage Custom Loaf Bread Maker from John Lewis (£249) is a super smart bit of kit. It has 60 different settings, and the clever interface computes temperature and baking time each time you make a selection, removing the guess work. You can set a delayed timer so the bread is ready when you need it, and the internal light and viewing window means you can check the progress without losing heat by opening the lid.
You can add fruit, nuts, grains or jam into any recipe with ease, as the chute opens automatically to dispense ingredients at the appropriate time. Get creative with your crusts, too, with four different settings from light to crunchy.
Amazon review rating: 4.3 stars
Sage Custom Loaf Bread Maker from John Lewis
5. Sleek and simple
Perfect bread with minimal effort? Sign us up! Compact and simple, the Cooks Professional G3271 Bread Maker (£94.99) from Robert Dyas, includes all of your favourite functions in an affordable package.
It can bake the perfect loaf in under an hour, has 19 pre-set programmes, an adjustable crust control and will keep your loaf warm for 60-minutes after baking. This model also has a delayed-start and a pause function, as well as a fruit and seed dispenser that automatically distributes them through your dough at the right time.
Amazon review rating: 4 stars