The smell of freshly baked bread is unique and home-baked bread tastes especially delicious. To simplify the process of baking and to have a perfect end product, a breadmaker is suitable. Not only for baking professionals, but also for beginners, these machines are particularly practical. In the following big bread maker test 2022 you will find out everything useful and important about baking bread and which maker is best for you.
Decisive before buying are above all the different programs, the capacity and the kneading mechanism of the breadmaker. Once you have chosen a machine, you can really start tasting and baking, with no limits to your imagination.
The most important in short
- A bread maker – also called a bread baking machine – is a real asset to your kitchen if you like to bake your own bread and save time and electricity at the same time.
- With a good bread maker, you can not only bake bread, but also knead other doughs, make cakes, jam and even yogurt.
- Before you decide on a particular model, you should consider the number and type of selectable programs, the capacity and the kneading mechanism.
Breadmaker test: editors’ favorites
The best all-round bread maker
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The medion breadmaker is a true all-round talent. With 580 watt you can bake two different bread sizes. the device also has 12 different programs and 3 browning levels.
In addition to bread, you can also use the machine to prepare dough for other dishes such as pizza, pasta or cakes. The package also includes a bread pan, dough hook, measuring spoon and measuring cup.
The best bread maker for hobby bakers
119,99 EUR
115,00 EUR
125,00 EUR
Last price updates: amazon.De (29.01.22, 16:53), other stores (30.01.22, 16:37]
If you are looking for an automatic breadmaker that can reliably bake medium sized breads of good quality, that offers you a sensible program selection and that appeals to you visually, and all this at a relatively reasonable price, then you will make a very good choice with the UNOLD 68415.
Currently 79% of all reviewers give the UNOLD 68415 a positive rating.
On the one hand, satisfied customers emphasize the good non-stick coating of the baking pan, which makes it very easy to remove the finished breads from the appliance. On the other hand, the generally easy and intuitive operability of the breadmaker is also praised.
The interior lighting and the illuminated display also ensure customer satisfaction.
Many of the hobby bakers, who have already gained experience with models of other brands, also comment positively on the noise level: compared to machines of other manufacturers, the UNOLD 68415 works somewhat more quietly and has less penetrating signal tones.
Users are also impressed by the variety of functions and the range of programs available.
The best bread maker for two loaves at the same time
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Absolutely, this machine scores with the fact that you can prepare either one large or two small breads. If you have the right quantities ready, this also means that you can have two completely different breads ready at the same time if required. Optimal in a large family, where everyone has his or her "favorite.
You can bake up to 1.8 kg of bread using the 9 programs. In addition, there is a customizable program. Three browning levels are available.
pre-programming is also possible – up to 13 hours. In addition to the two molds and, of course, the dough hooks, the delivery includes a measuring cup, measuring spoon and hook skewer.
Thanks to the ceramic coating nothing sticks and the bread slides out of the mold better, according to buyers. The fact that many parts can be purchased separately is also positively emphasized by around 74% of satisfied customers. the machine also scores points with consumers for ease of use and cleaning, and the manufacturer for great customer service.
Also interesting
Guide: questions you should ask yourself before buying an automatic bread maker
In our guide you will learn everything you need to know to make a good buying decision. How a breadmaker can make your life easier, what minimum requirements it should meet in any case, and what additional extras are available, you can read here.
We have also prepared information on prices and other important criteria that you should take into account when making your choice.
Why a breadmaker?
- You don’t have to knead the dough, which can be quite exhausting, especially with heavy doughs, such as dough for wholemeal bread
- You can do other things while the breadmaker does it all for you – all you have to do is put in the ingredients. The machine takes care of the rest: kneading, resting, baking.
- You don’t have to worry about your bread burning in the oven.
- Fresh bread at any time you want, without going to the bakery or the supermarket? Yes! All you have to do is pre-program your breadmaker and go to sleep with peace of mind.
- "one for all": if you like to bake not only bread but also cakes, make your own jam or marmalade, and make your own yogurt, some models give you an "all-rounder" at home and you don’t need any additional appliances.
- Literally "a clean job": all you have to do is clean the individual parts of your fully automatic breadmaker or. Put in the dishwasher. Work surfaces and additional kitchen helpers remain clean.
- A breadmaker is also a real alternative to a conventional food processor, because it can not only stir and knead, but also bake.
- Even in summer, you stay cool when baking bread: unlike baking with the oven, your kitchen does not turn into a sauna when baking with the bread maker, as the heat generated during the baking process does not spread throughout the entire room.
- Even though a breadmaker runs much longer than an oven, it usually uses much less electricity overall.
- If you suffer from allergies or intolerances, or if for some other reason you want to know the exact ingredients in your bread, you will probably prefer a homemade loaf to one from the supermarket or the bakery.
Of course, baking with an automatic bread maker also has a few disadvantages compared to baking with a normal household oven. In order to give you a complete picture of the process, we would like to give you the following points:
- A crispy bread crust, as it can be produced in an oven, is by far not possible in a bread baking machine.
- While with most bread baking machines you have to bake individual loaves of bread one after the other and let the machine cool down in the meantime, you can also bake two loaves of bread at the same time in the oven.
- In terms of the shape of your baked goods, you have no or only a very limited choice with bread baking machines, while you can let your imagination run wild when baking with the normal oven.
What are the advantages of an automatic bread maker compared to baking bread in the oven??
The first point would therefore be the time saving. A breadmaker can save you a lot of time, because you only have to put your ingredients into it. Now you can select a program and lo and behold, the breadmaker starts to bake your bread. You no longer have to knead the dough, because the machine does it for you.
When the dough is ready, the breadmaker automatically starts to bake the bread. After a little time, you can enjoy your freshly baked bread. This saves valuable time and you can devote yourself to more important things.
Advantages explanation
time saving |
the breadmaker does almost all the work for you. The only thing you have to do is to put in the ingredients and the machine will mix and bake the bread for you in the shortest possible time. |
Personal settings |
with the machine you can put in the ingredients the night before and with a few settings you get the bread fresh and ready to eat at your desired time. |
Your own bread |
there are no restrictions here. You decide what you want to put in your bread and which additional ingredients you want to add. |
Another advantage is that you can set your bread maker so that you add the desired ingredients in the evening and have a warm, fresh loaf of bread on the table the next morning.
This is done through different programs that you can select, so that you have a fresh bread on the table at your desired time. This is ideal for guests or celebrations, as they can be pleasantly surprised by the warm bread.
In addition, the bread can always be baked the way you want it. Who does not know it, the baker has once again the favorite bread not.
This is a thing of the past, because now you can bake your own bread, according to your wishes. You can add raisins or even figs as you wish, creating many different types of bread.
Of course, there are also various pre-made bread mixtures, which can be easily filled into the machine.
In conclusion, it can be said that people who love to eat bread will get their money’s worth here. Various recipes and low preparation costs make it possible to bake great breads.
How much electricity does a breadmaker use??
What features does an automatic bread maker have??
With different programs, your breadmaker can always determine the right baking length and kneading time, so that you always get the perfect bread made. Burns or soft dough are now a thing of the past.
A timer makes your life easier. So you can fully concentrate on other things and still enjoy a great bread in the evening.
What ingredients are required?
Basically, however, flour, yeast and water/milk are required.
If this is too much work for you, you can also buy pre-made baking mixtures, which you only have to fill into the machine.
What are the display elements?
The on/off button is logically found on every appliance.
Also a program button, can be found on many devices. However, this differs in its function and offers different programs with the bread baking machines.
On most machines you will also find a button for selecting the weight.
In general, no precise information can be given here. Nevertheless, certain functions can be found in the various devices again.
How does baking with the breadmaker actually work??
- You place the baking pan in the housing of the device
- You choose the program
- you fill room-warm ingredients: liquid ingredients first, the yeast for yeast dough breads always last; if you start the baking process with a time delay, the ingredients should be cool, especially fresh yeast
- Your machine mixes the ingredients and kneads the dough
- This is followed by the resting time so that the dough can rise
- The bread is baked in the machine
- If necessary and possible, the machine keeps your bread still warm
- You take out the baking pan or the insert, let the bread cool down a bit, remove the dough hooks if necessary and enjoy your fresh baked goods
What can I do to make the crust of my bread crispier in the breadmaker??
- Use the function "pure baking" or. "re-bake" your machine and finish the baking process as soon as you are satisfied with the browning
- If your breadmaker has a viewing window, you can cover it with aluminum foil before baking
- Do not open the lid during the baking process, as this may affect the browning process
- Add some sugar to the dough or brush the dough with a mixture of 1 egg yolk and 1 teaspoon of cream after the last kneading phase but before baking
- Make sure you have selected the right browning level. Many machines are set to the lowest temperature by default. Set it to a higher setting
- Take the bread out of the machine immediately after baking and let it cool in the air. Otherwise condensation will form inside the container and soften the crust
What is the best way to remove the dough hooks??
Do not use the knife to remove the hooks. Otherwise, you may damage the non-stick coating, which can then get on or in your baked goods. Instead, use a so-called dough hook remover.
If this was not included in the delivery, you can also order it online. Expect to pay about 5 to 8 euros for a single hook. A set of dough hooks and dough hook remover can be purchased for approx. 15 euro.
How much does a breadmaker cost?
Relatively inexpensive baking machines can also offer you a number of things. Even the cheapest products usually already have 10 or more selectable programs, 3 different degrees of browning of the baked goods and various additional functions such as a quick-bake or a keep-warm function.
On a so-called "cool-touch" housing or. a "cool-wall" housing, which serves to protect you from burns, and a viewing window, through which you can observe the baking process, you also do not necessarily have to do without in this price category.
For approx. 50-80 € you also get device types where you can choose between different bread sizes. Most of the available models in this price range also have an LCD display, soft-touch controls and a baking pan with a non-stick coating.
What you get if you are willing to spend a little more? A higher price is usually associated with a somewhat more extensive program selection.
More expensive bread makers often look a little more elegant, because their housing is mostly made of stainless steel and not of plastic, as is often the case with less expensive bread makers. Furthermore, the material processing of the most expensive products from manufacturers of well-known brands is usually tidier.
We can’t give you a general answer as to whether you really get more for your money with products in the highest price category. All in all, it seems that the basic requirements you place on your bread maker are also met by the cheaper versions.
And as with so many things in life, the price alone does not tell you everything about the quality of the product. There are expensive models that are definitely not worth the money, but you will also find cheaper bread makers that are definitely of good quality.
Where can I buy a breadmaker?
Which well-known manufacturers of bread baking machines are there??
WMF is known for its various household items. Due to their many years of experience, a very good quality can be offered at a comparatively low price. WMF`s product range includes everything the kitchen heart needs.
Here you will find everything from cutlery, kitchen utensils and decorative items. A breadmaker from WMF offers high quality and very good performance.
Morphy richards
Morphy richards is a manufacturer of household appliances, which offers all the necessary devices. From toasters, to vacuum cleaners and kitchen machines, you can find everything here. Morphy richards is particularly convincing due to its innovative control system and design.
Unold
Unold is an electrical appliance manufacturer that offers a wide range of products. The low price is the main advantage. Despite the low price, a high quality is available. So this breadmaker can also be recommended.
What are the alternatives to an automatic bread maker??
In addition, you have to knead the dough yourself. Despite all this, this is a simple variant, which saves you the space of a bread machine. If you have a thermomix, you can also bake bread in it.
Pizza can also be prepared in an automatic bread maker. You can also go for a classic pizza oven.
As a last option, if all this is too much for you, you can always go to the nearest bakery and buy a loaf of bread there.
Decision: what types of bread makers are there and which is the right one for you?
Basically, you can distinguish between three different types of bread baking machines:
- Breadmaker without dough hook
- Breadmaker with retractable dough hooks
- Breadmaker with 2 dough hooks
With each of these types, the end result is somewhat different, which brings individual advantages and disadvantages with it in each case.
Depending on how you prefer to enjoy your bread and what you value most, a different type of bread maker is best for you. In the following section, we would like to help you find out which type of bread maker is best for you.
For this purpose, we will introduce you to all the above-mentioned types of bread baking machines and clearly illustrate what the advantages and disadvantages of each are.
How does a breadmaker without dough hook work and what are its advantages and disadvantages??
The special advantage of a bread maker without dough hooks is that this does not create holes in the bread. The dough hook does not get stuck in the dough of the bread during baking, which means that no hole remains in the bread.
With these slightly more expensive machines can be easily made beautiful breads that convince not only with their taste but also with the perfect appearance.
- No hole in the bread
- Easy to use
- Easy cleaning
- Better final result
- Devices are usually more expensive
- Manageable range
Of course, a breadmaker needs dough hooks that mix and knead the dough sufficiently before the baking process starts. The decisive moment here is at the end of the kneading process.
The dough hooks are automatically folded away by the machine. To do this, the machine goes into reverse mode and carefully moves the hooks out of the dough during this process.
After working out the dough hook is simply folded away and the baking process takes its course. After the dough hook is nevertheless in the baking pan, a small depression remains on the underside of the bread.
However, this is really only visible with a close eye and therefore does not worsen the appearance of the finished loaf in any way.
How is bread made in a bread machine with retractable dough hooks and what are their advantages and disadvantages??
The bread is made with a dough hook, just like any other type of bread maker. The main difference, however, is that in this inexpensive version it is possible to remove the hooks manually before baking. As a result, no hole remains in the finished bread.
There are machines with one or two dough hooks, which can either be folded down or completely retracted. This prevents them from getting stuck in the bread during the baking process.
A major advantage is that no dough hook marks are left on or in the bread. The prerequisite is that the dough hooks are removed manually after kneading the dough and thus baking can begin free of dough hooks.
- No hole in the bread
- Inexpensive
- Wide range
- Simple operation
- Time-consuming cleaning
- Manual removal of the dough hook
- Constant presence
The most important function of this type of bread maker is therefore the pause function. After the dough has been mixed and kneaded, the machine signals and you can remove the dough hook manually and finish baking the bread without the hook.
A disadvantage is that you have to be present during the process to be able to wait for the right moment. Unfortunately, it is impossible to bake bread during the night without supervision.
This variant gives a nice bread without holes, but it can get a bit messy when removing the mixing hooks. Tip: coat the dough hooks with a little oil before kneading, then the hooks can slide out of the dough more easily afterwards.
How does a breadmaker with 2 dough hooks work and what are the advantages and disadvantages??
Breadmakers with 2 dough hooks are particularly suitable for heavy doughs, such as mixtures with a high proportion of wholemeal flour. These inexpensive machines are designed to be highly resistant and can really turn the dough over well.
The two hooks are fixed, which also leaves a hole in the finished loaf and can make cleaning a bit more difficult.
- Preparation of heavy doughs
- Simple operation
- Very low price
- High kneading capacity
- Hole in the bread
- Complex cleaning
Due to the high efficiency of two dough hooks, some of these automatic baking machines for bread can even prepare jam, cake doughs, pizza doughs or pasta doughs. Some machines with two dough hooks even offer two different shapes of hooks, which can be used individually depending on the type of bread.
Despite the hole in the bread, the quality is in no way reduced. The flaw in a bread maker with two dough hooks is therefore more a visual one than a taste one.
Buying criteria: these are the factors you can use to compare and evaluate bread makers
Which bread maker you finally decide on should not only depend on the price. There are many other aspects you should consider when making your choice:
- number and type of selectable programs/ browning degrees
- Capacity
- kneading unit / dough hook
- Performance and power consumption
- scope of delivery / accessories
- extras / spare parts
- weight / size
- Volume
You can read more about the features listed below, which are relevant to your final purchase decision.
number of selectable programs/ browning levels
Every bread maker should be able to do one thing: bake bread. But not all bread is the same, as you know, and different bread doughs require different handling.
So that you are not limited to one type of bread when baking bread in your own home, various bread baking machines provide you with 8-19 (depending on price and manufacturer) pre-installed programs. these programs allow you to create the right conditions for the bread you want with just the push of a button.