Bread Maker Buying Guide: How to Choose (UK 2026)

By the Bread Wise editorial team · Updated 2026 · How we test & score

Bread makers look similar but differ in the things that matter: loaf size, the programmes on offer, gluten-free support, and convenience features. This guide walks through each so you can match one to your kitchen and diet.

Loaf size and capacity

Most bread makers let you choose the loaf size, commonly 500g, 750g and 1kg (and some smaller 1lb compact models). Match it to your household: roughly 500-700g for 1-2 people, 900g-1kg for a family. Bigger isn't automatically better, because home bread has no preservatives and stales faster than shop bread, so it's best to bake the amount you'll eat fresh.

Programmes and settings

All machines bake basic white; better ones add wholemeal, French, rapid bake, sweet, gluten-free, dough (for pizza, rolls and shaping by hand) and jam. More programmes mean more versatility, but only count the ones you'll use. Crust control (light/medium/dark) and a viewing window help you get loaves just how you like them, and a keep-warm function stops fresh bread going soggy after baking.

Gluten-free and special diets

If you bake gluten-free, a dedicated gluten-free programme makes a big difference, as it adjusts mixing and baking for the different way gluten-free flour behaves. Note that a domestic machine isn't a certified gluten-free environment: if you have coeliac disease, clean all removable parts thoroughly and ideally don't share the machine with wheat flour to avoid cross-contamination. This is general guidance, not medical advice.

Convenience features

A delay timer is the feature people love most: add ingredients at night and wake to a fresh loaf (avoid it with recipes using fresh milk or eggs that shouldn't sit out). An automatic fruit and nut dispenser adds extras at the right stage so they're evenly spread. Consider the footprint too, and that the kneading paddle leaves a small hole in the base of the loaf - that's normal, not a fault.

Our top picks

Frequently asked questions

What's the most important feature?

Loaf size matched to your household and the programmes you'll actually use, plus a gluten-free setting if you need one. A delay timer adds a lot of everyday convenience.

Why is there a hole in the bottom of the loaf?

The kneading paddle sits in the base and leaves a small hole when you remove the baked loaf. It's completely normal on every bread maker.

Bottom line

Our top pick is the Bread Maker (our score 9.6/10) - A practical bread maker for fresh home-baked bread with minimal effort..

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