Andrew James Bread Maker Review UK 2026
Quick verdict
Score: 7.6/10
Best for: Baking fresh, additive-free bread at home, including gluten-free
Not for: Anyone short on cupboard space or who only eats bread occasionally, where shop bread is simpler
Bottom line: A practical bread maker (gluten-free) for fresh home-baked bread with minimal effort.
Overall, the Andrew James 13-in-1 Bread Maker is a practical option for mostly automated bread making, with a gluten-free programme included. The quick verdict is that it suits everyday baking needs because it supports 13 bread types and has an auto ingredient dispenser for fruit or nuts. It also includes crust control, which can help match results to personal taste.
Key specifications
| Feature | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free programme | For gluten-free bread |
| Crust control | Adjust crust outcome |
| Fruit/nut dispenser | Adds ingredients automatically |
| Keep warm | Holds finished loaf |
Pros
- Gluten-free programme
- Automatic fruit/nut dispenser
- Fresh, additive-free bread for less than shop prices
Cons
- Takes up cupboard space when not in use
- The kneading paddle can leave a small hole in the base of the loaf
- Home-baked bread stales faster than shop bread, as it has no preservatives
Loaf Sizes and Capacity
This bread maker is designed for making multiple bread types, but its loaf sizes and exact capacity are not stated in the product title. This means confirmed guidance on pan dimensions, loaf weight options, or the maximum dough volume is not available from the title alone, so buyers need the insert dimensions or details from the official manual to match expected batch sizes. Any bread maker capacity determines how much flour and water can fit safely in the pan. The automatic fruit/nut dispenser can handle inclusions during mixing, but the title still does not provide volume limits, so there is no basis to judge how large a filled dough batch will be.
Programmes and Settings
With 13 types of bread available, the Andrew James machine includes programmes that switch between different baking styles, rather than relying on a single fixed recipe method. It also offers a gluten-free option, which is a notable programme setting for households that need it. During use, programmes manage the sequence of mixing, rising, and baking steps, so the user mainly selects the bread type, then confirms ingredients and timing. A keep warm function helps hold bread after baking, although results depend on the chosen loaf size and ingredients. Crust control allows adjustments to the finished crust.
Gluten-Free and Special Diets
Gluten-free baking is a key special-diet feature of the bread maker, because it includes a gluten-free programme rather than using the same approach for every loaf. Gluten-free dough behaves differently, and it typically needs separate timing and mixing. The machine also has an auto ingredient dispenser, which can add fruits or nuts automatically during the bake cycle. Results can still vary between gluten-free flour blends. The keep warm function can hold finished loaves briefly, but freshness limits still apply.
Ease of Use and Controls
Control and day-to-day setup matter as much as bread performance, especially when the Andrew James handles different diets. Clear programme selection makes switching recipes straightforward, and it includes a gluten-free option. For daily use, the keep warm function is included to hold the loaf for later serving. Crust control provides some control over browning, which can help when loaves look pale. An automatic fruit/nut dispenser reduces manual steps.
Crust, Timer and Dispenser
Crust control, the timer, and the automatic dispenser determine how hands-off the bread maker feels and influence the appearance of the final loaf. Crust control lets users choose a crust outcome. The keep warm function supports serving timing, and the machine's timer helps start baking at a point that fits the household routine. The auto ingredient dispenser adds fruit or nuts during the cycle, reducing measuring effort, but the exact timing depends on the selected programme. For best results, ingredients should be loaded correctly before baking, and each programme's order should be checked before starting.
Cleaning and Maintenance
After each bake, cleaning the Andrew James 13-in-1 Bread Maker helps it keep working smoothly and can reduce odours from leftover ingredients. He recommends letting the machine cool first, then wiping the exterior with a damp cloth and mild detergent, while avoiding soaking controls. The bread pan should then be removed, and any crumbs shaken out. If dough sticks, warm water and a soft sponge usually work, but harsh abrasives can damage surfaces. The auto ingredient dispenser area should be checked for residue and cleared carefully. The keep warm cycle should not delay cleaning.
Who Is This Bread Maker For?
Who is this bread maker best suited for? The Andrew James fits people who want to bake several bread types at home, including a gluten-free programme and an automatic fruit/nut dispenser. It suits buyers who prefer hands-off mixing, then consistent results, because the keep warm function supports serving later. It also suits those who care about crust control, since browning can be adjusted to taste. It is less ideal for advanced bakers who want total manual control of every stage, because the programmes guide the process.
Where to Buy in the UK
Finding the bread maker in the UK usually comes down to checking major retailers and the brand's own sales channels, since stock can vary by model revision and availability. Shoppers can start with Amazon UK, John Lewis, Currys, AO, and Argos, then compare listings that state the same features, such as a gluten-free programme, an automatic ingredient dispenser for fruit and/or nuts, and crust control. If a retailer shows "not stated" for key functions, it is best to move on. For the most consistent match, checking The Andrew James' official website or seasonal promotions can help, because the 13-bread claim and keep-warm function can differ by listing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the bread maker worth it?
If you eat a lot of bread, this bread maker lets you bake fresh loaves at home for less than shop prices, with no additives and the smell of fresh bread. You add the ingredients and it does the mixing, proving and baking - check the current Amazon UK price, as it changes often.
What size loaf does the Andrew James make?
Match the loaf size to your household: roughly 500-700g for 1-2 people and 900g-1kg for a family. Bigger isn't always better, as bread is best eaten fresh.
What are the downsides of the Andrew James 13-in-1 Bread Maker?
A bread maker takes up cupboard space, the paddle can leave a small hole in the bottom of the loaf, and home loaves stale faster than shop bread because they have no preservatives. It also takes a few hours per loaf, though most of that is hands-off and a timer handles it overnight.
Can the bread maker make gluten-free bread?
Yes - this bread maker has a gluten-free programme that adjusts the mixing and baking for gluten-free flour. Note that a domestic machine is not certified coeliac-safe, so if cross-contamination matters, clean it thoroughly and avoid sharing with normal flour.
Is home-made bread cheaper than shop bread?
Usually yes - the flour, yeast and a little electricity for a loaf often cost less than a comparable bakery or premium shop loaf, and you control exactly what goes in. The machine pays for itself over time if you bake regularly.
Is the Andrew James easy to clean?
The bread maker is straightforward - the non-stick pan and paddle lift out and wash by hand (avoid the dishwasher, which can damage the non-stick), and a wipe of the inside keeps it fresh. Soak the paddle if dough sticks around it.