Best Bread Machines for Dough Makers: My 5 Essential Tips
Sneak Preview: Want a bread machine just to mix dough? Skip the gimmicks. Here are 5 tips to pick the best dough-kneading bread machine for your kitchen. Learn which details matter most from someone who’s kneaded plenty of dough!
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Thinking about buying your first bread machine? I remember that feeling well. It reminds me of the first time I bought a computer—the salesperson asked what I planned to do with it. My honest answer? “I’ve never had one before, so it’s hard to know!”
Choosing a bread machine can feel equally uncertain, especially when online reviews vary wildly and store clerks rarely have real baking experience. After years of baking, here’s what I’ve learned: skip the gimmicky features and focus on what truly matters—excellent kneading performance. A machine that kneads dough effectively (most often found in higher-priced models) is key, especially if you bake bread using my recipes and the DOUGH cycle. Unlike stand mixers, bread machines practically eliminate worries about over-kneading.
With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of five important factors to think about from the point of view that you will mostly be using the DOUGH cycle to make the dough, then baking your bread in a conventional oven.
Five Factors To Consider When Choosing a Bread Maker
1. Do You Need a Timer?
A delay-start timer is great if you want dough ready to shape when you wake up or come home. Nearly all machines offer a delay timer on the bake cycles, but I specifically recommend one on the DOUGH cycle if you follow my recipes. Without it, you’ll have to manually calculate the timing—something I’m admittedly not good at. (I’ve accidentally baked pizza dough too many times!)
If you’re home most of the time, the timer might not matter as much.
2. Consider Bread Pan Volume and Machine Size
- Larger pan: Ideal for larger families or if you bake to entertain. Machines usually handle 3–4 cups of flour, but some go up to 6 cups (2.5 lbs).
- Smaller pan: Best for 2–3 people since homemade bread can stale quickly.
Remember: You can easily make smaller batches in larger pans using the DOUGH cycle, but not vice versa. Also, check your counter/storage space first. Compact machines like the Zojirushi Home Bakery Mini or Cuisinart Compact Bread Maker are good choices for tight spaces.
If you have a large family or like to make more than one loaf at a time, consider buying an extra pan and set of blades. After one batch is kneaded, replace that pan with another pan full of the unmixed ingredients. for your second loaf.
3. Pan Shape and Kneading Blades Matter
- Vertical pans: Knead dough more thoroughly due to their upright shape, leaving fewer unincorporated flour pockets.
- Horizontal pans: Create loaves similar to store-bought bread but often need dual paddles for thorough mixing. Single-paddle horizontal pans frequently leave unmixed flour in the corners. Keep a small rubber spatula handy.
📌PaddleTips📌:
- Always remove kneading paddles after use. If stuck, soak them briefly to loosen. This won’t be an issue if you only use the DOUGH cycle and bake in your oven.
- I throw my kneading paddles in the dishwasher (not the pan, only the paddles) because they can be a bear to wash by hand.
4. Which Cycles Actually Matter?
I’m not impressed by machines loaded with extra features. You only need a bread maker that kneads dough efficiently with a powerful motor.
- Jam, quick bread, cakes, meatloaf: Nice extras, but unnecessary if you have a conventional oven.
- Whole wheat cycles: Useful only if baking whole wheat bread inside your machine (and you’re flexible about crust texture).
- Preheat cycles: Unnecessary for dough makers and can even become inconvenient. If you buy a machine with one, be sure you can turn it off.
Bread machines typically produce thick, cardboard-like crusts with holes at the bottom due to paddles. If your goal is crusty loaves or soft-crust breads, you’ll want to bake them conventionally.
Gluten-free Bread Cycle:
In my experience, gluten-free cycles on bread machines are a gimmick and don’t mix heavy gluten-free dough effectively. It would be like buying an oven to store extra cooking pots. You can use it for that, but that’s not what a bread maker does best. For gluten-free bread, use a heavy-duty stand mixer or hand mixing instead. Bonus: No holes in your loaf!
Sourdough Cycles:
Machines advertising “sourdough” can mislead. Closer investigation may reveal that they are talking about using the machine to incubate starter only.
If you are making a sourdough recipe that also contains commercial yeast, you can use the DOUGH cycle and bake in your oven, or mix and bake the entire recipe in a bread machine..
Traditional sourdough recipes (without commercial yeast) need flexibility—not preset cycles. Instead, use your machine’s DOUGH cycle, then perform stretch-and-folds, shaping, and baking conventionally. Every batch is different and needs a human to know when the dough is ready to shape and bake.
5. Does Price Denote Quality?
Yes, generally. My experience (and my readers’) shows pricier models consistently perform better—especially in kneading dough effectively. Cheaper machines wear out quickly, have noisy motors, and tend to “walk” across countertops during kneading.
My Personal Favorite
Many readers ask about my top bread machine recommendation. While individual needs can vary, my longtime favorite is the Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme the Zojirushi, BB-CEC20 model (not the Virtuoso Plus—I tried that one and ended up giving it away within a month!).
After testing numerous models, I’ve found the Home Bakery Supreme consistently kneads dough beautifully and offers reliable, fuss-free performance. It also has a timer that can be applied to the DOUGH cycle (rare). If you’re serious about bread-making—especially with my “DOUGH cycle” recipes—it’s worth considering.
(I make a small commission from Amazon if you buy this machine through this link. However, I am not affiliated with Zojirushi in any way.)
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Should I Buy a Bread Machine If I’ve Never Made Bread Before?
If you’re brand new to bread-making, a used bread machine can be an excellent, budget-friendly way to start. Thrift stores and garage sales often have barely-used machines at great prices because many people don’t learn how to get the best results from them (hint: it’s all about the DOUGH cycle!). Stick with recognizable brands to ensure the instruction manuals and control panels are user-friendly.
Already Own a Machine?
If you already have a bread machine, take time to master its quirks before buying another. Even a basic machine can produce great dough once you learn its rhythms. Check out my tips for using the DOUGH cycle effectively—you might be surprised at how well your current machine performs.
Final Thoughts:
Choosing a bread machine doesn’t have to be complicated. Stick to these practical considerations, focus on your baking goals, and remember that even basic machines can make excellent dough once you get to know them.
One more thought: My favorite Zoji bread machine is expensive. But if you keep your eyes peeled, you can find bargains online or at a thrift store. I found one for $15, and it works like a champ. It was missing a paddle, but replacement pans and paddles are available, so don’t let that stop you. Happy baking!
Questions? Email me: Paula at saladinajar.com. Hope to see you again soon!
Paula Rhodes, owner
As a retired home economist, I created Saladinajar.com to share my belief that you don’t have to be a chef to find joy in creating homemade food worth sharing. Bread machines (used in an unconventional way), homemade yogurt, and quick microwave recipes are my specialty.