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The best breadmakers for creating homemade loaves
- Lydia Anderson - kitchen appliances and food reviews expert
Published: November 9, 2026 at 2:26 PM
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Can a machine make your life (and loaf) easier? We test a range of models from Panasonic, Tefal, Lakeland and many more to find the best breadmaker for you
We’re no strangers to the traditional art of breadmaking – kneading, proving and shaping dough by hand can be immensely satisfying – but the best breadmakers have also made us rethink our approach.
These machines take care of the entire process, from kneading to baking, leaving you with well risen, golden loaves with minimal effort. After just a few minutes of prep, you can sit back and let the magic happen, no hands required.
Most breadmakers operate in a similar way: simply add the basic ingredients – flour, water, yeast – along with any extras, into the bread pan in the correct order. Many models allow you to select the loaf size and crust colour, to your preference.
You’re not limited to basic white loaves, either. From creative recipes like asparagus, sundried tomato & olive loaf to stout & apple wheaten bread, these machines are versatile enough to accommodate a variety of bread-styles and mix ins. Some even go beyond bread, offering settings for jam, yogurt and doughs for recipes like this filled brioche centrepiece with baked camembert.
Our top picks excelled in rigorous testing to secure their place in this guide, with the Panasonic SD-B2510 earning 'best breadmaker overall'. Read on to discover more of the best breadmakers you can buy right now.
Best breadmakers at a glance
JUMP TO REVIEWS
Best...ModelRatingRRPNumber of settingsBreadmaker for small loavesPanasonic SD-PN1005/5£109 (Amazon)18Breadmaker overallPanasonic SD-B25105/5£149 (Amazon)21Breadmaker for experimental home bakersLakeland Bread Maker Plus5/5£139.99 (Amazon)15Breadmaker for more than loavesTefal Pain and Delices5/5£139 (Very)20Breadmaker for gluten-free breadPanasonic SD-YR25505/5£200 (Argos)31Breadmaker for great bread on a budgetLakeland White Compact 1lb Daily Loaf4.5/5£69.99 (Lakeland)11Breadmaker for spelt breadPanasonic SD-YR25404.5/5£239 (Amazon)32Breadmaker for rustic loavesPanasonic SD-R25304.5/5£179.99 (John Lewis)30Breadmaker for speedy bakesMorphy Richards 48281 Fastbake4.5/5£79.99 (Amazon)12Looking breadmakerSage the Custom Loaf4/5£249.99 (Currys)12
Jump to:
- Best breadmakers to buy in 2026
- What to look for in a breadmaker
- Why are the so many Panasonic models in this list?
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How we test breadmakers
On almost all of the breadmakers we tested, a simple white loaf was first on the list of presets, so any breadmaker worth its salt should be able to make one. We used Good Food’s easy white bread recipe to put each model to the test, then scored them against the following criteria:
- Quality of loaf: we wanted an even rise, open and airy texture, evenly browned appearance and, to state the obvious, a delicious taste.
- Ease of use: we preferred machines that had easy-to-use functionality and display. A viewing window was a bonus.
- Versatility: a good range of bread types was essential and other baking options, like different-sized loaves and browning levels, were a plus.
- Easy-to-follow instructions: there’s not much to using a breadmaker, but if you get it wrong, the machine can quickly be left to gather dust. Simple, clear guidelines were important.
- Broad recipe selection: we marked up machines with a good range of recipes. You may want to get creative after a while, but a good starting selection was essential. We also looked for manuals that told you the order to add ingredients in – this is essential info if you’ve never turned your hand to breadmaking before.
Best breadmakers to buy in 2026
Panasonic SD-PN100
Available from Amazon (£109), John Lewis & Partners (£109), AO (£109), Argos (£110)
Best breadmaker for small loaves
Pros:
- Compact, premium design
- Makes small, soft loaves
- 18 settings, including gluten-free options
- Fully recyclable packaging
Cons:
- No viewing window
Star rating: 5/5
Wattage: 340W
If you love the idea of owning a Panasonic breadmaker but have always found them too bulky and expensive, this newer compact model is a fantastic choice.
Like the other models in the brand's roster, it's well made, smart-looking and comes with a wide range of presets, like basic white, wholewheat, brioche and jam, plus four gluten-free programmes for bread, cake, pasta and pizza dough. There are three browning settings (light, medium and dark) and a delay timer, plus an included plastic measuring cup and spoon.
There's no viewing window, so you can't watch your bread while it's baking, but each setting has a clear indication of how long it will take – plus, there's a progress bar, so you can closely monitor which stage your loaf is at.
Photography: Natalie Bass / Good Food
The breadmaker sounds a loud timer once finished, after which you're advised to release your loaf from the tin straightaway and leave to cool. A small hole on the bottom where the paddle sits is to be expected, and even though ours also ripped a little, it came away easily. It had risen perfectly, too, and though the top was a little paler than the rest of the loaf, the texture was open and perfectly fluffy.
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Panasonic SD-B2510
Available from Amazon (£149), John Lewis & Partners (£149)
Best breadmaker overall
Pros:
- Landscape design
- Lightweight and easy to move around
- Large variety of presets
- Customisable settings
Cons:
- No viewing window
- No automatic dispenser
Star rating: 5/5
Wattage: 550W
The SD-B2510 is one of Panasonic’s more affordable breadmakers. Although it doesn’t come with an ingredient dispenser or the wealth of settings of its more expensive counterparts, this model produced one of the best loaves of all of the breadmakers we’ve tested; well-risen, evenly browned and an open and airy texture.
It’s equipped with 21 settings including a range of breads, as well as cakes, jams and gluten-free bakes. This model is landscape in orientation, which offered a good deal of space in front of the machine for prep.
Like all of the Panasonic breadmakers we’ve tested, this one does take a long time to bake. It took four hours to bake a simple loaf. But, if you’re happy to wait for fantastic results, this model is a must-have.
Read our full Panasonic SD-B2510 review.
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Lakeland Bread Maker Plus
Available from Amazon (£139.99), Lakeland (£139.99)
Best breadmaker for experimental home bakers
Pros:
- 15 settings including gluten-free
- Also makes yogurt, jam and desserts
- Automatic dispenser for fruit, seeds, etc.
- Sleek, professional design
- Viewing window
- Delay start and keep warm
Cons:
- Flimsy bread pan handle
- Noisy at times
- Requires ample storage space
Star rating: 5/5
Wattage: 600W
This sleek-looking machine wouldn't look out of place in a professional kitchen. It sits tall on the worktop, with a footprint similar to that of a large toaster – compact enough for most kitchens, though you'll need decent storage space. At £99.99 it sits in the low-range, but the 15 pre-programmed settings hint at what it's capable of. From a basic loaf to gluten-free, sweet and French breads, as well as homemade and bake settings, the selection will inspire beginners, while keeping more confident bakers and sourdough-makers happy. For seed, fruit and other flavoured breads, an auto-dispenser flips down from the lid to stir through extras at the correct time. Settings for jam, yogurt and dessert lend this maker even more kudos in the kitchen.
I tested a basic white loaf, which was ready in around three hours – light golden crust, evenly-baked and with a good open texture. Exactly what you want from a good white loaf. The viewing window is a nice touch, letting you check on progress without lifting the lid. It does get noisy during kneading, and the bread pan handle feels thinner and less robust than the rest of the machine.
The only other drawback was the size; the loaves come out quite tall, which makes them cumbersome to cut and results in very big slices.
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Tefal Pain and Delices
Available from John Lewis & Partners (£89.98), Amazon (£116.46), Very (£139), Argos (£140), Currys (£149.99)
Best breadmaker for more than loaves
Pros:
- Quiet
- Very versatile: can make yogurt
- Good selection of gluten-free recipes
Cons:
- Browns a little unevenly
- No viewing window
Star rating: 5/5
Wattage: 700W
Tefal are well known for their impressive pans and air-fryers and this breadmaker is no exception. If you’re in the market for a versatile breadmaker, this model is a fabulous choice.
Not only does it make a wide selection of classic loaves but it can also be used to make pizza and pasta doughs, as well as a range of dairy products like yogurt and cottage cheese, using the dedicated pot provided.
There’s no viewing window, which was a disappointing omission, but the loaf of bread produced was very good. It was well-risen, with an open and airy texture. The sides and top of the bread were exactly the same colour and both were within the range of the rich, nutty brown we were looking for.
Read our full Tefal Pain and Delices breadmaker review.
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Panasonic SD-YR2550
Available from Amazon (£159), Hughes (£159), Argos (£200)
Best breadmaker for gluten-free bread
Pros:
- Lots of settings
- Settings for gluten-free bread and bread mixes
- Intuitive to use
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Yeast dispenser
- Delay timer
Cons:
- No viewing window
Star rating: 5/5
Wattage: 550W
If you’re taken by the Panasonic breadmaker at the top of the list, but are after a couple more settings (and are willing to spend a bit more), the SD-YR2550 comes with 31 settings in total, four of which are gluten free. There are settings for a wide range of breads, including six dough settings (including one for a sourdough starter), four sweet settings and three manual settings, allowing you to really make the most of your new breadmaker.
It’s very intuitive to use, so ideal for first-time users and Panasonic loyalists alike. It doesn’t come with a viewing window, but does come with an ingredient and yeast dispenser, which is very useful. The loaf produced was nicely brown and well-risen.
Read our full Panasonic SD-YR2550 review.
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Lakeland White Compact 1lb Daily Loaf breadmaker
Available from Lakeland (£69.99)
Best breadmaker for great bread on a budget
Pros:
- Compact
- 11 settings including gluten-free and ultra-fast
- Bakes well
- Simple and practical
- Viewing window
- Easy to clean and store
Cons:
- One loaf size
- Intermittent beeps
- Basic design
- Flimsy bread pan handle
Star rating: 4.5/5
Wattage: 530W
While this might not wow you on the looks front, it's simple to use, compact, easy to wipe clean and store away without having to be too precious about it. At £69.99 it's the most affordable breadmaker in this guide, and it earns its place. It quietly whirls away, wafting delicious bready scents, before delivering an evenly baked, soft, airy loaf that's easy to slice: well risen, evenly browned and fully cooked through, with just the right level of crust and a very good taste.
The one-size 500g loaf is best suited to smaller households and the mid-cycle beep that prompts you to add extra ingredients, should you wish, is loud and I couldn't find a way to turn it off. It only happens twice, but it might bother light sleepers if you've set a delay start for a breakfast bake. The bread pan handle also feels thinner than you'd hope.
These are small drawbacks in an otherwise reliable machine. With 11 settings including gluten-free and French, plus an ultra-fast option that promises a loaf in 1.5 hours, there's plenty to experiment with – though for daily use, it simply does what you need it to do, quietly and well.
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Panasonic SD-YR2540
Available from John Lewis & Partners (£239.99), Amazon (£239), Argos (£240)
Best breadmaker for spelt bread
Pros:
- Automatic dispensers
- Large range of settings
- Lots of accessories included
- Clear and informative manual
- Setting for bread mixes
Cons:
- Expensive
- No viewing window
Star rating: 4.5/5
Wattage: 550W
We tested the SD-YR2540 and the SD-YR2550 (above) side by side and found very little difference between the two models. They’re not quite the same shape, but performance-wise, they produced identical, high-quality loaves.
Unlike the SD-YR2550, the SDYR540 comes with 32 presets, the addition being for spelt bread. Whilst there’s a decent jump in price between the two Panasonic models, if you’re a fan of Panasonic’s design and you’re after a model that can make spelt bread, then it’s worth the investment.
Read our full Panasonic SD-YR2540 review.
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Panasonic SD-R2530
Available from John Lewis & Partners (£179.99)
Best breadmaker for rustic loaves
Pros:
- 30 programmes
- Good range of gluten free settings
- Fruit and nut dispenser
Cons:
- Expensive
Star rating: 4.5/5
Wattage: 550W
This Panasonic breadmaker comes equipped with 30 settings as well as a fruit and nut dispenser. It doesn't come with a yeast dispenser like some of the more expensive Panasonic models on this list, cementing this model firmly as one of their mid-tier breadmakers.
After baking, our test bread had a distinct rustic look to it that we could have easily have passed off as being handmade. The crust was crisp, and whilst we'd have liked to have seen a little more even colour all over, inside, the loaf was light and fluffy.
Read our full Panasonic SD-R2530 review.
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Morphy Richards 48281 Fastbake breadmaker
Available from Amazon (£79)
Best breadmaker for speedy bakes
Pros:
- Small footprint
- Easy to use
- Two fast settings
- Compact lid opening
Cons:
- Browns a little unevenly
- Paddle baked into bread
Star rating: 4.5/5
Wattage: 600W
Where most breadmakers take up a fair chunk of the countertop, this Morphy Richards model is a great option if you're after something a bit more compact. It has 12 settings, including functions for jam and cake. If you need bread in a hurry, there are also two fast-bake settings for small and larger loaves, which each take just 58 minutes.
The controls are positioned on the front of the breadmaker, and we found them very responsive and easy to navigate. There's a viewing window, too, so you can easily check on the progress of the bread without opening the lid.
After baking, we found the paddle came out with the bread and got stuck, and as no removal tool was provided, we had to tear the base to get it out. On the upside, our loaves had an open, pillowy texture, and the crust was nicely browned on the sides.
Read our full review of the Morphy Richards 48281 Fastbake breadmaker.
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Lakeland Deluxe Stainless Steel Bread Maker
Available from Lakeland (£109.99), Amazon (£109.99)
Best bread maker for frequent home breadmaking
Pros
- Multiple options for size and crust control
- Delay timer
Cons
- No fruit and nut dispenser
- Stainless steel shows every thumbprint
Star rating: 4.5/5
Wattage: 650W
This bread maker is laden with bells and whistles that make it a top buy for anybody looking to level up their home baking. I whipped up a simple white loaf and was mightily impressed with the result: the best of the three Lakeland loaves. The crust was golden and even, and the crumb was soft, springy and fine.
The interface is clear and responsive, offering three loaf sizes (500g, 750g or 900g), crust control and a super handy delay timer – this latter feature affording you the ability to dump your ingredients in the evening and wake up to a fresh loaf. Gripes are minor: fruit and nuts need to be dispensed by hand in comparison to the auto dispenser of the 14-in-1 and it lacks yogurt and custom modes. This is nitpicking – overall this is a top option for anybody looking for a bread maker.
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Lakeland Premium 14-in-1 Bread Maker
Available from Lakeland (£249.99), Amazon (£139.99)
Best bread maker for multifunctional kitchens
Pros:
- 14-in-1 makes this a handy appliance if you have the space
- Even, consistent bake
- Super simple from unboxing to baking
Cons:
- Takes up a lot of counter space
- Paddles will leave a small hole in the base of the loaf
Star rating: 4/5
Wattage: 850w
This bread maker by Lakeland offers more versatility and a larger capacity than many of the other bread makers by the brand. I made a simple white loaf and was impressed by the ease – just dump the ingredients in, hit a couple buttons and leave it. The result was a loaf with an even dome, golden crust and fine crumb. A touch squatter than anticipated but the bread was easily shaken out of the loaf tin.
The standout feature for this product is the multitude of features: you can bake a loaf or just as easily make a jam or some yogurt. Additionally you can customise the size of the loaf, the desired crust and even delay the bake so you can come home to or wake up to a fresh loaf. A fruit and nut dispenser is a handy inclusion for further personalisation, fillings are dispensed at the right time to avoid being pulverised in the kneading. The unfortunate trade-off is the size. That extra capacity comes at a bulky trade-off.
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Sage the Custom Loaf breadmaker
Available from Currys (£249.99), Sage (£249.95)
Best-looking breadmaker
Pros:
- Stylish
- Custom programmes
Cons:
- No recipe book included
- Noisy
Star rating: 4/5
Wattage: 830W
This large breadmaker from Sage impressed us with its high-quality stainless steel casing and range of presets. There are four loaf sizes to choose from, plus a range of pre-programmed recipes and a unique custom function for those who want to experiment.
Other features include a handy light, which allows you to check on the bread as it bakes, plus a collapsible paddle for kneading.
We were pleased with how quickly and easily we could use this model, and though it was loud during use and our loaves were a little misshapen, both the taste and texture were good. Read our full review of Sage the Custom Loaf breadmaker.
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Lakeland EasyUse 2lb Bread Maker
Available from Lakeland (£79.99), Amazon (£79.99)
Best bread maker for beginner home bakers on a budget
Pros
- Simple, two-button operation
- Ample presets
- Small and manoeuvrable
Cons
- No crust control
Star rating: 3.5/5
Wattage: 500W
EasyUse by name, easy use by nature. This bread maker offers little by way of frills but a lot by way of bang for your buck. Simply cycle through the 12 presets with one button and start your bake with the other button. You may not have crust control like others in the Lakeland range but I didn’t find it necessary for my simple white loaf, it popped out with ease, well risen and with an even crumb.
The handy viewing window allowed me to inspect the progress throughout and I didn’t find the appliance too cumbersome to set up and move. A bonus is that this isn’t the bulkiest of machines. It won’t swallow up cupboard space and, given its lightweight build, it's not too much of a chore to pull out on occasion. Excellent value and a sensible entry point for first-time bread maker owners.
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More breadmakers tried and tested:
- Russell Hobbs 23620 Fast Bake breadmaker: discontinued
What to look for when choosing a breadmaker
- A timer function: this lets you wake up or come home to a freshly baked loaf.
- Memory recall: useful if in mid-cycle there is a power loss or the machine is accidentally switched off, as it will pick up on where it left off – within a reasonable time frame.
- Loaf size and crust colour: adds versatility and variety to your baking.
- Gluten-free programmes: for those with dietary restrictions.
- Dough only: these expand the repertoire of the machine with homemade pasta, pizza doughs, French sticks, or to bake your loaf in a conventional oven for more of a home-baked look.
- Non-bread functions: yogurt, sourdough starters and jam functions add even more usefulness.
- Extra features: viewing windows, separate yeast or nut and seed dispensers are handy but not essential.
Why are there so many Panasonic models on this list?
Panasonic offers a streamlined collection of kitchen appliances like microwaves, juicers and breadmakers, but its specialty is in the latter. The brand continuously advances its breadmaker technologies and it tends to bring out at least one new model annually.
Panasonic breadmakers come with a large number of settings – anywhere between 20-40 – and often have useful additions such as yeast and ingredient dispensers. On the flip side, Panasonic breadmakers consistently take the longest to bake a loaf.
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