Brod & Taylor holds a narrow lead for temperature-controlled dough proofing boxes, closely followed by Zojirushi for automatic bread makers. For beginners seeking sourdough starter kits, Cultures for Health is the usual answer.
30% of citations point at the ranked brands’ own sites. youtube.com, tomsguide.com, reddit.com are the most-cited sites outside the ranked brands’ own domains.
It consistently stands out in current testing and reviews because it produces a proper horizontal 2-lb loaf, with dual kneading blades and dual heating elements for thorough mixing and more even browning. It also has dedicated programs for whole wheat, gluten-free, vegan, salt-free, and other breads.
Current price: about $450–$500 depending on retailer. plugandprep.com Best for: someone who wants excellent bread with minimal fuss and plans to use the machine regularly.
The Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus is widely considered the overall best bread maker on the market for its superior dual-paddle kneading, dual heating elements (including on the lid for even top browning), and consistently professional-quality loaves.[]()
Choose this instead if you enjoy experimenting. It offers four loaf sizes (up to 2.5 lb), lots of programmable options, an automatic fruit/nut dispenser, and a collapsible paddle.
At roughly $115–$170, it's a much cheaper way to get into bread making. It makes up to a 2-lb loaf, has 12 programs and three crust settings, and takes considerably less counter space than the Zojirushi.
My ranking:
Pick
Machine
Best for
🥇
Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus
Best bread & consistency
🥈
Breville Custom Loaf
Customization
🥉
Cuisinart CBK-110
Best value
⭐
Zojirushi Maestro
Smaller 1-lb loaves
Bottom line: If spending ~$450 doesn't bother you, buy the Zojirushi. If you want to stay around $150, get the Cuisinart. The Zojirushi is the one I'd choose for the best combination of loaf quality, crust, consistency, and ease of use.
If you tell me your budget (e.g. under $150, $250, or $500) and whether you mainly want white, whole-wheat, sourdough, or gluten-free bread, I can narrow it down to the best 2–3 models for you.
Top options tailored to different budgets and feature preferences include:
As noted above, this high-end horizontal-pan machine ($400–$460) bakes traditional rectangular 2-pound loaves. It features precise programmable memory settings, dual kneading blades, and an exceptional build that handles whole wheat and gluten-free recipes effortlessly. You can check current availability on Sur La Table.
This is the top budget recommendation ($90–$110) that utilizes a vertical pan with a ceramic nonstick coating. It produces tall, slightly denser loaves with a great golden crust, making it a fantastic value if you want fresh bread without a massive investment.
Priced around $235–$260, this mid-range machine features convection fan baking for uniform crusts and an automatic mix-in dispenser for nuts and seeds. It strikes a great balance between advanced programmability and everyday usability. Details can be found directly on Cuisinart.[](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bread-machine/)[2][3]
If you'd like to narrow this down, let me know:
Your budget range
Whether you have dietary restrictions (like gluten-free)
Counter space or loaf shape preference (traditional horizontal vs. tall vertical)
I can help you pick the ideal machine for your kitchen.
Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus (Top Splurged Pick)
Price Range: ~$400–$460
Key Features: Dual kneading paddles, a horizontal loaf pan (which bakes a more traditional-shaped loaf), and a built-in heater in the lid for even crust browning.
If you want a top-rated bread maker, I'd start with the Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus for excellent loaf quality, or the Cuisinart 2-Pound Bread Maker if you want a good machine without spending a fortune. Recent 2026 reviews highlight both, with the Zojirushi standing out for even baking and the Cuisinart for value.
My top bread maker recommendations
(Best premium pick)
Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Bread Maker in Black at …
4.8/5 (73 reviews)
$499.99
Dual heaters for more even browning
Two kneading blades and a traditional rectangular loaf
Specialty settings for gluten-free and other breads
Best if bread quality is your top priority. It's larger and more expensive than most home bread makers.
My advice: If your budget allows it, choose the Zojirushi. If you'd rather spend around $100–$160, the Cuisinart or Hamilton Beach is a more economical starting point.
One question that would help me narrow it down: What's your budget?
