Is there anything more satisfying than the smell of bread wafting through your house? Like something out of a Disney film, it's got to be one of the best scents in the world.
If you've taken the plunge and decided you want to make your own bread, investing in a bread maker is the next logical step. Nobody wants to be left with a crumby loaf, so it's important you choose a bread maker that not only has great reviews but works for you and your kitchen. Here are some things you should consider...
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What do you want to make?
Fancy a standard white or brown loaf each week, or do you crave artisan bread? Is a gluten-free option a must-have, and do you want your machine to make things like pizza dough, cakes and jams? With so many options on the market, it's worth narrowing down your necessities and budget.
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The all-important details...
Should everything be automated, or do you want to feel like Betty Crocker and have a hand in every part of the process? Do you have enough space on your counter for an all-singing-all-dancing machine, or would something more compact suit you better? Make a list, so you can tick off your wants, one by one, ensuring you truly get the upper crust.
Before you go splashing your dough on any old bread maker, let us introduce you to our top picks. They really rise to the occasion...
Best bread makers UK
1 of 5Morphy Richards Homebake Bread Maker
Sleek and modern, the Morphy Richards Homebake Bread Maker has 14 programmes including gluten-free baking, as well as jams, cakes, bagels, ciabatta, whole wheat, croissant, hot cross buns and tea cakes. With five crust settings and a fast bake option (90 mins), you really are spoilt for choice.
£101.87
2 of 5Panasonic SD-ZX2522KXC Bread Maker
Offering a whopping 37 automatic programmes, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the Panasonic does it all. With options for cakes, pasta, gluten-free bread, sourdough, artisan, Italian, scones, pizza dough and more, you'll be a busy baker testing them all out. What's more, there's an automatic dispenser, so ingredients like fruit and nuts can be added with minimal effort. Let it go to work to create delicious treats, and look forward to easy cleaning with the non-stick Diamond-Fluoro coated bread pan and kneading blade.
3 of 5Russell Hobbs 23620 Compact Fast Breadmaker
Don't want to wait around for your bread? With the Russell Hobbs 23620 Fast Bake Bread maker you can enjoy fresh, homemade bread in just 55 minutes - perfect for those impromptu family visits. The compact machine's 12 programmable functions include gluten-free, French, whole-wheat, cake, jam and more. With a delay and keep warm function, it can work around your lifestyle and needs.
4 of 5AmazonBasics 15-Mode Bread Maker
If you're on a budget but still want to make delicious bread, AmazonBasics is here to help. Its 15-mode bread maker allows you to create plenty of bread types, including basic, French, whole, wheat, quick, sweet, gluten-free, dough, jam, cake, sandwich and specialty. It's well-made, and although is noisy and it can dance around on your countertop a bit, it gets the job done.
5 of 5Sensio Home Bread Maker Black Digital
This Sensio bread maker is easy to use and will look great on your kitchen counter. There are 15 automatic programmes to choose from, along with two loaf sizes. You can also prepare doughs for cake, jam, bread rolls and pizza. The viewing window allows you to keep an eye on your bake, and the 13-hour delay and 60-minute keep-warm function are useful additions.
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