No more buying bread from the store—now you can easily make your own, from hearty sourdough to light, fluffy whole wheat, with style and expertise. After exploring Australia's diverse baking scene, we've found the top 10 breadmakers to make your bread-making journey fun and easy. Below, we uncover why these bread machines are perfect for your needs.
Our Top Picks
This guide is an elaborate review that contains all you need to know about the best bread makers in Australia. However, if you need to make a quick purchase, here are our top three picks.
Panasonic SD-R2530 Bread Maker
Best overall bread maker with 30 preset programs, automatic dispenser, 13-hour advance timer, and dual temperature sensors.
Dash Everyday Bread Maker
Best compact bread maker with 12 preset programs, gluten-free setting, automatic dispenser, and a stainless steel build.
Cuisinart CBK-210 Bread Maker
Best gluten-free breadmaker with 16 preset programs, glass top touchscreen control, automatic dispenser, and convection fan.
Our review of the best breadmakers in Australia took into account the performance, features, user feedback, and overall reliability of each product to help you choose the perfect breadmaker for your needs. Here's everything we found.
1. Panasonic SD-R2530 Bread Maker
Best Overall Bread Maker
Dimension: 25.2 x 36.2 x 40.8 cm; 7 kg
Loaf size: 450g, 680g, 900g
Wattage: 550W
The Panasonic SD-R2530 is an automatic and versatile bread maker. It can prepare bread, cake, pizza, compote, and more. It has a 2-hour rapid program for a bread quickie and a 13-hour advance timer to start your day with a ravishing fresh bread aroma. Let’s see more of what this bread maker offers.
Pros of the Panasonic SD-R2530
Here are the best bits of the Panasonic SD-R2530 and why we ranked it as the best breadmaker for Australians.
#1 - 30 Automatic Programs with Gluten-Free Mode
The Panasonic SD-R2530 offers 30 baking programs to create different types of bread and dough. You get 12 breads, four gluten-free, seven doughs, four sweets, and three manual programs. The breadmaker also has a bread mix program, where you only need to add water and let the machine do the rest.
This versatility means you can experiment with various recipes and different dietary preferences beyond baking bread. Panasonic's bread machine also lets you customise the crust colour and loaf size. You get three levels of control over the loaf size and crust. Your bread options, however, include white, sourdough, French, brioche, and whole wheat.
#2 - Raisin/Nut Dispenser
The SD-R2530 has an integrated nut and raisin dispenser. So, you don't have to worry about the timing as the machine intelligently dispenses the nut and raisins in a controlled and convenient manner and at consistent intervals for even distribution.
Adding raisins and nuts to bread can enhance its flavour, texture, and nutritional value. It also helps create a contrast between the raisins' sweetness and the nuts' crunchiness, adding a bit more complexity and making the bread more satisfying.
#3 - Horizontal Design and Non-Stick Pan
The compact horizontal design of the SD-R2530 has an extra visual appeal. To maximise your space, it has a flush lid that reduces the machine’s height. Cleaning up after baking is also easy, thanks to the non-stick bread pan and removable kneading blade. Both are easy to remove and clean, ensuring that the breadmaker stays in excellent condition.
#4 - Manual Time Setting Mode and 13-hour Advance Timer
The built-in delay timer on the Panasonic SD-R2530 lets you set a specific time for your bread to start baking. This gives you the convenience of having freshly baked bread exactly when you want it.
Additionally, the manual time setting allows you to tailor the bread-making process. You can adjust the timing for kneading, fermenting, baking, adding extra ingredients, and even determining when the baking should finish.
#5 - Dual Temperature Sensor
The Panasonic SD-R2530 offers consistent bread quality due to its efficient temperature control function. It has two temperature sensors:
- The first detects the external temperature within your kitchen or where the bread maker is placed,
- The second determines the temperature within its oven.
The dual temperature sensors operate in tandem to ensure the right balance of heat and timing for a high-quality bake.
The temperature sensor in a bread baker is responsible for monitoring and regulating the appliance's internal temperature, ensuring precise and consistent heat levels for optimal bread-baking results.
Cons of the Panasonic SD-R2530
There are a few potential cons to be aware of if you choose the Panasonic SD-R2530. These include:
#1 - Slightly Bulky
As compact as Panasonic tried to make the SD-R2530 look even with a flush lid, it still takes up a sizeable space. This is a concern if you are looking to fit the breadmaker into the little corner of your kitchen. To be sure, measure the product's dimensions against its designated space before purchase.
#2 - No Yeast Dispenser
Another potential issue you may find hard to overlook is the absence of a yeast dispenser. This means you'll need to add the yeast directly into the pan when preparing your bread. However, this wasn't a major dealbreaker for us as it didn't impact the quality of the bread.
Overall Verdict
The Panasonic SD-R2530 Automatic Bread Maker is a stellar appliance, combining the brand's legacy of quality with the joy of homemade bread. While it has its drawbacks, like any product, its benefits significantly outweigh them, making it a worthy investment and our best pick for Aussies.
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2. Breville BBM800XL Bread Maker
Best for Large-Sized Bread
Dimension: 35.2 x 24.8 x 39.9 cm; 7.64 kg
Loaf size: 500 g, 750 g, 1 kg, or 1.25 kg
Wattage: 830W
The Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker BBM800XL does not have the XL in its model number for no reason, it's the best breadmaker in Australia for large-sized loaves. It can bake loaves as big as 1.25 kg with crust colour customisation. The breadmaker also offers 13 automatic programs with automatic nut dispensers, among other features.
Best Bits of Breville BBM800XL
We recommend the Breville BBM800XL for the following reasons:
#1 - Automatic Fruit and Nut Dispenser
The Breville BBM800XL has an automatic fruit and nut dispenser. It adds mix-ins like fruits, nuts, and chocolate chips at the optimal time during the kneading process. This ensures even distribution throughout the bread, which not every breadmaker can promise.
Adding fruit to a bread maker can enhance the flavour and texture of your bread. However, consider the characteristics of the specific fruit you choose, such as its moisture content and sweetness, to ensure a balanced and well-textured final product. Additionally, be mindful of the recommended timing and quantity specified in your bread maker's manual or recipe guidelines to achieve the best results.
#2 - 13 Automatic Settings
Breville's BBM800XL bread maker offers versatility with four different loaf size options: 500 g, 750 g, 1 kg, or 1.25 kg. This is useful for different family sizes or occasions. The appliance also has 13 automatic settings, including gluten-free, yeast-free, crusty loaf, dough, and even jam.
You can experiment with different types of bread and recipes. This falls short of the 30 settings offered by the Panasonic SD-R2530. However, if you prefer more control when baking, the appliance allows you to store up to nine custom settings to further personalise your recipes.
#3 - Clean Interface with LCD Screen
The breadmaker boasts a large and easy-to-read LCD display. It provides clear visual feedback about the stages of the bread-making process, including rest, kneading, rise, baking, and warm phases. You can also view your bread crust and size selections on the display.
#4 - Collapsible Kneading Paddle and Interior Light
The Breville BBM800XL has two nifty features that we appreciate:
- Its paddle folds down before the bread starts baking, reducing the hole size at the bottom of the baked loaf and giving more room for the loaf to expand.
- It also features a handy interior light, which lets you monitor the baking progress without having to open the lid.
#5 - Power Interruption Protection
If there's an uncommon event like a power outage while you're baking your bread, don't worry. The bread maker has a backup power that lasts for 60 minutes to keep your baking going until the power comes back on.
Breville's 60-minute backup power isn't enough to bake a full bread; thus we do not recommend baking using only the backup power. On average, a basic loaf of white bread can take between two and three hours, whereas more complex recipes, like banana bread or cinnamon raisin bread, may take closer to four hours.
What Can Be Improved
On the downside, here's what to be aware of.
#1 - Big and Loud
The Breville BBM800XL is not a compact machine, which is understandable due to its large loaf-size options. Thus, we do not recommend it for smaller kitchens or frequent movement. Also, the machine can be slightly noisy during the kneading phase, which can be bothersome.
#2 - Paddle Occasionally Sticks
While the collapsible paddle is a great feature, we found reports that it sometimes sticks to the bread, making extraction a bit challenging. We didn't have this experience first-hand, but keep that in mind when using the appliance.
Overall Verdict
At its price point, the Breville BBM800XL breadmaker is a good bargain, as it offers a very large loaf size. It has a collapsible kneading blade and interior light when viewing the baking progress. You also get power interruption control that keeps your baking going when there is a power outage.
3. Dash Everyday Bread Maker
Best Compact Breadmaker
Dimension: 37.08 x 34.04 x 30.73 cm; 6.80 kg
Loaf size: 680g
Wattage: 450W
The Dash Everyday Stainless Steel Bread Maker is our top pick if you want a sleek and compact breadmaker. It caters to varied bread-making needs, from gluten-free breads to those requiring special ingredients.
Pros of the Dash Everyday Bread Maker
Here are the best bits of the Dash Everyday Bread Maker.
#1 - Compact Design
The Dash Everyday Bread Maker is ideal for small kitchens and countertops. It's compact, with a height of 30 cm and a width of 34 cm. Its sleek stainless steel design sits well in less spacious kitchens without being an obstruction. Despite its compact design, Dash's bread maker has comprehensive features ensuring you get a versatile and quality bread-making experience.
#2 - 680 grams Loaf Capacity
Dash's bread maker caters to both small and medium-sized families, allowing users to make up to a 680 g loaf. So, whether you’re having an intimate dinner or a family gathering, the bread maker can help. However, unlike most other options on this list, you only get a single loaf size.
Most bread makers can bake loaves weighing between 450 and 900 grams. To put it in perspective, a 450-gram loaf yields approximately 10 slices, while a 1 kg can provide around 20 slices.
#3 - Programmable with 12 Settings
For personalisation, the Everyday Bread Maker has 12 pre-set programs, including basic bread, French, whole wheat, ultra-fast, sweet, gluten-free, artisan dough, jam, cake, and sandwich. This variety means you can explore and experiment with different recipes and preferences.
#4 - Automatic Filling Dispenser
The breadmaker features an automatic filling dispenser. So, whether you want to add nuts, fruits, or other ingredients, it automatically adds them at the right time during baking.
#5 - Gluten-Free Setting
Like most options on the market, Dash's Breadmaker includes a dedicated gluten-free setting. This ensures that those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities can enjoy freshly baked bread without any worries.
The gluten-free setting on a bread maker is tailored for baking with gluten-free flours, which have distinct properties compared to regular wheat flour. This setting ensures the proper mixing and adequate rising time, contributing to a better texture and taste.
Cons of the Dash Everyday Bread Maker
For a complete overview of the Dash Everyday Bread Maker, here are some downsides to note:
#1 - Noise Level
During the kneading process, the Dash's bread maker can be slightly louder than some other models on the market, which might be distracting if used during quiet times like the early mornings or late nights.
#2 - Basic Instruction Manual
Dash's instruction manual can feel a bit basic if you're new to bread making. A more detailed guide, perhaps with more recipes and tips, could improve the overall user experience.
Overall Verdict
The Dash Everyday Bread Maker is packed with features that make bread-making easy. While it could benefit from some improvement, its strengths, such as the 12 settings and automatic filling dispenser, undeniably make it a worthy addition to any small or compact Australian kitchen.
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4. Breville The Baker's Dozen Bread Maker
Best With Long Delay Timer
Dimension: 31.2 x 26.2 x 30.4 cm; 1.25 kg
Loaf size: 450 g, 680 g, 900 g
Wattage: 730W
The Breville Baker’s Dozen Bread Maker gets its name from the 13 preset programs. In case you are still out of the bandwagon, “Baker’s Dozen” means thirteen. the bread maker is our top pick for the longest delay start timer with its 15-hour delay. Most breadmakers have only a 13-hour delay.
Pros of Breville The Baker's Bread Maker
Here are the features we enjoyed most on the Breville Baker’s Dozen Bread Maker.
#1 - 15-Hour Delay Timer and Auto Keep Warm
Thanks to Breville's 15-hour delay timer, you can wake up to the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread. The timer surpasses that of the Russell Hobbs 23620 and the Panasonic SD-R2530, allowing an additional two hours.
The breadmaker also includes an auto keep-warm function that offers the flexibility of snoozing for an extra hour, ensuring that your bread remains warm and ready to be enjoyed after baking.
A Delay Timer allows you to load ingredients into your bread machine and set a specific time for the bread-making process to start. However, some ingredients, like dairy products, aren't often suitable. Thus, we recommend using it with recipes that you've already tried and know work well.
#2 - 13 Preset Programs
The Breville The Baker's Dozen Bread Maker has one more pre-set option than the Dash Everyday Bread Maker. Its 13 preset programs include basic, french, sweet, whole wheat, continental, yeast-free, and gluten-free. There is the express bread mode if you are in haste and yogurt and jam programs that you can incorporate into your meals.
#3 - Ease of Use and Versatility
There isn't much difference between both LCD screens from Breville. They facilitate easy operation and clear menu options, ensuring you can navigate the baking process easily.
Breville understands that not everyone has the same taste, so it offers crust colour selections between light, medium, and dark. This is alongside three loaf size options, which are 450g, 680g, or 900g.
#4 - Easy to Clean
Breville's machine has a removable kneading blade and a non-stick bread pan that makes cleaning the bread maker easy. You only need a mild soap and water to wipe the machine clean after each baking. The removable kneading blade also makes extra room for cleaning ease.
Clean your bread maker after each use to prevent lingering ingredients from spoiling and contaminating future batches. If your bread machine sees frequent use, consider thoroughly cleaning it at least once or twice a week. But if you use the machine primarily for dough preparation, then an annual cleaning is ideal.
#5 - Automatic Nut & Fruit Dispenser
Breville The Baker's Dozen Bread Maker has an automatic nut and fruit dispenser. You can bake recipes that include nuts, fruits, raisins, and other extra ingredients like chocolate chips and seeps. The dispenser adds the ingredients to the dough uniformly and at optimal times.
What Can Improve?
Breville The Baker's Dozen Bread Maker isn't without cons. Here's what we think can be improved.
#1 - No Yeast Dispenser
Just like the Panasonic SD-R2530, the Baker's Dozen doesn't have a yeast dispenser. Thus, you have to manually add the yeast alongside other ingredients to the kneading pan.
#2 - No Pizza Dough
We know we are discussing breadmaking, but pizza dough has been a common addition for most breadmakers. Unfortunately, Breville's machine doesn't make pizza dough. It has additional programs like yogurt and jam, anyway.
Overall Verdict
Breville The Baker's Dozen Bread Maker is a versatile appliance that ticks many boxes of a quality breadmaking appliance. While it has no yeast dispenser and can't make pizza dough, it offers the longest delay timer at 15 hours, a keep warm function, and a power interruption function, which is common with Breville breadmakers.
5. Cuisinart CBK-210 Bread Maker
Best Gluten-Free Breadmaker
Dimension: 62.23 x 46.23 x 41.4 cm; 11.11 kg
Loaf size: 450g, 680g, 900g
Wattage: 730W
The Cuisinart CBK-210 Bread Maker is our top pick if you want a bread maker mainly for gluten-free bread. It has a modern design and features, and an easy-to-use touchscreen. Cuisineart's CBK-210 can also make other types of bread, making it a great choice for all your baking needs.
Best Bits of the Cuisinart Bread Maker
The Cuisinart Bread Maker is an excellent purchase for the following reasons:
#1 - Glass Top Touchscreen Control
One of the standout features of the breadmaker is the glass top touchscreen control. It is a fancy-looking edge-to-edge glass cover that has a viewing window for checking the bread-baking progress. Most breadmakers have an opaque lid that makes it difficult to monitor your bread-making process.
#2 - Convection Fan
The Cuisinart CBK-210 uses a convection fan for efficient temperature distribution. This means the bread comes out evenly baked because of this coordinated heat distribution. You also get a consistent crust colour and texture due to the hot air circulation within the breadmaker.
Convection fans improve the efficiency of your bread-making process by circulating the warm air within the maker rather than only depending on the heating elements to get the job done. However, it's important to note that bread makers with a convection fan tend to be a bit more expensive than regular bread makers.
#3 - Custom Features
Cuisinart's CBK-210 Bread Maker offers a good degree of control over your bread output with several customisation options. The breadmaker boasts other convenient features, including:
- An automatic fruit and nut dispenser to add flavour and texture to your bread,
- Delayed start and bake-only options to enhance the flexibility in your baking schedules,
- And a removable non-stick kneading paddle and bread pan that simplifies cleaning and maintenance.
#4 - 16 Menu Programs
For breadmaking programs, you get 16 menus, including Basic White, Whole Wheat, French, Gluten-Free, Artisan dough, Sourdough, and others. You can also choose from three distinct crust colours – Light, Medium, and Dark – according to your preference.
Additionally, the bread maker accommodates flexibility in loaf sizes, allowing you to bake up to 900 grams with three size options. These options ensure that you can tailor your bread-making experience to meet your requirements.
While crust colour for bread depends on personal preferences and the bread type, sometimes they are an indicator of whether the bread is fully baked. If the exterior of your bread looks too pale, it might need a few more minutes. We recommend referring to your recipe or bread maker's manual for specific instructions.
#5 - Extra Additions
Cuisinart added three additional tools to its breadmaker. There is a 30 by 40 cm Bamboo chopping board with a stainless steel handle, a 20 cm stainless steel bread knife, and a “Gluten-Free Baking Classics for the Bread Machine” paperback book as additions to buying this machine.
Cons of the Cuisinart Bread Maker
For potential dealbreakers, take note of the following:
#1 - Pricey
The bread maker machine is priced higher, largely because of its convection fan, as previously explained. Apart from this, the bread maker stands up well when compared to other bread makers.
#2 - Bulky
The Cuisinart bread maker is also a bit large. It's more than 60 cm deep, over 45 cm wide, and taller than 40 cm. It's also quite heavy, weighing in at 11 kg.
Overall Verdict
With a glass top, touchscreen control, 16 programs, custom features, a convection fan, and extra additions like the Gluten-Free Baking Classics for the Bread Machine paperback book, the Cuisinart CBK-210 Bread Maker is an excellent investment and offers good value for money.
6. Panasonic SD-2530KST Bread Maker
Best With Artisan-Style Kneading
Dimension: 40.8 x 25.2 x 36.2 cm; 7 kg
Loaf size: 450g, 680g, 900g
Wattage: 730 W
The Panasonic SD-2530KST is a compact, automatic bread maker with 30 preset programs and a dual temperature sensor. Its artisan-style kneading is the most outstanding feature of this machine.
Best Bits of Panasonic SD-2530KST
We recommend the Panasonic SD-2530KST for the following reasons:
#1 - Artisan-Style Kneading
Artisan-style kneading mimics the traditional methods used by artisan bakers. Thus, it is one thing to have an automatic breadmaker knead your dough and another for a breadmaker to promise you artisan-style kneading.
The Panasonic SD-2530KST does this efficiently using a combination of a unique kneading blade and ribs in the baking pan to create outstanding, soft, and fluffy bread. The process involves thoroughly mixing and kneading the dough to develop the gluten to give the bread its structure.
For breadmakers, artisan-style kneading is automated and carefully controlled to balance kneading and resting times for optimal gluten development. The result is a dough with the right texture and elasticity. The artisan-style kneading feature allows you to recreate these characteristics at home with ease.
#2 - Double Temperature Sensor and 13-Hour Digital Timer
Panasonic's SD-2530KST, like the SD-R2530, offers consistent bread quality through its dual temperature sensors. The two built-in sensors determine the internal and external temperatures of the breadmaker and attain the right balance for an optimum result, irrespective of the recipe.
Likewise, both bread makers from Panasonic offer a 13-hour delay timer so that you can wake up or come back home to the amazing aroma of fresh bread.
#3 - Automatic Nut/Fruit Dispenser
You get an automatic dispenser for recipes requiring additional ingredients like fruits, nuts, and raisins to make mixing easier. The machine adds these ingredients at the best time to avoid being crushed during kneading.
#4 - 30 Automatic Programs and Manual Settings
Panasonic's SD-2530KST breadmaker has 30 automatic programs that are broad enough to accommodate your needs. It has 12 bread, four gluten-free, four cake and jam, seven dough, and three manual programs.
You can easily use bread mixes, select your preferred recipe, and let the machine do the work. Alternatively, you can use any of the three manual programs for personal recipes and full control over the bread output.
Always add ingredients to your bread maker in the correct order. Unless otherwise stated, the proper order to add ingredients is as follows: liquids first, then sugar/salt, then flour, then yeast. Adding ingredients to your machine’s basket in the wrong order often results in poor-quality loaves.
#5 - Crust Colour and Loaf-Size Customisation
The breadmaker allows you customise the crust colour and loaf sizes. There are three options for both parameters. You can choose between light, medium, or dark for the crust and medium, large, or extra large for the loaf size.
What Can Be Improved
How about potential cons? The Panasonic SD-2530KST has one; it's designed with no viewing window.
#1 - No Viewing Window
There is no viewing window for your bread when it's baking. While it's not a deal breaker, seeing your bread bake through the lid is always nice.
Overall Verdict
The Panasonic SD-2530KST bread maker, with artisan-style kneading and 30 automatic programs, costs slightly less than $300. It offers a wide range of features like an automatic dispenser, crust colour, loaf size customisation, a double temperature sensor, and a 13-hour delay timer.
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7. Sunbeam BM7850 Smartbake Bread Maker
Best for Programmability
Dimension: 29.5 x 45.3 x 37.1 cm; 7.4 kg
Loaf size: 750g, 1 kg, 1.25 kg
Wattage: 730W
The Sunbeam BM7850 Smartbake is a smart bread maker that offers eight programmable slots for custom recipes. Do not confuse this with presets; we'll explain below. It also has a 1.25 kg bread capacity, which is on par with the Breville BBM800XL Bread Maker, albeit the latter has three more additional loaf size options compared to its two.
Best Bits of Sunbeam BM7850 Smartbake
Here are five reasons to buy the Sunbeam BM7850 Smartbake bread maker:
#1 - 8 Programmable Memory Settings and Customisation
The highlight of the Sunbeam BM7850 Smartbake is its custom setting feature that allows you to save eight different recipes. This means if you have a unique recipe or specific preferences, you can manually set the kneading, rising, and baking times and store them in any of these slots.
Most bread makers offer numerous presets that you have little to no control over. An example is the Panasonic SD-R2530 Bread Maker, which offers 30 automatic settings that only include three manual or programmable memory slots. If you have personal bread-making recipes, programmable slots come in handy.
Besides this, the bread maker also lets you choose between three crust colours; light, medium, and dark, per your preferences.
Always check the dough's consistency during the kneading cycle. Don't hesitate to adjust if the dough looks too dry or wet. If it's too dry, add warm water one spoonful at a time. If it's too wet, add flour one spoonful at a time. This helps you achieve the perfect dough consistency for a delicious loaf of bread.
#2 - Automatic Dispenser and Non-Stick Parts
Like most breadmakers on this list, the Sunbeam BM7850 includes an automatic dispenser and non-stick parts.
- The automatic dispenser adds fruits, nuts, or seeds into the dough at the right time during kneading, ensuring even distribution.
- The bread pan and kneading blade are coated with a non-stick material to make removing the baked bread from the pan and cleaning easy.
#3 - 15-Hour Delay Timer and Keep Warm
The Sunbeam BM7850 includes a delay start timer, allowing users to add ingredients and then have the bread ready at a later time – perfect for waking up to freshly baked bread in the morning.
It matches Breville's The Baker's Dozen Bread Maker 15-hour delay timer and also includes a keep warm function for when the bread is prepared. Between the two, Breville's breadmaker has one more automatic preset (13 options) than the Sunbeam but no manual programs.
#4 - Loaf Size and 12 Programmed Menus
The Smartbake offers 12 pre-set programs, including basic, wheat, French, sweet, and gluten-free. It has a maximum bread capacity of 1.25 kg, making it suitable for larger families. Besides baking bread, the machine can make jam or prepare dough for rolls, pizza, and pastries.
Always choose the right loaf size for your needs. A smaller loaf size is sufficient if you're baking for a small family or just for yourself. Remember, the amount of ingredients you use will vary depending on the loaf size, so always follow the recipe or instructions provided by your bread maker.
#5 - LCD Control Panel and Display Window
The bread machine packs a user-friendly control panel with a clear LCD display that shows the cycle, crust colour, and loaf size selections. The display lets you see the stage of your breadmaking in real-time, whether preheating, kneading, rising, baking, or keeping warm.
Cons of the Sunbeam BM7850 Smartbake
The Sunbeam BM7850 Smartbake has one potential downside; noise.
#1 - Noise
We found reports that the machine can be noisy during the kneading cycle, which is a concern, but only if you plan to use it during quiet hours.
Overall Verdict
Sunbeam's eight programmable memory setting is the second largest in this review, one less than the Breville BBM800XL Bread Maker with nine custom settings. Thus, we recommend it if you want to make and save your own bread recipes for convenience and consistency.
It offers 12 programmed recipes, a viewing window, an automatic nut/fruit dispenser, a 15-hour delay timer, and a keep warm function. We recommend it over Breville The Baker's Dozen Bread Maker if you want more than just a long-hour delay timer.
8. Tower T11003 Digital Bread Maker
Best Fast-Bake Breadmaker
Dimension: 35.7 x 24 x 30.5 cm; 5.06 kg
Loaf size: 900 g
Wattage: 550W
The Tower T11002 Digital Bread Maker offers a 60-minute fast bake program, among the fastest on our list. Besides its other functions, it's a compact machine that is made of stainless steel and plastic, making it durable yet lightweight.
Pros of the Tower T11003 Bread Maker
Here are the best bits of the Tower T11003 Digital Bread Maker.
#1 - Quick Baking in Just 60 Minutes
If you are pressed for time, Tower's T11003 ultra-fast baking function can whip up a loaf of fresh, homemade bread in just 60 minutes. We appreciate it particularly as its able to blend the need for convenience and pleasure of fast baking without compromising on the quality and taste of your bread.
Try to use room-temperature ingredients. Cold ingredients can slow down the yeast activity, which often affects the rising of your bread. So, take your ingredients out of the fridge a little while before you start baking for the best results.
#2 - Delay Timer and Keep Warm Function
Like many others on this list, it includes a 13-hour delay timer so that you can plan ahead. This is for anyone who loves waking up to the aroma of freshly baked bread or coming home to a warm loaf after work.
Its 60-minute keep warm function ensures your bread remains at the perfect temperature after baking, adding one more hour to the 13-hour delay timer for extra convenience.
#3 - 12 Automatic Programs and Crust Control
This bread maker includes 12 automatic programs ranging from basic and whole wheat bread to more specialised options like gluten-free and French bread, ensuring you have enough bread options to enjoy. You can also customise the colour of the bread crust to suit your preferences, i.e., whether you prefer a light golden crust or a dark, crunchy one.
Don't open the lid too often during the baking process. The heat and humidity inside the bread maker are carefully controlled for optimal bread rising and baking. Opening the lid often lets out heat that disrupts this process.
#4 - Non-Stick Bread Pan
Maintaining and cleaning the T11003 Digital Bread Maker is easy thanks to the non-stick bread pan, which ensures easy removal of the loaf and a straightforward cleaning process.
Cons of the Tower T11003 Bread Maker
Here are two potential dealbreakers to consider before purchasing:
#1 - No Loaf-Size Selection
You do not get loaf-size customisation with the Tower T11003 Digital bread maker. The bread weight capacity of 0.9 kg can be too big or small on some days.
#2 - External Heat
On prolonged usage, the external body can get quite hot. This is crucial to consider, especially if you intend to use your bread baker frequently.
Overall Verdict
The Tower T11003 is the best fast-bake breakmaker. It has a fine LCD display, a 13-hour delay timer, and 12 preset programs. Its shortfall includes the external unit's heating up and the lack of loaf-size customisation.
9. TODO BM1331 Bread Maker
Smallest Bread Maker
Dimension: 33 x 29 x 29 cm; 5.6 kg
Loaf size: 680g, 900g
Wattage: 550W
The TODO BM1331 Bread Maker is small and affordable. With a price below $100, this machine is one of the cheapest bread makers in price with a space-saving design. It features crust colour customisation, two loaf size options, a keep-warm function, and a delay timer.
Best Bits of TODO BM1331 Bread Maker
Here are the best bits of the TODO BM1331 Bread Maker:
#1 - Compact and Minimal
The TODO BM1331 Breadmaker has a simple and compact design. It fits comfortably into any sizeable corner of your kitchen, even if you have limited space. The exterior is made of plastic with a mature white colour that looks elegant and pleasing, even at its price point.
#2 - 12 Programmed Functions
TODO offers a good mix of programmed functions. You have several bread, dough, and sweet recipes, including Basic White, Whole Wheat, French, Gluten-Free, Cake, Jam, Sandwich, and others. You also get Quick and Ultra-Fast programs at your disposal for a quick bread-making process.
#3 - Keep Warm Function and 13-Hour Delay
You can have the TODO BM1331 Bread Maker bake your bread in your absence with its 13-hour delay timer. It also includes a 60-minute keep warm function that ensures your bread is warm and ready after preparation.
#4 - LCD Display and Crust Colour Options
The user interface includes buttons and an LCD screen. You can select your preferred crust colour between light, medium, and dark. Also, you can choose between two loaf sizes, 680g and 900g.
Be careful with the amount of salt you use. Salt often inhibits the action of the yeast, so too much can prevent your bread from rising properly. Always measure your salt carefully, and try to use the exact amount specified in the recipe.
What Can Be Improved
Still, the TODO BM1331 Bread Maker can do with a few improvements:
#1 - No Automatic Dispenser
Yes, this is a cheap machine, but a dispenser is an essential feature. If you bake with ingredients like nuts and fruits, we recommend considering other options on our list.
#2 - Plastic Casing
The TODO BM1331 Bread maker's exterior is plastic, which appears fragile. Stainless steel is the preferable material for durability and sturdiness. Plastic, on the other hand, appears less sophisticated and strong.
Overall Verdict
Costing below $100, the TODO BM1331 gives you a good degree of value and compactness. It is a decent performer with 12 preset programs, a keep warm function, a 13-hour delay timer, an LCD display, and crust customisation. We recommend it if you want a small bread maker for infrequent use.
10. Mistral MBM496B Bread Maker
Cheapest Bread Maker
Dimension: 36.2 x 24.9 x 29.4 cm; 4.3 kg
Loaf size: 700g, 900g
Wattage: 550W
The most pocket-friendly bread maker in Australia is the Mistral Bread Maker MBM496B. It sells for a price below $90 without shortchanging your automatic bread-making experience. You get 12 preset programs that include basic white, French, whole wheat, and gluten-free, among other functions.
Pros of Mistral MBM496B Bread Maker
Here's why we recommend the Mistral MBM496B Bread Maker as the best cheap option in Australia.
#1 - Loaf Size and Crust Customisation
Don’t be surprised; being the cheapest breadmaker does not mean you won’t get exciting features. The Mistral Bread Maker has two loaf size options between 700g and 900g to cater to your varying bread sizes. Also, there is full crust customisation from light to the dark crust.
#2 - 13-Hour Programmable Timer
Yes, you can preset the bread maker to bake while you are sleeping or away from the house. It features a 13-hour programmable timer that gives you the luxury of a bread aroma welcome.
You can save time on the bread-making process with this timer. This is in addition to its 60-minute keep-warm function, which keeps your bread fresh after preparation for an extra hour.
#3 - LCD Display and Viewing Window
The Mistral MBM496B has an LCD display where you can keep track of the settings and your baking level. You also get a wide viewing window on the lid to see how your bread is progressing in real-time.
#4 - Non-Stick Pan
The baking pan of this bread maker is non-stick, making cleaning easy. It also features non-stick kneading and mixing paddles for the same purpose.
Cons of Mistral MBM496B Bread Maker
Despite its price point, we felt the following could be improved:
#1 - Lack of Auto-Dispenser
The bread maker includes no Auto-Dispenser, which is a handy feature that automatically adds ingredients like nuts or fruits into the dough at the right time during the kneading process.
#2 - Fragile Plastic Construction
Like the TODO BM1331, it has a casing made of plastic that is somewhat delicate. This makes it more susceptible to damage during shipping or any other kind of impact during use.
Overall Verdict
The Mistral Bread Maker MBM496B is the cheapest bread maker for basic automatic bread-making. It does not have all the high-end features, but it does have all you will need for decent bread baking.
Enrich your culinary journey by mastering the art of bread-making and using various cooking techniques. Find inspirations and tips on How to Become a Good Cook, and let’s turn every meal into a splendid homemade feast, beginning with your freshly baked bread.
What is the Best Bread Maker in Australia?
For the best bread maker in Australia, there are a multitude of factors to consider. Here’s a detailed list of parameters to help you choose the best option for your unique bread-making needs:
1. Determine Your Needs
A bread machine that makes 1.2 kg of loaf size may not be the best for you based on your particular need, but it is the ideal choice for someone else. The first step to getting the best bread machine is determining your needs. Before diving into product specifications, first decide:
- Frequency of Use: How often do you plan to bake?
- Types of Bread: Do you prefer basic white bread, whole grain, gluten-free, or specialty bread like French or Italian? Are you looking for the best bread maker for sourdough in Australia?
- Additional Features: Do you want the machine only for bread or for making jam, cakes, or dough for pizzas and pastries as well?
These questions will guide you towards the important features to look out for in the machine.
2. Capacity and Size
Are you looking to make bread for yourself alone or a bigger number of people? Breadmakers can produce different loaf sizes, typically ranging from 500 g to 1.5 kg. Select one based on your family's size and consumption patterns. Ensure you have enough space on your kitchen counter and in storage. Some machines can be bulky, while others are compact.
3. Bread Settings and Programs
If you love experimenting, opt for a bread maker with various settings for different bread types. You should be looking at a minimum of 12 preset programs on the machine. For health concerns, look out for Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free, and Salt-Free cooking programs.
Additionally, some machines go a step further to allow you to program custom settings for your unique recipes. For example, you can save up to eight homemade recipes on the Sunbeam BM7850 Smartbake Bread Maker, whereas the Panasonic SD-R2530 allows three manual programs.
4. Consider Extra Features
There are some additional features that really make a breadmaker stand out, and here is a summary for you to take note of.
- Delay Timer: To prepare everything in advance and have fresh bread when you want.
- Keep Warm Function: Keeps the bread warm after baking.
- Viewing Window: Let you monitor the progress without lifting the lid.
- Crust Control: Adjusts the crust's darkness — light, medium, or dark.
- Auto Dispenser: For adding fruits, nuts, or seeds at the right time during kneading.
5. User-Friendly and Easy Cleaning
The bread maker user interface is an important consideration. Look for intuitive control panels and clear displays. Non-stick and easy-to-remove pans make cleaning simpler and easier. Having dishwasher-safe pans and kneading blades can save a lot of hassle in cleaning.
6. Noise Level
Bread makers can be noisy during the kneading process. Check reviews to see if the noise level of a particular model is bearable for you. There are no super quiet breadmakers but there are varying degrees of noise they produce.
7. Build Material and Durability
The two common materials are stainless steel and plastic. Those made of stainless steel tend to be more durable and sturdy than their plastic counterparts. Some machines can have a good combination of both materials, and some have rubber in the mix as well.
8. Energy Consumption
A bread maker consumes energy according to its wattage and your local electricity rate. Check the wattage and consider energy efficiency, especially if you plan to use it frequently. The wattage of breadmakers ranges between 500 and 1200 W.
After considering these factors, prioritise what's most essential for you. Remember, the "best" bread maker is subjective; it's the one that fits your needs, preferences, and budget the best.
9. Price and Brand
While pricier machines often have more features and better durability, many mid-range machines offer great value. Brands like Panasonic, Breville, and Sunbeam have excellent reputations in Australia. However, always check recent reviews for the specific model you’re considering.
How is a Breadmaker Different From an Oven?
Bread machines and ovens are both appliances used for baking, but they have distinct characteristics and functions. Here's a breakdown of the primary differences between the two:
Functionality and Purpose
Bread makers are designed specifically for making bread. It automates the entire bread-making process, including mixing, kneading, proofing, and baking. Some breadmakers have extra functions like making jam, compote, pizza dough, yoghurt, and cake.
On the other hand, an oven is a versatile kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, broiling, and more. While it can be used for baking bread, the process is manual, requiring separate mixing, kneading, and proofing before baking in the oven.
Design and Structure
Most bread makers are compact and self-contained. They mainly have a bread pan, a built-in kneading paddle, and a heating element. The heating element is designed to provide consistent heat for bread baking. Ovens are larger and not specifically designed for bread, with a broader temperature range and different modes for various cooking needs.
Ease of Use
Generally, breadmakers are user-friendly. Ingredients are added, a program is selected, and the machine takes care of the rest. Ovens require manual intervention at each step of bread-making. The dough must be prepared separately, left to rise, and then transferred to the oven for baking.
Consistency
Bread maker offers more consistent results, especially for beginners, due to automated processes and pre-set programs. Baking results in an oven can vary based on factors like precise temperature setting, heat distribution, and manual preparation.
Versatility
Primarily, breadmakers are for bread, though many modern models have settings for dough, jams, and some non-bread items. Ovens are more versatile as they are suitable for a wide range of cooking tasks, from baking cakes and cookies to roasting meats.
Shape and Size of Bread
There is limited flexibility to the shape and size of bread produced by a bread machine based on the bread pan, usually producing a specific rectangular shape. Most modern breadmakers allow you to choose between three bread sizes ranging from 450 g to 1.5 kg, but the shape is usually just rectangular.
With an oven, you can customise your bread size and shape with more level of flexibility. You can use varying shapes and sizes of bread pans to produce your desired bread outcome.
Energy Consumption
The wattage of an appliance is directly related to the amount of energy it will consume. Typically, breadmakers are more energy-efficient for baking bread because they heat a smaller, contained space.
Ovens, on the other hand, have larger space and thus require more heat. An oven's average power rating is higher than a breadmaker's.
Crust Control
Many models of breadmakers come with "crust control" settings, allowing you to choose between light, medium, or dark crust. This is not available in an oven, the crust control is manually done by adjusting the baking time and temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about breadmakers in Australia.
Why does my bread collapse or sink in the middle?
A collapsed or sunken bread can result from various factors, such as too much liquid, excess yeast, or an imbalance of sugar and salt. Reducing the amount of water or milk in your recipe may help prevent your bread from collapsing.
Over-proofing, old yeast, or too much yeast can cause the bread to rise excessively and then collapse, so use the right amount of yeast. An imbalance in sugar or salt can affect yeast activity. Ensure you’re using the right amount as well.
Can I make gluten-free bread in a regular bread maker?
Yes, you can make gluten-free bread in a regular breadmaker. However, using a specific gluten-free recipe is crucial, as gluten-free flour behaves differently than wheat flour.
Also, thoroughly clean the breadmaker to avoid cross-contamination if you’ve made regular bread. Finally, opt for breadmakers with a designated gluten-free setting for optimal results, as gluten-free bread typically requires a different mixing and baking cycle.
How do I get a lighter crust on my bread?
Most bread makers have a "crust control" setting. If you find the crust on your bread too dark or hard, set it to "light." Additionally, placing a light cloth over the bread immediately after baking and during cooling can help keep the crust softer.
Why is the kneading blade getting stuck in my bread?
It's common for the kneading blade to remain embedded in the bottom of the bread loaf after baking. To prevent this, lightly grease the blade and spindle before adding ingredients, making it easier to remove after baking. Alternatively, Some people pause the machine after the final kneading cycle, remove the paddle, and then let the baking resume. This way, the bread bakes without the blade inside.
How long can I leave bread in the bread maker after it’s done baking?
While many bread makers come with a "keep warm" feature that can keep the bread warm for about an hour, leaving the bread in the machine for too long after baking is not advisable.
Doing so can make the crust soggy due to the trapped steam. Removing the bread immediately or within 10-20 minutes is best, placing it on a wire rack to cool and maintain a crispy crust.
Bread Baking Made Easy
Enjoying well-baked bread shouldn't cost you a ride to the bakery when it can be freshly baked in your kitchen. Getting a breadmaker simplifies the process of making bread and other items such as pizza dough, jam, cake, and yogurt.
The choice of home-baked bread is now within your grasp. As you ponder on which bread maker will grace your kitchen next, explore the best home coffee machines to curate a morning routine in the comfort of your home.