No more buying bread from the store—now you can easily make your own, from hearty sourdough to light, fluffy whole wheat.
After exploring Australia's baking scene, we've found the top eight breadmakers to make your bread-making journey fun and easy. Below, we explain why these bread machines are perfect for your needs.
Our Top Picks
If you must make a quick purchase, here are our top three picks:
![](https://www.experteasy.com.au/blog/content/images/2024/01/panasonic-sd-r2530-bread-maker.png)
Panasonic SD-R2530 Bread Maker
Best overall bread maker with 30 preset programs, automatic dispenser, 13-hour advance timer, and dual temperature sensors.
![](https://www.experteasy.com.au/blog/content/images/2024/01/breville-bbm800xl-bread-maker.png)
Breville BBM800XL Bread Maker
Best for large-sized bread making with 13 automatic programs automatic fruit and nut dispenser, interior light, and a clean interface.
![](https://www.experteasy.com.au/blog/content/images/2024/02/todo-bm1331-bread-maker.png)
TODO BM1331 Bread Maker
Small and affordable bread maker with 12 preset programs, keep warm function, 13-hour delay timer, LCD display, and crust customisation.
Our review of the best breadmakers in Australia considered each product's performance, features, user feedback, and overall reliability 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
![Panasonic SD-R2530 Bread Maker](https://www.experteasy.com.au/blog/content/images/2024/01/panasonic-sd-r2530-bread-maker.png)
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 dietary preferences beyond baking bread. Panasonic's bread machine 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. Thus, you don't have to worry about timing. The machine intelligently dispenses the nuts and raisins in a controlled and convenient manner at consistent intervals for even distribution.
#3 - Horizontal Design and Non-Stick Pan
The SD-R2530's compact horizontal design has extra visual appeal. Its flush lid reduces the machine’s height to maximise space. 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 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.
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, it still takes up a sizeable space, even with a flush lid. This is a concern if you want to fit the breadmaker into a small kitchen corner. 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. You must add the yeast directly into the pan when preparing your bread. However, this wasn't a significant 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.
2. Breville BBM800XL Bread Maker
Best for Large-Sized Bread
![Breville BBM800XL Bread Maker](https://www.experteasy.com.au/blog/content/images/2024/01/breville-bbm800xl-bread-maker.png)
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, ensuring even distribution throughout the bread, which not every breadmaker can promise.
#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 various family sizes or occasions. The appliance 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, but this is less than 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 personalise your recipes.
#3 - Clean Interface with LCD Screen
The breadmaker boasts a large and easy-to-read LCD. It provides visual feedback about the bread-making process's stages, including rest, kneading, rise, baking, and warm phases. The display also allows you to view your bread crust and size selections.
#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 an uncommon event occurs, like a power outage, while you're baking your bread, don't worry. The bread maker has a 60-minute backup power supply that will keep you baking until power returns.
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 extensive 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 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. It offers a considerable loaf size, a collapsible kneading blade, and an interior light for viewing the baking progress. It also has power interruption control, which keeps baking during a power outage.
3. Panasonic SD-2530KST Bread Maker
Best With Artisan-Style Kneading
![Panasonic SD-2530KST Bread Maker](https://www.experteasy.com.au/blog/content/images/2024/01/panasonic-sd-2530kst-bread-maker.png)
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 most outstanding feature is its artisan-style kneading.
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 efficiently combines a unique kneading blade with 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 that gives the bread its structure.
#2 - Double Temperature Sensor and 13-Hour Digital Timer
Panasonic's SD-2530KST, like the SD-R2530, offers consistent bread quality through dual temperature sensors.
The two built-in sensors determine the breadmaker's internal and external temperatures and achieve the right balance for an optimum result, regardless of the recipe.
Likewise, both Panasonic bread makers offer a 13-hour delay timer so you can wake up or return home to the fantastic aroma of fresh bread.
#3 - Automatic Nut/Fruit Dispenser
The Panasonic bread maker has an automatic dispenser to make mixing easier for recipes requiring fruits, nuts, and raisins. The machine adds these ingredients at the best time to prevent them from 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 complete control over the bread output.
#5 - Crust Colour and Loaf-Size Customisation
The breadmaker allows you to customise the crust colour and loaf size. There are three options for both parameters: 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 lovely.
Overall Verdict
The Panasonic SD-2530KST bread maker, which features artisan-style kneading and 30 automatic programs, costs slightly less than $300. Its features include an automatic dispenser, crust colour, loaf size customisation, a double temperature sensor, and a 13-hour delay timer.
4. Breville The Baker's Dozen Bread Maker
Best With Long Delay Timer
![Breville The Baker's Dozen Bread Maker](https://www.experteasy.com.au/blog/content/images/2024/01/breville-bakers-dozen-bread-maker.png)
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. If you are still unfamiliar with the term, “Baker’s Dozen” means thirteen. The bread maker is our top pick for the most extensive 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 the Russell Hobbs 23620 and the Panasonic SD-R2530, allowing an additional two hours.
The breadmaker also includes an auto keep-warm function, which allows you to snooze for an extra hour. This ensures that your bread remains warm and ready to be enjoyed after baking.
#2 - 13 Preset Programs
The Breville Baker's Dozen Bread Maker has one more preset option than the Dash Everyday Bread Maker. Its 13 preset programs include basic, French, sweet, whole wheat, continental, yeast-free, and gluten-free. If you need to make bread quickly, there is an express bread mode and yoghurt 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. It also provides three loaf size options: 450g, 680g, or 900g.
#4 - Easy to Clean
Breville's machine has a removable kneading blade and a non-stick bread pan, making cleaning the bread maker easy. After each baking, you only need mild soap and water to clean the machine. The removable kneading blade also makes extra room for cleaning ease.
#5 - Automatic Nut & Fruit Dispenser
Breville's Baker's Dozen Bread Maker has an automatic nut and fruit dispenser. It 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
Like the Panasonic SD-R2530, the Baker's Dozen doesn't have a yeast dispenser. Thus, you must manually add the yeast to the kneading pan along with the other ingredients.
#2 - No Pizza Dough
We know we are discussing breadmaking, but pizza dough is a common addition for most breadmakers. Unfortunately, Breville's machine doesn't make pizza dough. However, it has additional programs like yoghurt and jam.
Overall Verdict
The Baker's Dozen Bread Maker is a versatile appliance. While it lacks a yeast dispenser and cannot make pizza dough, its 15-hour delay timer, keep-warm function, and power interruption function make up for this.
5. Sunbeam BM7850 Smartbake Bread Maker
Best for Programmability
![Sunbeam BM7850 Smartbake Bread Maker](https://www.experteasy.com.au/blog/content/images/2024/02/sunbeam-bm7850-smartbake-bread-maker.png)
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 Sunbeam BM7850 Smartbake's highlight is its custom setting feature, allowing you to save eight recipes. 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 presets you have little to no control over. An example is the Panasonic SD-R2530 Bread Maker, which offers 30 automatic settings with only three manual or programmable memory slots. If you have personal bread-making recipes, programmable slots come in handy.
Besides this, the bread maker lets you choose between three crust colours: light, medium, and dark, per your preferences.
#2 - Automatic Dispenser and Non-Stick Parts
Like most breadmakers, 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 have the bread ready later. This is perfect for waking up to freshly baked bread in the morning.
It matches Breville's 15-hour delay timer and 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 preset programs, including basic, wheat, French, sweet, and gluten-free. Its maximum bread capacity is 1.25 kg, making it suitable for larger families. In addition to baking bread, the machine can make jam or prepare dough for rolls, pizza, and pastries.
#5 - LCD Control Panel and Display Window
The bread machine has a user-friendly control panel and a clear LCD 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 settings are the second-largest in this review, one less than the Breville BBM800XL Bread Maker's nine custom settings. Thus, we recommend it if you want to make and save your 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.
6. Tower T11003 Digital Bread Maker
Best Fast-Bake Breadmaker
![Tower T11003 Digital Bread Maker](https://www.experteasy.com.au/blog/content/images/2024/02/tower-t11003-digital-bread-maker.png)
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. It's also a compact machine 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 this function because it combines the need for convenience with the pleasure of fast baking without compromising the quality and taste of your bread.
#2 - Delay Timer and Keep Warm Function
Like many others on this list, it includes a 13-hour delay timer to plan. 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.
#4 - Non-Stick Bread Pan
The T11003 Digital Bread Maker is easy to maintain and clean thanks to the non-stick bread pan, which ensures easy loaf removal 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
The external body can get quite hot during prolonged usage. This is crucial, especially if you intend to use your bread baker frequently.
Overall Verdict
The Tower T11003 is the best fast-bake breadmaker. It has a fine LCD, a 13-hour delay timer, and 12 preset programs. However, its shortfalls include the external unit's heating up and the lack of loaf-size customisation.
7. TODO BM1331 Bread Maker
Smallest Bread Maker
![TODO BM1331 Bread Maker](https://www.experteasy.com.au/blog/content/images/2024/02/todo-bm1331-bread-maker.png)
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. At below $100, it is one of the cheapest bread makers with a space-saving design. It has a function to customise the crust colour, 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 comfortably fits into any sizeable kitchen corner, even with limited space. The exterior is made of mature white plastic that looks elegant and pleasing, even at its price point.
#2 - 12 Programmed Functions
TODO offers a good mix of programmed functions. It includes bread, dough, and sweet recipes, including Basic White, Whole Wheat, French, Gluten-Free, Cake, jam, and sandwich recipes. For a quick bread-making process, it also has Quick and Ultra-Fast programs.
#3 - Keep Warm Function and 13-Hour Delay
The TODO BM1331 Bread Maker's 13-hour delay timer allows you to have it bake your bread in your absence. It also includes a 60-minute keep-warm function, which 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: light, medium, or dark. You can also choose between two loaf sizes: 680g and 900g.
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 made of plastic, which appears fragile. Stainless steel is preferred for durability and sturdiness, while plastic seems less sophisticated and strong.
Overall Verdict
Costing below $100, the TODO BM1331 gives you good value and compactness. It performs well with 12 preset programs, a keep warm function, a 13-hour delay timer, an LCD, and crust customisation. We recommend it if you want a small bread maker for infrequent use.
8. Mistral MBM496B Bread Maker
Cheapest Bread Maker
![Mistral MBM496B Bread Maker](https://www.experteasy.com.au/blog/content/images/2024/02/mistral-mbm496b-bread-maker.png)
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 dark crust.
#2 - 13-Hour Programmable Timer
Yes, you can preset the bread maker to bake while 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 that allows you to monitor the settings and baking level. The lid also has a wide viewing window, which shows how your bread progresses 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 Mistral could improve the following:
#1 - Lack of Auto-Dispenser
The bread maker lacks an Auto-Dispenser, a handy feature that automatically adds ingredients like nuts or fruits to the dough at the right time during the kneading process.
#2 - Fragile Plastic Construction
Like the TODO BM1331, its plastic casing 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.
How to Choose a Bread Maker?
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best bread maker in Australia. 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 essential features to look out for in the machine.
2. Capacity and Size
Are you looking to make bread for yourself alone or for more people? Breadmakers can produce different loaf sizes, 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 look 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
Some additional features make a breadmaker stand out, and here is a summary for you to consider.
- 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's user interface is an important consideration. Look for intuitive control panels and transparent displays. Non-stick and easy-to-remove pans make cleaning easier. Dishwasher-safe pans and kneading blades can also save time and hassle.
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 their noise levels differ.
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.
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 essential for you. Remember, the "best" bread maker is subjective; it's the one that best suits your needs, preferences, and budget.
9. Price and Brand
While pricier machines often have more features and better durability, many mid-range machines offer excellent 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 used for baking but 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. They automate the entire process, including mixing, kneading, proofing, and baking. Some breadmakers have extra functions, such as 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 to bake bread, the process is manual and requires separate mixing, kneading, and proofing before baking.
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 to provide consistent bread baking heat. Ovens are larger and not designed explicitly for bread. They have 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
Due to automated processes and preset programs, bread makers offer more consistent results, especially for beginners. Baking results in an oven can vary based on factors like precise temperature setting, heat distribution, and manual preparation.
Versatility
Breadmakers are primarily used for bread, though many modern models have settings for dough, jams, and some non-bread items. Ovens are more versatile and suitable for various 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 sizes ranging from 450 g to 1.5 kg, but the shape is generally rectangular.
With an oven, you decide your bread size and shape. 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, however, have larger space and thus require more heat. An oven's average power rating is higher than a breadmaker's.
Crust Control
Many breadmakers have "crust control" settings, allowing you to choose between a light, medium, or dark crust. However, this feature is unavailable in an oven, so you must manually adjust 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.
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Bread Baking Made Easy
Enjoying well-baked bread shouldn't cost you a ride to the bakery when you can have it freshly baked in your kitchen. Get a breadmaker to simplify the process and bake other delicacies like pizza dough, jam, and cake.
The choice of home-baked bread is now yours. After deciding which bread maker will grace your kitchen, read our guide on the best home coffee machines to curate the perfect morning routine.