A bread maker offers unmatched convenience in baking bread and is cheaper to use in the long run compared with store-bought bread loaves.
However, not everyone can pay a hefty amount for high-end models on the market, which is why it’s great to know that you can get the best budget bread maker by looking at some important factors as listed below.
Here are the best budget bread makers you can buy in 2024:
- Best For Gluten-Free Breads: Hamilton Beach 2 Lb Digital Bread Maker
- Dishwasher-Safe: Elite Gourmet Maxi-Matic EBM8103B
- Easy To Clean: Oster Expressbake Breadmaker
- Best For Fruit Bread: CROWNFUL 12-in-1 Automatic Bread Machine
- Best For Whole Wheat Breads: ROZMOZ 19-in-1 Stainless Steel Bread Machine
- Best For French Bread: 19-in-1 Bread Machine, Rozmoz Programmable Bread Maker
6 Best Budget Bread Makers | ||
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Best For Gluten-Free Breads | Hamilton Beach 2 Lb Digital Bread Maker | |
Dishwasher-Safe | Elite Gourmet Maxi-Matic EBM8103B | |
Easy To Clean | Oster Expressbake Breadmaker | |
Best For Fruit Bread | CROWNFUL 12-in-1 Automatic Bread Machine | |
Best For Whole Wheat Breads | ROZMOZ 19-in-1 Stainless Steel Bread Machine | |
Best For French Bread | 19-in-1 Bread Machine, Rozmoz Programmable Bread Maker |
Best For Gluten-Free Breads: Hamilton Beach 2 Lb Digital Bread Maker
- Easy to use – built with 12 settings (consisting of the Gluten-free mode), three crust colors, and two loaf sizes
- Prepare your breakfast without waiting – the delay timer
- Low-maintenance – the dishwasher-safe two kneading paddles and a non-stick pan
- The mixing blade does distract from the looks of the bottom middle of the loaf
Out of various counterparts built with Gluten-free Bread mode, this model is the cheapest and also the easiest to use.
With only three steps: add ingredients, choose settings, and start, it can make various types of bread in either 1.5- or 2-pound capacity and your desired crust color. Regardless, it can delay the bread-making process for making your breakfast with no effort or wait.
The two kneading paddles and non-stick pan are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning, which is a big bonus.
Hamilton Beach 2 Lb Digital Bread Maker Specifications | |
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Weight | 11.86 Pounds |
Material | Plastic |
Capacity | 2 Pounds |
Pre-Programmed Menu Options | 12 settings |
Highlight Features | built with 12 settings (consisting of the Gluten-free mode), three crust colors, and two loaf sizes the delay timer the dishwasher-safe two kneading paddles and a non-stick pan |
Hamilton Beach 2 Lb Digital Bread Maker is a wonderful selection to help you make delicious gluten-free bread easily at home without breaking the bank
Dishwasher-Safe: Elite Gourmet Maxi-Matic EBM8103B
- Optimize the user’s convenience while using it – include lots of additions in the package & a 15-hour delay timer
- Easy to clean – dishwasher-safe components
- Keep bread always fresh before serving – a 1-hour keep-warm function
- It is cumbersome and bulky for small kitchens
At a highly competitive price tag, while offering everything you might need during the bread-making process (such as metal hook, kneading blade, measuring spoon and cup, and non-stick bread pan), this bread maker is built to be dishwasher-friendly.
It really impressed us because other counterparts that we’ve tested normally do compromise between price and “Dishwasher-safe” element or price and the additions in the package.
Regardless, this machine packs a punch. It features a 1-hour keep warm function, a 15-hour delay timer, along 19 programmable settings. It also lets you freely choose from three loaf sizes and three crust colors.
All-in-all, this is worth a try.
Elite Gourmet Maxi-Matic EBM8103B Specifications | |
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Weight | 9.93 pounds |
Material | Aluminum |
Capacity | 3 loaf sizes: 1-lb, 1.5-lb or 2-lb |
Pre-Programmed Menu Options | 19-PROGRAMMED PRESET MENU |
Highlight Features | include lots of additions in the package & a 15-hour delay timer dishwasher-safe components a 1-hour keep-warm function |
The Elite Gourmet Maxi-Matic EBM8103B is a highly valuable option for the price. It’s built with dishwasher-safe components, includes everything needed in the package, and offers multiple settings.
Easy To Clean: Oster Expressbake Breadmaker
- Easy to detach components for cleaning after done baking – removable lid, pan, and kneading paddles
- Low-maintenance – dishwasher-safe components
- User-friendly - 12 settings, various crust settings, a 13-hour baking timer, a large LCD display & a 40” long cord
- The loaf after baking is an awkward shape
- The paddles stick in the bread
For those people thinking that big-size bread makers are complicated to clean, the Oster Expressbake Breadmaker is here to prove them wrong.
It is built with a removable lid, pan, and kneading paddle. Besides, all of them are non-stick and dishwasher-safe for hands-free cleanup, otherwise, you can simply vacuum and wipe any crumbs out of it using just a damp cloth.
In terms of functionality, the machine is developed with 12 settings, various crust settings, and a 13-hour baking timer, all of which are intuitively controlled through a large LCD display. The extra-long 40” cord is another bonus.
Oster Expressbake Breadmaker Specifications | |
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Weight | 8 Pounds |
Material | Aluminum |
Capacity | a 2.0-pound loaf capacity |
Pre-Programmed Menu Options | 12 bread settings |
Highlight Features | removable lid, pan, and kneading paddles dishwasher-safe components 12 settings, various crust settings, a 13-hour baking timer, a large LCD display & a 40” long cord |
If cleaning the big mess after baking is your old enemy, then the Oster Expressbake Breadmaker is a great solution. It’s very easy and effortless to clean, affordable, and bakes well.
Best For Fruit Bread: CROWNFUL 12-in-1 Automatic Bread Machine
- Dependable – under lifetime support and a one-year warranty
- Ensure fresh bread ready to serve – the 60-minutes keep warm function & delay timer
- Avoid babysitting & enhance convenience – an audible reminder to let you know when to add nuts and fruits
- All recipes in the included cookbook are in grams
One of the most common reasons preventing many novice bakers from trying fruit and nut bread recipes is timing. When to add fruits and nuts? – a big question, huh?
But the good news is that this bread maker can be your audible reminder to tell you the exact time for adding these extra ingredients, meaning that no babysitting anymore. Moreover, it allows you to choose from 12 pre-programmed settings, two loaf sizes, and three crust options depending on your preference.
The additional delay timer makes your bread ready for breakfast without waiting time or you going to work late. It also has the 60-minutes keep warm function to ensure fresh bread all the time.
The best part is, despite the low price tag, it is backed by a 1-year warranty and lifetime support.
CROWNFUL 12-in-1 Automatic Bread Machine Specifications | |
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Weight | 10.98 pounds |
Material | Stainless steel & ABS |
Capacity | 2 loaf sizes: 1.5 and 2.0 lb. |
Pre-Programmed Menu Options | 12 PRE-PROGRAMMED MENU |
Highlight Features | under lifetime support and a one-year warranty the 60-minutes keep warm function & delay timer an audible reminder to let you know when to add nuts and fruits |
If you’re seeking the most affordable bread maker for making fruit bread, try the CROWNFUL 12-in-1 Automatic Bread Machine
Best For Whole Wheat Breads: ROZMOZ 19-in-1 Stainless Steel Bread Machine
- Make soft, evenly dense whole wheat bread - the Whole Wheat setting, Stir Fry function, and the 360-degree high-power baking technology
- No oil or chemicals required; very healthy - the non-stick Ceramic-coated pots and blades
- Perfect for 4-6 people – the 2-pound large capacity
- The measurements in the cookbook are in ml and grams
- The pan is slightly thinner than other brands
Moving on to this bread maker by ROZMOZ.
A cool thing about it is you can make a 2-pound large bread loaf from whole wheat flour (no chemicals or oil required), and it’s as soft, evenly dense inside and out as bought from a bakery.
That is a big thank you to not only the Whole Wheat setting but also the non-stick Ceramic-coated pots and blades, and the 360-degree high-power baking technology. The additional Stir-Fry function also partly plays a huge role in that excellent performance.
Compared to other models, this is the best pick for those who love making super-healthy whole wheat bread at home.
ROZMOZ 19-in-1 Stainless Steel Bread Machine Specifications | |
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Weight | 10.68 pounds |
Material | Stainless steel |
Capacity | a maximum capacity of 2LB |
Pre-Programmed Menu Options | 19 programs |
Highlight Features | the Whole Wheat setting, Stir Fry function, and the 360-degree high-power baking technology the non-stick Ceramic-coated pots and blades the 2-pound large capacity |
Check out the ROZMOZ 19-in-1 Stainless Steel Bread Machine if you’re looking for the most affordable option for whole wheat bread.
Best For French Bread: 19-in-1 Bread Machine, Rozmoz Programmable Bread Maker
- Make delicious French bread effortlessly – the 15-hour time delay function, the “French Bread” mode, and 360° Surrounding Baking Technology
- Low maintenance - Non-stick Ceramic Bucket
- Keep bread always fresh - 1-hour automatic keep warm & 15-minute power interruption recovery
- None of the recipes are in English
- Not for big families
Trying new bread recipes is critical. And if you intend to try making French bread, this is a great assistant.
It is developed with 19 pre-programmed settings, including the “French Bread” mode that can make a loaf in either 1-pound or 1.2-pound size. The baking time is from 3.5 to 4 hours.
Similar to other ROZMOZ bread makers, it is built with a 1-hour automatic keep warm, 15-hour time delay function, 360° Surrounding Baking Technology, and Non-stick Ceramic Bucket. The most outstanding addition is the 15-minute power interruption recovery for energy efficiency while ensuring fresh bread as always.
We also appreciate the three extra kneading paddles as they’re a critical component during any bread-making process. If one gets broken, you don’t have to buy a new one.
19-in-1 Bread Machine, Rozmoz Programmable Bread Maker Specifications | |
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Weight | 8.78 pounds |
Material | Stainless steel |
Capacity | 2 Loaf Sizes (1 / 1.2LB) |
Pre-Programmed Menu Options | 19 Programmable Settings |
Highlight Features | the 15-hour time delay function, the “French Bread” mode, and 360° Surrounding Baking Technology Non-stick Ceramic Bucket 1-hour automatic keep warm & 15-minute power interruption recovery |
The 19-in-1 Bread Machine, Rozmoz Programmable Bread Maker is built with “French Bread” mode, along with a delay timer, 360° Surrounding Baking Technology, and more. It allows you to make French bread like a pro with the least effort taken.
How To Choose The Best Budget Bread Maker?
Your Budget
Of course, when you are looking for a budget appliance, the amount you’re ready to pay should be the very first thing to keep in mind. At the same time, it’s important to know the existing price ranges to choose from.
The average cost of a bread maker is between $100 and $150 if you want a mid-range to a high-end item. Some premium models can even cost at least $300. But affordability is what you want, so you can look into the range under $100.
When shopping for a bread maker, however, keep in mind that a lower price means you get a less reliable, lower-quality bread maker. You will also have to trade off affordability for the number of supported recipes and use of dishwashers.
Types
When it comes to the type of bread makers, you will mostly have to choose between a vertical and a horizontal product.
Vertical bread makers resemble traditional products, which made tall, rectangular loaves. They take up a smaller area on your kitchen counter, making them easier to store. This type of bread maker is also cheaper and produces smaller loaves, suitable for small households.
However, the bread slices made by these machines can be too tall for the toaster. Besides, the tall loaf means your bread won’t be baked evenly from the bottom to the top.
Unlike vertical bread makers, horizontal products produce rectangular-shaped bread loaves that are more similar to those baked in the standard pan. They take longer, larger loaves, but require more space on your kitchen counter.
If you go with a horizontal product, though, remember that a machine with one paddle may result in unevenly shaped loaves due to less efficient dough kneading. Also, horizontal makers tend to cost more, which could be something you want to keep in mind considering your budget.
Pre-Programmed Settings
Another factor to look into when shopping for a bread maker is the pre-programmed settings.
In general, a bread maker can make brown, white, and wholemeal bread loaves, but the resulting quality may not be consistent. Therefore, you’d better read reviews thoroughly to find the most consistent model.
Furthermore, most products let you choose the size, type of flour, darkness, as well as the thickness of the loaf. Last but not least, check if the machine makes different types of bread or not.
Crust Control
This factor is associated with the darkness of the bread and a lot of models let you choose how dark you want the crust to be.
Otherwise, you can opt for a product with a viewing window so you can check on the bread crust as it bakes.
Delayed Start
There are also models that offer a delay time setting, meaning you can set the machine in the morning and come home with a freshly baked loaf, for example.
While this feature is not a must-have, it is certainly convenient for those who have a 9-to-5 job.
Which Brands Make The Best Budget Bread Maker?
Hamilton Beach
To help you make the best food with your ingredients, this brand focuses on designs to deliver the highest-quality bread makers to you.
Oster
This is one of the best places to buy your new bread maker as its products offer versatility, convenience, and style.
CROWNFUL
With a focus on improving your life quality, this brand offers modern, high-quality kitchen appliances that promise the best performance you can find.
FAQs
Is a budget bread machine worth the money?
The answer to this question depends on the preference and interest of each individual. However, it’s safe to say that you can find quality models at lower price segments though you won’t get as many features as more expensive ones.
Is it cheaper to make your own bread with a bread maker?
Of course, it’s much cheaper to bake your own bread than to buy it.
Is bread maker better than an oven?
Yes, it is. Bread makers let you make loaves with the ingredient you choose based on your preference. They are also more convenient.
Can regular yeast be used in bread machines?
Yes, you can, but you need to dissolve it in water before using it in the machine.
Can you still buy bread machine mixes?
Yes, you can buy bread machine mixes at specialty and grocery stores.
Conclusion
Through this post, we hope that you have figured out the most important criteria to apply when shopping for the best budget bread maker. Keep in mind that to get a good price, you will sometimes have to trade off the range of features.
After successful making delicious loaves of bread, we recommend some bread boxes which not only can keep your bread fresh longer but also serves as nice decor to your kitchen.