Making bread by hand is a rewarding process, although it’s definitely a time-consuming one. If you don’t have the luxury of time, yet still want a fresh loaf of bread waiting for you in the morning, then investing in a bread maker is a wise move.
Bread makers vary in pan size and setting but they all tend to work in a similar way. You first add your ingredients, select your settings, press the start button and let the bread maker mix, knead, rise and bake your loaf to perfection in a matter of hours.
Sounds great, right? That’s because it is!
Unfortunately, convenience comes at a price, and a decent bread machine can set you back as much as $500, perhaps even more. I love my bread maker, and in my opinion, these handy machines are definitely worth the investment. That said, there are also some great budget bread makers out there that cost significantly less than the high-end models.
I have put together a list of, what I think, are the best budget bread makers currently available to help you on your breadmaker hunt!
Top
Top | Hamilton Beach Bread Maker Machine, 2 lb Capacity | PrimeEligible | Check Price |
Top | KITCHENARM 29-in-1 SMART Bread Machine with 2LB, 1.5LB & 1LB Capacity | Prime | Check Price |
Top | Cuisinart CBK-200 Convection Bread Maker | PrimeEligible | Check Price |
Top | KBS Large 17-in-1 Bread Machine, with Auto Fruit Nut Dispenser | PrimeEligible | Check Price |
Top | Breadman 2 lb Professional Bread Maker, Stainless Steel | PrimeEligible | Check Price |
Top | Cuisinart Bread Maker, Up To 2lb Loaf | PrimeEligible | Check Price |
Top | Elite Gourmet Maxi-Matic, 2 Lb Capacity | PrimeEligible | Check Price |
Top | Zojirushi BB-HAC10 Home Bakery 1 Lb Mini Breadmaker | PrimeEligible | Check Price |
Top | Secura Bread Maker Machine 2.2lb Stainless Steel | PrimeEligible | Check Price |
Want to learn more about my top 10 picks? Read on!
The Best Budget Bread Makers: My Top 10 Picks
Hamilton Beach 29882
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- YOU CONTROL THE INGREDIENTS & NUTRITIONAL CONTENT: Prepare healthy loaves of bread without preservatives or trans fat
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VERSATILE WITH 12 CYCLES: Make dough, bake cake, or make delicious mouth-watering loaves of fresh baked bread
- GREAT FOR DOUGH PREP: Prepare a variety of yeast doughs in the breadmaker machine for dinner rolls, pizza crusts, cinnamon buns and more
- MAKE BREAD THE WAY YOU LIKE IT: Choose to make either 1.5 lb. or 2 lb. loaves, and select from 3 crust settings for light, medium or dark crust.
Hamilton Beach is a brand that is known for good quality and affordable kitchen appliances, and their bread maker is no exception. The bread maker yields a 1.5 or 2-pound loaf and offers 3 crust settings; light, medium, and dark. It has 12 programs you can choose from, including a gluten-free setting.
There is a small LCD display screen that makes it easier to see which setting you have selected and the crust color.
Pros
- 12 programs
- Compact
- Dishwasher friendly bread pan and kneading paddle
- LCD screen
- Automatic keep warm function
- Delayed timer
Cons
- Not great for raw dough
KITCHENARM Smart Bread Machine
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29-in-1 SMART BREAD MACHINE FOR NEWBIES & PROS - Your fresh healthy homemade bread is clicks away: just pick one of the many provided recipes or your own favorite recipe, and click a few buttons.
- UNIQUE 1-CLICK BREAD MAKING - All your settings are saved for the next use, including Menu / Loaf Size / Crust Color for a preset menu and your own settings for the HOME MADE menu.
- MORE MENUS & RECIPES FOR HEALTHY BREADS - KitchenArm Menus & Recipes support both the high gluten bread flour and the less gluten all purpose flour that is inexpensive & healthier yet still makes wonderful breads; they are designed to handle fresh onions, oranges, zucchini, bananas, etc. in
- FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE CYCLE-LEVEL PROGRAMMING - You can explore your own variants based on a provided recipe for a preset menu, or create YOUR OWN MENU using the cycle-level programming HOME MADE menu (Menu #29) which allows you to specify each bread-making cycle time (KNEAD, REST, RISE, BAKE..) to fully adapt the machine to your own recipes. - It also enables you to utilize hundreds of recipes on KitchenArm Recipe Cloud.
You might have never heard of this brand before but this 29 in 1 bread maker has everything you will ever need for making a delicious homemade loaf. It has 21 bread settings, including gluten-free and keto. I really like how diverse the settings are on this machine too, which includes; 3 loaf sizes, 3 crust colors, and a 15 hour delayed timer so you can set your bread maker from the night before.
One reason why I think this is one of the best budget bread makers is that it’s designed to make bread with fresh ingredients so you can make wholesome and nutritious loaves.
It also has the ability to save your setting and allows for a 1-click operation. Making homemade bread couldn’t be easier!
Pros
- 29 settings
- Stainless steel body
- Customizable cycle
- Recipe book containing 77 recipes
- 15 hour delayed timer
Cons
- I love everything!
Cuisinart CMK-200 Bread Maker
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16 preprogrammed menu options, 3 crust colors, and 3 loaf sizes offer over 100 bread, dough/pizza dough, sweet cake and jam choices.
- Low Carb and Gluten-Free preset menu options and recipes. A Cuisinart exclusive!
- Special menu option takes basic dough through several long, slow cool rises for chewier textures and rustic crusts.
- Audible tone indicates time to add fruit, nuts and other mix-ins. Second tone offers option of removing paddle before baking, or removing unbaked dough to shape by hand.
Okay, so this machine might not be the cheapest bread maker on the market, although I still think it deserves a spot on this list. The Cuisinart has a sleek, minimal appearance and with that price, you won’t be breaking the bank. Its durable stainless steel material means it’ll last forever and with a small footprint, it won’t take up much space in your kitchen.
It has 16 pre-programmed settings and 3 crust settings so you can pick how dark or light you want your bread to be. It also has a large viewing window for you to watch your bread being made with anticipation!
It only has 3 loaf sizes, offering less versatility in comparison to the Breville and Zojirushi, which both have 4. That said, it is able to yield a large 2-pound loaf, guaranteeing plenty of bread for everyone.
The downside to this Cuisinart machine is that is has a much longer bake cycle, which can last from 3 to 5 hours, depending on which settings you choose. So if you are an impatient baker, this is probably not the best budget bread maker for you, as you will be waiting a while for your bread.
Although the Cuisinart doesn’t have a specific sourdough setting, it does have a dough only and a bake setting.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Durable
- 16 pre programmed settings
- 3 crust settings
- Power failure back up
- Stay cool handles
- 12 hour delay
- LCD screen with big viewing window
Cons
- Long bake cycles
- No ingredient dispenser
KBS Bread Maker
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Multifunctional with 17 Customized Automatic Programs, 2LB Large Capacity
- Intelligent Fruit and Nut Dispenser, Unique Healthy Non-stick Ceramic Pan - The detachable fruit nut dispenser releases the ingredients automatically at the optimum time.
- 360 Degree Surrounding Baking, 15H Timer, 1H Automatic Warm-keeping Function
- Intuitive Digital Touch Panel Control and Sleek Stainless Steel Shell
If you want a quality bread maker at a mid-range price, this KBS machine is right up your street. This is a multi-functional bread maker with 17 customizable programs ranging from whole wheat, sourdough, and even cake. It has the capacity to make up to a 2-pound loaf and 3 crust colors.
It has a 15 hour delayed timer, 1-hour keep-warm function and it even features a 10-minute power off failure.
The KBS features a very sleek exterior, giving it a very expensive feel about it. It has an intuitive glass touch display and a large viewing window so you can peek at your bread while it bakes. What I love about this bread maker is the bread pan. It has a ceramic, non-stick bread pan that is designed to make natural and healthy bread. It also heats up much faster than a typical bread pan.
Pros
- 17 customizable setting
- Automatic fruit and nut dispenser
- Ceramic bread pan
- Keep warm function
Cons
- Big and bulky
- Quite noisy
Breadman BK1050S
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Collapsible Kneading Paddle - The smartly designed kneading paddle collapses before baking to prevent holes in the bottom of loaves
- Perfect Bake Technology - Engineered to bake evenly for a uniform crust color, consistent texture, and excellent flavor
- 14 Baking Functions - Simply select the type of bread you wish to make and how light or dark you want it. This machine includes controls for gluten-free, low-carb, and artisan loa
Do you want a bread machine that looks like a high-end one? Then this Breadman bread maker is the one for you. It is a pro machine that makes bakery-quality bread at home with minimal effort. With 14 programs to choose from, there is no doubt you will find a setting that suits your tastes. Aside from a basic while loaf setting, it also includes a whole wheat setting, a quick setting and even a gluten-free setting.
This bread machine has variable loaf sizes and colors, like most bread makers. Choose between a 1 pound, 1.5 and 2 pound loaf with 3 various crust colors; light, medium and dark. The automatic fruit and nut dispenser releases extra ingredients at the right time, saving you from having to add them manually like with other machines.
It features a one-hour keep-warm function and a 15 hour delayed timer so your bread can be ready just when you need it. Included with your bread machine is a recipe book with over 80 recipes, measuring cups and measuring spoons.
Pros
- Stainless steel body
- Large viewing window
- Digital display
- Quick loaf setting
- Collapsible kneading paddle
Cons
- Recipes not very accurate
- Cycles not long enough
- Paddle gets stuck in the loaf
Cuisinart Bread Maker CBK 110
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Cuisinart-quality technology promises superior crust, color and texture
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12 preprogrammed menu options - fully automatic, easy to use~3 crust shades - light, medium, or dark & bakes up to a 2 pound loaf
- Vertical baking pan for counter-friendly compact design - removable kneading paddle and bread pan
- 13-Hour delay start - fresh bread, anytime
Another favorite Cuisinart bread machine that is just as good as the high-end machines and does not break the bank. This machine has 12 pre-programmed settings to choose from, 3 crust settings and can bake a loaf up to 2 pounds.
I love how counter-friendly and compact this bread maker is. Even if you don’t have much counter space, you’ll be able to fit this machine snug in a corner without feeling like it’s taken up your whole kitchen.
It also features a viewing window and a light so you can take a look at your bread while it’s baking.
Pros
- Very budget friendly
- Compact and countertop friendly
- 12 pre-programmed settings
Cons
- No top heating element
Oster Expressbake
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650 watts Oster bread maker with upto a 2.0 pound loaf capacity is ideal for larger families
- 12 bread settings and 3 crust settings for making a variety of breads, dough, and jams
- Expressbake setting bakes bread in under an hour
- 13 hour programmable baking timer for fresh bread anytime
The Oster Expressbake makes a loaf up to 2 pounds which is ideal for larger families. Its compact size makes it easier to store or keep on your counter without taking up too much space.
With this bread maker, you can choose between 12 settings and 3 crust colors. The Expressbake setting can bake bread in under an hour and has a 13 hour delayed time so you can set your machine on from the night before and wake up to the smell of freshly baked bread.
The large window lets you watch your bread while it rises and bakes and the LCD display screen allows you to navigate your machine smoothly.
Pros
- Compact
- 12 programs
- 13 hour delayed timer
- Quick bake
- Comes with a measuring cup and spoon
Cons
- No fruit and nut dispenser
Elite Gourmet Bread Maker
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- MAKE UP TO A 2-LB LOAF of bread. With 3 different settings for a 1-lb, 1.5-lb or 2-lb loaf of fresh bread.
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INCLUDES 19-PROGRAMMED PRESET MENU for a variety of different types of doughs from basic white bread to even pizza dough.
- 15-HOUR DELAY TIMER and a 60-minute Keep Warm function allows you to control your baking to the max.
The Elite Gourmet bread maker makes artisan-style bread at home with zero effort from you. It’s also the cheapest bread maker on my list. It includes 19 settings, ranging from rye bread, gluten-free, rice bread, a yogurt setting and even a defrost setting.
You can choose between 3 loaf sizes, 1, 1.5, and 2 pounds, and 3 crust settings. It also features a 15 hour delayed timer which is more than other bread makers and has a 60 minute keep warm function, just in case you forget to take out your loaf in time.
This bread maker includes a measuring cup, measuring spoon and a metal hook for lifting up the kneading paddle.
Pros
- 19 settings
- Non stick bread pan
- 15 hour delayed timer
- Keep warm function
Cons
- If something goes wrong with your bread maker, customer service isn’t the easiest to get a hold of.
Zojirushi BB-HAC10 Mini Breadmaker
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Programmable breadmaker produces 1 pound loaves of cakes or breads
- Settings for cookie/pasta dough and fresh fruit jams; quick-bake cycle
- 13-hour delay timer; LCD control panel; viewing window; carrying handle
- Nonstick kneading blade and baking pan; instructions and recipes included. Electrical Rating- 120 volts / 450 watts
Zojiruhshi is known for making high-end, top-quality products. We all love the Zojirushi Virtuoso Bread Maker but you do need to take out a small mortgage for it. This mini bread maker is cheaper and much more compact than the Virtuoso. It might not offer the array of settings like most bread makers, the little settings that it does have are perfect for one person or smaller families.
It makes a mini 1 pound loaf and you can choose from a basic bread setting, french bread, cake and even a cookie/pasta dough setting. It has a 13 hour delayed timer, a user-friendly LCD control panel and a small viewing window so you can watch your bread while it bakes.
Pros
- Compact and slim
- Handle to carry your machine
- Convenient cord storage
- LCD control panel
Cons
- Makes really small loaves
- Noisy when kneading
Secura Bread Maker
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19 preset menu settings & 3 loaf sizes & 3 crust Colors for making a variety of breads pizza dough cakes yogurt and jams
- Programmable LCD digital display with delay baking timer 15-hour delay timer & automatic keep Warm (max 1 hours)
With 19 settings, this stainless steel bread maker is a fantastic machine that produces great bread. Choose from a variety of bread options like whole wheat, gluten-free and pizza dough. This machine goes as far as making jam and even yogurt.
It features an LCD digital display so you can navigate between each setting, a 15 hour delayed timer and an automatic keep-warm function that will keep your loaf warm for up to one hour after it has baked.
Choose between a 1.1, 1.7 and 2.2 pound loaf and 3 crust colors. Although it does not have an automatic fruit and nut dispenser, it ‘beeps’ to remind you to add all your favorite ingredients to your loaf.
Pros
- Stainless steel body
- 19 settings
- 15 minute power restore
Cons
- No dispenser
Which budget bread maker will you choose?
As you now know, there are plenty of budget bread makers available, although some certainly perform better than others. All the bread makers on my shortlist have been vetted and tested by hundreds of happy home bakers and are guaranteed to bake up delicious home loaves for years to come.
Machines that offer varying loaf sizes and crust colors are now pretty standard and can be found on many budget machines while features like collapsable kneading paddles, Keep-warm functions and automatic fruit and nut dispensers are rarer.
Like everything, the right bread machine ultimately comes down to your personal requirements.
Happy baking!
