If you are partial to a bit of homemade bread, then I am sure you know how much of a hassle it can be making bread by hand, especially if it is just for one person. Bread makers are worth it for this reason alone, they make it much easier to bake a loaf of bread with little effort.
Bread makers come in all shapes and sizes. Some are big and bulky, ideal for making bread on mass, while others are small and compact. The loaf size that a bread machine can produce also differs from one another and ultimately depends on the pan that they use. The smallest bread maker can make a 1lb loaf, while the largest bread makers can make up to 3lb of doughy goodness.
A handy feature that many machines offer is the ability to choose from a variety of different loaf sizes. So even if you have a large bread maker, like the Breville BBM800XL, many are still capable of making a 1lb loaf.
Want The Quick Comparison?
Here are a few of the best mini bread makers I think you’ll love!
Although bread machines like the Breville or the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus can make smaller-sized loaves as well as bigger ones, they are not exactly the most petite countertop machines. If you are seriously short on countertop space and are on the hunt for a compact bread machine, I suggest you look for ones that are vertical in size rather than horizontal. These are the perfect machines for people who want to make freshly baked bread, but don’t have a lot of counter space or need to make larger loaves.
To help you on your search for a mini bread machine, allow me to share eight of the smallest bread makers that I think are worth the investment.
The Best Small Bread Maker: My Top 8 Picks
Below, you will find a combination of the best compact bread makers as well as a few of my favorite machines that are capable of making 1 pound to 2 pound loaves.
Zojirushi BB-HAC10 Mini Bread Maker
The first bread maker on my list is the Zojirushi BB-HAC0 Mini Bread Maker. It even includes the word ‘Mini’ in the title, so this must be a really small bread machine, right?
Title aside, this brilliant little machine is one of the most popular mini bread makers on the market thanks to its amazing bread-making abilities. The Zojirushi Mini is capable of making a 1 pound loaf, although doesn’t quite have the variety of pre-set menus that its larger counterparts do. That said it is the only Zojirushi bread maker to allow you to choose the texture of your bread (regular, firm or soft).
Unlike other machines that offer a variety of different loaf sizes, the Mini is strictly a 1 pound bread maker. This is great for one person or a couple, and the best thing is you will never have to waste any of the bread. That said, I would not recommend this one if you have a family, maybe take a look at the Supreme or Virtuoso if you have more mouths to feed.
In terms of size, this is a very compact machine (11″ x 8″ x 12″), stands vertically, and weighs around 14 pounds. As well as its compact size, it is also portable. It has a sturdy carry handle, something which many other machines don’t have. This makes it easy and comfortable to carry. It even features a power cord holder so you can tuck it away when you store the machine. The removable lid also adds to its portability.
Other features include:
- 8 pre-programed settings
- 2 crust colors a texture control
- 13 hour delayed timer
- LCD screen
- Soft-touch buttons
- Viewing window
This bread maker also comes with a nonstick kneading blade, baking pan, measuring spoon, measuring cup and a manual with recipes included.
I am a big fan of Zojirushi bread machines, and the Mini is no exception.
Zojirushi Maestro with Gluten-Free Setting
The Maestro is the new and improved version of the Mini. Although similar, there are a few features that make this bread maker stand out as one of the best small bread makers on the market.
Again, the Zojirushi Maestro Bread Maker makes a one-pound loaf, so no changes there from the Mini. Also like the mini, the loaves are vertical, taking up less space.
The Maestro is a little heavier, sitting at 16 pounds, and a bit bigger too (13.63″ x 8.88″ x 12.5″). Despite sitting a little heavy and tall, it is still very compact and fits well in any kitchen or cupboard without taking up too much space. Again, there is a handle at the top of the machine making it just as portable as the Mini.
One feature that really stands out is the automatic fruit and nut dispenser. It might not be obvious when you first look at it but the dispenser sits just under the lid of the machine. This is a great feature if you like to add raisins, dried fruit or seeds in your one pound loaves. It is also fully customizable, so you can set your own baking times, and adjust the setting according to altitude levels.
Other features include:
- 15 pre programmed settings
- Gluten-free setting
- Customizable settings
- LCD screen
- Soft-touch buttons
- Viewing window
Like all Zojirushi bread makers, the Maestro sits on the more expensive side of the price spectrum. The reason for this is that you are paying for a quality piece of kit. For what it’s worth, you get a stainless steel measuring spoon set, oven mitts, and a recipe book full of delicious gluten-free treats which totally makes it worth the extra buck.
Oster Expressbake Bread Maker
The Oster Expressbake is a small, compact bread maker that definitely won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
This machine makes not one, not two but three loaf sizes! 1 pound, 1.5 pounds and 2 pounds. I like that Oster gives you this variety, yet still manages not to take up much counter space. This means the Expressbake isn’t only great for one person, it can also be used by bigger families too.
This machine is pretty petite (12″ x 11″ x 11″) and weighs just 8 pounds, which is unbelievably light for a bread machine. It doesn’t have a handle at the top but it isn’t really needed considering how light it is. You should be able to carry it in your hands and move it around swiftly. The lid is also removable which can make it easier to clean.
A feature that really stands out about this machine is the Expressbake setting. Oster is known for being able to make bread in just under an hour! That’s one of the fast cycles I have ever seen on a maker, which is perfect if you are in a hurry.
Other features include:
- 12 pre-programmed settings
- 3 crust settings
- 13 hour delayed timer
- Viewing window
- LCD control panel
- Included cup and measuring spoon
Oster also has other ExpressBake models with are capable of making gluten-free bread as well as a fruit and nut dispenser, have a look here.
Cuisinart Compact Bread Maker
This American bread maker brand is a well-respected name in the world of appliances and their bread makers are next to none when it comes to baking in a budget.
The Cuisinart Bread Maker is not only compact in size, but it also makes a variety of 1 pound, 1.5 pounds, and 2 pounds loaves. These variable loaf sizes give you more options regardless of whether you are on your own or have a family.
At 10 pounds, it’s a pretty light machine, and it’s small(ish) dimensions (10.25″ x 13.25″ x 11.25″) make it easy to move around and store in a cupboard when not in use. Just like most compact bread machines, this one is also tall and vertical so it can fit snugly in your cupboard or in a corner of your kitchen counter.
Other features include:
- 12 pre-programmed settings
- 3 crust colors
- Viewing window with built-in light
- LCD screen
- Push button and key codes
- Stainless steel exterior
The innovative technology on this machine lets you know when to remove the paddle from the bread machine so you can avoid that dreaded paddle hole at the bottom of the loaf. Although there is no fruit and nut dispenser, the audible tone will indicate when it’s time to add your favorite add-ons.
Despite Cuisinart being one of the most popular appliance brands, this bread machine is surprisingly budget-friendly.
Hamilton Beach 29885
The Hamilton Beach 29885 Bread Maker is a small and compact bread machine that lets you create any type of bread your heart desires. You can use over 14 pre-set menus to create the dough creation of your choice and choose from a 1 pound, 1.5 pound and 2 pound loaf.
The Hamilton Beach 29885 weighs the exact same as the Cuisinart above, although has slightly bigger dimensions (15.65″ x 13.8″ x 10.6″). At 10 pounds it is light enough to store away although it does have a more boxy shape to it, meaning you will need to free up some more storage space to find a suitable home for this machine.
Other features include:
- 12 pre-programmed settings
- 3 crust colors
- Gluten-free setting
- Viewing window with built-in light
- Keep warm function
- Stainless steel exterior
This bread maker might not look as flashy as some of the others but it gets the job done and is capable of making some delicious bread-based goodies. Plus, it’s one of the more affordable machines on this list.
Amazon Basics Bread Maker
Basic, sure, but this machine does what it says on the tin and comes with an extremely attractive price tag. In fact, if you are on a tight budget, then this is one of the cheapest bread makers you are going to find.
This small and compact bread maker is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable machine. It makes a loaf size of up to 2 pounds but also has a 1.5-pound option if you want to make a slightly smaller loaf. This Amazon bread maker has an express setting where you can make your favorite loaf of bread in just under 90 minutes.
Just like the Oster ExpressBake, at 8 pounds, this machine is incredibly light. The compact and vertical body makes it an ideal size for storing away without taking up too much space.
Other features include:
- 14 pre-programmed settings
- Gluten-free setting
- Express bake setting
- 3 crust colors
- LCD screen
- Viewing window
If you are looking for a no-frills basic bread maker, the AmazonBasics machine is not a worthy choice.
Crownful Bread Maker
You might have not heard of this brand, but when it comes to the best small bread maker, this one comes out pretty high up on the list.
The Crownful Bread Maker is a small and compact machine that makes 2 different sizes of loaves. You can choose between one and a 1.5 pound or a 2-pound loaf.
Machine Size
The actual body of the machine weighs just over 10 pounds, which is a little lighter than the Oster and AmazonBasics. It has a slightly oval shape to it (9.85″ x 14.6″ x 11″) but it is still compact enough for your small kitchen.
Other features include:
- 12 pre-programmed settings
- 3 crust settings
- Gluten-free setting
- 13 hour delayed timer
- 1 hour keep warm function
- 10 minute power interruption recovery
What is great about this compact bread maker is that you get lots of extra accessories. Aside from the bread pan and kneading paddle, included with the machine you get; a stirring rod, measuring spoon, measuring cup, user manual and a recipe book. And priced under $100 it fits within everyone’s budget!
Briskind 19-in 1 Compact Bread Maker
Another machine you have probably not heard about, is the Briskind. Despite it not being as well known, I think this is an underrated machine that needs a bit more attention. It’s also one of the smallest bread makers you will find.
The Briskind Bread Maker makes a 1 pound and 1.5 pound loaf. The sizes are small enough to feed one person without wasting a single crumb and the 1.5 pound loaf is large enough for a small family, or if you are feeling extra hungry!
This bread machine isn’t only compact (12″ x 9″ x 10.5″) it has a portable handle so you can carry it with ease. And weighing at 7.8 pounds, it is officially the lightest bread machine on this list. If you have a small kitchen area and need to lift it in and out from your cupboard, you’ll be able to do it without doing your back in.
Other features include:
- 19 pre-programmed settings
- 3 crust colors
- 15 hour delayed timer
- 1 hour keep warm
- The smart sensor automatically adjusts the temperature for optimal results
- 15 minute power failure backup
- Sourdough starter setting
The ‘Rise Only’ and ‘Bake Only’ settings allow you to manually control the leavening and baking time, so you can make your perfect loaf of bread. This machine has a built-in smart sensor that adjusts the temperature for optimal baking results. Included with the Briskind bread machine you get 2 measuring cups, 2 measuring spoons, a paddle removal tool, an instruction booklet and a recipe book.
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As you can see, there are many great options out there if you are looking for the smallest bread maker. All of the machines, apart from the two Zojirushi’s, are under $100.
If you have a budget to stick to and don’t really care about having fancy features and lots of settings, the AmazonBasics bread machine will do the job just fine.
If you want a machine that is budget friendly but also yields quality bread, Oster is a great beard machine that bakes quality bread. Don’t forget that you can also upgrade to a Gluten-free Oster bread maker or one with a fruit and nut dispenser.
