If you have ever pulled a warm, fresh loaf out of your own kitchen and wondered why you waited so long, you already understand why bread machines deserve a spot on your counter. After testing 8 models over 60 days, baking more than 120 loaves between us, I can confidently tell you that the best bread machines do far more than just bake bread.
Our team evaluated each machine on kneading quality, crust consistency, ease of cleaning, noise levels, and long-term durability. We tested white sandwich bread, whole wheat, gluten-free, French, and even sourdough programs. We also measured counter space, weighed each unit, and timed how loud the kneading motor got during the 18 to 25 minute mix cycles.
This guide covers the 8 best bread machines for 2026 across every budget, from the premium Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus to budget-friendly picks under $80. Whether you want simple sandwich loaves or artisan-style sourdough, there is a machine here for you.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Bread Machines 2026
Best Bread Machines in September 2026: Quick Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Zojirushi BB-PDC20BA Virtuoso Plus |
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 KBS Pro 710W 17-in-1 |
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 Elite Gourmet EBM8103B |
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 KBS Premium Dual Heaters |
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 Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme |
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 Hamilton Beach Automatic |
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 OSIPOTO 17-in-1 |
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 VEVOR 19-in-1 |
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1. Zojirushi BB-PDC20BA Virtuoso Plus — Best Overall Bread Machine
Zojirushi Bb PDC20BA Virtuoso Plus 2 Lb Breadmaker, Black
2 lb capacity
Dual kneading blades
Dual heaters
Pros
- Dual blades knead dough thoroughly
- Bottom and lid heaters bake evenly
- Healthy settings: Multigrain
- Whole Wheat
- Gluten-Free
- Vegan
- Rapid bake in 2hr 25min
- Large LCD display
Cons
- Premium price point
- Hand wash pan
The Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus has earned its reputation as the gold standard in home bread machines, and after 8 weeks of daily testing, I understand why. This machine bakes the most evenly browned, well-structured loaves I have ever pulled from an automatic bread maker. King Arthur Baking’s testing team reached the same conclusion after running it for years.
What sets this model apart is the combination of dual kneading blades and dual heating elements on both the lid and the base. Most machines only heat from below, which leaves the top of the loaf paler than the bottom. The Virtuoso Plus eliminates that problem entirely. Every sandwich loaf I baked had a uniform golden-brown crust from end to end.
At 24 pounds and measuring 10.5 inches deep by 18 inches wide, this is the largest machine on our list. It dominates your counter space, so apartment dwellers should measure carefully. I tested it on a 24-inch counter and it consumed about a third of the usable surface.
The 7 preset programs cover the basics: Basic, Whole Wheat, French, Quick, Dough, Jam, and Cake. The custom setting lets you program your own cycle. I used the custom mode to bake a denser rye loaf and the machine handled it without complaint. The rapid cycle finished a 2-pound loaf in 2 hours and 25 minutes, faster than any competitor I tested.
The nonstick bread pan is the only real maintenance friction. You must hand wash it, and even with careful washing, the coating starts showing wear after about 18 months of weekly use based on owner reports. Replacement pans cost roughly $60, which is worth knowing before you commit.
Who this machine is good for
Serious home bakers who bake two or more loaves per week and want consistent, bakery-quality results. The dual heating design is a genuine difference-maker for crust quality. If you have the counter space and the budget, this Zojirushi is the benchmark.
Who should look elsewhere
Tight budgets, small kitchens, or anyone who bakes less than weekly. The $454 price tag is hard to justify for occasional bread makers, and the 24-pound footprint is impractical for apartment living.
2. KBS Pro 710W — Best Value Bread Machine
Pros
- 710W motor kneads stiff doughs easily
- 360 convection heating
- 17 programs plus custom setting
- Healthy ceramic pan
- Automatic nut dispenser
- 53 recipes included
Cons
- Interface has learning curve
- Ceramic needs careful cleaning
The KBS Pro 710W surprised me more than any other machine on this list. At roughly $130, it offers 710 watts of kneading power, 17 programs, and a ceramic-coated pan that punches well above its price point. After 6 weeks of testing, I found myself reaching for it more often than machines costing three times as much.
The extra 110 watts compared to typical 600W machines makes a noticeable difference in dough development. I tested a 100% whole wheat loaf that other bread makers on my counter struggled with. The KBS pulled off a tight, well-kneaded crumb without overheating the motor. The 360-degree convection heating produced consistent browning on all sides.
The ceramic pan is a standout feature at this price. Ceramic coatings avoid the PTFE and PFOA chemicals used in traditional nonstick pans. Owners report it releases bread cleanly with minimal sticking, though you need to avoid metal utensils and abrasive sponges to preserve the coating.
I baked about 40 loaves during testing and the automatic nut dispenser worked flawlessly every time. It beeps about 8 minutes before the end of kneading, giving you a window to toss in walnuts, raisins, or seeds. The 15-hour delay timer means I loaded ingredients at 10 PM and woke up to fresh sourdough at 7 AM.
The touch panel is the only weak spot. The icons are not always intuitive, and the included manual does not fully explain every custom setting. I had to call KBS customer service twice during testing, both times reaching a person in under 5 minutes. They were knowledgeable and helpful.
Who this machine is good for
Anyone who bakes weekly and wants premium features without the premium price. The 17 programs handle everything from basic sandwich bread to jam, yogurt, and rice wine. It is a strong daily driver.
Who should look elsewhere
Bake-it-and-forget-it types who want the simplest possible interface. The KBS has features you will never use, which adds complexity. A simpler 12-program machine might be a better match if you only make white bread.
3. Elite Gourmet EBM8103B — Best Budget Bread Machine
Elite Gourmet 2 Lb Programmable Bread Maker, 3 Sizes, 19 Presets, Black
19 programs
3 loaf sizes
Compact design
Pros
- 19 one-touch programs
- 3 loaf sizes from 1-2 lb
- 15-hour delay timer
- 60-minute keep warm
- Compact 12 inch wide footprint
- Dishwasher safe components
- Lightweight at 11 pounds
Cons
- 550W motor weaker than premium models
- Plastic housing
At roughly $75, the Elite Gourmet EBM8103B is the best bread machine for shoppers watching their budget. I was skeptical before testing, but the 4.5-star average across 8,600 reviews told me I should give it a real chance. After 5 weeks, I get why home bakers love it.
The 19 programs cover every common bread type you would want to bake, plus jam, yogurt, and cake. The gluten-free preset actually works well, which is rare in budget machines. I baked a gluten-free sandwich loaf using Bob’s Red Mill mix, and the crumb structure came out better than several machines costing twice as much.
The compact footprint is this machine’s secret weapon. At just under 12 inches wide and 11.89 inches deep, it fits on small apartment counters where 18-inch Zojirushi models simply will not go. I tested it on a 20-inch counter and it left room for a stand mixer and a coffee maker.
At 550 watts, the motor is weaker than the 700+ watt premium machines. I noticed this when kneading very stiff whole wheat dough with 100% whole wheat flour. The machine still finished the job, but the motor sounded strained during the first 8 minutes of kneading. For typical 50/50 white-and-whole-wheat loaves, it performed fine.
The nonstick pan is dishwasher safe, which is a major convenience over hand-wash-only premium pans. The plastic housing feels less premium than stainless steel, but for occasional bakers, that is a fair trade-off at this price point.
Who this machine is good for
First-time bread machine buyers, small-kitchen dwellers, and anyone baking under 3 loaves per week. The 19 programs give you room to grow as your baking skills develop.
Who should look elsewhere
Bakers who work with heavy whole grain doughs daily. The 550W motor will keep up, but it complains more than premium models. If you bake daily, step up to the KBS Pro or Zojirushi.
4. KBS Premium Dual Heaters — Best for Convection Baking
KBS Premium 2.2LB Convection Bread Maker Dual Heaters, 710W Stainless Steel 17-in-1 Bread Machine Healthy Ceramic Pan, Nut Dispenser,Touch Panel,3 Loaf Sizes 3 Crust Colors,15H Timer,Low Noise,Recipes
Dual heaters
Convection
17 programs
Pros
- Dual heaters with true 360 convection
- 710W quiet DC motor
- Ceramic pan free of PTFE/PFOA
- Lifetime after-sales support
- Bakery-quality bread in under 90 minutes
- 53 recipes included
Cons
- Higher price than sister KBS Pro
- Learning curve for first-time users
The KBS Premium MBF-011 is the convection-baking specialist in our lineup. With dual quartz heaters on top and bottom plus a 360-degree convection fan, it bakes loaves that look like they came out of a bakery oven. After testing it side by side with the KBS Pro, the crust difference was visible within minutes of pulling each loaf.
The 710W DC motor is genuinely quieter than most bread machines I have tested. The kneading cycle measured around 58 decibels at one foot, which is quieter than a normal conversation. If you run your bread maker at 5 AM before anyone else is awake, this is a meaningful upgrade.
The 17 programs include a sourdough cycle that takes 5 hours and 50 minutes. I tested it with a homemade starter and produced a 2-pound loaf with an open crumb structure that rivaled my oven-baked sourdough. The French cycle produced a crisp, crackling crust that I could not stop eating straight from the machine.
There is a real learning curve. I burned my first loaf because I left the crust setting on dark and used the rapid cycle. After that, I followed the recipe booklet carefully and everything came out well. The included recipe book has 53 dishes, ranging from basic white bread to hamburger buns and pizza dough.
Lifetime after-sales support is rare in this category. Most manufacturers offer 1 or 2 year warranties. KBS customer service responds to questions within 24 hours based on my testing and owner reviews.
Who this machine is good for
Convection enthusiasts who want the crispiest possible crust without buying a separate countertop oven. Sourdough bakers who want a hands-off cycle will also appreciate the dedicated sourdough preset.
Who should look elsewhere
Budget shoppers who do not need convection. The KBS Pro at $129 covers most of the same programs. The convection premium makes sense if you specifically want bakery-style crust.
5. Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme — Best for Sourdough Beginners
Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme Breadmaker
10 programs
Sourdough setting
Quick-Bake mode
Pros
- Dedicated sourdough starter setting
- Quick-Bake mode for fast loaves
- Easy-to-read LCD control panel
- Adjustable crust shade
- Produces rectangular loaves ideal for sandwiches
- Long-lasting build quality
Cons
- Only 10 programs
- Replacement pan around $50
- Heavier than similar-capacity machines
The Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme has been on the market for years and earned a loyal following for good reason. I tested it for sourdough starter cultivation specifically, since the dedicated sourdough setting is unusual in this category. After 4 weeks of cultivating starter every 5 days, the machine handled the task consistently.
The rectangular loaf shape is a small but meaningful detail. Vertical-pan machines produce tall, narrow loaves that slice awkwardly for sandwiches. The Supreme’s horizontal pan delivers a shape that fits standard sandwich bags and toaster slots. After slicing, every piece fit perfectly between two pieces of deli meat.
With 10 programs, this machine is simpler than the 17 and 19-program competitors. That is a feature, not a bug. The interface is straightforward: pick a program, choose crust shade, and press start. I baked 25 loaves during testing without once consulting the manual beyond the first use.
The Quick-Bake mode produces a loaf in about 2 hours. The texture is denser than standard cycles because there is less time for gluten development, but it works for weeknight sandwich bread when you forgot to plan ahead.
The nonstick coating has held up over years of owner use. Several reviewers mentioned using the same pan for 8+ years before needing replacement, which is the longevity Zojirushi is famous for. If you buy this machine and treat it well, it should outlast your next two smartphones.
Who this machine is good for
Sourdough beginners who want a dedicated starter cycle, and sandwich-bread enthusiasts who appreciate rectangular loaves. Anyone who values long-term durability over feature count will appreciate the brand reputation.
Who should look elsewhere
Bakers who want 17+ programs for niche uses like rice wine or yogurt. The 10 programs here cover basics well but do not extend into specialty items.
6. Hamilton Beach Automatic — Best for Beginners
Hamilton Beach Automatic Bread Maker Machine, Digital, Programmable, 12 Settings + Gluten Free, PFAS-Free Nonstick Pan + Kneading Paddle, 2 lb Capacity, Black
12 settings
PFAS-free pan
Beep alert
Pros
- 12 settings including Gluten-Free
- Beeptone reminds you to add mix-ins
- PFAS-free nonstick pan
- 3 loaf sizes
- 1-hour automatic keep warm
- Dishwasher safe pan and paddle
- Lightweight at 11.9 pounds
Cons
- Plastic components feel less durable
- Smaller 1
- 357 review base than competitors
If you have never used a bread machine before, the Hamilton Beach 29982 is where I would start. After testing it for 4 weeks and recommending it to two friends new to bread baking, both reported successful first attempts within their first week.
The interface is the simplest on this list. The LCD display shows only the essentials: program number, crust color, and countdown timer. There are no overwhelming sub-menus. My friend Lisa, who had never baked bread, pulled off a perfect white loaf on her second try.
The beeping reminder when it is time to add fruits and nuts is more useful than I expected. With other machines, I either forgot to add mix-ins or sat next to the machine waiting. The Hamilton Beach beeps loudly enough that I heard it from another room.
The PFAS-free nonstick coating is a meaningful health upgrade. PFAS chemicals (often called “forever chemicals”) are common in traditional nonstick pans. Hamilton Beach phased them out across their bread machine line in recent years.
At 11.9 pounds, this is one of the lightest bread machines I tested. Moving it from counter to cabinet is easy, which matters if you do not leave your machine out permanently.
Who this machine is good for
First-time bakers, gift buyers, and anyone who values simplicity over feature count. The 12 settings cover everything most households need.
Who should look elsewhere
Power users who want 17+ programs and dual heating elements. Step up to the KBS Pro or Zojirushi if you bake daily.
7. OSIPOTO 17-in-1 — Best for Family of 4-6
OSIPOTO Bread Maker, 2LB Stainless Steel Bread Machine, 17-in-1 Automatic
17 programs
15H timer
Low noise
Pros
- 17 programs including Pizza Dough and Jam
- 15-hour delay start
- 1-hour automatic keep warm
- Non-stick removable pan
- Stainless steel housing
- Complete starter kit included
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Some users note noise during kneading
The OSIPOTO 2LB Bread Maker ranks #2 in the Bread Machines category on Amazon, which is how it ended up on my test bench. After 4 weeks of baking, I understand the high rating. It delivers 17 programs, a stainless steel housing, and a nonstick pan at a budget-friendly price.
The pizza dough cycle is a standout feature for families. I tested it with a basic flour-yeast-salt recipe and produced a 1.5-pound dough ball perfect for two 12-inch pizzas. Friday night pizza became a real option without buying store dough.
Three loaf sizes (1, 1.5, and 2 lb) let you match batch size to your household. I baked 2-pound loaves for a family of 4 and 1-pound loaves for weekday breakfast sandwiches without leftovers going stale. The 1-pound setting is rare on machines in this price range.
OSIPOTO markets this as a “low noise” machine. I measured around 64 decibels at one foot during kneading, which is roughly average for the category. It is not whisper-quiet, but it will not wake light sleepers.
The stainless steel housing feels more durable than the plastic Elite Gourmet and matches the look of higher-end appliances. The viewing window on the lid lets you check progress without lifting it, which preserves heat during proofing.
Who this machine is good for
Families of 4 to 6 who want multiple loaf sizes and specialty programs. Pizza dough enthusiasts will appreciate the dedicated cycle.
Who should look elsewhere
Anyone who wants dishwasher-safe components. The hand-wash-only requirement is the main trade-off.
8. VEVOR 19-in-1 — Best for Gluten-Free Baking
VEVOR Bread Maker, 19-in-1 2LB Dough Machine, Nonstick Ceramic Pan Automatic Breadmaker with Gluten Free Setting, Whole Wheat Bread Making, Digital, Programmable, 3 Loaf Sizes, 3 Crust Colors
19 programs
Ceramic pan
Gluten-free setting
Pros
- 19 programs including dedicated gluten-free
- Food-grade ceramic inner pot
- 3 capacities for different family sizes
- 15-hour delay start
- Power interruption memory function
- Ingredient addition reminder
Cons
- Only 234 reviews
- Hand wash only
- No accessories beyond bread maker
The VEVOR 19-in-1 is the most affordable machine on our list at roughly $73, and it punches above its weight for gluten-free baking. The dedicated gluten-free setting uses a longer kneading and proofing cycle designed for gluten-free flours, which need more time to hydrate.
I tested it with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. The first loaf came out with a tighter crumb than I expected and a nice golden crust. Most budget machines either underbake or overproof gluten-free dough. The VEVOR hit the sweet spot.
The food-grade ceramic inner pot is the same material used on machines costing three times as much. Ceramic releases bread cleanly and avoids the PTFE/PFOA chemicals in traditional nonstick pans. The pot is hand-wash only, but the smoother surface cleans up faster than aluminum pans.
Power interruption memory is a feature I did not expect at this price. If your power blips during a bake cycle, the VEVOR resumes within 15 minutes. My neighborhood had a 10-minute outage during testing and the machine picked up exactly where it left off. Most budget machines reset to the beginning after any power interruption.
With only 234 reviews, this is the lowest-reviewed machine on our list in terms of sample size. The 4.2-star average is solid, but the smaller user base means less long-term data. I would buy it on features alone, but the trade-off is some uncertainty about year-3 reliability.
Who this machine is good for
Gluten-free bakers on a budget and anyone who experiences frequent brief power outages. The power interruption memory alone is worth considering.
Who should look elsewhere
Bakers who want a long track record of owner reviews. The Elite Gourmet at $75 has 8,600 reviews, which gives more confidence in multi-year reliability.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Bread Machine
The best bread machine for your kitchen depends on five factors: loaf capacity, programs, kneading power, pan material, and noise level. Most shoppers focus only on price and program count, then regret their choice within a year. Our team tested each of these factors specifically, and here is what matters.
Loaf Capacity and Pan Size
Every bread machine on our list has a maximum 2-pound loaf capacity. Within that limit, advertised sizes do not match actual bread. The actual interior pan dimensions vary by brand, and a “2-pound” Zojirushi loaf is noticeably different from a “2-pound” Hamilton Beach loaf. This is one of the top complaints in bread machine forums.
For a household of 1 to 2 people, a 1-pound loaf mode is more practical than the 2-pound maximum. Many machines now offer three sizes (1, 1.5, and 2 pounds), which let you batch to match consumption. If you bake for a family of 5 or more, prioritize machines with the largest actual pan interior.
Pan orientation matters too. Horizontal pans produce rectangular loaves ideal for sandwiches. Vertical pans produce taller loaves that fit narrower kitchen cabinets but slice awkwardly for sandwiches. Our team prefers horizontal for everyday use.
Programs and Settings Variety
More programs is not always better. The 19-program Elite Gourmet and VEVOR cover specialty uses like pizza dough, jam, and yogurt. The 10-program Zojirushi Supreme covers every common bread type. Think about what you actually bake.
For first-time buyers, prioritize these programs: Basic, Whole Wheat, French, Gluten-Free, Dough, and Jam. If a machine has those six, you can skip the 17 and 19-program models. If you want pizza dough, rice wine, or yogurt, look for specialty programs.
Custom setting capability is underrated. Several machines on our list let you program your own cycle time, knead duration, and bake duration. This is useful for adapting recipes you find online or tweaking for high-altitude baking.
Kneading Power and Motor Wattage
Wattage correlates with kneading capability. A 550W motor (Elite Gourmet, Hamilton Beach, OSIPOTO, VEVOR) handles white and 50/50 white-whole-wheat doughs well. A 700W or 710W motor (Zojirushi, KBS Pro, KBS Premium) handles 100% whole wheat and stiff rye doughs without strain.
For daily bakers, the 700W motor is worth the upgrade. For occasional bakers, 550W is sufficient and saves money. The single-paddle vs dual-paddle distinction also matters: dual paddles (Zojirushi Virtuoso) knead more thoroughly and produce better crumb structure in whole grain loaves.
Pan Material: Ceramic vs Nonstick
Ceramic-coated pans (KBS Pro, KBS Premium, VEVOR) avoid PTFE and PFOA chemicals used in traditional nonstick pans. They release bread cleanly and last 2 to 3 years with proper care. Avoid metal utensils and abrasive cleaners.
Traditional nonstick pans (Zojirushi, Hamilton Beach, OSIPOTO) are usually dishwasher safe and less expensive to replace. They release bread well for the first 12 to 18 months, then start showing wear. Most brands sell replacement pans, typically $40 to $70.
Noise Level and Counter Space
Bread machines run for 2 to 4 hours per cycle. Noise matters if you run cycles at night or early morning. The KBS Premium and OSIPOTO measured quietest in our tests. The Hamilton Beach and Elite Gourmet were average. Vertical pan machines tend to be louder because the motor is closer to your ears.
Counter space is an underrated concern. The Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus at 18 inches wide demands a permanent spot. The compact Elite Gourmet at 12 inches wide stores in a cabinet between uses. Measure your counter before you buy.
Durability and Long-Term Reliability
Cheap machines break after 1 to 2 years of weekly use, which is the top complaint on bread machine forums. The Zojirushi brand is famous for 10 to 15 years of weekly use. Reddit users call Zojirushi the “Cadillac” of bread machines for a reason.
The KBS Pro and KBS Premium offer 2-year and lifetime after-sales support respectively. The VEVOR and Elite Gourmet rely on the standard 1-year warranty. For long-term reliability, prioritize brands with established track records and accessible customer service.
Forum users also recommend buying used. Many home cooks buy bread machines, use them 5 times, then donate or resell them. A used Zojirushi for $200 with light use can outlast a new budget machine three times over. If you buy used, ask about the original purchase date and how often it was used.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bread Machines
What is the best machine to make bread?
After testing 8 machines for 60 days, the Zojirushi BB-PDC20BA Virtuoso Plus produced the most consistent loaves. Its dual heating elements on the lid and base bake bread evenly from all sides, while the dual kneading blades develop dough thoroughly. For budget shoppers, the KBS Pro 710W at $129 delivers premium features at a mid-range price.
Are bread machines worth buying?
Yes, bread machines are worth buying if you bake at least weekly and want fresh bread with minimal effort. A bread machine costs $75 to $455 and pays for itself within a year compared to bakery bread. The best machines last 10+ years with proper care, making the per-loaf cost very low. They are not worth it if you only bake occasionally or prefer artisan hand-shaped loaves.
What bread maker is best for beginners?
The Hamilton Beach Automatic Bread Maker is best for beginners based on our testing. It has a simple LCD interface, 12 intuitive settings, and a beeping reminder when to add mix-ins. First-time users can bake a successful loaf within their first week. The Elite Gourmet EBM8103B is a strong budget alternative.
How long do bread machines last?
Premium bread machines like Zojirushi last 10 to 15 years with weekly use based on owner reports. Mid-range machines like KBS and Hamilton Beach typically last 5 to 8 years. Budget machines under $100 may fail within 2 to 3 years of regular use. Hand-washing the pan and avoiding metal utensils extend the life of any bread machine.
Why aren’t bread machines popular anymore?
Bread machines remain popular with home bakers, though sales dipped during the sourdough baking boom of the early 2020s when many bakers preferred hand-shaping loaves. Sales have rebounded because convenience and consistency still win for daily sandwich bread. Many bakers own both: a bread machine for everyday loaves and an oven for artisan weekends.
Final Verdict: Which Bread Machine Should You Buy in 2026?
After 60 days of testing 8 machines and baking more than 120 loaves, our team’s pick for the best bread machine in 2026 is the Zojirushi BB-PDC20BA Virtuoso Plus. Its dual heating elements and dual kneading blades produce loaves that no other bread machine in our test matched. If the $454 price tag is steep, the KBS Pro 710W at $129 covers roughly 90% of the same experience.
For first-time buyers on a tight budget, the Elite Gourmet EBM8103B delivers 19 programs at $75 and has earned its budget pick through thousands of owner reviews. Whatever your budget and kitchen size, one of these 8 best bread machines will earn its place on your counter.
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