Have you wanted to make fresh, homemade bread in your kitchen but worry that it won’t fit? Or maybe you have a small family and don’t need to make a large amount of bread at once. No matter what your reasoning for wanting a smaller appliance, there are many options for compact bread makers that will suit your needs. In this article, we’ll go over what features you’ll want to look for to choose one of the best small bread makers for your family and a list of our top favorite options.
Adding another appliance to your kitchen can be difficult. However, if you are a family that loves fresh bread, this appliance will be well worth it. While these options are more compact, they are powerful bread makers that will have you eating freshly made toast, sandwiches, or whatever your heart desires. When choosing our list of the best small bread makers, we wanted to make sure that we gathered options with the top features. Below are some of the features we looked at.
Benefits of Using a Bread Maker
There are multiple benefits to using a bread machine, aside from the obvious – fresh homemade bread – whenever you like! For busy moms who spend a lot of time in the kitchen, a bread maker can save a lot of time. Not only that, but you have more control over the ingredients going into your foods.
Which Features to Look for to Choose the Best Small Bread Maker
Size
Considering you are looking at small bread makers, size may be the first feature you’ll want to consider. After all, you want to make sure that it fits nicely in your kitchen and can suit your needs. When looking at the options below, check the dimensions to make sure you have space in your kitchen. Do you want to have it out on the counter or stored away in the pantry?
Find a good spot to keep your new bread maker prior to shopping around. Keep in mind that smaller bread makers will make a smaller loaf of bread.
Non-Stick Bread Pan
Another feature that is worth looking at is a nonstick bread pan. Once the bread has finished baking, cleaning up a mess is probably the last thing you’ll want to take care of. Many bread makers are coated with Teflon or a Teflon derivative that keeps the dough from sticking to the pan. This way, once you’re finished, you can quickly and easily clean up after you’re finished.
Viewing Window
While a viewing window isn’t the most important factor to consider, you may be anxious to watch the bread as it bakes. After all, making your own bread is exciting, and if you want to watch your loaf as it rises, a viewing window is a must. If you want to keep an eye on your bread, look for an option that has a viewing window.
Simple To Use
If this is your first bread maker, you’ll want a simple control panel that’s easy to understand. You’ll get an instruction manual, but there are options out there that are still a little complicated even when reading the manual. We found options that are easier to use in order to cut down on any confusion for baking your first loaf of homemade bread.
Best Small Bread Makers
1. Hamilton Beach 29881 2-Pound Bread Maker
This bread maker from Hamilton Beach can do just about everything. Whether you want to make white bread, wheat bread, sourdough, or even gluten-free bread – there is a setting for you. Not only can you enjoy baking homemade bread, but you can even make pizza dough, cakes, flatbreads, croissants, and even jams!
If you’re a beginner to baking bread, then you’ll enjoy how simple this bread machine is to use. The control panel is easy to understand, and you get a detailed manual with easy-to-follow recipes, baking tips, and even instructional drawings to help avoid any confusion. All you need to do is add the ingredients, choose the cycle you want, and click the start button.
Not only are there settings for different types of bread you can make, but you also get settings for light, medium, and dark crust depending on your preference. You get a dishwasher safe bread pan, two kneading paddles, and a recipe booklet. Once you make your first batch of homemade bread, you’ll be excited to bake all of the other recipes this machine can create.
Pros
- Includes 12 settings so that you can create your perfect batch of bread
- Comes with nonstick and dishwasher safe pan for easy cleanup
- Easy to use, even for beginner bread bakers
- Has a viewing window so you can watch the entire process
Cons
- A little larger than some of the other options
2. Cuisinart Bread Maker
Is there anything better than having bread waiting for you first thing in the morning? With this bread maker from Cuisinart, you can prepare everything before bed, use the delay-start timer, and wake up to the scent of fresh-baked bread. This automatic bread maker allows you to choose from 12 pre-programmed menu options for both versatility and ease when baking.
Make everything from artisan bread to gluten-free bread to homemade jam to go with your toast. If you’re trying to keep you and your family healthy, you have the ability to use whole grains, nuts, or dried fruit.
This is a simple to use appliance with a viewing window so that you can keep an eye on the process. There is also an interior light so you can get a better view of your bread as it bakes. Because of the compact design, you can easily keep this appliance on your countertop in your kitchen. Once you’re finished, all you have to do is remove the nonstick bread pan and place it in the dishwasher.
Pros
- 13-hour delay-start timer so you can have bread ready anytime you wish
- Has an easy to use pre-programmed menu
- Compact and easily fits in just about any kitchen
Cons
- A little pricier than similar options
3. T-Fal ActiBread Bread Maker
For someone who wants to opt for healthy, homemade gluten-free bread, then this would be a great appliance to add to your kitchen. You can choose from 15 programmable options that include gluten-free salty, gluten-free sweet, and even gluten-free cake! You’re not just limited to gluten-free options, though. Other settings include whole wheat, rapid whole wheat, super rapid, French, sweet, salt-free, and more!
With this bread maker from T-Fal, all of your baked goods are completely customizable. Choose from three loaf sizes ranging from 1lb to 2 lbs, and three crust settings ranging from light to dark.
Want to wake up with fresh homemade bread waiting for you? Simply put all of the ingredients together and choose the delay-start option. You can set it to start baking bread up to 15 hours later so you can literally bake bread while you sleep. If you don’t happen to wake up right when it’s done, no worries. Once finished, it automatically switches over to the keep-warm mode for up to an hour.
Pros
- 15-hour delay-start timer so and keep-warm mode so you can have fresh bread at any time
- Multiple bread options, no matter what your dietary needs are
- Comes with accessories and a recipe book so you’ll have everything you need to start baking bread as soon as it arrives
Cons
- Slightly larger than some of the other options
4. Zojirushi Home Bakery Maestro Breadmaker
This bread maker doesn’t just make baked bread. Make everything from gluten-free bread, sugar or salt-free baked goods, to pizza and pasta dough. If you’re making something that includes nuts or other ingredients, you have the option to use the auto-add dispenser that automatically dispenses ingredients, such as nuts.
One unique feature worth pointing out is the carry handle. Whether you travel a lot or want to be able to easily store it away, the carry handle makes transporting this bread maker a breeze.
While there are multiple course settings to choose from, you can even create your own! This bread maker has three homemade course settings so you can save your favorite recipes in the appliance for later. For ideas on what to make, you get a recipe booklet that includes recipes such as gluten-free doughnuts, sugar cookie dough, tortillas, and even meatloaf!
Pros
- Ability to program and save your favorite homemade courses so you can easily have your favorite recipe settings at the click of a button
- Makes a variety of foods, so you can get more food from this machine
- The auto-add dispenser allows you to add ingredients, such as nuts, automatically for the perfect mixture of other ingredients
Cons
- Doesn’t come with any additional accessories
5. KBS Pro Stainless Steel Bread Machine
For a sleek and stylish bread maker that would make a beautiful addition to a home with stainless steel appliances, look no further than this great option, the KBS Pro Stainless Stell Bread Machine. Not only will this bread maker look great in just about any kitchen, but it has a lot of features moms will appreciate.
The intuitive touch control panel looks sleek and clean and couldn’t be easier to use. Choose from three sizes for your loaf of bread, and toast it as light or dark as you prefer. Next to the control panel, you have a list of 17-19 menu settings depending on the size of the bread you’re making. With the 360 degree baking in the ceramic bread pan, you can enjoy evenly cooked bread every time!
It comes with everything you need, so no need to shop for any additional accessories. You get a ceramic bread pan, measuring cup, measuring spoon, fruit and nut dispenser, a hook, and a stirring rod. With the 15-hour delay setting, you can have bread baking any time you wish and then can keep it warm for up to an hour. Once you’re finished, cleaning is easy with the nonstick ceramic pan.
Pros
- Comes with a nonstick ceramic pan for easy cleanup
- Looks nice in just about any kitchen
- Easy to use control panel
Cons
- Some reviewers have had issues with it stirring
6. MOOSOO 25-in-1 Bread Machine
Another sleek looking stainless steel appliance, the MOOSOO 25-in-1 bread machine is a great option. Something that stands out about this bread maker is the whopping 25 different settings you can choose from. This bread maker is a bit pricier than some of the other options; however, you get a lot of bang for your buck.
Among the options, you can choose from a gluten-free setting, whole-wheat, French, and even cornbread. You also have the option to make other foods like cake, rice, stir-fry, yogurt, and jam. With the large viewing window, you can take a look at the bread as it goes through the entire process of baking.
This bread maker also comes with seven accessories, including one ceramic bread pan, three extra stirring rods, one measuring cup, one measuring spoon, one hook, gloves, and a cookbook. You’ll have everything you need to make bread (and other foods) as soon as it arrives to your door.
Pros
- Easy cleanup with the nonstick ceramic pan
- Attractive stainless steel is easy to clean and looks well with other appliances
- 25 different settings to make a variety of types of bread and other foods
Cons
- A little pricier than some of the other options
7. Elite Gourmet Maxi-Matic
If you have limited space in your kitchen and want a bread maker that is easy to use, you’ll enjoy using this option from Elite Gourmet. The Maxi-Matic comes with a manual that has instructions about the appliance as well as the ratio of the ingredients for different types of bread.
Although this option is less expensive than some of the other options, you still get 19 settings to choose from. Whether you want to make a loaf of bread to create toast for breakfast or need the perfect dough for a pizza night, the Maxi-Matic will get the job done for you. Manage the ingredients that go in your family’s food by using all-natural ingredients, limit preservatives, and even make gluten-free bread.
You can make breakfast for the entire family with this simple machine. Bake a loaf of bread for toast and make healthy, homemade jam to top it. For another breakfast option, use this machine to make flavorful yogurt and top with your favorite fruits. If you’re in the mood for cinnamon rolls, you can use it to make the dough for them.
Pros
- Less expensive than some other options
- Ability to make gluten-free bread for families with a gluten allergy
- Beginner family, so first-time bread makers can easily bake their first batch of bread
Cons
- No delay cooking feature
8. AICOOK 2LB Stainless Steel Bread Machine
If you tend to make baked goods frequently, having one of the small bread makers, such as the AICOOK 2LB Stainless Steel Bread Machine, will allow you to save on power and create less heat for the kitchen. Not only that but with this bread machine, you can easily add a variety of ingredients to switch things up. Make cinnamon raisin bread by using the automatic dispenser. When the time comes to add in the raisins (or any additional ingredients you want in your bread), you’ll get an audible reminder to add them in.
With the 13- hour timer, you can get the ingredients ready before work and have freshly cooked bread waiting for you when you get home. It is simple to use and has a large LCD display so that anyone new to baking homemade bread can easily operate this machine.
Make homemade bread and jam, dough for pizza, or cake for a birthday party. This bread maker has a variety of options for multiple types of foods and comes with everything you need to start baking.
Pros
- Comes with a nonstick ceramic pan for easy cleanup
- Looks nice in just about any kitchen
- Easy to use control panel
Cons
- Has fewer program settings than some other options
9. SYCEES Automatic Digital Bread Machine
Let’s face it – moms are busy. So any kitchen appliance that saves time, such as this SYCEES Digital Bread Machine, can be a huge helper for mom to get things done. The 15-hour delay timer allows busy parents to get the ingredients ready before cooking the bread so they can have it ready during those busy moments.
The last thing a busy mom wants to do after cooking a meal is cleaning up the mess. Luckily, with this bread maker, cleaning up is quick and easy. The bread pan is nonstick and removable for a fast clean up. For anyone who is new to using a bread machine, this one is pretty simple to use. Simply add the ingredients, choose the program you want, and wait for your creation to get finished!
No need to worry about how much of each ingredient is needed. You get a recipe book included with the machine, so all you really need to do is measure it and add it in. It even comes with a measuring cup and a measuring spoon, so you’ll have everything you need to get started.
Pros
- Comes with a nonstick ceramic pan for easy cleanup
- Looks nice in just about any kitchen
- Easy to use control panel
Cons
- Doesn’t come with as many accessories as some of the other options
10. Sybo BM8501 Pro Bread Machine
There are multiple reasons to find the best small bread maker for you and your family. One big reason is to save energy and time spent in the kitchen. This bread maker is quite compact, even smaller than some of the other options we have included. It’ll fit nicely on just about any countertop, even if you have a smaller kitchen area.
Not only is the bread pan nonstick, but it’s also dishwasher safe. The appliance itself is stainless steel, so you can easily wipe down any bits of dough or other ingredients that get on it. With the Teflon-coated pan, you don’t need to worry about any additional chemicals getting in your food. You get clean and evenly baked bread with each use!
Enjoy healthier and tastier homemade bread whenever you want it. Whether you want to enjoy it right as it’s finished baking, an hour after baking, or need to set a timer to get it started in advanced – there is a program setting for you. With this bread machine, all of the tools you need to get started are included. After you experiment with your first recipe, you’ll be excited to see what else you can make with it!
Pros
- Made with Teflon, allowing the bread to bake evenly and without added chemicals
- Multiple program settings for a variety of different foods
- One of the most compact options, suitable for just about every kitchen or tiny home
Cons
- No viewing window
Conclusion
Who doesn’t love waking up to the fresh smell of homemade bread in the morning? With your own bread maker, this dream can be your reality! For moms who want to keep their kids healthy, choosing your own nutritious ingredients is a great way to make it that much easier. Many of the options above have a delay timer so that you can get the ingredients ready while you have a second, and then set it to cook when you’re ready! Some even have a fruit and nut dispenser to add a sweet or salty flavor to your baked goods. For our list of best small bread makers, we did our best to include options in every price range, a variety of features, and bread makers with accessories. No matter what your needs are, there is a perfect option for you!
For bread makers under $100, check out this article.