Fresh bread is always a treat – Choose the best bread machine & it’s also hassle-free. The recipes are quick & easy. It only takes a moment to pop the ingredients into the pan, set the timer and wake up to the wonderful smell of fresh bread.
Homemade bread tastes so much better than a shop-bought loaf. Perfect for breakfast, a quick snack or a sandwich – 2022 will soon taste better!
UK Best Bread Machine
Making an informed choice isn’t easy. A bewildering number of models, manufacturer claims & umpteen reviews only make choosing the right machine harder. What’s clear, is not all breadmakers are equal.
To sort the wheat from the chaff, we’ve checked manufacturer claims, scrutinised specifications, listened to bakers and eaten lots of lovely bread! Above all else, a good bread maker must consistently turn out a great-tasting loaf with the right texture, shape & density.
‘How good is the bread?’ is clearly, the most important question.
This is followed by consistency, ease of use, programmes, physical size, loaf size, recipes & ease of cleaning.
With hours of research & long-term tests, we have shortlisted & detailed the UK’s top bread machines available to buy, right now…
Compact Bread Machine
Russell Hobbs Compact
Perfect for a small kitchen – this model from Russell Hobbs is affordable, compact and best of all, it bakes a good loaf
- Affordable
- Compact
- Viewing window
- Some owners find it noisy
The footprint is considerably smaller than the Panasonic models below, taking less space on your worktop. Plus, at only 30cm high, this bread maker is far more likely to fit inside a cupboard, when not in use. It’s also much lighter than the Panasonic models, again, making it easier to store.
Both first-time bread makers and owners who have purchased this machine to replace a previous model, rate this machine highly, both in terms of ease of use and most importantly, the bread it makes.
Wake up to the Smell of Fresh Bread
A few owners find the Russell Hobbs Compact a little noisy. One option is to set the timer, meaning that it will bake a loaf while you sleep. And the best bit is that you’ll wake up to the smell of freshly baked bread.
Aside from the advantage of being small, this model has a window on the lid allowing you to see your bread baking. Plus, the pan and paddle are dishwasher safe, meaning there’s no extra washing up.
If you like the idea of freshly baked bread and want a compact model for your kitchen, choose the Russell Hobbs Compact.
SPECIFICATION: Russell Hobbs 23620 | SIZE: 32D x 29W x 30H | LOAF SIZE: 500g to 1kg | GLUTEN-FREE OPTION: Yes | FAST BAKE 55mins | MAX DELAY: 13 hours | PROGRAMMES 12 | WARRANTY 2 Years
Russell Hobbs | Verdict Price £64.00
See Best Price on Amazon
Budget Panasonic Bread Maker
Panasonic SD-B2510
The SD-B2510 is the best value, no-frills, Panasonic bread machine
- Affordable Panasonic
- Non-stick bread pan
- No nut & raisin dispenser
This Panasonic bread machine does the basics well and without fuss. If you don’t have the time or inclination for artisan baking, then there’s no benefit in spending more to get a long list of programmes.
For a great-tasting loaf, the standard recipes on this model do everything you will need. It has all the normal modes for most types of bread, including programmes for pizza bases, a gluten-free loaf & jam. What’s missing from this model is the fruit & nut dispenser. So if you like adding these ingredients to your loaf, it’s worth spending a little more on one of the machines detailed below.
If you’ve previously owned a Panasonic bread maker, the big upgrade is the new shape & the improved non-stick bread pan. The old bread pan surface wasn’t great & tended to wear out ahead of other components, making it difficult to extract the loaf. However, the new coating means that the perfect loaf simply drops out of the pan, onto a cooling rack.
If you’re looking for an affordable Panasonic bread machine that does the basics brilliantly, this is it
SPECIFICATION: SIZE: 252D x 408W x 362H | WEIGHT: 6.5kg | LOAF SIZE: M L & XL | GLUTEN-FREE OPTION: Yes | FAST BAKE 2hrs | MAX DELAY: 13 hours | MODES: 21 | BREADPAN: Diamond Fluoro-coated | WARRANTY 1 Year
Panasonic B2510 | Verdict Price £119.00
See Best Price on Amazon
Best Bread Machine [BEST BUY]
Panasonic SD-R2530 – with Nut Dispenser
This Panasonic bread maker does everything brilliantly. With a wide range of programmes, the latest non-stick bread pan and a nut & raisin dispenser, it ticks all the boxes
- 30 Programmes
- Nut & Raisin Dispenser
- Non-stick bread pan
- No dedicated yeast dispenser
30 modes plus manual settings mean this model does everything you’d expect and more. Compared to the budget machine (detailed above), there are a couple of standout benefits.
Nut & Raisin Dispenser
This Panasonic bread machine bakes a wonderful loaf with zero fuss. Pop the ingredients in the pan and the machine does the rest.
And it includes a nut & raisin dispenser, meaning numerous additional programmes and recipes to try. Importantly, all ingredients are added at precisely the right moment – guaranteeing consistency.
Fruit Loaf, Gluten-Free, Sourdough…
The huge range of programmes means you can bake, pretty much, every kind of bread & more. White, whole wheat, sourdough, brioche, cake, jam, pizza dough…
The four gluten-free options are perfect for bread, cake, pizza dough & pasta.
For variety, consistency and wonderful baking without fuss, this affordable model from Panasonic is our top choice
SPECIFICATION: SIZE: 252D x 408W x 362H | WEIGHT: 7kg | LOAF SIZE: M L & XL | GLUTEN-FREE OPTION: Yes | FAST BAKE 2hrs | MAX DELAY: 13 hours | MODES: 30 | BREADPAN: Diamond Fluoro-coated | WARRANTY 1 Year
Panasonic Best Buy | RRP £179 | Verdict Price £159.00
See Best Price on Amazon
Bread Machine + Ice Cream Maker
Gastroback 62823
This Gastroback bread maker is a decent alternative to the models from Panasonic. It makes great bread and there are a few details that make it worthy of your consideration
- Viewing window
- Can also make ice cream
- Stainless steel design
- Ice cream container is sold separately
Above all else, the Gastroback bakes a good loaf and it’s well built. The 18 functions cover most bread types including gluten-free. Plus, there’s an option to program your own settings, should you desire.
On the top lid, there’s a viewing window and nut dispenser. There’s something nice about being able to peek inside & see your loaf baking.
We recommend that you take the loaf out immediately on completion, but sometimes this isn’t possible. What’s good, is this model will keep the loaf warm after it’s finished baking, for up to an hour – no soggy bread here!
For an extra £30, you can turn this machine into an ice cream maker. This adds a whole world of options. Not only will you soon be enjoying the finest ice cream, but you will save a fortune on pots of Häagen-Dazs!
If you like the stainless steel design and want to make your own ice cream, this model from Gastroback is a great choice.
SPECIFICATION: SIZE: 28D x 36W x 34H | WEIGHT: 5.7kg | LOAF SIZE: M L & XL | GLUTEN-FREE OPTION: Yes | FAST BAKE Yes | MAX DELAY: 15 hours | MODES 18 | WARRANTY 2 Years
Gastroback | Verdict Price £165.53
See Best Price on Amazon
Ultimate Bread Machine
Panasonic SD-YR2550
The Panasonic YR2550 has every recipe setting you may desire, a dedicated dispenser for yeast – plus the new shape and premium stainless steel design
- Dedicated Yeast Dispenser
- Raisin & Nut Dispenser
- Stainless Steel Design
- Costs a few quid more
At first look, it’s the new shape and stainless steel design that makes this bread machine stand out. However, it’s the dedicated yeast dispenser that gives this model an edge. By adding the yeast at precisely the right moment, you’re guaranteed the perfect loaf, every time.
With 31 programmes, you can bake anything you want. From your basic loaf to whole wheat, Rye & sourdough – plus, brioche, cake, jam and pizza dough. There are four gluten-free programmes too.
Panasonic has perfected the art of bread making in a machine. The fully automated process means excellent results, every time. Plus, the manual settings mean there’s no limit to what you can do.
The new shape, stainless steel design & yeast dispenser make this model truly stand out. Add the sourdough option and four gluten-free programmes and you have bread-making perfection!
SPECIFICATION: 252D x 408W x 362H | WEIGHT: 7.5kg | LOAF SIZE: M L & XL | GLUTEN-FREE OPTION: Yes | FAST BAKE Yes | MAX DELAY: 13 hours | MODES 31 | BREADPAN: Diamond Fluoro-coated | WARRANTY 1 Year
Panasonic | RRP £199 | Verdict Price £159.00
See Best Price on Amazon
Premium Bread Machine
Panasonic SD-YR2540
Top of the range, this model stands out with more programmes than any other Panasonic bread machine. Plus, a classy gunmetal finish.
- Dedicated Yeast Dispenser
- Raisin & Nut Dispenser
- Stainless Steel Design
- Expensive
There are a couple of reasons to opt for this model over and above our recommended Ultimate Best Buy (above).
The first is the extra programme, or to be specific the ability to bake a Spelt loaf.
The second is the colour & finish. There’s no denying the dark gunmetal grey looks great and if you can see this aesthetic working in your kitchen, then this is the bread machine for you!
Yes, it costs a few quid more, but if you simply want the best, this is it…
SPECIFICATION:252D x 408W x 362H | WEIGHT: 7.5kg | LOAF SIZE: M L & XL | GLUTEN-FREE OPTION: Yes | FAST BAKE Yes | MAX DELAY: 13 hours | MODES 32 | BREADPAN: Diamond Fluoro-coated | WARRANTY 1 Year
Panasonic | RRP £240 | Verdict Price £209.00
See Best Price on Amazon
Bread Machine Buyers Guide
Is a Bread Machine Worth It?
The short answer is yes. Making your own bread is cheaper than buying it from the supermarket. The cost of all the ingredients (yeast, flour, butter, salt, sugar & water) for a typical home-baked loaf is around 50p. This is considerably less than the supermarket equivalent. However, the taste is the real reason for using a bread maker.
5 Reasons Why You’ll Love Your New Bread Machine
The standout reason for buying a bread maker is to enjoy wonderful fresh bread. But it’s not the only advantage.
- Tastier than a shop-bought bread
- Healthy. You know what’s in it
- Save money. Each loaf costs around half that of shop-bought bread
- Convenience. It’s easier to store flour than the equivalent number of loaves
- Wake up to the smell of fresh bread
Wake to the smell of fresh bread
A bread machine is great for anyone who wants fresh bread at home but doesn’t have the time or the inclination to make it by hand. Measure out the ingredients, press a couple of buttons and leave the machine to do the work. It really is that simple. A good bread maker is perfect for a busy household. Waking up to the smell of fresh bread is a great way to start the day.
The perfect loaf for your family
The best bread machine is defined by the bread it makes. But what’s right for one family, isn’t right for the next. We can all agree on the merits of freshly baked bread, but what’s important is that you get a machine that will make the perfect loaf for you. Standardised comparative tests don’t work here. What’s the right recipe for one bread maker isn’t necessarily the right recipe for a different machine. Plus, we all have different tastes.
All our recommendations do the basics well but are also flexible enough to tweak and adjust (should you desire).
Replacing an old bread machine?
A good bread machine should last for years. However, over time, bread pans deteriorate. Once the pan loses its non-stick surface, removing the loaf can become tricky.
The new Panasonic bread makers, come with what’s described as a ‘diamond fluoro-coated bread pan’.
This non-stick surface allows the loaf to simply drop out. Plus it’s easy to clean. If you’re replacing an old Panasonic bread machine, this is a significant upgrade.
Gluten-Free or Special Diet?
For anyone with a food allergy or on a special diet, a bread machine offers complete control over what goes into each loaf, with minimum hassle. If you desire a loaf with reduced salt or less sugar, this couldn’t be easier. If you want a gluten-free loaf, that’s easy too.
Each bread maker comes with its own suggested recipes. This is definitely the best place to start, as generic recipes don’t deliver the same result from different machines. Beyond this, it’s worth experimenting with different flour and yeast options to perfect the ultimate loaf for you!
History
Panasonic made the first commercially available bread maker in 1986. Over the last thirty-odd years they have continually updated and improved the basic machine to ensure their customers keep coming back for more. The majority of Panasonic bread machine owners simply replace their old machine, once worn out, with the latest Panasonic model.
Top 6 Bread Machines – Compared
| BEST BUY | ULTIMATE | |||||
 |  |  |  |  |  | |
| RUSSELL HOBBS COMPACT | PANASONIC SD-B2510 | PANASONIC SD-R2530 | GASTROBANK 62823 | PANASONIC SD-YR2540 | PANASONIC SD-YR2550 | |
| Programmes | 12 | 21 | 30 | 18 | 32 | 31 |
| Gluten Free | 1 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Window | ||||||
| Max Loaf Size | 1kg | 1.1kg | 1.1kg | 1kg | 1.1kg | 1.1kg |
| Timer | ||||||
| Nut/Fruit Dispenser | ||||||
| Yeast Dispenser | ||||||
| Weight | 4.3kg | 6.5kg | 7kg | 5.7kg | 7.5kg | 7.5kg |
| Size | 32D x 29W x 30H | 25D x 41W x 36H | 25D x 41W x 36H | 28D x 36W x 34H | 25D x 41W x 36H | 25D x 41W x 36H |
| Verum Rating | 82% | 86% | 92% | 88% | 95% | 95% |
| Price | £59.95 | £119.00 | £159.00 | £165.53 | £209.00 | £159.00 |
| SEE BEST PRICE on AMAZON | SEE BEST PRICE on AMAZON | SEE BEST PRICE on AMAZON | SEE BEST PRICE on AMAZON | SEE BEST PRICE on AMAZON | SEE BEST PRICE on AMAZON | |
Out of Stock?
We’re working hard to keep our verdicts updated
However, our best buys keep selling out
If your top choice is available (don’t miss out) buy it today…
BEST BUDGET BUY
BEST BUY
ULTIMATE
UK Verdict
The Russell Hobbs bread maker is compact, lightweight and affordable. It does the basics well – a great choice for smaller kitchens.
The Panasonic R2530 wins our overall best buy. Flexible, with a wide range of programmes (30), it’s tried & tested, has a nut & raisin dispenser and above all else, bakes a wonderful loaf.
The Panasonic YR2550 is our top choice. The stainless steel design gives an aesthetic standout, but it’s the dedicated yeast dispenser that gives it the technical edge & most importantly, wonderful bread. Plus, with 31 programmes you can bake every loaf type imaginable.
READ NEXT:
BEST TOASTERS
S H A R E
