Best Bread Makers Australia 2024 Reviews

Bread is one of Australia’s food staples. The wide variety of bread at our supermarkets shows how much we enjoy eating it. But while store-bought options are ready to become sandwiches and toast, there’s absolute satisfaction when making your own bread from scratch. Good thing the best bread makers can now help us make freshly baked loaves right in our kitchen.

Haven’t mastered proper kneading techniques yet? With the a top bread maker on your bench, you don’t have to worry if you haven’t made anything with yeast before. These kitchen appliances are bread experts, from mixing to rising to baking. Most of them can even go beyond bread making.

Read on this review and learn what the best bread makers in Australia for 2024 can do for you. Plus, find out the essential things to consider when you’ve finally decided to buy one.

6 Best Bread Makers in Australia for 2024

Making a homemade bread requires exact measurements, skills and baking techniques that may take time for budding home bakers to learn. Automatic bread makers simplify the whole process, so much so that all you have to do is to measure and add your ingredients. Now, you can enjoy homemade (and foolproof) freshly baked bread and savour the comforting aroma with a press of a button.

But with many bread makers available, which one is for you? Let me simplify it this time with a table describing the noteworthy features of the six best bread makers in Australia for 2024.

Breville The Custom Loaf Pro Bread Maker  

If you’re into smart kitchen appliances, then Breville’s The Custom Loaf Pro is a must-have to your collection. This bread maker has manual and automatic settings, which allow you to experiment and customise. It also has nine custom slots for saving personal bread recipes.

When it comes to ease of use, this smart unit doesn’t fall short. Aside from its user-friendly LCD screen and viewing window with light, this unit also bakes with four bread size options and three crust colour options to choose from – perfect for serving small or big groups with light or golden loaves.

Its 13-hour delay timer is also convenient when you want your fresh bread ready for breakfast or after work. Craving for raisin bread or panettone? Fill the automatic fruit and nut dispenser with sultanas and currants, then let the machine add them at the right time.

Among the unique features of The Custom Loaf Pro are its collapsible kneading blade and power interruption protection. Most bread makers leave deep marks at the base of your baked bread. Breville solves this problem by making its paddle collapse before baking starts. And in case of sudden power failure, the machine has a 60-minute power backup to keep your bread baking.

While exceptional, this bread maker is also expensive and not free from drawbacks. For instance, this unit is not compact and can make quite a racket when mixing. Its paddle can be difficult to pull out as well, making stuck-on bread residue hard to clean. Also, make sure to take extra precaution when handling the unit while baking as its stainless-steel exterior doesn’t stay cool to the touch.

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Russell Hobbs 23620 Compact Fast Breadmaker

You might think that this affordable Russell Hobbs unit does not have what it takes to be one of the best bread makers in Australia. Well, I’m happy to prove you wrong. Because aside from being a small and budget bread maker, it also boasts a design and performance at par with today’s high-end bread machines.

This sleek black machine, for one, has 12 settings that make the bread-making process a breeze. The control panel is easy to master, too, which is perfect for first-time users. Here, you can select the type of bread you want, set the time, choose the size and crust colour, then start baking. There’s even a large viewing window, which I like. And I’m sure frantic mums worried about their dough not “rising to the occasion” will love it, too.

I’m also amazed how such a small machine can bake a loaf up to 1kg. But what’s even more impressive is its fast bake option. You see, kneading, proofing and baking bread can take several hours. But if you want a fresh loaf but don’t have the time, the fast bake setting will have the bread ready for cooling within an hour. How cool! And your instant homemade loaf is well-risen and cooked through to boot.

Another nifty feature is its 13-hour delay timer. With it, you can dump all your measured ingredients into the bread maker, let the machine work its magic, and voila! You get to smell of freshly baked spelt bread in the morning. This function may not work, though, for bread recipes with mix-ins. Its lack of an automatic ingredient dispenser means you have to be around to hear the audible alert and add your nuts or seeds yourself. It’s a bit restrictive, but you can always reserve your raisin or nutty loaves for other days.

Design-wise, I have no complaints about this compact bread maker. Its small footprint will not take a lot of space. And with its curved lines and shiny casing, you’ll be happy to leave it on your worktop. But if you want to move and store it in the cupboard, it should not be a problem, thanks to its manageable weight.

But what about clean up? Don’t worry. Its parts only need some soapy water and a good rinse. The paddle may require some scrubbing, though, but nothing too tedious. And you only have to wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth to get it shiny again. However, cleaning it up after using the jam setting takes a bit more work. Fruit can splatter all over the lid and make a mess inside the machine, so make sure you have time for some thorough wiping.

There are a few other misses with this machine. For example, it doesn’t come with a measuring spoon and cup. The recipes from the instruction manual also need tweaking to get better results. It can make chugging noises as well, though they are not that disruptive.

Also, the bread pan needs to be pushed down rather than twist into place, making it an effort to take out after baking. Lastly, the top of the bread doesn’t brown as much as the sides and bottom, resulting in a less appealing two-tone loaf.

It is still an excellent choice all in all. There may be downsides but nothing that affect the flavour or texture of the finished product. And considering its features and price, the Russell Hobbs Compact Fast Breadmaker surely deserves a spot on your countertop.

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SKG Automatic Bread Machine  

The SKG Automatic Bread Machine, like other bread makers, bakes bread in several sizes and different crust settings. It also comes with a non-stick bread pan for quick cleaning. But what makes it a standout is its longer 15-hour delay timer. After baking, it switches to the keep warm function for 1 hour, so you get to serve hot, perfect loaf every time.

Compared with other bread machines, it is also lighter, making it easy to carry and move around. The machine’s unique suction-cup feet also keep the unit secure while mixing or kneading. For added security, the lid has a viewing window to let you check on your baking progress with ease. Sudden power interruption? No worries. This bread machine has a 15-minute recovery function, so it can continue baking bread with your initial settings.

This bread maker doesn’t include an automatic fruit and nut dispenser, which means you cannot make raisin loaves on a timed setting. However, a beep will notify you when to add your favourite mix-ins. Also, this machine allows you to make pizza dough, jams and is the only one with a dedicated setting for homemade yoghurt. The best part is, you get all these excellent features at a relatively low price.

There are a few issues that you may want to consider. For instance, the baked loaf may be smaller than its expected size. Also, the paddle can be difficult to pull out from the bread. While you can lubricate the blade or press the pause button to remove it, it’s still an issue when you let the machine work on its own.

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Breville The Baker’s Oven Bread Maker

If you’re a fan of the Breville brand and looking for a low-cost bread maker, The Baker’s Oven Bread Maker is just what you need. At an affordable price, you get the essential features of a bread maker, including 750g to 1000g loaf capacity, crust settings and a 13-hour delay timer.

It may be a smaller unit than other Breville bread makers, but it still has an array of baking programmes to make basic, sweet and gluten-free loaves and even pizza dough or pasta dough.

What I like about this bread maker is its design, which appears to favour beginner home bakers. For one thing, it has a considerably large viewing window, which makes it easier to check on your own bread.

Another notable feature is its user-friendly control panel. Rather than confuse first-time bakers with multiple options, this Breville unit chooses a straightforward, easy-to-navigate setup. Also, if you prefer your baking quick and easy, you’ve finally met your match in this bread maker and its rapid bake option. Select this mode, and you’ll have freshly baked bread in 2.5 hours.

Just be careful when using this machine for baking large loaves. Make sure to follow the recipe and instructions to avoid overflowing. Compared with other bread makers in this review, this one has the shortest power recovery system. And, when mixing or kneading, this model is anything but quiet.

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Sunbeam Bakehouse Compact Bread Maker

Among other bread machines in this review, the Sunbeam Bakehouse Compact Bread Maker is the most energy-efficient, with its ultra-low 450W power. It is also a compact unit and the most affordable, making it the best bread maker for users who want to bake and save money, energy and space at the same time.

It is a small bread maker, but it is not an inferior product. Similar to other automatic bread makers, this unit also has the usual crust settings, delay timer and keep warm function. It also beeps to alert you when to add your fruit and nut. Its non-stick pan ensures that you can remove your baked loaf with ease, while the removable lid allows thorough cleaning after use.

I also like that it has a dedicated button for baking cakes. But the best feature of this Sunbeam unit is its turbo setting that can bake your own bread within an hour.

However, considering its low price, it is quite expected that this machine would lack some of the essential features that other bread makers have. For instance, it can only bake 750g loaves, which may not suit large families. Flawless baking results are limited to pre-set recipes as well, leaving little room for experimental tasty bread creations, pizza dough or pasta dough.

It can create quite a noise, and its power interruption protection feature and display need improvement. Also, while the turbo setting is a unique feature, it shortens the rising time that results in smaller baked goods with a denser texture, which may not impress some discerning bread lovers.

Despite these drawbacks, however, this machine will surely please users looking for simple, easy-to-use kitchen appliances.

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Panasonic SD-YR2540 Automatic Breadmaker

It’s no longer surprising to find a Panasonic machine in a roster of the best bread makers in Australia. The brand has been introducing top-notch appliances with excellent features, automated functions or striking design for decades. And the Panasonic SD-YR2540 is no different. Serious home bakers will surely be impressed by what this latest machine can do.

For starters, this bread maker has 32 automatic dough modes, allowing you to bake a huge range of recipes like raisin, brioche, French bread and whole wheat. Cakes, compote and jams are also possible. Surprisingly, this machine has no yoghurt-making function. Still, it has a lot more essential features that other similar bread maker models lack.

For example, coeliacs or people with gluten intolerance will like the dedicated menu functions for gluten free option bread, cake, pizza dough and pasta. The unique bread mix option also allows the kneading and baking of store-bought pre-packaged mixes with yeast. Experienced bakers can also opt for manual or custom settings. Here, you can be creative and let the machine do all the hard work for you!

This Panasonic machine seems to be particular in helping you achieve perfect bread results, too. For instance, it comes with standard and rye blades to ensure proper mixing based on your recipe. These kneading paddles also work in conjunction with the bread pan’s ribbed surface to replicate the hands of an artisan baker.

Also, there’s no need for you to wait for an alert when adding bread mix-ins. The machine’s automatic dispenser for fruit and yeast can do that for you at the perfect time. Your bread will also rise consistently, thanks to its dual temperature sensor. With this feature, the machine monitors both internal and external temperatures to adjust your dough’s proving time accordingly. It truly is hands-free bread-making at its finest!

The machine also has the usual functions of a typical bread maker. These include the 13-hour delay timer, non-stick bread pan for easy cleaning and the much-awaited audible alert when your bread is ready. But unlike noisy bread makers, the Panasonic SD-YR2540 is super quiet. It makes a bit of noise during kneading for about 30 seconds. The yeast or fruit dispenser can also make a subtle knocking sound, but other than that, this bread maker will work without the racket.

I know. Everything about this bread maker sounds perfect. But (you guessed it), it still has its share of imperfections. Since it can do a lot, unfortunately, it also takes up a lot of space. It’s also quite tall, making it tricky to use and store on benches with wall cabinets. The exterior can also be hot (around 50C) during extended baking time, so you need to plan where to put it.

And lastly, Panasonic SD-YR2540 is currently among the most expensive bread makers to date. So, if you’re short on space and budget, perhaps you need to consider other options. But if your ideal bread maker is advanced, versatile, quiet and fully automated, then consider saving up for this machine. With this in your kitchen, I’m sure baking bread will be your newfound love language!

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Things to Consider When Buying a Bread Maker

Bread makers use more or less the same baking technology to produce delicious fresh bread. However, some factors affect their functionality and make them more suitable to specific users. Here are some of the things to look for when buying a bread maker.

Ease of use

Your purpose for buying a bread maker is to make bread making simple. So, find one with a user-friendly control panel. Are the baking options easy to navigate? Does it have an LED screen? Is there an online manual available for browsing? Make sure to identify whether the bread pan and kneading blade are non-stick or easy to clean, too.

Researching for the product’s instruction manual can also give you an idea of how easy it is to set up and use with the accessories included. You can also ask in-store staff for a demo if needed.

Pre-programmed settings

Not all bread makers can bake sourdough or have an option for making jams and compotes. So, it’s best to make a list of bread you want to make before buying one. This way, you can make the most of your new machine and use it frequently.

I prefer multipurpose appliances with custom settings. And if you love experimenting in the kitchen as much as I do, then go ahead and look for bread machines that can make various bread types, sweet cakes, artisanal dough, whole wheat bread, homemade yoghurt or pizza dough and pasta dough.

Loaf size

Do you live alone in an apartment? Or are you home with a large family of bread lovers? Some bread makers are limited to making 600g loaves or less, while others are more versatile and can make up to 1000g. A 500g bread loaf makes about eight slices, while a 750g bread loaf makes around 12.

As baking bread takes time and energy, even with a bread making machine, it’s best to choose a unit that makes enough favourite loaf you need per baking cycle. Homemade loaf doesn’t last long like store-bought ones either, so make sure to understand this factor to avoid wasting food.

Delay timer and keep warm function

Nothing’s better than having freshly baked bread waiting for you every morning. With the delay timer, you can put all your ingredients and bread mix into the bread maker, set the time, go to bed, then enjoy freshly baked bread the following day.

And you do not have to worry about oversleeping for a few minutes either. Its keep-warm function should keep your perfect loaf hot (or keep the bread warm) right after baking.

Handy features

Modern bread machines come with a myriad of features and options. When buying a bread maker, find the unit with the right combination of these features to make your bread-making experience quick and super convenient:

• Collapsible blade. Kneading blades usually leave deep holes at the base of your baked bread. If you don’t have the time to take it out before baking, look for a machine with a collapsible paddle.
• Crust settings. Give your white bread a light, medium or dark crust with a press of a button.
• Automatic ingredient dispensers. Making bread is all about timing. With an automated dispenser, your machine can add your fruit, nuts, herbs or yeast at the right baking time. Some bread makers, however, emit sound alerts to let you know when to add your mix-ins.
• Viewing window. Resist the temptation to open the lid while baking and make your bread collapse! Check your progress through the viewing window instead.
• If you love multi-tasking in the kitchen, alerts can notify you when to check on your bread maker. Audible alerts usually let you know when to add ingredients or if your bread is ready.
• Quick baking. The turbo baking function is a nifty feature to have, especially for satisfying sudden bread cravings. Some machines can even bake as fast as 1 hour. The shortened rising time, however, can affect bread taste and texture. You might want to skip this one if you prefer soft, high-volume loaves.
• Power interruption protection. In case the plug was accidentally pulled out, or if there’s a sudden power failure, this feature can save your bread. It acts as a memory device, so the machine can proceed where it left off as soon as the power is back on. Some bread makers have a recovery feature of a few minutes to an hour. Others have a power backup.
• More experienced home bakers prefer having some control in the baking process and stopping the machine at some points to shape the dough, brush the top with egg wash or remove the kneading blade.

Design

If you plan to leave your bread maker on your benchtop, then choose a striking design that will fit right into your kitchen interior. You might want to consider machines with a stainless-steel exterior as it is easy to wipe clean and maintain.

Also, bread makers usually make a noise when in use. So, a model designed to work quietly is a great plus. You don’t want to use the delay timer and have your bread maker rouse you in the middle of the night!

Cost

Bread makers are an investment. Price range is between AUD$150 to $500, depending on the brand and model. So, if you’re on a tight budget, make sure to choose the machine that fits your needs and preferences. Also, look for appliances with warranty and produced by reliable manufacturers.

FAQs About Bread Makers

Bread makers are innovative and smart appliances. But is it worth having one? How will these machines benefit you, and are they better than a regular oven? Learn more about bread machines in this FAQ section.

Is a bread maker worth it?

Investing on a bread maker depends on several factors:

• A bread maker is worth buying if you need it for various reasons. For instance, if your kitchen is not big enough for a conventional oven, or if you find specialty bread in the supermarket too expensive, a bread machine is a suitable alternative. You can also use this appliance if you want to create new recipes or enjoy bread not usually available in stores (e.g. Chinese sweet bread, Italian loaves, Japanese melon pan).
• Will you be making homemade bread often? Then a bread maker is an excellent addition to your kitchen to make kneading and baking faster. It can help you save time, effort and money. You can even set it to work on its own while you’re away or doing something else.
• Bread preference. If you are on a special diet and not sure about the ingredients used in store-bought bread, using a bread machine ensures that you know what is in your fresh loaf. This factor is also best for individuals in need of 100% gluten free bread or loaves free from allergens.

What else can I make in a bread maker?

A bread maker is an expert when it comes to making all sorts of bread, from basic to specialty. Its automated mixing and kneading functions allow you to make pizza dough, noodle or pasta dough. But did you know it can even work as an extension of your oven or stovetop? Here are the other things you can make in a bread maker:

• Jams and compote. Most bread machines already come with a jam setting. With this option, you can heat and stir your jam or compote ingredients in your bread pan hands-free. The product manual should have great recipes for you to try.
• Warm dips. Not into sweet jams? Then use your bread maker for whipping up savoury, hot dips. Toasted leftover homemade bread with artichoke and spinach dip sounds mouth-watering!
• Check if your bread machine has a Bake, Bake Only or Cake option. Select this mode, remove the kneading blade and pour in your cake batter. With this function, your bread maker can work like an oven and bake your favourite banana bread, french bread, lemon or pound cake.
• Soups and sauces. Slices of bread taste best with soups or sauces. Use your bread maker to turn chopped up ingredients into vegetable soup or homemade tomato sauce.
• When you want a warm meal but do not want to use the oven and heat the entire kitchen, then use your bread maker instead to make delicious meatloaf for dinner.
• Rice dishes. Your bread maker’s Bake Only option can also cook fluffy rice. Add a few other ingredients and use it to make rice pudding or risotto, too.
• Scrambled eggs. I If you don’t have a big frypan for cooking a large batch of eggs, a bread maker is your next best solution. Make sure to oil your bread pan well to prevent sticking.
• Look for bread maker models with this option if you like making yoghurt from scratch. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure to work with clean equipment and containers.

Does a bread maker save money?

Specialty and international bread can be expensive when bought from the bakery or café. With a bread machine at home, you can make gluten-free bread every day or herbed loaves with inexpensive bread ingredients.

You’ll be saving yourself from frequent trips to the grocery store, too. To save more money, make sure to use your bread maker frequently and make the most of its smart features.

Is bread maker better than an oven?

Ovens and bread machines differ when it comes to bread quality. Bread expands better while baking in the oven, resulting in a softer texture and higher bread volume. On the other hand, the compact bread maker produces smaller loaves with a denser texture.

However, bread makers are better than ovens in more ways than one. For example, ovens cannot mix and knead for you, or even alert you when to add ingredients. Ovens can make your kitchen hot and also consume more energy. And because they’re bigger, ovens take more time and effort to clean. So, it’s all a matter of need and preference when deciding which of these two is the best bread baker for you.

Final Thoughts

Homemade bread tastes better and is healthier than the ones bought from the store. But not everyone has the time to mix, knead and proof their artisanal dough from scratch.

Aside from time, bread-making also needs physical work and some practice to perfect. With today’s smart bread makers, even first-timers can give home bread-baking a try. Thanks to these machines in the Australian market, we can easily make all kinds of bread minus the elbow grease.

And if I were to choose which bread maker is the best, I believe Breville’s The Custom Loaf Pro Bread Maker will not disappoint. This unit has the right balance of features to meet the needs of both beginner and experienced bakers.

Among other bread machines reviewed, The Custom Loaf Pro is the only one that allows manual operation, has the slots to save personal recipes and includes an extensive recipe booklet.

New bakers, on the other hand, will surely love how this machine ensures perfect baking results, from the crust colour settings to its collapsible blade to the 60-minute power backup. Yes, it is bulky and noisy, but it is also a machine that delivers and made by a trusted manufacturer.

But then again, other bread machines have equally impressive and unique features not found in The Custom Loaf Pro. Also, there are more compact machines that give the same results but are not as expensive.

If you’ve been searching for “best bread maker Australia”, hope the breadmaker reviews above will assist you in deciding the right machine to bring out the baker in you!