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We’re pretty accustomed to making bread by hand, so we were a little sceptical about a machine that replaces our own kneading, proving, knocking back and shaping. The best breadmakers are easy to use, take only a few minutes of preparation and can be left to create magical results, with no human intervention required. Making bread in a breadmaker is essentially the same across all models. Then all you need to do is press start. You’re not just confined to simple white loaves, either. Bear in mind, however, that our testing proved you don’t need to spend all your dough to get a good loaf and more functions don’t necessarily equate to a better machine. Read on to discover which breadmaker stood out in our rigorous tests.

For hundreds of buyer’s guides, visit our product reviews section and read about how we test products. Why are the so many models? The SD-B2510 is one of Panasonic’s more affordable breadmakers. It’s equipped with 21 settings including a range of breads, as well as cakes, jams and gluten-free bakes. This model is landscape in orientation, which offered a good deal of space in front of the machine for prep. Like all of the Panasonic breadmakers we’ve tested, this one does take a long time to bake.

It took four hours to bake a simple loaf. But, if you’re happy to wait for fantastic results, this model is a must-have. Tefal are well known for their impressive pans and air fryers and this breadmaker is no exception. If you’re in the market for a versatile breadmaker, this model is a fabulous choice. There’s no viewing window, which was a disappointing omission, but the loaf of bread produced was very good. It was well-risen, with an open and airy texture. The sides and top of the bread were exactly the same colour and both were within the range of the rich, nutty brown we were looking for.

Read our full Tefal Pain and Delices breadmaker review. SD-YR2550 comes with 31 settings in total, four of which are gluten free. It’s very intuitive to use, so ideal for first-time users and Panasonic loyalists alike. It doesn’t come with a viewing window, but does come with an ingredient and yeast dispenser, which is very useful. The loaf produced was nicely brown and well-risen. Read our full Panasonic SD-YR2550 review. They’re not quite the same shape, but performance-wise, they produced identical, high-quality loaves.

Unlike the SD-YR2550, the SDYR540 comes with 32 presets, the addition being for spelt bread. Whilst there’s a decent jump in price between the two Panasonic models, if you’re a fan of Panasonic’s design and you’re after a model that can make spelt bread, then it’s worth the investment. This Panasonic breadmaker comes equipped with 30 settings as well as a fruit and nut dispenser. It doesn’t come with a yeast dispenser like some of the more expensive Panasonic models on this list, cementing this model firmly as one of their mid-tier breadmakers.

After baking, our test bread had a distinct rustic look to it that we could have easily have passed off as being handmade. The crust was crisp, and whilst we’d have liked to have seen a little more even colour all over, inside, the loaf was light and fluffy. For an easy-to-use, good all-round breadmaker, you can’t go wrong with this one from Lakeland, with an impressive 12 pre-programmed recipes for bread, pizza dough, gluten-free loaves and cake in a range of sizes and crust colours. There’s a generous viewing window to keep an eye on how a bake is progressing, plus a control panel with a clear LED screen and simple, straightforward touch buttons. And, the bread it makes is delicious. Read our full Lakeland Digital Breadmaker review. With its soft curved lines and shiny black casing, it’s a machine you’d happily leave out on the worktop when not in use.

There are 12 pre-programmed recipes, and most come in three sizes with three crust colours, plus two fast bakes which will have a loaf of bread out of the pan and cooling in under an hour. Read our full Russell Hobbs 23620 Fast Bake Breadmaker review. Featuring the largest control panel of all the models on this list, this breadmaker is ideal for those who struggle with their eyesight or are simply not fans of pokey screens. The touchscreen is very responsive and even locks when the machine has been set, to avoid any knocks or curious fingers fiddling with the controls.

The breads produced by this breadmaker are large, in fact they’re the largest loaves of all the breadmakers we’ve tested, so if you get through a lot of bread or have lots of mouths to feed, this model is a great choice. The bread itself was well risen, if a little paler than we’d have liked on top. Inside, it was soft, with an open texture. Read our full Lakeland Touchscreen Breadmaker review. If you’re taking your first steps into the world of breadmakers, this Tower model is a fantastic starting point. It’s simply designed, with 12 uncomplicated settings, including classic white and brown loaves and gluten-free settings. This basic model doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles of some of the advanced models on this list, but it’s a fuss-free model ideal for first timers.