1. How Bread Maker Works

A bread maker is a fairly easy-to-use kitchen appliance that even inexperienced users and elderly people can handle. The working principle is as follows:

  1. At the first stage, you need to load all the ingredients into the pan (without mixing them or kneading the dough) and select the desired program. In fact, your involvement in the bread-making process ends here.
  2. The bread maker kneads the dough to the desired consistency using a special paddle.
  3. The container heats up to allow the dough to "rise".
  4. Second kneading of the dough.
  5. Stopping the kneading and waiting for the dough to "rise" a second time.
  6. The actual baking process.
  7. After baking, the bread maker switches to the keep-warm mode to keep the loaf warm for the required amount of time.

Overall, the process takes quite some time—anywhere from a few hours to 4-5 hours, depending on the selected program and type of bread. However, all the main actions are performed by the device— you just need to wait for it to finish.

Despite its name, a bread maker is not only for baking bread—you can also use it to make cakes, Easter bread, rolls, baguettes, pies, loaves, etc., and experiment with fillings and add-ins. In addition, bread makers can be used to prepare various types of bread, from classic white to gluten-free, and much more: pizza dough, butter, jam, and yogurt.
Popular Bread Makers

2. Bread Maker Capacity

When choosing a bread maker, pay attention to the capacity first—it determines the size and weight of the loaf. No additives for extending shelf life are used in homemade bread, so unlike store-bought bread, it has a fairly short shelf life—only a few days. To avoid wasting food and not keeping a bulky appliance in your kitchen, calculate the required capacity carefully. This depends on the size of your family, bread consumption habits, and frequency of baking.

Depending on the model, bread makers can bake small loaves weighing up to 500 g or large ones of 1.5 kg or even more. On average, singles will be satisfied with 300-500 g of bread. For a family of two adults, a model with a capacity of 500-600 g will work, while a family of 3-4 people would need 900-1200 g. If you have five or more people in your family, choose a bread maker that can bake more than 1 kg of bread at once.

Fortunately, many modern models have multiple weight settings—such as 500, 750, and 1000 g. This allows you to bake a small loaf for just a few people or a large one for guests. This is why bread makers do not differ significantly in size and weight, although these characteristics are also important when buying. If you don't eat much bread, there's no point in keeping a large appliance that you rarely use. However, if you need a spacious assistant for active daily use, a compact appliance simply won't do.

Many bread makers have several weight modes for the final product.

Bread makers also bake bread in different shapes. Traditionally, a loaf of bread has a rectangular shape known as a "brick", which makes such models the most common. However, there are models that can bake round bread and baguettes. This characteristic may not be crucial for most people when choosing a bread maker, but if you specifically need a baguette or round-shaped bread, consider this aspect as well. By the way, many manufacturers offer versatile models that can bake loaves of different shapes.

The traditional and most common bread shape is a "brick".

Finally, it should be noted that the capacity of a bread maker also determines its power consumption: the larger the weight of the finished product, the more power is needed to quickly reach the required temperature. If models of the same capacity have different power ratings, it is advisable to choose the more powerful one. Though it may consume more energy, it will perform tasks faster.

Popular Bread Makers With a Maximum Capacity of Over 1.5 kg

3. Equipment

Another important aspect is the bread maker's equipment. Any device includes several essential components:

3.1 Housing Material

Manufacturers use either plastic or metal. Models with a plastic housing weigh less, are more affordable, and come in a variety of colors. Metal housing is usually silver but offers greater strength and durability. If you are looking for reliable equipment for heavy use, it’s best to invest in a metal housing.

3.2 Pan

All processes—from kneading the dough to baking the bread—take place in the pan, so it must be sturdy and have high-quality non-stick coating to prevent the dough from sticking, burning, and to ensure the loaf can be easily removed.

Pans come in different shapes: round, rectangular, square, vertically elongated, etc. The shape of the pan determines the shape of the finished bread. There are also models with a double baking pan—they can bake two loaves at the same time.

A double baking pan allows you to bake two loaves of bread simultaneously.
Important! When choosing a bread maker, make sure that replacement pans are available and that their cost is reasonable. The pan may get damaged during use and need replacement. If the non-stick coating wears off, restoration may suffice.

3.3 Kneading Paddle

The kneading paddle is responsible for kneading the dough as effectively as human hands. Most models come with a single paddle, but there are bread makers with two paddles. These models are intended for preparing large loaves weighing over 1 kg, handling a large quantity of ingredients. Having two paddles ensures fast and even kneading.

Important! Paddles can also be lost or damaged, so check whether replacement parts are available or included.

Many manufacturers also include measuring spoons and cups, a hook for pulling out the hot pan, and a recipe book.

Standard bread maker set: one pan, one kneading paddle, measuring spoon, cup, and hook for pan removal.

3.4 Dispenser

The dispenser is a small compartment for additional ingredients such as raisins, seeds, spices, nuts, and dried fruit. These are usually added automatically during the dough-kneading stage.

3.5 Viewing Window

The viewing window is a transparent insert in the lid of the appliance, allowing you to monitor the process without opening the lid.

The viewing window allows you to monitor the baking process.
Popular Bread Makers With Viewing Windows

4. Control System

The simplest type of control is mechanical, involving buttons and/or rotary switches. This method is reliable and intuitive, especially for older users. More modern bread makers are equipped with touch control panels. Which option is more convenient is a matter of habit and personal preference. A display, however, is essential in any case, as it allows you to accurately control the process, settings, and the time remaining until completion.

Bread maker with modern touch controls and display.

5. Bread Making Programs

The main function of the device is to bake bread, so an important point is the number of programs. Budget models generally offer about 10 programs, while more expensive models can have several dozen. If you like variety, pay attention first to programs for different types of bread, such as:

  • regular wheat bread made from white flour;
  • French bread—with a thin, crispy crust;
  • whole grain—made from wholemeal flour;
  • rye ("black") bread;
  • Borodinsky bread;
  • diet (yeast-free) bread;
  • gluten-free bread;
  • sweet bread (with sugar and possibly add-ins like raisins, dried fruit, and nuts).

In addition to baking various types of bread, a bread maker can have additional programs that expand its functionality, turning it into a versatile kitchen helper:

  • Dough Kneading — for yeast or unleavened dough of different consistencies.
  • Baking — for making baked goods from dough with yeast or baking powder.
  • Cake — baking yeast or sponge cake dough, usually with different add-ins.
  • Pastry — for baking sponge cake layers.
  • Pizza — kneading dough for pizza.
  • Pasta — kneading stiff dough for pasta.
  • Jam/Jelly — a special program with mixing and an optimal temperature regime for making jams and jellies.
  • Yogurt — maintaining the optimum temperature for the activation of beneficial lactic acid bacteria.
  • Butter — using the paddle to churn butter from milk, cream, or sour cream.

Depending on the model, a bread maker can have anywhere from a few standard to two or three dozen programs.

More programs don't always mean better; focus on your own needs. Bread makers with more programs are generally more expensive. However, if you are not planning to make various types of baked goods, cakes, and layers, or run the machine for yogurt or jam, there’s no point in overpaying for features you don't need.

6. Additional Functions

In addition to programs that involve different processes, bread makers also have additional features that increase ease of use:

  • Quick Bake — reducing baking time mainly by shortening the dough kneading phase. Note that bread baked in express mode is usually inferior in flavor compared to standard mode.
  • Crust Browning Level — adjusting the temperature at the final stage of baking depending on how browned you want the crust. Bread makers typically offer three browning levels: light, medium, and dark.
  • Warming — maintaining a low temperature after baking to keep the bread warm. In most models, this program lasts a maximum of 60 minutes.
  • Programming — the ability to create custom programs with your own settings for future baking using an original recipe.
  • Delay Timer — an option that allows you to postpone baking for a certain time, typically up to 10-15 hours. You just need to load the ingredients and set the timer, and fresh bread will be ready when you need it. For example, you can do this in the evening, and in the morning, freshly baked bread will be waiting for you.
Popular Bread Makers With Programming Capability

7. Conclusion

In conclusion, a bread maker is an incredibly useful device: it saves you from tedious processes, does everything on its own, and provides you with freshly baked bread as well as other pastries. Most importantly, you control the ingredients, ensuring quality and the absence of harmful additives. Before buying, you just need to figure out which capacity suits you and what features are truly essential to avoid overpaying for unnecessary extras. We hope our article helps you answer these questions and make the right choice.