7 Best Bread Makers For Artisan Bread
A bread maker is just such a blessing to have in the kitchen. With most modern bread makers, you can set the timer and wake up to the smell of bread baking in the kitchen – what could be better?
If a bread maker is something you are interested in, why not take it a step further and look for one that can make artisan bread? Artisan bread might seem intimidating at first, but with the right bread maker, it can be easy to make.
Which is the best bread maker for artisan bread? The best bread maker for artisan bread is one that has the recipe settings to suit different types of bread. The maker should also be versatile, allowing for different baking techniques and temperatures.
All of this might seem a little overwhelming if you have never bought a bread maker before, especially now that you are looking for one to make artisan bread. But don’t despair. We will cover everything you need to know to choose the right one, as well as the best bread makers for artisan bread.
What Kind Of Bread Is Artisan?
There is no set definition as to what artisan bread really is, but it generally refers to high-quality bread that is eaten almost immediately after baking, to savor the freshness. These breads typically have a short shelf-life since they are made without preservatives.
These breads differ from the usual supermarket white and brown bread.
Artisan bread is usually characterized by the following:
- Made by hand
- Made with traditional processing techniques
- Pre-fermentations
- Longer fermentation compared to commercial bread and rolls.
Artisan bread is usually a healthy sourdough bread, which are generally baked without a pan. Some common examples of artisan bread include baguettes, ciabatta, focaccia, panettone, and brioche, and naturally leavened multigrain and naturally leavened white bread.
Most traditionally, artisan bread is baked in heath-style ovens, which helps give the bread a hard crust and a soft inside. These breads usually look very rustic, with decorative scoring and some flour dusted on top.
Artisan bread is usually made with a leaner formulation as well. This means they have a low sugar and fat level, and very rarely use dough conditioners. They also either have high or low hydration levels, depending on how the baker wants to shape the bread.
High-quality, low-protein content flours are used to make artisan bread, to give them a chewy texture and crusty exterior.
Choosing A Bread Maker For Artisan Bread – Buyer’s Guide
There are a few things to look for when purchasing a bread maker to make artisan bread, to ensure that it is capable of making different types of bread and that it will be reliable loaf after loaf.
Here is what to look for:
Timing Function
It really does help to have a timing function on your bread maker. This way you can have fresh bread ready when you wake up in the morning, or time the bread to be ready for dinner.
Loaf Size and Crust Color Settings
Having the ability to adjust the loaf size and crust color gives versatility to your baking, and it helps to be able to bake artisan bread, which is not usually baked on the same setting as normal white or brown bread.
Memory Recall Function
If the bread maker experiences a power loss or is switched off, a memory recall is a good function to have, as it will pick up from where the kneading or baking process was stopped.
Gluten-Free Function
A gluten-free function is great for those who have dietary restrictions, so nobody is left out of enjoying some delicious bread.
Ease Of Use
You want a bread maker that is easy to use. The interface should be user-friendly and clear and there shouldn’t be too many buttons to push. Look for a bread maker that has a viewing window so you can check the progress too.
Recipe Selection
You want the bread maker to be able to make artisan breads, so it needs to have a good selection of recipes. Otherwise, you will be quite limited. Make sure the bread maker can accommodate your artisan bread types.
Easy-To-Follow Instructions
If the instructions aren’t easy to follow, you will probably not use your bread maker as much.
Check to see if there are additional resources with the maker or online from the manufacturer that you can use to learn how to use the machine. Bread makers are fairly simple to use, so it shouldn’t be complicated.
The 7 Best Bread Makers For Artisan Breads
Best Value Pick: Neretva 20-in-1 Bread Machine
Our value pick is the Neretva 20-in-1. It bakes a proper artisan-style loaf, packs 20 programs with dual heaters and a stainless build, and typically costs far less than the premium machines below. It is the easiest one to recommend for most home bakers. Check the current price on Amazon.
Who wouldn’t want to wake up to a fresh loaf of artisan bread in the morning? Below are the 7 best bread makers on the market which will help you make the best artisan bread time and time again:
| Rank | Product | Best Feature | Review |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Breville BBM800XL Custom Loaf Bread Maker | Fully customizable baking stages | Jump to review |
| 2 | Neretva 20-In-1 Bread Machine | 20 preset programs | Jump to review |
| 3 | West Bend Hi-Rise Bread Maker | Tall hi-rise loaves | Jump to review |
| 4 | Elite Gourmet Programmable Bread Maker | 19 presets at a budget price | Jump to review |
| 5 | Cuisinart Stainless Steel Bread Maker | Compact and dependable | Jump to review |
| 6 | KITCHENARM 29-In-1 Smart Bread Machine | Dedicated gluten free setting | Jump to review |
| 7 | KBS Premium 2LB Convection Bread Maker | Convection with dual heaters | Jump to review |
Since bread is serious business, we’ve included more information on each of these fantastic artisan bread makers. Read on to pick the best bread maker for your artisan baking needs.
1. Breville BBM800XL Custom Loaf Bread Maker (Best Overall)
For artisan style baking, the Breville Custom Loaf is the machine I would buy first. The custom settings let you adjust each stage of the cycle, which is exactly the kind of control artisan recipes reward.
The brushed stainless steel build feels every bit as premium as the price suggests, and the loaf customization means you are not locked into preset results.
If you are serious about pushing a bread machine beyond basic sandwich loaves, this is the splurge that makes sense.
2. Neretva 20-In-1 Bread Machine (Best Multi-Function)
The Neretva packs 20 preset programs into one 2 pound machine, which gives you a lot of room to experiment with different doughs and bakes.
Its dual heater design promotes an even, well browned crust, something artisan loaves really benefit from.
It is a flexible machine that covers everything from whole wheat to jam without fuss.
3. West Bend Hi-Rise Bread Maker (Best For Tall Loaves)
Double knead blades help to provide a thorough dough kneading process for a higher rise and a lighter taste, and helps to prepare wonderful loaves of artisan bread.
There are 12 digital settings included on the bread maker, which range from basic, wheat, French, sweet bread, basic dough, gluten-free, and custom bread.
You can fully customize your settings to bake the perfect loaf of bread, whether it is basic or an artisan loaf.
Choose between 3 crust levels – light, medium, and dark – and the size of the loaf as well. The instruction manual included can help you make some special bread, such as garlic bread, bagels, and low-carb bread as well.
The viewing window on the top of the machine helps you keep a check of your bread, and watch as it rises. The small display panel is easy to use and all buttons are shown clearly on the machine.
4. Elite Gourmet Programmable Bread Maker (Best Budget Pick)
This Elite Gourmet machine keeps things simple and affordable. You get 19 presets and three loaf sizes up to 2 pounds, all controlled from a straightforward digital panel.
The dough cycles are handy for artisan bakers since you can knead and proof in the machine, then shape and bake your loaf in the oven.
It is the best way to try bread machine baking without a big investment.
5. Cuisinart Stainless Steel Bread Maker (Best Compact)
Cuisinart remains my pick for a compact, dependable machine from a brand with a long kitchen track record. The automatic settings take the guesswork out of everyday loaves.
The stainless steel housing is easy to keep clean and looks at home on any counter.
It is a sensible middle ground between budget models and the premium machines on this list.
6. KITCHENARM 29-In-1 Smart Bread Machine (Best For Gluten-Free)
The KITCHENARM stands out with 29 smart programs, including a dedicated gluten free setting, so bakers with dietary restrictions are not stuck with one generic cycle.
It handles 1, 1.5, and 2 pound loaves, and the smart programming makes it easy to repeat a recipe that worked.
For households that need flexibility, this machine covers the widest range of needs here.
7. KBS Premium 2LB Convection Bread Maker (Best Stainless Steel)
The KBS is a 710W machine with dual heaters and convection circulation, which translates to even baking and a consistent crust on every loaf.
The stainless steel design is sturdy and modern, and the 2 pound capacity suits family baking.
It is a strong all-rounder that rounds out this list with real baking power.
Do I Really Need A Bread Maker?
While there is nothing more satisfying than making bread by hand, sometimes it can become a bit laborious if you want homemade bread each day.
A bread maker is ideal for those who want fresh bread, but who don’t have the time, experience, or patience to knead, mix, shape, and bake by hand. Bread makers are also more consistent than the average baker, particularly for those new to bread making.
A bread maker with a timer is ideal, as you can place all your ingredients into the bread maker the night before and wake up to a fresh, warm loaf in the morning.
Related Questions
Do Bread Makers Make Good Bread?
Yes, bread makers do make good bread, especially if you follow the recipes and choose the right cycles. Sometimes, a bread maker can make better bread than what you might be able to with your hands.
Many people also consider bread made by bread makers to be better than those that are bought in stores or oven-baked.
Is Homemade Bread Healthier Than Store-Bought?
Homemade bread is often healthier than shop-bought bread, as you are able to control exactly the ingredients that are put into the bread. However, you can also put ingredients into your bread which makes it less healthy as well.
Still, not only is homemade bread usually healthier than store-bought bread, but it is often tastier as well.
Does a Bread Maker Save You Money?
For families that go through a lot of bread, a bread maker can save you money over time. The ingredients, especially if bought in bulk, are cheaper than if you buy a couple of loaves of bread from the store during the week.
There really is nothing better than a freshly baked loaf of bread in the morning or at dinner, and now you can achieve this with very little effort thanks to a bread maker!
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