Automatic Kneading Machine, Household Small-Scale Fermentation Flour and Dough Mixer, Chef Machine, Dough Making Machine

Product Information

What we didn’t like: This was the only machine tested that produced a lumpy, under-risen loaf, but after retesting the recipe, we found the next batch turned out great.

Rye Bread Test (Top Models-Only): We followed the recipe for our Bread Machine Rye Bread to see how each machine could handle a standardized formula. Stand mixers can be larger and bulkier, but they also offer multiple other benefits such as various other attachments and are more versatile. If a stand mixer isn't in the plan, a bread machine will also work to knead dough as well as manage the whole process from start to finish with the push of a button. The Breville and Breadman bread machines also had rectangular pans, though slightly shorter in length, and only had a single paddle.

The control panel allows you to adjust the kneading time, speed, and other settings according to your recipe requirements. Most yeasted doughs require a bulk fermentation period after mixing, which many bakers do directly in the mixing bowl.

Some models are designed for small to medium-sized batches, while others can handle larger quantities of dough.

We also liked the pauses in the Cuisinart’s kneading cycles, which allowed the dough to fully hydrate and build stronger gluten strands. Dense doughs that require plenty of kneading can overwhelm a mixer without enough power, and mixers that don't have variable speeds need to be watched carefully to make sure they provide adequate gluten development without overworking the dough. Some machines may come with different attachments suitable for various dough consistencies and types.