Bread makers for home use make it possible to enjoy delicious and nutritious homemade bread. Since you know each ingredient that goes into the bread mixture, you’re in control of how healthy the bread you eat is. The best gluten-free bread machine allows people with gluten sensitivity and conditions such as celiac disease to consume bread without worrying about its effect on their health. Plus, bread isn’t the only thing you can make in the bread machine. You can prepare pizza dough, pasta, cake, and jams, too.
For this review, we considered all the crucial features in a gluten-free bread machine. We’re talking about things like the size of the machine, weight, loaf capacity, the results it gives, preset courses, and warranty information. Based on these, the Breville BBM800XL Custom Loaf gets our Editor’s Choice.
We spent weeks trying out different bread machines and sought the opinion of consumers who regularly use gluten-free bread makers, an endeavor that led to the findings we present here. We’ve used a comparison table, in-detail reviews of each product, and a buying guide to make it easy for you to follow along.
More features: manual and automatic programs, stainless steel exterior, collapsible kneading, automatic fruit and nut dispenser, power interruption safety
The Breville BBM800XL Custom Loaf Bread Maker is an excellent bread maker to have if you bake different sizes of bread at different times. The bread machine supports 4 bread sizes: 1 lb, 11/2 lb, 2 lb, and 21/2 lb, eliminating the need for you buy two bread makers for small and large loaves.
A fruit and nut dispenser makes it possible to quickly and evenly distribute all kinds of dried fruit and nuts if the recipe calls for them. The kneading blade folds in once the kneading phase is complete, creating more room for the dough to rise and minimizing the hole at the bottom of the bread, which bread makers are notorious for leaving.
One of the best features in this machine is the power backup. In case your power cuts out, it has a 60-minute backup that will keep your bread cooking as you connect an alternative power supply or wait for power to be restored.
The LCD control panel is not only easy to control and read, but comes with 13 auto settings, giving you a wide range of customizable options. Also included are 46 recipes that include gluten free, whole wheat, yeast free, basic, and custom recipe charts. You can choose the automatic settings or opt to input your preferred settings manually. The LCD screen will still show the settings you’ve adjusted manually.
It comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
More features: crust color control, delay timer, non-stick dishwasher safe pan, two kneading, power interruption safety
The Hamilton Beach 29882 Bread Maker is a large capacity bread machine that gives you the choice of baking a 1.5 lb or 2 lb loaf. Its compact design makes it an ideal choice for small kitchens where counter space may be limited. And because it’s not tall, you can keep it in a shelf or open cabinet and not worry about not being able to open the lid. At 11 lbs, it’s also somewhat light and you can move it with ease if you need to relocate it.
The bread maker uses two kneading paddles, with the option to use only one. That means if you remove one paddle for whatever reason, you can still knead your dough efficiently using the remaining paddle. Choose from 17 settings that include gluten-free, whole wheat, quick bread, sweet, cake, and jam options. Choose your preferred crust color from light, medium, and dark. There is a delay option in the timer that allows you to set when the baking process can be completed.
The baking pan is non-stick and dishwasher-safe, which makes cleaning it super easy. While the bread machine doesn’t have a fruit or nut dispenser, it has a Bake Audible reminder that alerts you when it’s time to add fruit or nuts if your recipe requires it.
It’s affordably priced and comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
More features: LCD screen, stainless steel housing, crust color control, measuring cup and spoon included, power interruption safety, 15-hour delay timer
From afar, the T-fal ActiBread Bread Maker looks so small you may think it’s meant for making small loaves. However, it is a 2lb-capacity bread maker with the option of making two other smaller-sized breads. Altogether, it can make 1, 1.5, and 2 lb bread. The only downside to this small build is that while it is sufficient for the smaller breads and other small meals, the ingredients tend to overflow when making a large loaf of bread. The resulting mess can be a pain to clean as they gooey mixture goes into crevices that take time to clean. The redeeming detail is the brushed stainless steel frame which is a joy to clean.
Choose from 15 preset courses that include gluten-free salty and sweet options, whole wheat, rapid whole wheat, rapid sweet bread, dough, pasta, cake, and jam options. Also, choose crust color from light, medium, and dark. Experiment with more recipes from the accompanying recipe book which has 25 recipes and adapt your own custom recipes for use in the machine.
Other noteworthy features include the handle on the pan for easy removal, and the delay start up, which allows you to delay the baking process by up to 15 hours. There is also an automatic warming setting which keeps your bread warm. The bread maker comes with accessories like a measuring cup and spoon.
Includes a 1-year limited warranty.
More features: LCD screen, non-stick pan, 13-hour timer delay, crust color control, recipe booklet included, measuring spoon and cup included, fruit and nut dispenser
With a 2 lb loaf capacity, the Panasonic SD-YR2500 Bread Maker is a great choice of bread maker for bigger families and for when you’re entertaining. The timer has a delay timer with an option to extend the baking time by up to 13 hours, so you can set the machine to finish baking an hour or so to when you intend to serve your bread.
This may be a large bread machine, but it is designed to occupy minimal space on the counter, with a tall and slender build that makes it a good fit even in smaller kitchens, and a not-so-bulky 15 lbs in weight.
It comes with two automatic dispensers to make the addition of ingredients quick and smooth and ensure even distribution of the same. The Yeast Pro dispenser is optimized to distribute the yeast evenly so that the bread rises uniformly and is even-shaped. The second dispenser is a nut dispenser that can distribute up to 5.3 0z of nuts, raisins, seeds, and dried fruit at a time. The bread pan has a handle that stays cool to the touch for comfortable handling.
Enjoy 8 courses that include both gluten-free and regular dough and batter recipes. With this machine, you can bake gluten-free bread and regular bread if you so desire. Best of all, it does not limit you to use only the programmed recipes and courses; you can customize any recipe for use with the bread maker.
It comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
More features: digital touch panel, app controlled, crust color control, viewing window, delay timer, detachable fruit dispenser, power interruption safety
If you’re a sucker for technology and prefer to have your gadgets do all the work for you, you’ll love ALBOHES MBF019 Bread Maker. This bread machine is pumped full of handy features that include wireless control and a digital touch panel. That’s right: there are no buttons to push. All the controls are touch-based and highly responsive. The wireless control technology allows you to choose and adjust your settings through the app or via Alexa.
This Albohes machine supports three bread sizes. You can bake 1.1, 1.7, and 2.2 lb loaves in it and choose from three crust options each time: light, medium, and dark.
Choose from 17 preset programs that include gluten-free and regular bread and cake options, jam, and yoghurt courses. The timer gives you up to 24 hours to bake in advance and an optional warm-keeping setting that keeps your bread warm for 1 hour. There is a detachable nut dispenser that evenly distributes fruit, nuts, or seeds at the right time in the mixing process. A large viewing window allows you to monitor the bread making progress, while the LCD screen displays how much time is remaining until your bread is ready. There is a 15-minute power interruption recovery that keeps the machine running if power cuts out, ensuring that the baking process goes on uninterrupted.
The machine has a 30-day return policy and a 1-year limited warranty.
Let’s now go deeper and discuss why you might need a gluten-free bread maker, the factors to consider when buying one, and simple recipes you can try. We’ll also answer a few of the commonly-asked questions about this type of bread maker.
Gluten-free bread is different from regular bread in that it does not contain gluten, the plant protein that is responsible for the elasticity in dough. Some people are intolerant to gluten and will develop negative reactions when they consume food that contains gluten. This can be bread, pasta, cereal, beer, jam, and other foodstuffs made from wheat, barley, or rye, the three plants that naturally contain gluten. In most cases, for people who are gluten-intolerant, reactions to gluten are merely uncomfortable.
In other cases, like where a person suffers from celiac disease, the reactions to gluten are more adverse and can lead to serious health conditions. Such people should altogether avoid gluten. And this is where a gluten-free bread machine comes in handy. It allows them to enjoy eating bread and other delicacies without endangering their health.
On average, gluten-free bread makers range in price between $100 and $400. A few models will cost more than $400 and some will see you spend less than $100. As with many appliances, you can find excellent quality bread makers in the $100 vicinity. You may also land some not-so-useful ones in the $400-plus mark.
To be safe when choosing a bread maker, opt for well-known brands with a proven track record. This way, you’ll know what to expect from the machine. If leaning towards a no-name brand, consider what previous buyers/users of the machine have to say about it before buying one.
Let’s now look at the specific features that matter in a gluten-free bread maker, how they work, and why they’re important.
Gluten-free bread machines have a gluten-free setting built into the bread maker. This makes it easy to prepare and bake gluten-free treats as you only have to select the gluten-free setting, add the ingredients in the specified order, and the machine will do the rest – mixing, kneading, and baking. You don’t have to mix the ingredients manually. The machine is programmed to do that. Your only task is to choose gluten-free ingredients.
When added in the recommended portions, the ingredients you use should yield a well-shaped, well-cooked, even bread. When manually mixing the ingredients, you may get less than stellar results because there is no uniformity in distributing the ingredients and kneading the dough. Some ingredients may be concentrated in some portions of the dough and completely missing in others. But with a bread maker, the ingredients are evenly spread and the kneading done uniformly. The result is a well-shaped loaf that looks pretty much like what you’d find at the store.
How big a loaf of bread can the bread maker prepare? This is important to know beforehand because it determines whether you’ll have enough bread for the family or not. Loaf capacity ranges from 1lb for the smallest bread makers to 2.0, 2.2, or 2.5 lb for large bread makers. Many gluten-free bread machines are designed to make different sizes of bread. This is the best option if you require varying bread sizes at different times depending on how many people you’re feeding. The Breville BBM800XL Custom Loaf Bread Maker makes bread in four sizes. ALBOHES MBF019 Bread Maker and T-fal ActiBread Bread Maker both support three bread sizes, while the Hamilton Beach 29882 Bread Make bakes bread in two sizes.
Some bread makers have a compact build while others are bulky. Likewise, some are lightweight and others heavier. If you anticipate that you’ll be moving the bread maker a lot, choose a model that is light enough to lift and carry. If the bread machine will occupy a specific location and you have no plans of relocating it, you can make do with a heavier model.
If space is a challenge for you, choose a small model. The Hamilton Beach 29882 Bread Maker is compact enough for most kitchen spaces. The Panasonic SD-YR2500 Bread Maker, too, is slim and can be squeezed into tiny spaces. But it’s also tall and requires ample overhead space for ease in opening.
Consider things like the material of the bread maker shell. Choose a material that is easy to clean and maintain, is not affected by moisture, and is attractive. Stainless steel, timeless in its beauty and durability, is a good choice. The T-fal ActiBread Bread Maker is an example of a bread maker with stainless steel housing.
Does it have a handle? This makes it easy to transport and store. Check for things like the structure of the base. Non-rotating rubber wheels provide a stable base and will often remain glued to the surface when the machine is kneading, preventing it from moving around and potentially tipping over.
Many of us prefer kitchen appliances than run quietly. The average bread maker will produce some noise while in operation, but it shouldn’t be so loud as to be audible from outside the house. Opt for a model that runs quietly or with minimal noise. This way, it’ll be easy to notice changes in the sound and you can tell when the machine develops an abnormal sound which could signify a mechanical problem.
A good bread maker is one that lasts for years without losing its functionality. This boils down to the quality of its workmanship, components, and materials used. Telltale signs that indicate a well-built bread maker include a hardy frame with no dents, use of strong materials, superb design and joinery, and a flawless finish. If the model looks cheap on the outside or some parts are loosely joined together, you can almost be sure that it will soon give you trouble.
Stick to known brands when buying a bread machine to avoid some of these issues with durability and usability. While some renowned brands may have the occasional bad machine, this is the exception, and they will likely replace it when you notify them.
One of the biggest advantages in choosing a gluten-free bread machine is that it can also be used to make products that contain gluten for people who are not gluten-sensitive. This is a better option than buying a separate bread maker for each group. If using your gluten-free bread machine to make regular bread and other delicacies, select the appropriate course from the program settings. Popular courses which are commonly included in gluten-free bread machines are basic, sweet, French, cake, pasta, and a range of customizable batters and dough.
A lot of these machines also allow you to customize additional recipes that are not programmed into the machine and adapt them to use with the machine. Always check whether the manufacturer has any guidelines, restrictions, or recommendations for when using custom recipes as these could increase your chances of getting good results.
Majority of gluten-free bread machines come with a 1-year limited warranty, and a good number also have a 30-day return policy. This means it’s good to test the machine and use it a few times in the first 30 days upon buying it so you can catch any malfunction in good time and qualify for a replacement or get your money back if you choose not to keep it.
Add ⅓ cup cooking oil into a measuring jar.
Add 2 eggs or 1 egg and 3 egg whites.
Add warm water up to the 2-cup mark.
Add 2 tablespoons warm water.
Pour the liquid mixture into the bread pan.
Add your bread mix (1 bag, 19 oz).
Add yeast (21/4 teaspoons).
Put pan in bread maker and cover the bread maker.
Adjust settings appropriately and press the start button.
Cooks in approximately 3 hours.
Our top choice is the Breville BBM800XL Custom Loaf Bread Maker. There is plenty to like in this machine, but what stood out for us is the choice of 4 bread sizes, the folding kneading blade, the nut and fruit dispenser, the 60-minute power backup, and the wide variety of preset courses.
Our second choice is the Hamilton Beach 29882 Bread Maker. We like that it has a large capacity pan and supports two bread sizes. We also like that it is engineered to use one or two kneading paddles. Other features that drew our attention are the dishwasher-safe quality of the pan, the wide range of preset programs, and the affordable price tag.
Our third choice of the best gluten-free bread machine is the T-fal ActiBread Bread Maker. It is made of stainless steel meaning it is durable, it also has accessories and a convenient safety against power interruption.
