Creating fresh, homemade bread does not require hours of manual labour. A bread maker handles the mixing, kneading, proving and baking at the touch of a button. This automation allows home bakers to produce loaves that often surpass standard supermarket sandwich bread in quality and texture.
The Guardian recently put nine different bread makers through rigorous testing. The goal was to identify the best bread makers UK for producing consistent white, wholemeal, gluten-free and olive loaves. The testing process involved baking 36 loaves in total using identical recipes for each machine. This standardised approach allowed for a direct comparison of performance, energy efficiency and ease of use.
Panasonic SD-PMC100NXC: The Compact All-Rounder
The Panasonic SD-PMC100NXC mini bread and ice-cream maker emerged as the best all-round performer in the tests. It is particularly suitable for households with limited kitchen space, as its compact dimensions of 24.1 x 30.4 x 34.7cm make it easy to store on a worktop or in a cupboard.
The machine produced some of the most consistent results across all test categories. White bread came out soft and easy to cut, while wholemeal loaves were moist with a slight denseness. The gluten-free option also performed well, yielding a loaf with a lovely crust and texture that toasts effectively. The only minor issue was a small amount of uncooked mixture on the outside of the gluten-free loaves, which could be easily scraped off after baking. This occurred because the stirring paddle struggled slightly with the extra-wet gluten-free dough.
One limitation of the Panasonic model is that it only produces one loaf size, with a maximum weight of 500g. However, the reviewer noted that this size is ideal for two people, especially since homemade bread is best eaten fresh within a couple of days. The machine features 34 settings, including specific programmes for panettone and pasta dough. It also includes an automatic ingredient and yeast dispenser, which simplifies the baking process further.
Interestingly, the Panasonic SD-PMC100NXC doubles as an ice-cream maker. It comes with a small, freezable bowl that can churn up to 400ml of ice cream. The machine consumes 0.167kWh per loaf, costing approximately 4p in energy. It is backed by a warranty of up to two years, depending on the retailer.
Morphy Richards Fastbake: The Budget Option
For those seeking a more affordable entry into home baking, the Morphy Richards Fastbake offers solid value. Although the model is over a decade old, it remains a competent budget machine. It lacks the fancy extras and unusual settings found in higher-end models, focusing instead on core functionality.
The Fastbake excels at making classic white loaves and 50/50 bread. The crumb is airy, and the crust is perfectly done on the medium setting. It also produced a decent 100% wholemeal loaf, though other machines in the test performed slightly better in this category. A key feature is the quick-bake setting, which mixes, proves and cooks a loaf in under an hour. While the resulting bread is not as light and fluffy as the standard three-hour cycle, it is a useful option for those short on time.
As a budget model, the Morphy Richards Fastbake does not include an automatic ingredient or yeast dispenser. It also lacks a dedicated gluten-free setting. The reviewer suggests using the basic loaf programme for gluten-free baking, but the results were only average. The paddle tends to stick in the bread, but it can be removed cleanly once the loaf has cooled. The machine is intuitive to use, featuring old-school buttons and a basic screen. It consumes 0.211kWh per loaf, costing about 6p. It comes with a three-year warranty upon registration.
Testing Methodology and General Observations
The testing process was designed to evaluate consistency, which is critical for bread makers. The reviewer, who has nearly a decade of experience testing kitchen appliances, made and taste-tested multiple loaves using the same recipes for each machine. This included white, wholemeal, gluten-free and olive loaves. For machines with a mix-in function, an olive loaf was prepared to assess the reliability of the ingredient dispenser.
Energy consumption was measured for each machine using a power meter. Functionality, ease of use and cleaning were also factored into the final rankings. Most bread makers allow for a wide variety of recipes, provided the weight is correct for the bread pan. However, because the machines automate the mixing process, some trial and error may be needed to achieve the perfect texture, especially for those accustomed to hand-kneading.
After testing, all bread makers were returned to their manufacturers. The Panasonic SD-PMC100NXC and Morphy Richards Fastbake represent two distinct approaches to home baking: one prioritising compact versatility and advanced features, and the other focusing on simplicity and affordability. Both models offer reliable performance for their respective price points.
Source: The Guardian
