6 Best Bread Makers for Crusty Bread of 2026

For those seeking a reliable workhorse capable of producing consistently delicious loaves with appealing crusts, the KBS Pro stands out. Its robust 710W motor is a key asset, ensuring effective kneading for optimal dough structure, which is foundational for a good crust. The 360-degree surrounding baking technology aims to deliver even heat distribution, crucial for developing that coveted golden-brown exterior without burning. Coupled with three distinct crust color settings, this machine provides the necessary tools to tailor your loaf’s finish.

Performance testing reveals the KBS Pro handles standard white and whole wheat recipes with aplomb, leveraging its power for thorough mixing. The unique ceramic pan contributes to even heat transfer, potentially aiding in crust development while offering a healthier, non-stick surface. While the automatic fruit and nut dispenser adds convenience for enriched breads, the core baking functions perform reliably across the 17 programs. It maintains a relatively quiet operation, a pleasant bonus during the long baking cycle.

Positioned as a strong mid-range contender, the KBS Pro offers a compelling blend of features and performance. It provides more power and sophisticated baking tech like 360° heating compared to simpler models like the OSIPOTO, which operates at 600W. While it may not offer the extensive customizability or convection found in the higher-end KBS 19-in-1, its reliable performance and specific features like the ceramic pan and powerful motor make it an excellent choice for home bakers prioritizing consistent results and good crust development. It offers a step up in baking capability compared to the more budget-focused Cuisinart.

Entering the world of home baking is effortless and rewarding with the OSIPOTO 17-in-1 bread maker, designed specifically with the beginner in mind. This machine simplifies the process down to adding ingredients and selecting a program, making homemade bread, including options for varying crust darkness, readily accessible. Its straightforward controls and reliable automatic functions remove the intimidation factor often associated with bread making. The focus here is on ease of use without sacrificing the ability to customize basic loaf characteristics.

In practice, the OSIPOTO performs reliably for standard 1lb, 1.5lb, and 2lb loaves, offering the advertised three crust shades. The 600W power is sufficient for basic doughs, though it might require more effort for very dense or large whole wheat recipes compared to higher-wattage machines. The 360° even heat distribution is intended to promote uniform baking and crust formation. Its low noise level ensures minimal disruption, and the non-stick pan makes cleanup a breeze after baking.

Compared to more feature-rich machines like the KBS Pro or KBS 19-in-1, the OSIPOTO prioritizes simplicity and core functionality over advanced features like automatic dispensers or convection baking. It offers a similar program count to the KBS Pro but with slightly less power. For beginners who want to easily achieve different crust levels without complex settings, this machine is a perfect starting point. It provides more program variety than the budget Cuisinart model, making it a versatile entry-level choice.

Taking home bread making to a more refined level, the KBS 19-in-1 is a feature-packed machine designed for bakers who appreciate control and variety, including achieving that perfect crust. Its standout feature is the 360° convection technology, actively circulating hot air to ensure incredibly even baking and superior crust development across all surfaces. This, combined with the 650W motor and three crust color settings, provides exceptional capability for tailoring your loaf’s finish. The ability to customize program stages further enhances control.

Real-world use showcases the KBS 19-in-1’s versatility, from quick loaves to specialized recipes like sourdough, which benefits from the customizable program stages like degassing for open crumb. The ceramic pan promotes excellent heat transfer, aiding the convection system in producing consistently browned crusts. While the 650W power is effective, it’s slightly less than the KBS Pro’s 710W, though the convection compensates significantly for evenness. The Magic Kneading Paddle is designed for optimal dough elasticity, another factor influencing crumb and crust quality.

This KBS model differentiates itself from the KBS Pro primarily through its convection baking and more extensive program list, including a fully customizable mode and sourdough setting. It offers a higher degree of control and specialized functions ideal for enthusiasts looking to experiment beyond basic loaves. While it doesn’t match the sheer power or collapsible paddle of the premium Breville BBM800XL, its convection system and program depth make it a compelling option for intermediate bakers seeking advanced features to perfect their craft, particularly crust texture and evenness. It provides a significant step up in features from the OSIPOTO beginner model.

For those with limited counter space who still crave homemade bread, the Cuisinart CBK-110NAS offers a cleverly compact solution. Its vertical baking pan significantly reduces footprint, making it an easy fit in smaller kitchens. While focusing on space-saving, this machine still provides the core functions needed for basic bread making, including three crust shade options to give your loaves a personalized finish. The fully automatic operation simplifies the process, appealing to users who value convenience.

In terms of performance, the Cuisinart handles basic bread types using its 12 preprogrammed options. The vertical pan design, while space-efficient, can sometimes result in a taller, narrower loaf shape compared to horizontal models, which might impact crust uniformity slightly on the sides. The machine reliably produces light, medium, or dark crusts based on selection. Its automatic nature means minimal user intervention is required once ingredients are added. The viewing window and interior light are helpful for monitoring progress without opening the lid.

Positioned firmly in the budget-friendly and compact category, the Cuisinart CBK-110NAS is ideal for individuals or small households where space is a premium. It offers fewer programs than models like the Elite Gourmet EBM8103M, which boasts 19 options at a similar price point. However, its renowned brand quality and focus on a simple, compact design make it a reliable choice for basic bread needs, including adjustable crust settings. It’s a solid entry point into home baking, prioritizing form factor and ease over extensive features or advanced crust development technologies.

Stepping into the realm of premium performance and unparalleled control, the Breville BBM800XL is engineered for serious home bakers demanding exceptional results, including mastery over crust texture. Boasting a powerful 830W motor, this machine effortlessly handles diverse doughs, providing the necessary strength for optimal gluten development vital for structure and crust. With 13 automatic programs and nine custom settings, you have extensive control to fine-tune every stage of the baking process, explicitly impacting crust formation and overall loaf quality.

Performance is where the Breville BBM800XL truly shines. The high wattage ensures thorough kneading and rising, while the three crust color options work in tandem with the machine’s precise temperature control to achieve anything from a delicate golden hue to a deep, crunchy finish. A unique feature is the collapsible kneading paddle, which folds down before baking to prevent large holes in the base of the loaf, contributing to a more uniform crumb and crust. The automatic fruit and nut dispenser integrates mix-ins perfectly, enhancing complex recipes.

As the flagship model, the Breville BBM800XL stands apart with its superior power and unique features like the collapsible paddle and extensive custom programming. While the KBS 19-in-1 offers convection for evenness, the Breville’s higher wattage and custom program depth provide a different path to achieving specific textures, including a well-developed crust. It’s significantly more capable and robust than mid-range options like the KBS Pro or beginner models like the OSIPOTO. This is the ultimate machine for enthusiasts willing to invest in performance and flexibility for consistently professional-quality loaves.

Offering an impressive array of options at a highly accessible price point, the Elite Gourmet EBM8103M makes exploring different bread types, including varying crust preferences, remarkably affordable. This machine stands out with its 19-program preset menu, providing extensive versatility from basic white to specialty doughs like rye and even pizza, far exceeding the program count of many competitors in its price range. The inclusion of three loaf sizes and three crust settings ensures you can customize your output.

In practical use, the Elite Gourmet performs reliably across its many programs for standard bread making tasks. While the wattage isn’t specified, it handles typical recipes effectively for up to a 2lb loaf. The 15-hour delay timer and 60-minute keep warm function add significant convenience, allowing fresh bread to be ready when you are. The focus here is on providing maximum program variety for minimum outlay, enabling experimentation with different doughs and crust levels without a large investment.

Positioned as the best budget-friendly option, the Elite Gourmet EBM8103M provides exceptional value, particularly in its program count, surpassing even slightly more expensive models like the Cuisinart CBK-110NAS which only offers 12 programs. While it may lack the advanced features, robust build, or higher wattage found in premium machines like the Breville BBM800XL or the convection technology of the KBS 19-in-1, its extensive menu and basic crust customization make it an ideal choice for budget-conscious users eager to explore a wide variety of bread recipes at home.