7 Best Bread Machines for Sourdough in 2024: Expert Reviews

A bread machine can make perfect sourdough bread at home more accessible than ever before. Today’s bread makers come with special settings and temperature controls that let you create professional-quality sourdough loaves. These smart machines take care of everything – from mixing and kneading to creating ideal  sourdough fermentation and rising conditions.

We’ve compiled a detailed review of seven top-rated bread machines tested for their sourdough baking capabilities. Our reviews assess key features, performance data, and real-life results to help you pick the right bread maker for your sourdough adventures. You’ll find options ranging from high-end models packed with custom settings to budget-friendly machines consistently delivering great results.

Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Bread Maker

_{Image Source: Zojirushi Online Store}

[Image: Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Bread Maker]

The Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus is a premium bread machine that makes perfect sourdough loaves. Its advanced technology and precise temperature control deliver professional-quality results.

Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus features

The Virtuoso Plus comes with remarkable technical specifications:

The machine’s dual kneading blade system and additional lid heater distinguish it from other bread makers. These features ensure perfect dough development and consistent baking results. Bakers can store three custom memory settings that let them precisely adjust each stage of the bread-making process.

Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus sourdough performance

The Virtuoso Plus stands out with its dedicated sourdough starter function. Bakers can program the first rise for up to 12 hours, which helps develop complex sourdough flavors. The machine’s temperature control system keeps perfect conditions throughout fermentation.

Our tests showed that the machine reliably produces well-laid-out sourdough loaves with these qualities:

• Even crumb structure
• Rich flavor development
• Excellent crust formation
• Reliable results batch after batch

Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus pros and cons

Pros:

• Superior temperature control to develop sourdough
• Custom programming options for each baking phase
• Runs quietly
• Large window lets you watch your bread
• Solid construction with a durable baking pan
• Complete recipe book included

Cons:

• Costs $399.99 – on the expensive side
• Makes only 2-pound loaves
• Kneading paddles don’t fold down
• The screen needs a backlight
• Takes up more counter space than other models

Bread makers will love the homemade function, which gives you exact control over kneading, rising, and baking times. The powerful motor easily handles wet dough and distributes heat evenly to create perfect loaves every time.

Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker

_{Image Source: Breville}

[Image: Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker]

Bakers who want complete control over their sourdough creation process will love the Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker. This sophisticated machine offers detailed customization options and can adapt to different baking environments and recipe requirements.

Breville Custom Loaf features

The Breville Custom Loaf delivers exceptional performance through these specifications:

This bread maker’s standout feature includes an automatic fruit and nut dispenser that adds ingredients at the perfect moment without lid interruption. The innovative kneading blade collapses before baking starts, reducing the hole size in your finished loaf. Bakers can watch their creation’s progress through the convenient viewing light without opening the lid and disrupting the baking cycle.

Breville Custom Loaf sourdough capabilities

The Breville stands out with its sourdough preparation capabilities thanks to the specialized ‘Crusty Loaf’ feature that creates ideal conditions for sourdough development. The machine lets you customize every aspect of the baking process. You can adjust knead times for both slow and fast speeds, set multiple rise times, control rising temperatures, and fine-tune baking time and temperature. Bakers can adapt these settings based on their location’s climate or altitude to achieve perfect fermentation and rising results.

Breville Custom Loaf pros and cons

Pros:

• Outstanding custom settings
• Automatic mix-in dispenser
• Built-in viewing light
• Smooth coating makes cleaning simple
• Large capacity range (1.0-2.5 lb)
• Clear, easy-to-use LCD interface
• 60-minute power failure backup

Cons:

• Premium price tag
• Takes up much counter space
• Makes noise during kneading
• Tends to move when kneading vigorously
• Single heating element leads to uneven browning
• Flour sometimes collects in corners

This bread maker creates rustic loaves with a distinctive artisanal look. The uneven browning might challenge some bakers, yet many users love the authentic, homemade character it adds. A powerful motor handles wet sourdough dough well, though you might need to stabilize the machine during heavy-duty kneading cycles.

Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker

_{Image Source: Cuisinart}

[Image: Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker]

The Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker features a space-saving design that works perfectly in smaller kitchens. Its vertical orientation delivers consistent results and takes minimal counter space.

Cuisinart Compact features

The Cuisinart Compact delivers exceptional functionality with these design specifications:

The vertical orientation of this machine creates a special baking chamber that shapes loaves consistently. A powerful motor mixes ingredients completely, and the nonstick coating has showed remarkable durability over time. The control panel comes with four large buttons that make operation simple, and you can see all 12 preprogrammed options clearly displayed on the lid.

Cuisinart Compact sourdough results

The Cuisinart Compact demands careful attention during sourdough preparation’s early stages. The machine shows its best performance with sourdough that we used for mixing and first rise, which allows bakers to track the dough’s development. Bakers can achieve optimal results with sourdough recipes by following these steps:

• Monitor dough consistency during early mixing phases
• Adjust flour-to-liquid ratios as needed
• Think about taking out the dough after the original rise to shape it manually
• Use the “ultra-fast” feature much of either with sourdough

The machine handles simple sourdough recipes well but might need recipe adjustments with high-hydration doughs. Bakers will notice improved results once they understand its unique timing and mixing patterns.

Cuisinart Compact pros and cons

Pros:

• Space-efficient vertical design
• Consistent loaf shape
• Reliable mixing performance
• Easy-to-clean stainless steel exterior
• Budget-friendly price point
• Clear, accessible controls
• Ultra-fast baking option

Cons:

• Requires monitoring for sourdough
• Limited capacity for 2-pound recipes
• Manual mix-in addition required
• Original learning curve for moisture levels
• Vertical shape affects loaf appearance

The Cuisinart Compact excels at making traditional bread varieties and handles simple sourdough recipes well. The ultra-fast feature completes loaves in under two hours and works great for conventional bread types, but it doesn’t suit sourdough as well. Thanks to the machine’s beeping notification system, bakers can track progress and add ingredients at the right time, which leads to better results.

Zojirushi Home Bakery Mini Breadmaker

_{Image Source: Zojirushi Online Store}

[Image: Zojirushi Home Bakery Mini Breadmaker]

The Zojirushi Mini Breadmaker is perfect for urban kitchens and small households. This compact appliance demonstrates that quality bread-making doesn’t need much counter space. The unit’s footprint matches a standard sheet of paper, and it produces professional-quality bread.

Zojirushi Mini features

This Mini Breadmaker delivers exceptional versatility with its smart design:

The machine’s signature features showcase three bread textures (Regular, Firm, Soft) and dedicated cookie/pasta dough settings. The quick-baking cycle produces fresh bread in less than two hours, and the 13-hour delay timer lets you wake up to freshly baked loaves.

Zojirushi Mini sourdough performance

This Mini Breadmaker is remarkable in its capabilities for sourdough preparation and maintains consistent temperatures during the significant fermentation period. The machine’s kneading action develops the gluten structure essential for proper sourdough development.

Key performance attributes include:

• Temperature control stays precise throughout baking
• Heat spreads evenly for consistent results
• Beeping alerts signal when to add ingredients
• Fresh bread stays warm for up to an hour after baking

The simple bread setting produces excellent results, but experienced bakers often prefer the dough setting for sourdough, which lets them shape and bake loaves traditionally. A viewing window makes it easy to monitor fermentation without affecting the internal temperature.

Zojirushi Mini pros and cons

Pros:

• Makes the most of limited space
• Works great year after year
• Easy-to-use interface
• Bakes bread quickly
• Fits perfectly in small homes
• Complete the instruction manual and DVD
• Comes with special measuring tools

Cons:

• Costs more than others (around $230)
• Missing a gluten-free option
• Bread can be hard to remove
• Only makes 1-pound loaves
• Finished bread often has the kneading blade stuck

This Mini Breadmaker shines at making small batches of artisan bread. Small households can enjoy fresh bread without waste. The reliable design and consistent performance have built its reputation for lasting quality. Many users report great results even after years of regular use. The machine packs plenty of features into its compact size. It handles complex doughs like sourdough well, though bakers need time to learn the right moisture levels and ingredient ratios for best results.

West Bend Hi-Rise Bread Maker

_{Image Source: YouTube}

[Image: West Bend Hi-Rise Bread Maker]

The West Bend Hi-Rise Bread Maker combines breakthroughs and tradition with its trailblazing dual-blade technology, which transforms home bread making. This versatile machine combines advanced features with practical design elements and delivers professional-quality results.

West Bend Hi-Rise features

The West Bend Hi-Rise comes with a complete set of features:

The machine’s dual knead blade system ensures perfect dough kneading, resulting in superior texture and rise. This bread maker’s traditional horizontal pan design fits three different loaf sizes, making it perfect for any family’s needs. A clear LCD display shows phase indicators that tell you when your bread is in the first, second, or different rise stages.

West Bend Hi-Rise sourdough capabilities

The West Bend Hi-Rise excels at sourdough preparation with its custom programming feature. Experienced bakers can adjust knead times, rise periods, and baking durations that match their specific sourdough recipes. The machine’s flexible programming has:

• Rise times you can customize for proper fermentation
• Kneading phases: you can adjust for optimal gluten development
• Baking temperatures you can vary for desired crust formation

The machine’s power failure backup system protects up to 10 minutes of programming when brief power interruptions occur during long sourdough fermentation cycles. A transparent window lets bakers watch their dough develop without disrupting the proving environment.

West Bend Hi-Rise pros and cons

Pros:

• Innovative dual-blade kneading system
• Large 3-pound loaf capacity
• Complete custom programming options
• Clear, easy-to-read LCD display
• Budget-friendly price
• Extended power failure protection
• Multiple loaf size options

Cons:

• Mixed user reviews on consistency
• Time needed to master custom settings
• Blade coating durability concerns
• Extra ingredients need a longer waiting time
• The machine might need stabilization while running

The West Bend Hi-Rise stands out with its customization capabilities. Bakers can adjust each phase of the bread-making process to their needs. The machine’s detailed instruction manual has recipes for garlic bread, wheat bread, and gluten-free varieties. Thanks to its horizontal pan design, you’ll get traditional-shaped loaves. The dual-blade system mixes ingredients well and helps develop the dough properly.

A beeping alert tells you when to add extra ingredients during the second kneading phase, which happens a bit later than in other bread makers. Experienced bakers who know sourdough fermentation will love the custom setting. They can try different techniques to perfect their bread.

Amazon Basics 2-Pound Non-Stick Bread-Making Machine

_{Image Source: Amazon.com}

[Image: Amazon Basics 2-Pound Non-Stick Bread-Making Machine]

The Amazon Basics 2-Pound Non-Stick Bread-Making Machine offers exceptional value in the bread machine market and delivers impressive functionality at an available price point. This powerful 550-watt appliance combines versatility with easy operation, making it perfect for new and experienced bakers.

Amazon Basics features

This bread maker gives you the complete functionality you need:

The 14 versatile settings let you make bread of all types – from basic white to French, whole wheat, and gluten-free options. You’ll get all the necessary accessories, like a measuring cup and spoon, to measure ingredients perfectly. The machine’s compact vertical design saves counter space but makes substantial loaves.

The control panel has a user-friendly layout with an LCD screen that’s easy to read. You can choose from three crust darkness levels and multiple bread types. The non-stick coating helps bread slide out easily and makes cleanup quick.

Amazon Basics sourdough results

The Amazon Basics machine shows mixed capabilities in sourdough preparation. This appliance handles simple sourdough recipes adequately, and users should consider several factors:

The machine performs best with:

• Traditional sourdough recipes that need shorter fermentation times
• Medium-hydration dough formulations
• Recipes with commercial yeast support
• Simple sourdough sandwich loaves

The simple bread setting works most reliably for sourdough preparation, though optimal results may need baking time adjustments. The machine’s vertical baking chamber creates tall, uniform loaves that look different from traditional artisanal sourdough.

Amazon Basics pros and cons

Pros:

• Great value for money
• Accessible interface
• Space-saving design
• Reliable results for simple breads
• Simple to clean
• Clear, complete manual
• Helpful customer support

Cons:

• Not enough sourdough settings
• Browns unevenly at times
• Simple LCD display without backlight
• Steam clouds the viewing window
• Tall loaf shape might not match everyone’s priorities
• The recipe book could be better

This bread machine delivers reliable results for your everyday baking needs. You’ll hear an automatic mix-ins alert at the perfect time to add ingredients, and the 13-hour delay timer lets you bake overnight. Fresh bread stays warm for an hour after baking with the keep-warm feature.

The manual gives clear instructions that new bakers will appreciate. More experienced bakers might want to look online for advanced recipes. This machine’s reliability and consistent results are perfect for families switching from store-bought to homemade bread, which saves money over time.

The Amazon Basics bread machine handles dough of all types, from dense whole wheat to light French bread varieties. It might not have advanced settings for premium models, but its simple operation and consistent results make it a smart choice if you want quality breadmaking without spending too much.

Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker

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[Image: Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker]

The Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker is a standout choice in the bread machine market. It offers excellent functionality and smart features that home bakers will love. The premium model impresses with its detailed programming options and reliable performance, working perfectly with bread of all types.

Hamilton Beach features

The Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker offers excellent capabilities that appeal to bakers at every skill level:

The bread maker’s standout feature is its automatic fruit and nut dispenser, which adds ingredients at the perfect moment during kneading. The premium stainless steel exterior combines durability with style, and a large viewing window lets you watch your bread as it bakes.

The control panel comes with an accessible interface that displays a countdown timer and automatic keep-warm function. This machine has settings for French, whole grain, gluten-free, and express baking options. Bakers can create and save their favorite programs through a unique customization feature.

Hamilton Beach sourdough performance

Hamilton Beach excels at dough preparation and is an excellent choice for bakers who prefer to develop their sourdough through traditional methods. The machine’s capabilities shine through these features:

The kneading cycle delivers:

• Complete ingredient mixing
• Proper gluten development
• Steady dough temperature
• Balanced moisture distribution

Bakers should know that this machine works best when mixing and handling the original fermentation. The robust motor manages high-hydration doughs well, but you might need to watch the process in the first few minutes to ensure ingredients blend properly.

The temperature stays consistent throughout the cycle, which is a vital part of sourdough fermentation. You should skip the machine’s express settings for sourdough since great flavor development needs longer fermentation times.

Hamilton Beach’s pros and cons

Pros:

• Complete 21 program settings
• Automatic fruit and nut dispenser
• Excellent dough mixing capability
• Accessible interface
• Reliable temperature control
• Dishwasher-safe accessories
• Sturdy construction with non-slip feet

Cons:

• Bread pan coating scratches easily
• Needs regular checking
• Takes up lots of counter space
• Paddle sometimes leaves big holes
• Crust gets darker than expected
• Not flexible enough for sourdough

The machine’s reliable motor works best during kneading, but occasionally, you might need to scrape flour from corners. You can keep your bread warm up to an hour after baking, and the delay timer lets you prepare everything overnight.

Sourdough bakers will love the dough program’s flexibility. After mixing and developing, you can remove the dough to shape and bake it traditionally. The machine handles recipes of different sizes well, but remember that its vertical design makes taller, more cubic loaves than you’d get from hand-baking.

The Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker has a complete recipe book, but experienced bakers often adapt their own recipes. The measuring tools help you get the portions right, and the paddle removal tool reduces holes in your finished bread.

This bread maker shows its quality through stable performance, even when kneading vigorously. The rubber-coated feet keep it from moving, and solid hinges firmly hold the lid. Despite having plastic exterior parts, it’s durable enough to handle regular use in busy kitchens.

The temperature stays steady throughout baking, though the crust often turns darker than expected. The viewing window can get foggy while baking, but the large LCD shows your progress through each baking phase.

Conclusion

Bread machines have changed a lot to handle sourdough baking needs. They now come with features ranging from simple mixing and kneading to advanced temperature control and custom programming. Each machine we reviewed has its own strengths. Premium models like the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus give you detailed control over baking, while budget options like the Amazon Basics bread maker work well for simple sourdough recipes. Your best choice depends on your counter space, the size of the loaf you want, and how much programming control you need.

If you want authentic sourdough, look for machines with exact temperature control and longer rise times. These features help develop the right fermentation and flavor. Quality machines are now available at different prices, so beginners and experienced bakers can make great sourdough bread at home. You can make better bread and pizza with an authentic artisanal sourdough starter from The Yeast We Can Do. Just email john@theyeastwecando.com to get our premium starter. It creates exceptional bread and pizza with perfect tangy flavor and signature crust, whatever bread machine you use.

FAQs

Can bread machines effectively make sourdough bread?
Absolutely, bread machines can make sourdough bread, especially if they offer programmable settings. For optimal results, the process should include mixing the ingredients until the dough forms, resting it for about 20 minutes (autolyze), and then kneading it until it’s smooth.

What led to the decline in the popularity of bread machines?
The decline in the popularity of bread machines can be attributed to dissatisfaction with the results they produce. According to Lara Pizzorno, author of “Bread Machine Baking,” in a 1996 New York Times article, some food enthusiasts viewed bread machines as inferior, comparing them to a fad without lasting value.

Which Panasonic bread maker is recommended for making sourdough?
The Panasonic SD-2511K is highly recommended for sourdough enthusiasts. This model includes specific modes for Rustic Sourdough, Artisan, and Scones and features a Fruit Nut dispenser, enhancing the bread-making experience with added ingredients distributed evenly throughout the loaf.

What is a common disadvantage of using a bread machine?
A notable drawback of using a bread machine is that the mixing paddles are fixed and remain in the dough during baking. This often results in a hole left in the middle of the loaf, which some might find unsightly or inconvenient.

Are the Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso and the Cuisinart Convection Bread Maker reliable for consistent bread making?
The Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso and the Cuisinart Convection Bread Maker are known for their reliability and consistency in bread making. They are appreciated for their versatility, as they can handle various dough types, including pizza dough and cakes. Users value the simplicity and the quality of bread they produce, making them suitable for small kitchens without compromising on loaf size. However, as with any appliance, user experiences can vary, so it’s beneficial to consider personal needs and kitchen space when choosing a bread machine.