With these machines, you’ll find features like 1- and 2-pound loaf capability, convenient delay settings, easy cleanup processes, and plenty of bread recipes to help get you started.

There's nothing better than setting up a program on your breadmaker, popping in the necessary ingredients, and letting it work its magic. This model's selling point is its compact size (it barely takes up more counter space than a toaster) and its ability to crank out fresh 1-pound bread loaves and cakes. But it doesn't stop there—you can also make jam, cookie dough, and pasta dough using the specialized settings. Pro tip: try making a loaf of fresh brioche.

The Zojirushi Virtuoso can produce a delicious 2-pound loaf in two hours and 25 minutes when using the rapid course setting. But what sets this machine apart from the rest is its ability to create a whole range of healthy breads using different course settings (vegan, gluten-free, multigrain, and whole wheat, to name a few). Users will find both double kneading blades and dual heaters, features that yield optimum baking results—and the large LCD display is pretty great, too.

For anyone flirting with the idea of baking bread at home, the KBS Automatic Bread Machine is a wonderful tool for beginners. With 19 programs, three loaf sizes, and three crust shades, making a loaf at home is as easy as adding the necessary ingredients and pressing a few buttons—the machine does the rest.