(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (1,373 ratings).
Wirecutter's budget pick beat every machine in its price range and uses a PFAS-free ceramic coating. Loaves are denser than premium machines', it is loud, and the ceramic coating may wear sooner.
Top complaints
- Denser loaves; weaker whole wheat and gluten-free
Wirecutter found its loaves slightly denser and paler on top than the Zojirushi's, with dense whole wheat and just-okay gluten-free bread. Food & Wine's banana bread came out dense and dry.
Source: Wirecutter, Food & Wine - Loud
The Spruce Eats says both the beeps and the kneading are loud, possibly because it's less insulated. Amazon owners are split on noise.
- Durability and coating life
Amazon's summary says multiple owners report it broke within 8 months. Wirecutter warns that ceramic coatings have a shorter lifespan, so you may need to replace the pan and paddle sooner.
What owners love
- Best bread in its price range
Wirecutter says it outbaked every budget machine, making the second-best loaves in most tests. Food & Wine found its sourdough among the best it tested, and The Spruce Eats called one loaf absolutely divine.
- PFAS-free ceramic pan, replacement parts
Wirecutter notes the pan and paddle use a silica-based ceramic coating rather than PTFE, and Hamilton Beach sells replacement pans and paddles. The Spruce Eats says the pan is dishwasher-safe.
Source: Wirecutter, The Spruce Eats - Simple settings, good value
Wirecutter calls its 12 settings (including gluten-free), 15-hour delay and three loaf sizes simple and straightforward. Amazon owners say it's well worth the money and easy to clean.
- You bake a lot of whole wheat or gluten-free
- You want a quiet machine
- You want sandwich-shaped loaves
- Infrequent bakers on a budget
- Avoiding PTFE (PFAS) coatings
- Basic white and sourdough loaves
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Budget pick: outperformed every machine in its price range, but loaves are denser and whole wheat and gluten-free are weaker. The machine is bulky and makes tall loaves.
- Food & Wine: Best for beginners: excellent sourdough texture, but dense, dry banana bread.
- The Spruce Eats: Best for basic bread: good value and a dishwasher-safe pan, but loud.