(checked 2026-10-10)Very small sample (304 ratings).
Good Housekeeping's best overall, with 20 programs (four for gluten-free), a mix-in dispenser and a very slick pan. Other testers got burnt, dense or deflated loaves, and it has a high Amazon low-star share on few ratings.
Top complaints
- Inconsistent loaves
Serious Eats found burnt patches of crust and a very dense crumb from a Panasonic machine (model not named). The Spruce Eats' first loaf deflated a bit, and Good Housekeeping's 1-pound loaf came out misshapen.
- Reliability and damaged units
Amazon's summary says reliability is mixed, with some owners saying it doesn't work properly, and several report receiving damaged units. Amazon owners are also split on gluten-free results.
- Expensive and bulky
The Spruce Eats lists the price as its main downside, Good Housekeeping's testers found it a bit too large, and some Amazon owners consider it overpriced.
What owners love
- Fluffy, flavorful bread in GH tests
Good Housekeeping says it baked an almost perfect white loaf, one of the fluffiest, and a standout cranberry walnut bread with evenly dispersed mix-ins.
Source: Good Housekeeping - 20 programs and a temperature sensor
The Spruce Eats counts 20 programs, including four gluten-free options, and a room-temperature sensor that adjusts rising. Good Housekeeping notes sourdough and brioche programs and separate knead, rise and bake options.
Source: The Spruce Eats, Good Housekeeping - Slick pan and quiet running
The Spruce Eats says the super-slick nonstick pan releases loaves easily and cleans up easily, and the machine is quiet.
Source: The Spruce Eats
- You want proven reliability
- You have little counter space
- You mostly bake small 1-lb loaves
- Many programs, including several gluten-free options
- Breads with nuts and dried fruit
- Sourdough and brioche programs
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Good Housekeeping: Best overall: flavorful, fluffy bread, more programs than others and an automatic mix-in dispenser. Small loaves come out misshapen and it takes up a lot of space.
- The Spruce Eats: Most versatile: 20 programs, a temperature sensor and a slick, quiet pan, but expensive; the first loaf deflated.
- Serious Eats: Not recommended: a 'Panasonic Bread Machine' (model not named) burned parts of the crust and made a very dense crumb.