Best Bread Makers in Canada 2023: Fresh Bread Made Easy

How to Choose a Bread Maker for Canadians

Canadians should consider these factors when purchasing a bread maker:

Number of Pre-Sets

One of the first things you should check on a bread maker is the number of pre-sets. These preset allow you to prepare different types of bread without difficulty. Some bread makers offer only the basic options, while others feature more than 10. Usually, the more expensive bread makers have more pre-sets, but this isn’t a universal rule. When purchasing a bread maker, consider what you will use it for. If you want to make basic or French bread, you can get a more basic model and probably save money.

Size

Size is another important factor Canadians should consider when buying a bread maker. This especially goes for those who have limited space. Always pay attention to a product’s measurements to ensure it will fit in your kitchen.

Power

The power of your bread maker, combined with the capacity, can determine how much bread you can make. Larger bread loaves need more power to cook thoroughly. Two machines with the same capacity but wildly different wattages will result in different loaves of bread. If your machine has a larger capacity, you’ll need more wattage. Smaller loaves may also require a larger wattage depending on how dense they are, so make sure to choose a bread maker that can handle your bread making goals.

Capacity

While your first concern for the capacity of your bread maker should be the size of bread loaf you want to make, there are a few other things to keep in mind. You need to choose a bread maker that is consistent with the size of the bread you’d normally like to make. Unlike other kitchen appliances, a larger capacity is not always better. If you try to bake a larger loaf in a smaller bread maker, it may not be fully baked by the time the machine thinks it should be. 

On the other hand, making a smaller loaf in a larger bread maker can lead to dry, unpleasant bread that doesn’t look or taste right. Because of how drastically the capacity of your bread maker can change your bread, don’t go with the larger size just because you think you may use it. Always make sure to choose the size that aligns with your normal breadmaking habits.

Kneading Paddles

If you’ve ever used a bread maker, you know that the kneading paddle inside the machine can sometimes leave a hole in your finished loaf of bread. To avoid this hole and make your loaves more aesthetically pleasing, you should look for models that have multiple different types of kneading paddles. Some models even have you remove the kneading paddles before you begin the baking process.

If you are completely opposed to having any types of holes in your finished bread loaf, consider choosing a maker that has you remove the paddle before the baking process begins. Unfortunately, this means your bread maker will need a bit more oversight. Rather than setting it up to go and leaving it, you’ll need to remove the paddle manually halfway through the process. Consider whether that is compatible with your lifestyle before choosing a bread maker that requires that you remove the kneading paddle.

Beginner Options

Some bread makers can be difficult to use, especially if you haven’t used a bread maker before. Instead of jumping into the deep end, make sure to choose a bread maker that features easy options that are simple to understand. No matter which breadmaker you choose, it should come with a user manual that explains how to use the bread maker and all of its useful features. However, this may be overwhelming for the complete beginner.

To choose a beginner-friendly bread maker, make sure to look for fewer options, intuitive controls, and makers that feature a recipe book or other beginner instructions. 

Delayed Start

Although it may seem irrelevant at first glance, the delay start option can be incredibly beneficial. Many bread makers let you postpone the beginning of the baking process for 8, 10, or 12 hours. Canadians can add the ingredients, choose a program, enable the delay start option, and go to work. A warm, fresh loaf of bread will wait for them when they return home.

Alarm for Add-Ins

You can make your homemade bread healthier and more unique by adding fruits or nuts. However, if you don’t have experience in the kitchen or haven’t used a bread maker before, you may have difficulty estimating when to add these ingredients. That’s why many breadmakers have an alarm that beeps to let them know it’s time to add the ingredients.

Settings for Specialty Items

Although called bread makers, they can often be used for more than baking bread. Many models let you prepare specialty items like cake, jam, pizza dough, or noodles. If you want to make more than basic bread, look for a bread maker with settings for specialty items.

Keep in mind that some bread makers may not include settings for dessert bread. If you’re looking to make sweeter bread, you may need to look for a breadmaker with an extended suite of options.

Customizable Options

Many bread makers let you customize the baking process. For example, you can choose the size of the bread or the shade of the crust. Alternatively, you can knead the dough without baking and vice versa. You can also choose how long to rise, knead, and bake the dough. Simply put, customizable options give you full control over the baking process and let you create unique recipes.

All bread makers will have some level of customization, but it’s important to find one that has options you plan on using. At the very least, you should choose one with crush shade options and kneading capabilities.

Noise

Bread makers tend to be noisy, which can be annoying. Estimating whether a bread maker is noisy can be tricky because you usually don’t get to test it before making a purchase. A few tricks can help you determine whether a bread maker makes a lot of noise. First, check the materials used in the bread maker’s construction. If it has a lot of plastic, it will likely make more noise. The best bread makers in Canada are made of top-quality stainless steel and don’t have many plastic parts. Also, check whether the bread maker you’re interested in has non-slip feet. This valuable addition will keep the bread maker in place and reduce noise.