5 Best Bread Makers for Crusty Bread in 2026

In 2026, choosing the right bread maker can mean the difference between a soft loaf and one with a satisfyingly crusty exterior—crust that’s often the hallmark of bakery-quality bread. Do you know which models boast features like convection heating at 750W or adjustable crust settings that can handle dough up to 2 pounds, with 12 to 29 programmable options? If you’re aiming for that perfect artisanal bite, there’s more than meets the eye—and plenty to reflect on before making your next kitchen upgrade.

OSIPOTO 17-in-1 Stainless Steel Bread Maker

If you love baking bread at home, the OSIPOTO 17-in-1 Stainless Steel Bread Maker is a great choice for 2026. It makes bread easy and fun. The machine can handle up to 2 pounds of bread. You can choose from three loaf sizes: 1 pound, 1.5 pounds, or 2 pounds. It also has different crust options so your bread can be light or dark.

This bread maker has 17 baking programs. You can pick settings for gluten-free bread, cakes, and more. It has a powerful 600W motor that heats evenly and quickly. The bread maker runs quietly at only 50 decibels. That means you can leave it on while you sleep or do quiet tasks.

Using the machine is simple. The non-stick pan makes cleaning easy. No sticky messes. It’s perfect for home bakers who want good results with little fuss.

Best For: Home cooks who want a versatile, easy-to-use bread machine that makes bread that tastes like it’s from a bakery. It’s good for those who want custom settings and quiet operation.

Pros:

• 17 baking options, including gluten-free and cakes
• Makes up to 2 pounds of bread in different sizes
• Quiet and easy to clean with a non-stick pan

Cons:

• The machine is a bit big and needs space on your counter
• Baking can take up to 3.5 hours for large loaves
• It’s meant for home use, not for making bread for a business

Cuisinart Stainless Steel Bread Maker with 12 Menus

The Cuisinart Stainless Steel Bread Maker has 12 different menus. These options let you bake more than just bread. You can make cakes, pizza, jams, and sauces easily. The machine works automatically, so you don’t have to watch it the whole time. It has three crust choices—light, medium, dark—and three loaf sizes: 1 pound, 1.5 pounds, and 2 pounds. You can also set it to start later, up to 13 hours in advance.

The bread maker has a simple LCD screen. It shows you how much time is left and gives alerts when it’s done. Its small and shiny design fits well on your kitchen counter. The nonstick baking pan is easy to clean. It’s a good choice if you want a flexible, easy-to-use bread machine that can do much more than just bread.

This machine is great for home bakers who want variety and simple control. It can make different kinds of baked goods and has many settings to choose from.

Pros:

• 12 menu options for bread, cakes, pizza, jams, and sauces.
• Fully automatic with a clear LCD screen, sounds, and a timer that starts up to 13 hours later.
• Small, modern design. Easy to clean with a removable nonstick pan.
• Multiple loaf sizes and crust colors to pick from.

Cons:

• Uses 550 watts, which might use a bit more energy.
• Hand washing the pan is recommended, not dishwasher-safe.
• Can make up to 2 pounds of bread, so it might not be enough for big families.

Elite Gourmet Bread Maker with 19 Presets

The Elite Gourmet Bread Maker is a great choice for anyone who wants easy and tasty bread at home. It has 19 preset programs, making baking simple. You just press a button, and the machine takes care of kneading, rising, and baking. It can make loaves up to 2 pounds, which is enough for most families.

This bread maker is small and lightweight. It measures about 9.45 by 11.89 by 13.98 inches and weighs only 10.58 pounds. Because of its size, it fits well on small countertops or in tight kitchens.

You can choose how crusty your bread is, from light to dark. Plus, it has a delay timer that lets you set your bread to start up to 15 hours later. There’s also a 60-minute keep-warm feature to keep your bread fresh after baking.

The machine is very easy to use, especially if you want bread that’s bakery-quality. It makes all the work go away, so you don’t have to do much. All you do is add ingredients, choose a program, and press start.

This bread maker is perfect if you are new to baking or if you want a reliable machine that does a lot. It offers lots of options but keeps things simple. Just remember, it only makes 2-pound loaves, so if you need bigger bread, this might not be the best choice.

Pros:

• Easy to use with many preset options.
• Compact size fits small kitchens.
• Automates the whole baking process.
• Has timers and keep-warm feature.

Cons:

• Only makes 2-pound loaves.
• Some recipes may need more customization.
• It can be noisy during kneading.

If you want a bread maker that’s simple, quick, and makes good bread, the Elite Gourmet is a smart pick. It helps you enjoy fresh homemade bread with little effort.

KBS Pro 710W Bread Maker with 17 Features

The KBS Pro 710W Bread Maker is a great choice if you want to make homemade bread. It has 17 automatic programs. These include simple bread, gluten-free, sourdough, French bread, and more. You can pick the setting that works best for the bread you want to bake.

You can change how dark or light the crust is. It has three options: Light, Medium, and Dark. You can also choose the size of your loaf. It can make breads from 1 to 2 pounds.

The bread maker has a strong 710W motor. It also uses convection baking, which helps the bread bake evenly. The pan that holds the dough is ceramic and nonstick. This makes it easy to clean and helps the bread brown nicely on the outside while staying soft inside.

This bread machine is made of stainless steel. It looks good and is built to last. It’s easy to use, even if you don’t have baking experience. Just choose your program and settings, then let the machine do the work.

The KBS Pro 710W is best for home bakers. It helps you make different kinds of bread with little effort. It’s a reliable and simple machine that makes baking bread fun and easy.

Pros:

• 17 automatic programs for different bread types and diets
• Settings for crust color and loaf size
• Easy to clean ceramic nonstick pan
• Durable stainless steel body

Cons:

• It’s a bit heavy at 14.7 pounds, so moving it can be hard
• The many features may seem too much at first
• It works best for smaller loaves, not large baking needs

KITCHENARM 29-in-1 Bread Maker with Gluten Free Setting

If you’re looking for a bread maker that is easy to use and makes lots of different kinds of bread, the KITCHENARM 29-in-1 Bread Maker might be a good choice. It has 29 preset options, like gluten-free, multigrain, and keto bread. You can choose from three loaf sizes: 1 pound, 1.5 pounds, or 2 pounds. The one-touch button makes it simple to start, and you can save your favorite settings so they are ready for next time. It has a big LCD screen so you can see what’s happening, and it even connects to a recipe cloud for more ideas. This bread maker helps you make consistently good bread with less effort.

Best for: people who want a bread machine that is versatile, easy to operate, and good for special diets.

Pros:

• Comes with 29 different baking options, including gluten-free and keto.
• Easy to operate with just one press. You can save your favorite settings.
• Large screen shows clear information. Connected to a recipe cloud for new ideas.

Cons:

• This model is no longer made, so finding it might be hard or it could be harder to get a warranty.
• It weighs about 9.6 pounds, so it might be heavy to move around.
• With so many options, beginners might feel a bit overwhelmed at first.

This bread maker helps you make home-made bread quickly and easily. It’s great if you want control over what goes into your bread, especially if you have special dietary needs. While it’s simple to use, it still gives you lots of choices to make perfect bread just the way you like it.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bread Maker for Crusty Bread

When selecting a bread maker for that perfect crust, you’ll want to pay attention to crust color settings, which can range from light golden to deep brown, ensuring your bread’s crust meets your preference. Baking program variety matters too—more options mean you can experiment with different flours, fermentation times, and crust textures, while loaf size options from one-pound to three-pound capacities give you flexibility for various needs. Ultimately, consider heating technology and ingredient flexibility, because a machine with advanced heating elements and adjustable ingredient inputs will help you achieve that artisanal, crusty loaf that stands out on your bread basket.

Crust Color Settings

Choosing the right crust color is important when making bread. Most bread makers let you pick between light, medium, and dark crust options. These choices change how the bread looks and feels. Darker crusts usually need a little more time—about 10 to 15 minutes longer—and a hotter oven setting. Some bread makers also let you adjust the crust more precisely, so you can get just the right thickness and crunch. The color of the crust affects the taste—darker crusts taste richer and have a crunchier outside. Picking the right setting helps you get a good balance. You can have a crispy outside with a soft inside. Finding the perfect crust makes your bread look and taste like it came from a bakery.

Baking Program Variety

Picking a bread maker with lots of baking programs can make your bread turn out just right every time. These machines often have preset options for different kinds of bread, like French or artisan bread. Having these options helps get the crust and flavor how you want it. Some machines even have special settings for gluten-free or quick breads. These can sometimes give softer or more delicate crusts.

Advanced bread makers let you change the time and temperature yourself. This gives you more control over how your bread’s crust turns out. The more baking programs a machine has, the more kinds of bread you can make. If a machine lets you adjust each cycle, you can choose how thick or crispy you want the crust. This way, your bread will come out exactly how you like it—crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Loaf Size Options

Most bread makers let you choose from different loaf sizes. Usually, you can pick 1 pound, 1.5 pounds, or 2 pounds. The size you pick depends on your family and how much bread you need. A 2-pound loaf is good for big families or when friends visit. It makes enough bread for several meals. A 1-pound or 1.5-pound loaf is better for one or two people. It helps save space and reduces leftovers.

The size of the loaf also changes how the bread looks. Bigger loaves, like the 2-pound ones, tend to have a thicker crust. They need a little more time to bake. Some bread makers have settings to adjust the crust or slices for each size.

Think about how much bread you usually eat. Do you want more crust or less waste? Picking the right loaf size makes baking easier. It also helps you get bread just the way you like it every time.

Heating Technology

Heating technology is important for making a nice, crusty bread. Different methods of heating change how the bread’s crust looks and feels. Convection uses a fan to blow hot air around. This makes the crust evenly golden brown. Infrared heating sends direct heat quickly. This can make the crust crisp and caramelized in less time. Some bread machines use both methods. This helps create a crust that’s both crispy and nicely browned.

When choosing heating technology, think about what you want. Do you want your bread to bake fast and be very crispy? Or do you want a more even, softer crust? The right heating method can turn good bread into great bread. It can give you that perfect crust and flavor you’re looking for.

Ingredient Flexibility

Choosing a bread maker that can handle different ingredients is important if you want crusty bread. Not all machines work the same with all types of flour or mixes. Pick a machine that works well with bread flour, all-purpose flour, or gluten-free mixes. These types can change how your bread feels and looks.

Look for a machine with adjustable crust settings. These let you change how thick or crunchy your crust is, so it comes out just right. If you like adding nuts, seeds, or toppings, check if your machine allows you to add these during the bake. This can keep them from burning or making the crust uneven.

Some bread makers have special cycles, like steam or convection modes. These help make the crust extra crispy. The more control you have, the better your bread will turn out. With the right machine, you’ll get a crust that’s just like bakery bread.

Delay Timer Function

A delay timer is a handy feature for baking bread just the way you want it. It helps you wake up to fresh, crusty bread or have it ready after a busy day. Usually, these timers can be set up to 15 or 17 hours in advance. You put in your ingredients, choose the start time, and the bread maker takes care of the rest.

This feature makes sure the yeast activates at the right time. That helps your bread get a crispy crust and a nice texture. It’s perfect for overnight baking. You can wake up or come home to warm, fresh bread. Just be careful with ingredients that spoil easily. The longer the delay, the more you need to keep ingredients fresh.

A delay timer is a smart tool. It helps you make bread exactly when you want it.

Ease of Cleanup

When choosing a bread maker to make crusty bread, easy cleanup is very important. Look for a machine with a non-stick baking pan and kneading paddle. These parts are easy to remove and clean. Some models have parts that go in the dishwasher. This makes washing up quick and simple.

A machine with a cleaning cycle can also help keep it in good shape. Pick one with smooth, sealed surfaces and few crevices. These areas are easier to wipe clean and prevent bread crumbs from sticking. Removable crumb or drip trays help catch spills and crumbs, keeping your kitchen tidy.

Choosing a bread maker with these features makes cleanup faster and easier. You can enjoy your fresh, crusty bread without spending a lot of time cleaning the machine afterward.

Adjustable Baking Time

Adjusting how long you bake bread is important if you want the crust to be just right. Baking longer, usually between 40 and 60 minutes, makes the crust darker and crunchier. This happens because of a reaction that gives bread more flavor and color. Many bread makers let you set the baking time, so you can make the crust lighter or darker, depending on what you like.

But remember, if you bake for a longer time, you might need to change the oven temperature or crust settings. This can help prevent the bread from burning. Also, the size of the loaf and the recipe can affect how long you should bake. Finding the right baking time helps you get a consistent crust every time. Having a bread machine with adjustable baking time makes it easier to get the crust you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Bread Maker Is Best for Artisanal, Crusty French Bread?

You should choose a bread maker with a good artisan or French bread setting, high heat capability, and a crust control feature. Brands like Zojirushi and Breville often excel at producing authentic, crusty French bread easily.

Can These Bread Makers Easily Accommodate Different Flour Types for Crust Development?

Yes, these bread makers easily accommodate various flour types, enabling you to adjust settings for perfect crust development. You just select the right program, add your flour, and let the machine handle the rest for artisanal results.

Do All Models Include a Crust Control Option for Extra Crunch?

Not all models include a crust control option for extra crunch. You should check individual features, as some bread makers offer adjustable crust settings, while others focus solely on basic baking functions.

How Long Does It Typically Take to Bake Crusty Bread in These Machines?

You typically bake crusty bread in these machines for about 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the model and cycle you choose. Most machines offer customizable settings to help achieve the perfect crust within that time frame.

Are Replacement Parts Available for Maintaining Crust Quality Over Time?

Yes, replacement parts are available for most bread makers, helping you maintain crust quality over time. You can find them through manufacturers, authorized service centers, or online stores, ensuring your machine stays in top condition for perfect bread.