Gluten Free Bread Machine Reviews

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 Lots of folks ask me for my gluten free bread machine reviews. Which bread machine do I prefer for baking gluten free bread? Which are the best bread machines for gluten free bread, specifically? And do you have to have a bread machine with a gluten free setting? 

Do THIS before using your new gluten free bread machine!
Click to see how to test your new GF bread machine to see if it’s actually going to work for gluten free bread!

In the many, many years I’ve been baking gluten free bread, I have tried lots of bread machines for baking gluten free bread. Believe it or not, just because a machine has a gluten free setting, it does not mean it’s going to bake a good loaf of gluten free bread! Watch this quick video to see how to test your gluten free bread machine to see if it will work well for gluten free breads, or if you should return it!

In this comprehensive bread machine review, I cover specific Zojirushi, Oster, Hamilton Beach, T-fal, and Panasonic gluten free bread machine models and compare their features for you. I also share my results with a Cuisinart bread machine.

Tfal gluten free bread machine

Even within brands, there are some bread machine models to avoid, so pay attention to model numbers and links provided.

But first, let’s look at whether you NEED a bread machine to bake great gluten free bread.

While it IS nice to simply plop all the ingredients into a pan, press a button and walk away … it’s certainly not difficult to bake homemade gluten free bread in the oven with a pan. You just need the right gluten free ingredients and the right recipe.

gluten free cinnamon raisin bread in cast iron | gfJules
Baking amazing homemade gluten free bread is easy — even without a bread machine — so long as you have the right ingredients and recipe.

 

Do I need a Bread Machine to Bake Gluten Free Bread?

First off, let me say that you do NOT need a bread machine to make awesome gluten free bread. But if you want to use a bread maker, there’s no sense in using one that does not have a gluten free setting or one that can’t be programmed to properly bake gluten free loaves. That being said, not all “gluten free” settings are actually programmed properly! That’s why it’s so important to read these reviews and not just buy a machine because it has a gluten free button.

For more information on HOW TO USE a bread machine for your gluten free baking, please read my article full of tips on how to use a gluten free bread machine.

If you’re looking for more gluten free bread baking tips, applicable to both oven and bread maker baking, also check out my Top 18 Gluten-Free Bread Baking tips.

Whether you decide to bake gluten free bread in an oven or a bread machine, there are so many reasons to try baking your own gluten free bread at home:

  1. it’s not hard to make delicious gluten free bread when you use the right ingredients;
  2. the results are far better than any frozen gluten free loaf you would buy at the grocery store;
  3. the slices are sized to make real sandwiches (without holes!); and
  4. it is far more cost efficient the long run to bake delicious gluten free bread at home (how much money have you already wasted buying gluten free bread your family wouldn’t eat? I rest my case).

making gluten free panettone in zojirushi bread machineClick on the photo to watch the quick video about the bread machine being used for gluten free panettone.

Gluten Free Bread Machine Reviews

Note: All my bread machine testing has been done using my award-winning gfJules Bread Mix so that the results of each bake-out are dependent only on the machine as the variable.

zojirushi GF cinnamon raisin bread - gfJules
Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread baked in a Zojirushi Bread Machine. (Click on photo for recipe)

Direct Comparison of 3 Bread Machines for Gluten Free Bread

All three of these models are reviewed in depth below, but here’s a sneak peak at the difference a bread machine can make when the same bread mix, the same ingredients and the same user (ME!) used three different machines on the same day!

GF Bread Machines compared | gfJules

As you can see, the structure of each loaf is different when sliced. Each was soft and easily sliced thin or thick, but the Hamilton Beach 29885 cell structure was the most open and airy; the T-fal was the most dense of the three.

3 bread machine loaves compared height |gfJules

The pan size on each machine is different (see reviews below), so it’s understandable that the height would also vary. However, the height difference with the Hamilton Beach 29885 was notable.

3 bread machine loaves | gfJules

It’s easier to see the pan size difference when comparing the finished loaf length size. The T-fal is the shortest loaf; the Panasonic is the longest loaf. See more details in the reviews below.

Zojiurushi Gluten Free Bread Machine Review

I’ll start with the Zojirushi® Home Baker Virtuoso (it’s now called the Virtuoso Plus), as it has traditionally been the most highly regarded gluten free bread machine by most bakers (including myself). Its one drawback: the price.

I have traveled all over the country teaching gluten free bread baking classes and have most often used my trusty Zojirushi. While it has a pre-programmed gluten free setting, I program my own gluten free setting to avoid some of the issues which can arise with the pre-programmed one (including a punch-down setting which I never recommend for gluten free bread).

For more information on how to easily program a bread machine like the Zojirushi for baking gluten free bread (one of the attributes I like most about it), review my comprehensive article on baking gluten free bread in a bread maker.

Zojirushi Gluten Free Bread maker
Zojirushi Gluten Free Bread Maker
 

Widely recognized as the gold standard for bread machines — especially in the gluten free category — the Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso or Virtuoso (Plus) is the bread maker that does it all, and it’s the one I’ve reviewed here for our sandwich bread baking purposes. While most bread machines are compared to the Zojirushi, and you certainly can’t go wrong with this brand, the pricetag is steep. Depending on the model and where you find one, the price can range from $375 – $650! It’s an investment I’ve rarely heard anyone regret, however.

As I mentioned, it comes with a pre-set gluten free setting, but I prefer to program my own homemade cycle with this machine, as the pre-set GF setting calls for a punchdown and second rise, which is never a good idea with gluten free breads. Luckily, the homemade settings are easy to program and we can get our gluten free bread just right that way!

There are really no cons about this machine other than its price tag. But, if you’re going to be baking a lot of bread or really love the idea of a machine doing it for you, this is a worthwhile investment. I don’t know anyone who owns one who doesn’t love it.

gluten free beer bread sliced on board
Homemade gluten free beer bread baked in a bread machine. {click photo for recipe}

 

The idea with any bread machine is that you put all the liquids into the pan, dry ingredients on top, then the yeast. Push a button and the machine does all the work, producing a lovely gluten free loaf in a little over 2 hours. 

One of the best features of the Zojirushi is its long pan with double mixing paddles. The machine mixes the dough better than most other machines due to the double paddle design. The long loaf also makes the bread shaped and sized to a more typical sandwich bread.

zojirushi bread pan

The Zojirushi produces a reliably well-mixed, well-cooked loaf every time, with the right gluten free bread recipe or mix, of course.

One note: unlike some other bread machines, it does not make a very crusty gluten free loaf. The crust is more like a store-bought, soft crust bread which is great! … unless you’re looking for a crusty loaf of bread.

gluten free panettone in zojirushi bread machine
Gluten Free Panettone in the Zojirushi Maestro Machine

 

Zojirusihi also makes a Home Bakery Maestro upright bread machine that makes a vertical-shaped loaf. I used this machine for my gluten free Panettone Recipe and it worked quite well!

The machine is about the same price as the Home Bakery Virtuoso, though, and for my money, I would stick with the larger, two-paddle, horizontal loaf machine instead.

Gluten Free panettone square
Upright loaf made in the Zojirushi Maestro Machine.
 

 

Oster Expressbake Bread Maker with Gluten-Free Setting (CKSTBR9050-NP)

In answer to repeated calls for a mid-range gluten free bread machine option, I am pleased to say I have found one for you, dear reader! This particular Oster model is one I’ve had for awhile, but it wasn’t widely available again until recently. You should be able to get your hands on one for around $100 — hallelujah!

oster-in-cart

As you’ll see from the below graphic, this model has only the needed knead, rise and bake cycles without the pesky punchdown and second rise cycles that plague so many other “gluten free” models.

Oster Expressbake Bread Maker with Gluten-Free Setting (CKSTBR9050-NP)
Oster Expressbake Bread Maker with Gluten-Free Setting (CKSTBR9050-NP) with appropriate gluten free setting (ignore the gluten free bread recipe — it doesn’t look appetizing!)

Please ignore the gluten free recipe that comes with its manual; like so many others, it does not look appetizing.

Choose from among the many gluten free bread machine recipes on this site or just use my award-winning gfJules Gluten Free Bread Mix for best, easiest, most reliable results.

Oster Expressbake Bread Maker with Gluten-Free Setting (CKSTBR9050-NP)

Hamilton Beach Artisan Dough & Bread Maker Review – model 29885/29886/29887

Another affordable bread machine option is the Hamilton Beach Artisan Dough & Bread Maker 29885/29886/29887.* The trick is that not all Hamilton Beach Models perform well on gluten free breads. Please note the model number I review and recommend, as other models reviewed and noted produced unacceptable results.

gluten free bread with Hamilton Beach Bread Maker overhead
gfJules Bread Mix baked in Hamilton Beach bread machine on gluten free setting, served on Gluten Free cutting board from WordsWithBoards.com

 

Like the T-fal gluten free bread machine, the pan is more compact than the Zojirushi, and has only one paddle for mixing. The bake time for the gluten free setting is a bit longer than the T-fal, but it’s still possible to have a fresh, hot loaf of homemade gluten free bread in under 3 hours, which is a pretty great option.

Hamilton Beach Gluten Free Bread Maker settings

*Note that the model number machine I reviewed — which I liked — is 29885. Model numbers 29886 (red) 29887 (white) appear to also have the same mixing cycles which will work well. Please only buy these model numbers, as other Hamilton Beach models are not programmed properly for gluten-free breads, even with a gluten free setting! Unfortunately, these models are not in production as of the end of 2023, and are more difficult to find.

There are other Hamilton Beach bread machine models, and at least two (model #29882 & 29982) have gluten free settings which include two rise times with a first kneading of 10 minutes followed by a second kneading cycle of 16-20 minutes after a significant resting/rising time (with the 29982 model, the first rise was ~15 minutes). That would spell disaster — or in this case a very dense gluten free loaf. In other words — I do not recommend model 29882 or 29982 for gluten-free bread baking.

GF Bread Machine Cycle Chart

Click below for to see my video reviews of the 29982 model, and why see why the gluten-free setting does not work well on machines like this one when the program includes a punch down, or second mixing cycle after long first rise.

Video review part 1 shows the gluten free setting; video review part 2 shows the express bake 2lb setting without the second mixing/punch down cycle.

Express Bake v Gluten Free Setting Hamilton Beach 29982
While the loaf baked on the Express Bake Setting needed a little more bake time to develop a nice crust, the crumb inside was open and airy, yielding a higher rise than the one baked on the gluten-free setting, which had an extra rise/punchdown/mix setting.

If you have a machine with a similar gluten free cycle, look a the manual and see if an express bake type cycle is an option for you.

To hear more about my bread machine testing, download episode 44 of You Had Me At Eat Podcast where ever you get your podcasts.

bread machine review Hamilton Beach 29982 part 1
Click for part 1 of my review of the Hamilton Beach 29982 Bread Machine on the GF Setting

 

hamilton beach bread machine review part 2 - express bake setting
Click to watch part 2 of my review of the Hamilton Beach 29982 model on the Express Bake 2lb loaf setting.

Many thanks to reader Patty S. who shared her manual with me on the Hamilton Beach 29882 machine, but very sorry to hear of her bad experiences because of those settings! Here’s how Patty’s experience with the Hamilton Beach #29882 machine went:

I made my bread using the dough setting and then the bake setting, like we talked about.  The instruction book said it would mix/knead the dough then it would rise.  Well during the rise period (30mins) about 17 minutes in, all of a sudden I heard it mix.  It spun the paddle once, then a brief rest period then it spun again.  As soon as I heard it I headed into the kitchen and shut it off and left it rise the remaining time with the machine off.  I have no idea how many more times it would have spun if I had not shut it off.  After waiting the remaining time I did start the bake only cycle. 

The bread turned out wonderfully thanks to your assistance and information.   It’s delicious!!  I had toast for breakfast today which is the first time in 2 ½ yrs.  I was in heaven! 

With this all being said that machine will work but you really have to babysit it.  If there were no other machines available I would definitely not mind.  Although there are other machines so mine is going back and I’m ordering the correct Hamilton Beach #29885, which is actually $16 cheaper.  Yeah me!  Haha

Thanks again for your assistance and wealth of information!  My bread would not have been a success without you!!  Thank you thank you thank you!!!

And then, after Patty returned it for the Hamilton Beach #29885 (29887 appears to be the same in red) I recommend instead:

I used the 29885 and the bread turned out wonderful!  I did not bake it for the additional time because when I stuck the thermometer in it read 205.  The bread was done the whole way through, nothing was undercooked.  I made your cinnamon raisin recipe this weekend, no extra bake time was needed for this also.  It’s delicious!   
 
Thank you for your fabulous flour, recipes & wealth of information!

Way to go, Patty, for sticking with it! She was rewarded with great gluten free bread and now she has a great gluten free bread machine she can rely on!

Back to my bread machine testing: check out the size of these slices with a standard veggie burger — now that’s a good size slice of bread! Unlike most store-bought gluten free loaves, these bread machine loaves produce sandwich bread with generously sized slices to make real sandwiches.

gluten free bread made with Hamilton Beach Bread Maker |gfJules

One thing to note about this gluten free bread machine: I tested the loaf with a bread thermometer at the end of the pre-programmed gluten free cycle and it needed more bake time to reach 205F internally (note from above that reader Patty did not need to add time, but that’s why it’s always good to have an instant read thermometer so you know for sure!).

The good news is that the Hamilton Beach 29885 or 29887 has a simple bake setting so you should be able to add bake time (unlike the Cuisinart**). Sometimes even with these simple bake settings though, the machines won’t let you add time after a cycle is through because the machine is too hot … alas ….

I ended up adding 10 minutes more to the bake and the loaf tested done. After all the opening and closing of the lid though, some sinking did occur in the top of the crust. 

gluten free bread with Hamilton Beach Bread Maker
Loaf made with gfJules Gluten Free Sandwich Bread and naturally gluten free beer for the liquid.

 

It still tasted fabulous and was completely cooked; subsequent bakes without me opening the lid produced loaves without sinking. 

The crust was much softer and more akin to the Zojirushi crust than the hearty T-fal crust, so take that into consideration when deciding which machine suits your family’s tastes.  

I also liked that this machine comes with a paddle hook to help remove the paddle from the baked loaf if it stays inside the bread (which mine did not do).

Hamilton Beach Bread Maker before baking

As with any bread machine, the room temperature liquids go on the bottom of the pan, then the dry mix ingredients, then the yeast in a well in the middle.

When the bake cycles are complete, simply remove the pan from the machine (with a pot holder) and allow the loaf to cool for a few minutes in the pan before gently sliding the loaf out of the pan to finish cooling on a wire rack.

gluten free bread in Hamilton Beach Bread maker

Pros 29885. Model numbers 29886 (red) 29887 (white):

  • Compact Size & lightweight machine
  • Bakes a beautiful, tall, 5 5/8″ loaf that’s 6 1/2″ long
  • One Gluten Free Setting pre-programmed 
  • Bake only setting available to add time or program your own
  • Sweet Bread, Dough, Jam, Rise and Bake settings also available (which would work for gluten free)
  • Start to finish, 2-lb loaf with nice crust done in under 3 hours (2:45)
  • less expensive than Zojirushi® or T-Fal® or Panasonic®
  • bread has a soft crust
  • dough paddle tends to remain in the pan, rather than in the baked loaf
  • comes with a paddle hook to help remove the dough paddle from the loaf if it does stay inside when the loaf is removed

Cons:

    • Compact bread pan size bakes a tall loaf, but means slightly fewer slices (approximately 16, depending on how thick they are sliced)
    • Only one paddle to mix – need to use a rubber spatula to help mix the batter fully
    • Machine sometimes did not fully cook my gluten-free loaf to 205º F in the bake time as programmed
    • Pan is 7 1/4 inches long; Zojirushi® pan is 9 inches long
    • bread has a soft crust – if you prefer a crunchy crust, I recommend the T-Fal® bread machine instead

RECAP of Hamilton Beach Bread Machine Models:

  • Recommended Models for Gluten Free Bread Baking: 29885/29886/29887
  • DO Not Recommend these Models for Gluten Free Bread Baking: 29981/29882, 29982
  • Have Not Tested these Models Yet (test yourself with this method): 29985, 29890

 

  • Gluten Free Savory Italian Bread Loaf14 with rosemary
    Italian Bread made in Panasonic Bread Machine (made with gfJules Gluten Free Pizza Crust Mix) – click for recipe

Panasonic Automatic Bread Maker (model SD-R2550)

This new (2022) machine is quite impressive. I was happy with the results I got from this easy to use model, and excited about the features this machine boasts that others don’t. At close to $300 though, this bread machine is on the higher end of the continuum of prices of machines I’ve rated. Let’s take a look at what it offers.

One of the unique features of this machine is the nut/seed dispenser on the top. This well holds whatever seeds, dried fruits or finely chopped nuts you like, and the raisin/nut dispenser will add them at the optimal time to distribute them throughout the dough. The manual cautions not to add sugar-coated ingredients or alcohol-brined fruits, cheese or chocolates to the dispenser. I haven’t had a chance to try this feature with my gluten free Cinnamon-Raisin Bread recipe yet, but I’m eager to put this feature to the test!

While the nut dispenser is fun, it means that this machine does not have a window on the top, as all the other models do. Not a deal-breaker, but be forewarned that once the rise cycle begins, you will not be privy to what’s going on inside until it’s time to check that it’s done!

Panasonic Gluten Free Bread Loaf - weighs 2-lbs

As with other machines, I would encourage you not to use the gluten-free recipe that comes with the manual, as it’s a brown rice and potato starch recipe that isn’t likely to be nearly as yummy as the one that I tested and is pictured here. (Brown rice flour tends to make recipes gritty and dry.) I used my gfJules Gluten Free Bread Mix; another great recipe to try from scratch is my Gluten Free Sandwich Bread recipe instead.

The pan size is on the larger size, though not as large as the Zojirushi®; it has only one paddle. It does a great job of mixing, but the manual recommends that you open the lid and scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula when it beeps after 6 minutes. I found this step to be necessary for more uniform tops.

Panasonic Bread measured | gfJules

I also smoothed the loaf at the end of the mixing cycle, as the rapid mixing of this paddle tended to cause the dough to form a high peak at one side when done. 

The paddle does stay put and has not come out with any of my loaves, which is a nice bonus, as most bread machines I’ve used wind up with the paddle coming out with the loaf.

Panasonic Automatic Bread Maker (model SD-R2550)
Panasonic Automatic Bread Maker (model SD-R2550) Settings — Gluten Free Setting is appropriately programmed with only ONE knead and ONE rise cycle.

Another interesting feature is that it offers two other settings which should work for gluten-free: a Gluten-Free Cake setting and a Sourdough Starter setting.

Overall, this Panasonic® model has produced some lovely loaves for me using my gfJules® Gluten Free Bread Mix. All just over 2-lbs and in this machine, 5 1/4″ tall and 7″ long. A very nice sized loaf.

Pros:

  • Bakes a lovely, smooth topped, 5 1/4″ loaf that’s 7″ long
  • One Gluten Free Setting pre-programmed — only ONE knead and ONE rise cycle
  • Bake only setting available to add time or program your own
  • Gluten Free Cake setting also available (note: I have not yet tested this setting)
  • Sourdough starter setting (which should work for gluten free sourdough starter — recipe here)
  • Start to finish, 2-lb loaf done in under 2 hours (1:50-1:55)
  • bread has a soft crust
  • dough paddle tends to remain in the pan, rather than in the baked loaf
  • Raisin/Nut Dispenser

Cons:

    • Large size machine takes up more space in the kitchen
    • Only one paddle to mix – need to use a rubber spatula to help mix the flour around the edges and at the end of the mix cycle to smooth out the loaf
    • Bread has a soft crust – if you prefer a crunchy crust, I recommend the T-Fal® bread machine instead
    • No window
    • More expensive than the T-Fal® or Hamilton Beach®

T-fal Gluten Free Bread Maker Review

If you are in the market for a new bread machine with a gluten free setting, I am happy to add this T-fal® Actibread Machine to my favorite kitchen appliances for you to consider.

tfal bread measurement
2 lb gfJules Whole Grain Bread Mix baked in T-fal GF bread machine makes a full size sandwich bread. Crown is nearly 5 inches high (putting frozen GF loaves to shame).

Pros:

  • Compact Size
  • Bakes a beautiful, tall loaf with nice crown
  • Gluten Free Settings pre-programmed (including sweet bread & cake settings)
  • Bake only setting available to add time or program your own
  • Different loaf size & crust settings available
  • Start to finish, 2 lb loaf with nice crust done in just over 2 hours
  • Machine fully cooked my gluten-free loaf to 205º F in the bake time as programmed
  • less expensive than Zojirushi®
  • bread has a very crunchy crust
tfal sliced gluten free bread
The T-fal machine baked this 2lb gfJules Bread Mix completely, without having to add time. Gorgeous crust and crumb, no rubbery bottom.

 

Cons:

  • Lid attachment seems loose and may compromise oven seal with extended use
  • Compact bread pan size bakes a tall 5″ loaf, but means slightly fewer slices (approximately 16, depending on how thick they are sliced)
  • Only one paddle to mix – need to use a rubber spatula to help mix the batter fully
  • Pan is 7 inches long; Zojirushi® pan is 9 inches long
  • More expensive than Cuisinart®
  • dough paddle usually stays inside the baked loaf and can be awkward to remove, as well as leaving a large hole in the bottom of the middle of the loaf
  • bread has a very crunchy crust – if you prefer a soft crust, I highly recommend another machine instead
  • No longer in production — very difficult to find this machine as of 2023
Tfal gluten free bread
The compact size of the bread pan means the loaf is crowned and tall, but produces fewer slices.

 

All in all, I am quite pleased with the results of this T-fal gluten free bread machine. It has produced beautiful results comparable to those of machines that cost far more, so I would highly recommend it if you are interested in baking homemade bread with a bread machine.

NOTE: as of 2021, T-fal has notified me that it is no longer manufacturing ANY bread makers. If you happen to get your hands on one of the T-fal gluten free bread machines left on the market — lucky you! Sometimes you can find them on ebay or other such sites. Otherwise, check out one of these other recommended gluten free bread makers.

What’s Your Opinion on Bread Machines for Gluten Free Bread?

Do you have a bread machine and use it to bake gluten free bread? Is yours a gluten free bread machine or a standard bread machine you have to program for gluten free loaves? Please leave a comment below with the bread maker you use and your review of it so others will learn which machines are worth trying.

Thanks for contributing your experiences!

**Note: I had previously recommended a Cuisinart®​ machine among those I liked to use, but after after repeated problems with my Cuisinart bread maker not fully baking the loaves, I no longer recommend that machine. I have learned a work around (preheat your oven to 350°F and place the bread pan from the Cuisinart bread machine into the oven to bake approximately 10 more minutes at the end of the bread baking cycle), but this is not ideal. One reason we use a bread machine is so that we don’t need to turn on the oven, or perhaps because there is no oven available. Since this bread machine does not have a separate bake setting, access to an oven is required. I have heard from many other Cuisinart bread machine owners that they have had the same issues and have also learned to use the oven to fi3 slicenish baking the loaf. If you currently have a Cuisinart bread maker, I highly recommend purchasing a bread thermometer so you can determine if the gluten free bread is fully cooked on the inside before removing the bread to cool.

 

*Thanks to Zojirushi®,  T-fal®, Hamilton Beach® and Panasonic® for supplying me with gluten free bread machines to test and review. My opinions on bread machines are entirely my own, and a favorable review was not required. (I have since purchased two of these machines as gifts, just so you know — I’ll leave you to guess which ones!) I only work with companies and products that I love and recommend. Some links in this post may be referral links. If you do decide to purchase a product at a retailer after following my link, I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, which I use to pay for web hosting and services for this blog. Read my disclosure policy here.

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  1. Thanks for the help with bread makers. My friend loves her quasi art but is NOT GLUTEN FREE. Sine the ones you recommended are no longer available I’m going to try and make bread in my oven, using your bread mix . Until u find a bread maker mid cost that has just 1 knead, 1 rise and 1 bake. Thanks for the help. I’ve used your flours and mixes and they are great

    Reply
    • I’m so glad you’re loving my gluten free flours and mixes, Diane! Baking homemade gluten free bread in your oven is really easy (a bread machine isn’t necessary), but if you do think you want to get one, check out the Oster machine in this review!
      ~jules

      Reply
  2. Are there any newer models that you’ve tested? All the mid range models are discontinued and so it’s hard to know what to buy other than the high end one.

    Reply
    • Hi Stephanie, it’s so difficult when these manufacturers discontinue their machines! This Pohl Schmitt PCS-550 machine is definitely less expensive, but I haven’t tested it. The manual looks like the settings would be ok, not perfect, but probably good enough.
      If you’re looking at other models, just check the manuals against my recommendations in the video at the beginning of this post.
      I hope this helps!
      ~jules

      Reply
        • This is a very popular post, George! I’m so sorry — a bet a lot of people went there to buy it when they read my answer to your comment! I’ll do more research and if I find another prospect, I’ll let you know!!!
          ~jules

          Reply
  3. Hello Jules,
    You indicate in your review that as of 2021 Tfal is no longer making bread machines, I see they have one listed on their website now (T-Fal ActiBread Programmable Bread Machine in Stainless Steel – PF311E51)and appears available at least at Walmart. Is this a new model and have you tested it?
    Thx for your reviews and taking care of the GF community!

    Reply
    • Hi Jim, that is the same bread machine. I don’t see it available at Walmart though — if you can find it in stock somewhere, I highly recommend grabbing it!
      ~jules

      Reply
  4. Hi Jules,
    Thanks for your awesome reviews, so helpful! My boyfriend is gluten free and we haven’t baked any bread ourselves yet but he keeps talking about it. So, I want to get him the Hamilton Beach one for Christmas, but they don’t seem to sell over here in the UK! If I order it from the US, it may blow the its fuse with the higher voltage we have here. The Panasonic one is the only one I can get here (that I can afford), but I would like to also have the crustier bread option sometimes. Do you know if it has variable settings for it? I’d also like to have it bake overnight so we can wake up to it in the morning, but I’m aware you mentioned the Panasonic requires help mixing at the beginning. I don’t want to get the T-fal because I don’t think he will always want crusty bread. If I had to choose one or the other, I’d go soft. Do you have other ones you can recommend? I’ve seen the Hairy Bikers and the Sage brands online too.
    Thanks for your help!
    Frances

    Reply
    • Hi Frances, so glad this article was helpful to you! I’d definitely recommend the Panasonic, and I can tell you I’ve baked several loaves in it at gluten free expos where I didn’t have time to help it mix at the beginning — it mixed my gfJules Bread Mix just fine; a thicker mix might be different, I’m not sure. The only difference was that one side of the loaf was taller than the other when I didn’t smooth it out with a spatula before it baked. It appears that the only crust setting for this machine is medium-dark. You can see from the photos what mine were like. Definitely not a hard crust, but not totally soft. I’ve added a photo of the setting options for you in the review section. Truly the most important thing is to look at the settings on the machine and make sure they look like the ones on this Panasonic or that they are programmable like the Zojirushi. There should only be ONE Knead, ONE Rise, ONE Bake setting each for gluten free. Look for around 60 min bake time for a typical 2 lb loaf. I hope that helps!!
      ~jules

      Reply
    • Hi Tara,
      I haven’t tested that one — do you know if it has the second mix after the rise cycle? I find their manuals are very limited on details when it comes to their cycles, unfortunately, which is why I added the video showing how to test the machine without anything in it so you could see for yourself. Because it’s close to the 29982 model number, I’d think it would be similar to that machine (which was a fail), but I’d hate to write it off without knowing for sure!
      ~jules

      Reply
    • Were you able to test this model? My family just bought me this version instead of the one I wanted and don’t want to open it if it’s not going to work.

      Reply
      • I a tally can’t find the 29885 model anymore. It is listed on the same listing on amazing as the 29885, but it says 29885 isn’t available.

        I used it a few times, but I am BRAND NEW to this adventure.of making my own bread with a bread machine.

        What I have made so far with it has been ok. The first was really good, second with same recipe not so much- it was pretty crumbly. I am trying different recipe right now as we speak. I’m not super hopeful…we’ll see!

        Reply
        • Keep me posted, Justine! If you’re using my gfJules Bread Mix, it makes things much easier to determine if it’s you, the recipe or the machine! Removing nearly all the variables, you can tell if the machine is the problem. It’s a great place to start, even if you decide to bake homemade recipes later.
          ~jules

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  5. Is the Hamilton Beech model still being made? If not, is there an equivalent replacement model that I should look for? I’m buying this as a gift for my daughter and her roommates.

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  6. I use an old Hamilton Beach 29881, and I never use the Gluten Free cycle since it does use an extra kneading and rising cycle that GF bread recipes don’t need. I’v had good luck with just using the Quick cycle for my bread recipe (which uses rapid rise yeast) which gets it done in 1 hour and 45 minutes. I always found it weird that the GF cycle on this machine actually takes longer than setting 1 (Basic Bread Setting).

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    • Bless you, Randall! I have the same model breadmaker as you, and have never been able to make decent gluten-free bread in it. I found this article and your comment yesterday as I got ready to try one last time before taking the bread machine to Goodwill. As you suggested, I used the quick bread cycle instead of the gluten-free, and made the best loaf of gluten-free bread I have ever had in my life! I am so grateful! Many, many thanks!!!

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      • How wonderful, Gail! I’m so glad Randall’s tip was what you needed to make this machine work for you!!!
        ~jules

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  7. Thank you for your reviews. I am new to gluten-free bread baking and just made my first loaf using the oven last Tuesday. I am legally blind, and I think a bread machine would be better for me when it comes to making bread independently. I am considering the virtuoso plus and the Panasonic. Do either of them have backlit displays? It would make it much easier for me if the numbers were lit up. Also, I have excellent hearing. How do you the machines compared to each other when it comes to noise? Also, to clarify, with the virtuoso plus you don’t have to scrape the sides of the loaf pan with a rubber spatula like you do with the Panasonic, right? Thanks so much!

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    • Hi Kristi, so glad the reviews were helpful!
      I’m sorry it took me a few days to get back to you with answers, but I had to go get both machines out and compare the displays for you. Neither one is backlit or particularly easy to read, honestly, but the Zojirushi does seem to be a bit easier to read than the Panasonic which is very, very dark. Noise-wise, they’re comparable. The double paddle of the Zojirushi makes it less likely that you have to scrape the sides than with other machines, but it’s a good policy to always check because it’s more about the recipe or the mix than anything — very thick or drier recipes may require a swipe or two to clean up the sides, and sometimes you want to smooth the top with a spatula for a nicer look to the top.
      I hope this helps, Kristi!!!
      ~jules

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  8. Finally success,,,
    After trying several over the counter breads I decided to get a Cuisinart and make my own. It was a bad choice. Bread was heavy and under-baked. I sprung for the Zojiurushi. It turned out fabulous. Yes, it’s a little more costly but well worth it. Thanks much for the support…..

    Reply
    • So happy to hear you didn’t give up on gluten free bread baking, Dallas! And always happy to help! The Zojirushi is a solid gluten free bread machine and you can’t go wrong. If you’re planning to bake gluten free bread often, it’s a great choice and will pay for itself over and over!
      ~jules

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    • Hi Bernadette, so glad you’re loving my recipes — thank you!!
      Regarding proofing yeast, I will indicate in my gluten free bread recipes whether to proof the yeast first or simply add in the quick rise yeast with the dry ingredients. Quick rise yeast should not be proofed first, so if that’s the yeast being used, it would not be proofed. Here’s more info about different yeasts for gluten free baking, in case you’re wanting to know all about yeast (and be geeky about these things like I am!! LOL)
      ~jules

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  9. I have a Cuisinart bread machine my hubby bought it for me, before I read all of the above..It consistently makes perfectly cooked bread, nothing undercooked.Maybe they have got the kinks out.

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    • That is wonderful to hear, Nancy! Whatever works!!!! If you get a chance to drop the model number in the comments, I’m sure other readers would love to know about this machine, too!
      ~jules

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  10. Jules, love your site. Need to ask about the bread maker tests. The Zo Virt. still have multiple rises so assume you used the Homemade option. But the Panasonic manual shows one rise but maybe not long enough ? How did you use the Panasonic for the GF bread ?
    I have the original ZO and still works so thinking I can program Homemade with your Knead, Rise, Bake recommendations.
    many thanks
    Diane

    Reply
    • Hi Diane, I do use the homemade option on my Zo, but for some reason the gluten-free option (even with 2 rises) still seems to work out alright with this machine. Regarding the Panasonic, I have used it multiple times and really like it — turns out a great loaf of gluten free bread with my gfJules Gluten Free Bread Mix! I haven’t had time to test it with any from-scratch recipes yet. I test all the machines using my mix to reduce variables.
      ~jules

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  11. My wife surprised me with the Zojiurushi for Christmas – what a machine! I struggled for years with GF breads on other machines and had given up. 3 days in and we already have done (with gfJules flour, of course) a sandwich bread, french bread, and a fabulous pizza crust.

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    • What a gift that keeps on giving, Craig! And in 3 days, sounds like you’ve really put that Zo to the test! I’m excited to see what’s in store next, but you’re well on your way to gluten free bread bliss, from the sounds of it! Thanks so much for dropping me a note to let me know!!!
      ~jules

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  12. Thanks so much for this information! I had the wrong Hamilton Beach breadmaker for years and could only make two recipes for gluten-free bread that actually worked every time. Now – that machine just stopped working – so I’ll try the newer version you suggested. Thanks again!

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    • So glad this article will be helpful to you! Bread machines are so useful for gluten free bread, but only if you have one of the good ones!!!
      ~jules

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  13. Thanks very much. I have been baking gf bread for 15 years of being celiac and never once found a machine that allows only one knead and rise time, hence vary variable results with my own recipes and store bought gf bread mixes. I have been through 3 machines, the best one was the cheapest Breadman machine but the motor died after 8 months of weekly baking. Then Hamilton Beach which used to have a loaf done in only 1 hour and 40 minutes. But my Cuisineart has lasted the longest and was the most expensive, but does far too many knead and rise cycles. This is the first time I’ve found ANY reference to this necessary once only knead and rise cycle for GF bread! So glad to find this and so annoyed with all those other bread machines purporting to have GF cycles that are clearly not any good for making GF bread because of the second or even third punch back cycle!! I look forward to trying your recipes!

    Reply
    • I agree, Gwen, I don’t understand why some of these machines purport to be good for baking gluten free loaves, but they so clearly are designed for regular gluten/wheat breads. I’m glad you’ve had success with some models, though. I’m getting ready to post about a newly released Panasonic machine that I’m very pleased with. You can add that one to your options, too!
      Happy you found my site and I hope you get a chance to try out some recipes, too!
      Happy baking!
      ~jules

      Reply

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