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? 

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 review 9 Gluten Free Bread Makers: Zojirushi (two models), Panasonic, Oster, Hamilton Beach (several models), Cuisinart, and T-fal and compare their features for you. 

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.

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).

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 one variable.

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 OR my Gluten Free Bread Baking Cookbook.

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. SEE MY VIDEO REVIEW HERE.

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. (Note: the Zojirushi Supreme model is cheaper, but it does not have a gluten free setting.)

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 Gluten Free setting calls for a punchdown and second rise, which is never a good idea with gluten free breads — this punchdown and second rise are very short and don’t seem to affect the bread’s structure much. At any rate, 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.

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.

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.

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!

Click on the photo to watch the quick video about the bread machine being used for gluten free panettone.

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

Direct Comparison of 3 Bread Machines for Gluten Free Bread

To emphasize the point that ALL BREAD MACHINES BAKE DIFFERENTLY, I used the same ingredients on the same day in 3 different machines and got 3 very different results. All three of these models are reviewed in depth below, but here’s a sneak peak at the difference a bread machine can make.

As you can see, the pan size is different (the one on the left made a loaf 1 full inch longer than the others) and the height also can vary.

Considering the loaf on the left is one inch longer and still taller than the other two loaves, it’s clear that it will be the lightest, loftiest loaf as well.

The loaf on the left (Panasonic SD-R2550) is indeed the lightest, softest and airiest of the three.

The middle loaf (Cuisinart CBK-210) is rubbery at the bottom and was most dense. The one on the right (Hamilton Beach 29890) was a close second to the winner, the Panasonic on the left.

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. (On Amazon, you should be able to snag a refurbished model for around $165) Let’s take a look at what it offers. (Watch my video review)

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!

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 did find this step to be necessary to ensure more uniform tops.

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.

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, 6″ tall and 7″ long. A very nice sized loaf. (See this machine compared to two others at the top of this review post) (Watch my video review)

Pros:

• Bakes a lovely, smooth topped, 6″ loaf that’s over 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 (15′ wide x 8″ deep x 14 1/2 ” tall)
  • 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
  • No window
  • More expensive than Oster® or Hamilton Beach®

Hamilton Beach Bread Makers

Models Recommended for Gluten Free Bread: 29885/29886/29887 & 29890

Another affordable bread machine brand is Hamilton Beach, however, not all Hamilton Beach models perform well on gluten free breads.* Please note the model numbers I review and recommend, as other models reviewed and noted produced unacceptable results.

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 some, 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.

*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. While these models work well, some 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 2024, and are more difficult to find.

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.

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 (it’s always good to have an instant read thermometer so you know for sure!).

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

• Compact Size & lightweight machine
• Bakes a tall, 5 5/8″ loaf that’s 6 1/2″ long
• One Gluten Free Setting pre-programmed 
• 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 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; Panasonic is 7 1/2 inches
  • bread has a soft crust 
  • ****difficult to find these machines for purchase – HB not manufacturing these models anymore****

I also reviewed a newer model which is currently available and it performed well. It’s the Hamilton Beach Premium Bread Maker with Fruit & Nut Dispenser Model 29890. (You should be able to get one of these for between $120-$140) (Watch my video review)

In spite of the fact that this machine has a second kneading cycle (10 minute knead; 20 minute rise; 10 minute knead; 2 hours 15 minute rise then bake), it ultimately still produced a nice loaf. My suspicion after trying this machine several times is that the second rise is long enough to allow the yeast to recapture enough activity, despite the lack of gluten.

It would appear with these cycles that the second rise is nearly 1 hour and 15 minutes long. Given the punchdown/second kneading setting, I’m not ready to proclaim that this machine would be successful baking just any gluten free recipe, but it performed well enough with my gfJules Gluten Free Bread Mix to produce a very nice loaf. (See comparison to 2 other machines in first section of reviews, above.)

It was essential to smooth the dough in the pan before the final rise. 

Pros Hamilton Beach 29890 Premium Dough & Bread Maker Machine with Auto Fruit and Nut Dispenser 

• Compact Size & lightweight machine
• Bakes a tall, nearly 6″ loaf that’s 6 1/4″ long
• One Gluten Free Setting pre-programmed 
• 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 (2:55)
• less expensive than Zojirushi® or Panasonic® ($120-$139)
• bread has a soft crust
• comes with a paddle hook to help remove the dough paddle from the loaf if it does stay inside when the loaf is removed
• currently widely available

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
  • Definitely needed to use a rubber spatula to smooth the bread before final rise
  • Has extra punchdown which reduces airiness in bread
  • dough paddle tends to remain in the bread, rather than in the pan
  • Pan is only 6 1/2 inches long; Zojirushi® pan is 9 inches long; Panasonic is 7 1/2 inches
  • bread has a soft crust 

Models NOT Recommended for Gluten Free Breads: 29882; 29982

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 creates a very dense gluten free loaf. In other words — I do not recommend model 29882 or 29982 for gluten-free bread baking.

Click below for to see my video reviews of the 29982 model, and why see why the gluten-free settings generally do 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.

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.

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!

RECAP of Hamilton Beach Bread Machine Models for Gluten Free Breads:

• Recommended Models for Gluten Free Bread Baking: 29885/29886/29887, 29890
• 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

Cuisinart Custom Convection Bread Maker CBK-210 Series

I really wanted to like this compact bread machine with gluten free setting. It’s light and takes up much less counter space than other models — only 12 inches wide, 9 inches deep and 12 inches tall. It also has a window for viewing the machine’s progress and an automatic dispenser for nuts, raisins and other mix-ins.

Unfortunately, the gluten free setting on this machine did not perform well for gluten free breads.

As with all these other tests, I used my gfJules Gluten Free Bread Mix to eliminate variables. Consult with the Comparison of 3 Bread Machines section at the top of this post to see how it performed compared to others baked on the same day (even the bread mixes and yeast packets were from the same lots to eliminate any possible variables other than the machines). 

The programmed gluten free cycle on this machine was just all wrong: 10 minute knead, 10 minute rise, 12 minute knead, 2 minute rise, then another 1 minute knead before 1:40 rise and bake. The last cycle leaves a maximum of 40 minutes for a final rise, which is the only way the loaf could redeem itself with yeast activity.

Something happened along the way here with the paddle and this loaf, where a huge crater was formed in the bottom of the loaf around the paddle and it remained uncooked and rubbery. The rest of the bread was delicious, although dense.

Again, see the comparison of this loaf to two others baked with the same ingredients on the same day in two different machines at the top of this review post, and watch my video review.

HOWEVER … this machine has a secret weapon: A CUSTOM SETTING.

After many, many experiments with this setting, I was able to come up with a gluten free CUSTOM setting which works well. See my updated review post. 

If you purchase this machine, here is the recommended CUSTOM SETTING FOR GLUTEN FREE:

• 17 minutes Knead
• 4 minutes Rest (for some reason, this is a required program)
• 13 minutes Knead
• 45 minutes Rise
• 1:50 minutes Bake

Pros Cuisinart Convection Bread Maker CBK-210

• Compact Size & lightweight machine — small countertop footprint
• Bakes a tall loaf that’s 6 1/4″ long
• Programmable “Custom” Setting
• less expensive than Zojirushi® or Panasonic® ($169)
• bread has a soft crust
• 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 tallish loaf, but means slightly fewer slices 
  • Only one paddle to mix – need to use a rubber spatula to help mix the batter fully
  • Bread was more dense than with other machines
  • Rubbery crater formed at the bottom around paddle — REMOVE PADDLE AFTER KNEADING BEFORE RISE CYCLE
  • Do not recommend the Gluten Free Program (use CUSTOM setting instead)
  • Takes over 3 hours to complete program
  • Pan is 6 1/2 inches long; Zojirushi® pan is 9 inches long; Panasonic is 7 1/2 inches
  • bread has a soft crust 

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 tested this Oster model. You should be able to get your hands on one for less than $100!

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.

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.

See my review of this model here.

Pros: Oster Expressbake Bread Maker 

• Compact Size & lightweight machine — small countertop footprint
• available for under $100
• bread has a soft crust
• comes with a extra paddle replacement
• 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:

• • Only one paddle to mix – need to use a rubber spatula to help mix the batter fully
  • Bread was more dense than with other machines
  • Rubbery crater formed at the bottom around paddle — REMOVE PADDLE AFTER KNEADING BEFORE RISE CYCLE
  • Bread does not rise high due to short rise cycle or low machine temperature
  • bread has a soft crust 

T-fal Gluten Free Bread Maker Review

This T-fal® Actibread Machine machine has long been one of my favorites, but it is no longer being manufactured. You can find them available here and there, and I highly recommend grabbing one if you can find it.

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.

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® or Panasonic®
• bread has a very crunchy, artisan-style crust

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 2024

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 an older 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 finish 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®, Cuisinart®​ 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.