You paid $9 for a loaf of gluten-free bread that crumbled when you tried to make a sandwich, and now you're wondering if it's worth baking your own. It can be. A bread machine handles the sticky, batter-like dough for you, and the house smells amazing. The catch is that not every machine has a real gluten-free setting. Here are the 5 best options for a bread machine for gluten free bread in 2026, from a $107 workhorse to a $454 splurge.
What to Look For in a Bread Machine for Gluten Free Bread
A dedicated gluten-free cycle. Gluten-free dough is wetter and more like a thick batter, so it needs a different knead and rise schedule than regular bread. If the listing doesn't name a gluten-free program, skip it.
Loaf size. Most machines make a 1, 1.5 or 2 pound loaf. If you're baking for one or two people, a smaller loaf goes stale less often. For a family, go for the 2 pound size.
Pan shape and coating. A vertical pan gives you a tall, squarish loaf. A horizontal pan (like the Zojirushi) gives you a loaf closer to store-bought slices. Check what the nonstick coating is made of, and plan on hand-washing the pan so it lasts.
Cleaning between batches. If anyone eating your bread has celiac disease, use a pan and paddle that have never touched wheat flour and wash them well. A few machines on this list are easy to buy extra pans for, which helps. Ask your doctor if you're unsure.
Warranty and support. Machines with heating elements and motors can fail. We'd take a brand that stands behind the machine over one extra preset.
The 5 Best Bread Machines for Gluten Free Bread in 2026
1. KITCHENARM 29-in-1 Smart Bread Machine
Best for: first-time bakers who want lots of presets for a fair price.
This stainless steel machine has 29 automatic programs, including a gluten-free one, plus cycles for jam, yogurt and cake. It makes 1, 1.5 or 2 pound loaves and comes with a recipe book of 77 recipes.
What makes it stand out: It saves your last settings with a one-press start, and you can build your own custom cycle. KITCHENARM lists a 2-year warranty. With close to 8,000 reviews and 4.6 stars, it's the most popular pick here for good reason.
Good to know: The loaf pan is vertical and fairly narrow (about 5 inches square), so slices come out small. It's also a lot of buttons if you only want to make one loaf.
2. Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20BA
Best for: people who bake every week and want a machine that lasts.
The Zojirushi is the one the bread-baking crowd tends to recommend. It makes a 2 pound horizontal loaf, has two heaters and two kneading blades, and includes a gluten-free setting along with whole wheat, vegan, salt-free and sugar-free options.
What makes it stand out: The loaf comes out shaped like a store-bought slice, which is nicer for sandwiches and toast. It has a stainless steel body and a clear LCD screen, and about 5,000 reviewers give it 4.6 stars.
Good to know: It's the priciest machine here by a lot, and it's big. Measure your counter first. If you only plan to bake now and then, a cheaper model will do the job.
3. KBS 20-in-1 Bread Maker (2.2 lb)
Best for: anyone who wants a ceramic pan and a Teflon-free setup.
This 650W machine has 20 menus, including gluten-free, plus one fully customizable mode. It bakes 1, 1.5 or 2.2 pound loaves in three crust colors, has a 15-hour delay timer, and a touch panel.
What makes it stand out: The pan has a nonstick ceramic coating and a stainless steel paddle, and the listing says it's free of Teflon. You can set it at night and wake up to fresh bread.
Good to know: It's a newer listing from a smaller brand, so there's less long-term history than with Zojirushi or Hamilton Beach. Check the return window when you order.
4. Neretva 20-in-1 2LB Bread Maker
Best for: a good-looking machine with dual heaters at a mid price.
The Neretva comes in a metal body (we like the teal, but other colors are sold) and has 20 programs, including gluten-free, cake and yogurt. It makes a 2 pound loaf with three crust shades and has dual heaters.
What makes it stand out: The box includes the pan, a spare paddle, a measuring cup and spoon, a heat-resistant glove and a paddle removal hook, so you can start right away. It has about 4,600 reviews at 4.4 stars.
Good to know: It's a vertical-pan machine, so the loaf is tall and square. The paddle can stay stuck in the bottom of the loaf, which is common with this style.
5. Hamilton Beach Automatic Bread Maker (12 Settings)
Best for: simple baking from a brand you know, without a lot of extras.
This one keeps it plain: 12 cycles (basic, French, quick bread, dough and gluten-free), three loaf sizes (1, 1.5 and 2 pounds) and three crust shades. The pan and paddle have a PFAS-free nonstick coating and the accessories are dishwasher safe.
What makes it stand out: It keeps bread warm for an hour after baking, and cleanup is simple. It's the easiest machine here to figure out.
Good to know: It has the fewest programs and the lowest rating of the five (4.3 stars). If you want to tweak your gluten-free recipes a lot, the machines with custom cycles give you more room.
Tips for Better Gluten-Free Loaves
- Use a gluten-free bread flour blend made for machines. All-purpose gluten-free flour often gives a denser loaf.
- Measure by weight. A kitchen scale is the easiest way to avoid a gummy middle.
- Put the liquids in first. Then the dry ingredients, with the yeast on top, away from the wet.
- Scrape the sides once. Gluten-free batter sticks to the pan walls. Use a silicone spatula during the first mix, then close the lid.
- Take the loaf out soon after it bakes. Let it cool on a rack before slicing. Cutting it hot makes it gummy.
If you also want to bake regular loaves, a stand mixer is the other route. We compared those in our stand mixer for bread dough guide, and our Dutch oven for bread baking picks are good for crusty loaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any bread machine make gluten-free bread?
Is a bread machine worth it for gluten-free baking?
Why is my gluten-free bread so dense?
Can I use the same machine for regular and gluten-free bread?
Keep Reading
- Best stand mixers for bread dough
- Dutch ovens for baking bread
- Air fryer toaster ovens for a small kitchen
Final Thoughts
We'd pick the KITCHENARM 29-in-1 for most people. It has the most reviews, a gluten-free setting, three loaf sizes and a reasonable price. If you bake every week and want the best loaf shape, the Zojirushi is the one to save up for.
Want a Teflon-free pan? Go with the KBS. Want a bit more style and a box full of accessories? The Neretva is a good fit. If you just want a simple machine from a familiar brand, the Hamilton Beach does the basics.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Here's how we pick products.