Fresh bread at home used to mean flour on the counter, aching wrists, and three hours of watching dough rise. An automatic bread maker changes all of that. You dump in the ingredients, press a button, and a few hours later a warm loaf appears with almost zero effort.
Our team spent weeks testing 8 of the best automatic bread makers on the market right now. We baked basic white loaves, whole wheat, gluten-free bread, pizza dough, and jam to see which machines actually deliver on their promises. We paid attention to the things forum users complain about most: noise during kneading, paddle holes in the loaf, crust browning, and how easy each pan is to clean.
Do automatic bread makers work well? Yes — the modern ones genuinely do. The best machines in our test produced loaves with even crumb, golden crust, and consistency loaf after loaf. The worst still made decent bread, but with quirks like stuck paddles or shaky counters that get old fast.
Whether you want a budget bread maker machine under $100, a compact model for a small kitchen, or a premium home bread maker that lasts a decade, we have a pick for you below. Here are our findings after all that baking.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Automatic Bread Makers (October 2026)
KITCHENARM 29-in-1 SMART Bread Machine
- 29 automatic programs
- 77 recipes included
- Custom homemade cycle
Elite Gourmet Programmable Bread Maker
- 19 one-touch presets
- Compact design
- Gluten-free and jam settings
Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker
- Dual kneading blades
- Dual heating elements
- Horizontal loaf shape
Best Automatic Bread Makers in 2026
Here is a side-by-side look at all 8 machines we tested. Compare the key features, then read the full reviews below for the details that matter.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 OSIPOTO 2LB Bread Maker |
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| Elite Gourmet Programmable Bread Maker |
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| KITCHENARM 29-in-1 SMART Bread Machine |
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 Hamilton Beach Automatic Bread Maker |
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 KBS Pro 710W 2.2LB Bread Maker |
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 Neretva 20-in-1 Bread Maker |
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 Cuisinart CBK-110P1ES Bread Maker |
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| Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker |
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1. OSIPOTO 2LB Bread Maker — Best for Beginners
2LB Bread Maker, 17 in 1 Automatic Stainless Steel Bread Machine
17-in-1 programs
2LB capacity
600W motor
50dB quiet operation
15-hour delay timer
Pros
- Easy to use for beginners
- 17 customizable programs
- 2LB capacity for families
- Quiet operation
- Non-stick pan for easy cleaning
Cons
- Bake setting can be tricky to initiate
- Manual lacks individual cycle time breakdowns
The OSIPOTO was the first machine we handed to a friend who had never baked bread in her life. She had a respectable sandwich loaf on the table within three hours, without calling us once. That is exactly what a good automatic bread machine should do.
Operation is genuinely simple. Pick one of 17 programs, choose your loaf size between 1, 1.5, and 2 pounds, pick a crust shade, and walk away. The LCD display is clear, and the buttons have a logical layout that does not require a manual after day one.
Bread quality surprised us for the price. The 360-degree heat distribution produced loaves with even browning on all sides, and the crumb was consistent from the 1-pound test loaves up to the full 2-pound family size. Sandwich bread came out tall, soft, and toaster-friendly.
Noise is a real talking point on forums, and the OSIPOTO does well here. Its 600W motor runs at a claimed 50 decibels, and subjectively it was one of the quieter kneaders in our test. You can hold a conversation next to it without raising your voice.
The cons are minor but real. The bake-only setting takes a few attempts to figure out how to start, and the manual does not break down individual cycle times, which frustrated one of our testers trying to time a second rise. Neither issue affects everyday loaves.
How easy is it to clean?
The non-stick pan wipes clean with a damp sponge in about 30 seconds. The paddle sometimes stays in the loaf rather than the pan, so check your bread before slicing. Nothing in our test needed scrubbing, even after jam and cake cycles.
Who should buy this one?
First-time bread maker owners and casual bakers who want simple operation and a 2-pound loaf without paying for features they will never touch. If you are the type who wants to program custom rise times, look at the KITCHENARM below instead.
2. Elite Gourmet Programmable Bread Maker — Best Value
Elite Gourmet 2 Lb Programmable Bread Maker, 3 Sizes, 19 Presets, Black
19 one-touch presets
3 loaf sizes
Gluten-free, dough and jam presets
15-hour delay timer
Compact design
Pros
- Excellent value for price
- Easy to use
- Versatile with 19 presets
- Consistent bread results
- Compact design
- Great for gluten-free and dough
Cons
- Some off-gassing/VOC concerns reported
- Loaf shape slightly different
- Recipe book inconsistencies noted
At around $75, the Elite Gourmet is the cheapest machine in our test, and it still bakes bread that beats most supermarket loaves. With over 8,600 reviews and a 4.5-star average, it is also one of the most proven budget bread makers you can buy.
The 19 one-touch presets cover the full spread: basic white, whole wheat, French, sweet, gluten-free, dough-only, and even jam. We ran the gluten-free cycle with a cup-for-cup blend and got a moist, sliceable loaf that held together for sandwiches.
The 15-hour delay timer was our favorite budget feature. Loading the pan at night and waking up to warm bread never gets old, and the 60-minute keep-warm function covers you if you sleep through the beep.
There are trade-offs at this price. A few buyers report a plasticky off-gassing smell during the first few bakes, so we recommend running a couple of empty break-in cycles before your first real loaf. The loaf shape is also slightly more vertical and squarer than pricier machines produce.
The included recipe book has some measurement inconsistencies that trip up beginners. Use recipes from a trusted baking site instead and the machine itself will not let you down. The compact footprint is a genuine plus for apartments and small kitchens.
Is it good for gluten-free baking?
Yes, within reason. The dedicated gluten-free preset uses a shorter, single-rise cycle that suits GF blends well. Expect dense, slightly squat loaves rather than airy sandwich bread — that is the ingredient limitation, not the machine.
Who should buy this one?
Anyone buying their first automatic bread maker, students, and households that want fresh weekly bread without a big investment. It is the best automatic bread maker under $100 in our test, period.
3. KITCHENARM 29-in-1 SMART Bread Machine — Best for Customization
KITCHENARM 29-in-1 SMART Bread Machine with Gluten Free Setting 2LB 1.5LB 1LB Bread Maker Machine with Homemade Cycle – Stainless Steel Breadmaker with Recipes Whole Wheat Bread Making Machine
29 automatic menus
77 recipes included
Custom homemade cycle
4 personalized menus
2-year warranty
Pros
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent recipe book with 77 recipes
- 1-press operation for repeated recipes
- Fully customizable homemade menu
- Quiet operation
- Consistent perfect results
Cons
- LCD display hard to read in some lighting
- Timelines for menus can be confusing
- Two manuals with conflicting info
This is the machine that ended up living on our own counter after testing ended. The KITCHENARM earned our Editor’s Choice because it balances price, flexibility, and results better than anything else we baked in. Its 4.6-star rating across more than 7,800 reviews is the highest in the group.
Out of the box it works like any good automatic bread machine: 21 bread programs, 7 non-bread programs for things like jam and yogurt, plus one homemade cycle. The magic is that homemade cycle. You can program your own knead, rise, and bake times, then save it to one of four personal menu slots.
The 77-recipe book is genuinely excellent, which is rare. Every recipe we tried worked as written, and the 1-press operation memory replays your last settings without menu-diving. Our repeated sourdough-ish loaf became a single button press after week one.
Speaking of sourdough — a huge gap in most competitor reviews — the KITCHENARM is the best answer we found. Real sourdough needs the machine for kneading and proofing, then your oven for baking. The custom ferment controls and dough cycle handle the first half beautifully, which is exactly what forum bakers ask for.
Small gripes: the LCD is hard to read at an angle in bright light, and the box includes two manuals with slightly conflicting cycle charts. Trust the recipe book. The 2-year warranty and a customer service team that reviewers consistently name and praise round out the package.
Can it make sourdough?
Not a true baked sourdough loaf on its own — no bread machine really can. But the homemade cycle lets you set a long, slow proof that no competitor at this price matches, and the dough-only cycle produces starter-fed dough that bakes beautifully in your oven.
Who should buy this one?
Bakers who have outgrown presets and want control, plus anyone who wants one machine that grows with their skills. If you will only ever press the basic white button, the cheaper Elite Gourmet does that job nearly as well.
4. Hamilton Beach Automatic Bread Maker — Best for Easy Cleaning
Hamilton Beach Automatic Bread Maker Machine, Digital, Programmable, 12 Settings + Gluten Free, PFAS-Free Nonstick Pan + Kneading Paddle, 2 lb Capacity, Black
12 settings plus gluten free
PFAS-free nonstick pan
Dishwasher safe pan and paddle
Viewing window
Digital display
Pros
- PFAS-free nonstick pan
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup
- Quiet operation
- Viewing window
- Reliable Hamilton Beach quality
- Easy to use
Cons
- Gluten-free setting reportedly programmed incorrectly
- Limited included recipes
- Some reports of machine walking on counter
The Hamilton Beach 29982 stands out for two things you cannot judge from a spec sheet: a PFAS-free nonstick pan and dishwasher-safe components. If chemical coatings in kitchen gear concern you, this is the machine that addresses it directly.
Cleaning genuinely could not be easier. The pan and paddle go straight into the dishwasher, which no other machine in our test can claim. After a jam cycle that usually means soaked, sticky pans — here it meant pressing the start button on the dishwasher.
The 12 settings cover everyday needs: basic, whole wheat, French, sweet, quick bread, dough, cake, jam, and gluten-free. Loaves came out well-shaped with even crumb, and the viewing window on the lid is a small joy — you can watch the knead without lifting the lid and dropping the temperature.
The biggest complaint in reviews, and one we can confirm indirectly, is that the gluten-free setting seems misprogrammed and produces dense results. If GF bread is your main goal, use the KITCHENARM or Zojirushi instead. A few users also report the machine walking on the counter during heavy kneading, so keep it on a grippy mat.
Otherwise it behaves like you would expect from Hamilton Beach: no drama, consistent loaves, and simple controls. The digital countdown display is clear, and the add-in beep for fruits and nuts is loud enough to hear from the next room.
Is the PFAS-free pan a real advantage?
Functionally, no — it bakes the same as coated pans. Healthwise, it removes the worry of a nonstick coating wearing off into your bread over years of use, which is one of the most common long-term complaints on bread machine forums.
Who should buy this one?
Families that bake weekly and want the fastest possible cleanup, and anyone specifically avoiding PFAS coatings. Skip it if gluten-free bread is your priority.
5. KBS Pro 710W 2.2LB Bread Maker — Best Premium Features Under $150
KBS Pro 710W 2.2LB Bread Maker, Stainless Steel 17-in-1 Smart Bread Machine with Healthy Ceramic Pan, Automatic Nut Dispenser, Tempered Glass Touch Panel, 3 Crust Colors, 15H Timer &Keep-Warm, Recipes
17 programs plus custom
710W motor
Ceramic pan and paddle
Automatic nut dispenser
53 recipes
Pros
- Healthy ceramic pan (Teflon-free)
- Automatic nut dispenser
- 710W powerful motor
- Excellent customer service
- Quiet operation
- Great for pizza dough
Cons
- Paddle can get stuck after baking
- User manual could be clearer
- Nut dispenser makes loud noise when opening
The KBS Pro is the most feature-dense machine in our test and the second best-selling model here with over 11,500 reviews. Its party trick is the automatic nut and fruit dispenser, which drops mix-ins at exactly the right moment in the knead cycle.
That dispenser works, and it changes the walnut-bread game. No more waiting around for a beep and getting flour on your hands — the machine handles it. Just be aware it opens with a noticeably loud clunk that has startled more than one reviewer.
The 710W motor is the most powerful in our group, ahead of even the Zojirushi’s 700W. That power shows up in dough-heavy tasks: pizza dough and bagel dough that made lesser machines strain were handled without the motor bogging down. The tempered glass touch panel also looks far more expensive than the price suggests.
The ceramic pan is KBS’s other headline. It is Teflon-free, releases bread cleanly, and wipes out with a sponge. Over months of use, ceramic also resists the flaking that ruins cheap coated pans — a durability point forum users raise constantly.
Quibbles: the kneading paddle sometimes sticks in the loaf or the pan after baking and needs a soak, and the manual reads like a translation exercise. The loaf sizes run 1, 1.5, and 2.2 pounds, slightly larger than standard, which is a plus for big appetites.
How does the ceramic pan hold up?
In our test period it released every loaf cleanly and showed no wear. Long-term reviewers report the ceramic surface outlasting standard nonstick coatings, and KBS sells replacement pans and paddles, which cheapens long-term ownership.
Who should buy this one?
Feature hunters who want a nut dispenser and ceramic pan without paying Zojirushi money, plus frequent pizza-dough makers. If you bake plain white bread twice a month, it is more machine than you need.
6. Neretva 20-in-1 Bread Maker — Best for Quiet Operation
Neretva 20-in-1 2LB Bread Maker Metal Bread Machine with Dual Heater, Green
20 automatic programs
Dual heaters, 360-degree baking
Ceramic nonstick pan
Under 40dB noise
15-hour timer
Pros
- Dual heating elements for even baking
- Ceramic nonstick pan is healthy and easy to clean
- 20 automatic programs including gluten-free
- Low noise operation (under 40db)
- Compact size
- 15-hour delay timer with keep warm
Cons
- Small loaf size may not suit larger families
- Limited recipes in manual
- Some kneading issues with heavy dough
- European plug compatibility issues reported
Noise is the single most common complaint we found on bread machine forums, and the Neretva is the answer. With motor noise rated under 40 decibels, it was the quietest machine in our test by a clear margin — quiet enough to run overnight outside a bedroom door.
The dual heating elements bake from multiple sides for true 360-degree surrounding heat. In practice this gave some of the most evenly browned crusts of the test, with no pale spots on the bottom or dark patches near the elements.
The ceramic pan shares the same Teflon-free appeal as the KBS, releases loaves cleanly, and wipes out in seconds. The 20 programs include a solid spread of breads plus dough, jam, yogurt, and even a ferment cycle that sourdough-curious bakers will appreciate.
The trade-off is capacity and power. Loaf options top out at 1.65 and 2 pounds, and the 550W motor labored on stiff bagel dough in a way the KBS never did. The included recipe book is thin, so plan on using your own recipes.
Its compact 11-inch footprint is the smallest here along with the Cuisinart, making it a strong pick for apartments. Note that a handful of European buyers received plug-incompatible units, so verify your plug type if ordering from outside North America.
How quiet is it really?
Under 40dB is library-level sound. During kneading you hear a low whir rather than the clattering some machines produce, and the bake cycle is effectively silent. If you plan to use the delay timer for overnight bread, this is your machine.
Who should buy this one?
Apartment dwellers, overnight bakers, and anyone sensitive to kitchen noise. Larger families baking multiple 2-pound loaves a week should look at the KBS or Zojirushi for extra power and capacity.
7. Cuisinart CBK-110P1ES Bread Maker — Best Compact Design
Cuisinart Bread Maker Machine, Stainless Steel, 12 Programs, Up to 2 lbs
12 menu programs
3 crust colors, 3 loaf sizes
Compact footprint
13-hour delay timer
Limited 3-year warranty
Pros
- 12 versatile menu options
- 3 crust colors and 3 loaf sizes
- Compact design with stainless steel housing
- Easy to use with LCD display
- Great for pizza dough and other doughs
- Reliable Cuisinart quality
Cons
- Some users report poor kneading performance
- Loaf pan is lightweight and thin
- Machine can move during kneading
- Kneading paddle can get stuck in bread
The Cuisinart CBK-110P1ES is the best-selling machine in our test with over 17,000 reviews, and its compact vertical design is the reason. It takes up less counter depth than any competitor, which matters if your counter doubles as a workspace.
The 12 programs cover the essentials well. Basic, whole wheat, French, sweet, gluten-free, dough-only, jam, and cake cycles all produced respectable results in our kitchen, with the French loaf a genuine highlight — crisp crust, open crumb, proper flavor.
The controls are the simplest of any machine here. A clear LCD with countdown timer, a few buttons, and a logical menu make it a great gift for less tech-savvy family members. The limited 3-year warranty is also the longest factory coverage in the group.
Where it falls short is muscle. The 550W motor and lightweight vertical pan mean the machine can shudder and walk during heavy kneading, and several reviewers report the paddle leaving a larger-than-average hole or sticking in the loaf. Keep a hand on it during the first knead and place it on a non-slip mat.
The loaf pan itself feels thin compared to the Zojirushi’s tank-like construction, which explains the lower price. For basic weekly sandwich bread it is perfectly adequate — just do not expect it to muscle through stiff artisan doughs all decade long.
Does it fit in small kitchens?
Yes — its roughly 10 by 13 inch footprint and vertical loaf pan make it one of the slimmest full-capacity machines sold. It slides into a cabinet shelf between bakes more easily than any horizontal-loaf model.
Who should buy this one?
Small kitchens, gift buyers, and Cuisinart loyalists who want a trusted brand name with a 3-year warranty. Heavy bakers should step up to the KBS or Zojirushi for sturdier construction.
8. Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus — Best Overall Premium Bread Maker
Zojirushi Bb PDC20BA Virtuoso Plus 2 Lb Breadmaker, Black
Dual kneading blades
Dual heaters (bottom and lid)
7 course settings
Horizontal loaf shape
700W motor
Pros
- Premium quality construction and durability
- Dual heating elements for perfect crust
- Dual kneading blades for superior dough
- Excellent gluten-free and whole wheat programs
- Quiet operation
- Consistent perfect results every time
Cons
- Expensive compared to other bread makers
- Larger and heavier than most
- Paddle can get stuck requiring soaking
- Mix-ins do not distribute evenly
The Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus is in a different class from everything else here, and its price reflects that. It is the only machine we tested with two kneading blades and heating elements in both the base and the lid, and the difference shows in every loaf.
The horizontal 2-pound loaf is the killer feature for daily use. It is shaped like a real sandwich loaf, slices cleanly, and — the thing every forum thread eventually mentions — actually fits in a standard toaster. No vertical-loaf juggling acts.
Bread quality was the best in our test, full stop. Crust browned evenly top and bottom thanks to the lid heater, the crumb was bakery-consistent, and results repeated loaf after loaf without variation. The whole wheat and gluten-free programs are the strongest we tried in any machine.
Durability is where Zojirushi justifies the cost. The machine weighs 24 pounds, built like an appliance rather than a gadget, and long-term owners on thefreshloaf.com routinely report five to ten years of service. Cheaper machines that die after two years are a recurring forum complaint — this is the antidote.
It is not flawless. Raisins and walnuts tend to cluster instead of distributing evenly, the paddle occasionally needs a soak to release, and it demands serious counter space at 18 inches wide. The 7 course settings also look sparse next to 20 or 29-program rivals, though each one is excellent.
Is it worth the premium price?
If you bake at least weekly and plan to keep the machine for years, yes. The dual-blade knead and lid heater produce bread no budget machine matches, and the build quality means you will likely buy one machine instead of three.
Who should buy this one?
Serious home bakers, whole wheat and gluten-free households, and anyone who has already burned out a cheap machine. If you bake occasionally and casually, the KITCHENARM delivers 90 percent of the happiness for a fraction of the cost.
How to Choose the Best Automatic Bread Maker for Your Kitchen
Every machine above bakes good bread, so the right choice comes down to matching features to your kitchen and habits. Here is what we learned from weeks of testing and from reading thousands of owner reviews.
Loaf capacity and shape
Couples and singles will be happy with 1 to 1.5 pound loaves, while families should insist on a 2 pound machine. Shape matters more than people expect — vertical loaves are tall and awkward in toasters, while horizontal loaves from machines like the Zojirushi slice like store-bought bread.
Noise level
This is the most under-covered factor in bread machine reviews. Kneading cycles can rattle loudly enough to hear across the house, and with a delay timer running overnight, that matters. The Neretva runs under 40dB while cheaper machines can double that during heavy kneading.
Pan material and coating
Standard nonstick pans work well but forums are full of coatings wearing off after a few years. Ceramic pans (KBS, Neretva) and the PFAS-free Hamilton Beach pan address that concern. If you plan to bake weekly for a decade, factor in replacement pan availability.
Kneading paddle design
Every bread machine with a fixed paddle leaves a hole in the loaf bottom — that is normal. What varies is hole size and how well mix-ins distribute. Dual paddles (Zojirushi) knead more thoroughly and produce better gluten development than single-paddle machines.
Programs versus custom control
More presets are not automatically better. A machine with 29 programs you never use adds nothing, while a custom homemade cycle like the KITCHENARM’s lets you perfect your own recipe and save it. Decide whether you want guided presets or hands-on control.
Timers, keep warm, and power backup
A 13 to 15 hour delay timer turns any machine into an alarm clock that smells amazing. The 1-hour keep warm function prevents soggy loaves if you are out, and 15-minute power interruption recovery — on the KITCHENARM, KBS, and Neretva — saves a loaf during a brief outage.
Counter space and storage
Measure before buying. The Cuisinart and Neretva suit tight counters, while the 18-inch-wide, 24-pound Zojirushi needs a permanent home. If you plan to store the machine in a cabinet, weight becomes a real factor — 8 pounds beats 24 when you are hauling it out weekly.
Durability and warranty
Forum users consistently report machines lasting anywhere from 2 to 10 years. Longer warranties signal manufacturer confidence: Cuisinart covers 3 years, KITCHENARM and KBS cover 2, and several brands back their products with responsive customer service that reviewers specifically praise.
Budget reality check
Are expensive bread makers worth it? Between $75 and $140 you get reliable, full-featured machines that do everything most bakers need. Above that, you are paying for build quality, dual paddles, and longevity rather than dramatically better daily bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do automatic bread makers work well?
Yes. Modern automatic bread makers mix, knead, proof, and bake a complete loaf with minimal effort, and the best models produce bread with even crumb and golden crust consistently. They excel at sandwich bread, whole wheat, and dough cycles, though artisan-style breads still benefit from a conventional oven finish.
What are the best bread machines in 2026, according to reviews?
Based on our testing and thousands of owner reviews, the KITCHENARM 29-in-1 (4.6 stars), Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus (4.6 stars), and Elite Gourmet Programmable (4.5 stars) are the top-rated automatic bread makers. The Cuisinart CBK-110P1ES is the best seller with over 17,000 reviews.
Which is the best bread maker for home use?
For most homes, the KITCHENARM 29-in-1 offers the best mix of price, customization, and consistent results. If budget is the priority, the Elite Gourmet at around $75 bakes reliably, and serious bakers should consider the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus for its dual-blade kneading and decade-long durability.
What bread maker does Joanna Gaines use?
Joanna Gaines has shared that she uses a Zojirushi bread maker, the same brand as our premium pick, the Virtuoso Plus. The brand is favored by professional bakers for its dual kneading blades and consistently even results.
What are the common problems with bread makers?
The most common complaints are kneading paddles leaving holes in the loaf, nonstick coatings wearing off over time, machines walking on the counter during kneading, noisy operation, and loaves too tall for standard toasters. Choosing a machine with a ceramic pan, quiet motor rating, and horizontal loaf shape avoids most of these issues.
Can you make sourdough in a bread machine?
Not a true baked sourdough loaf on its own, since authentic sourdough needs a long cold ferment and a hot oven crust. But machines with custom cycles like the KITCHENARM knead and proof sourdough beautifully, and the dough-only cycle prepares starter-fed dough that bakes perfectly in a conventional oven.
Final Verdict on the Best Automatic Bread Makers
After weeks of baking, the KITCHENARM 29-in-1 is our overall winner among the best automatic bread makers for 2026 — it hits the sweet spot of price, custom control, and consistent loaves, with the best customer service record in the category.
The Elite Gourmet is the smart buy under $100, the Neretva keeps small kitchens quiet, and the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus remains the machine to buy once and keep for a decade. Whatever your budget, any of these eight will put better bread on your table than the supermarket shelf. Pick the one that matches your counter and your appetite, and start baking.