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Quick verdict
Choose the Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker if you want 1-lb minimum loaf size is the smallest full-featured setting in this list, ideal for one or two people. Choose the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 if you'd rather have dedicated whole gra in preset handles most standard whole wheat blends adequately. Overall we rank the Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Bread Machines for Small Households list.
Winner overall: Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker
Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker vs Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
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- Best Bread Machines for Small Households
- Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker review
- Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 review
- All bread machines
Bottom line
Choose the Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker if you want 1-lb minimum loaf size is the smallest full-featured setting in this list, ideal for one or two people. Choose the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 if you'd rather have dedicated whole gra in preset handles most standard whole wheat blends adequately. Overall we rank the Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Bread Machines for Small Households list.
Breville
The collapsible paddle and wide loaf-size range suit gluten-free experimentation.
- 1 to 2.5-lb loaf range
- 13-plus automatic programs
- Collapsible kneading paddle
- Automatic fruit and nut dispenser
- 9 custom settings
✓ Pros
- Dedicated whole gra in preset handles most standard whole wheat blends adequately
- Large ratings volume gives plenty of real-world feedback on which whole wheat recipes work best in this machine
- Dishwasher-safe pan and paddle simplify cleanup after a sticky whole gra in dough
✕ Cons
- Single kneading paddle and single heating element struggle more with 100 percent whole wheat than dual-blade machines
- Denser loaves come out noticeably shorter than on the Zojirushi or Breville
- Shorter reported lifespan than the premium machines under heavy weekly whole wheat baking
Hamilton Beach
A capable gluten-free program at a third of the Zojirushi's price.
- 2-lb capacity
- 14 programmable settings
- Gluten-free and artisan settings
- 3 loaf sizes, 3 crust shades
- Viewing window
✓ Pros
- 14 settings including a labeled gluten-free cycle cover most home baking needs
- Dishwasher-safe pan and paddle simplify cleanup after a sticky gluten-free batter
- Largest ratings volume in the category, so t here is plenty of long-term owner feedback
✕ Cons
- Single heating element produces a less even crust than the dual-heater Zojirushi
- Kneading paddle is more prone to sticking inside a gluten-free loaf on removal
- Shorter reported lifespan than the premium machines under heavy weekly use
FAQ
Common questions
Which is better, the Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker or the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885?
Choose the Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker if you want 1-lb minimum loaf size is the smallest full-featured setting in this list, ideal for one or two people. Choose the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 if you'd rather have dedicated whole gra in preset handles most standard whole wheat blends adequately. Overall we rank the Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Bread Machines for Small Households list.
What is the difference between the Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker and the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885?
The Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker stands out because 1-lb minimum loaf size is the smallest full-featured setting in this list, ideal for one or two people, while the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 stands out because dedicated whole gra in preset handles most standard whole wheat blends adequately. The trade-offs differ too: the Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker's ma in caveat is that larger overall footprint than its small-loaf output might suggest, and the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885's is that single kneading paddle and single heating element struggle more with 100 percent whole wheat than dual-blade machines.
Is the Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker worth it over the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 instead if larger overall footprint than its small-loaf output might suggest is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 instead of the Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker?
The Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 suits whole wheat, while the Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker is best for small households.
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