Enjoy the Process, Not the Processed: The Art of Home-made Bread

There’s something special about the smell of freshly baked bread floating through the house. It’s comforting. Nostalgic, even. And it will always, always beats the taste of a shop-bought loaf. With a bread maker – or a little elbow grease, if you’re of the old school – you can enjoy fresh, home-made bread, and control exactly what goes into it. Adios, additives; hello, wholesome loaves.

Why home-made bread?

Let’s face it, processed bread may be convenient, but it almost always falls short when it comes to taste – and nutrition. Supermarket loaves are often loaded with hidden sugars, preservatives and artificial ingredients, many of which are added to help it last longer. But would you rather have a loaf of bread that’s been sat on the shelf for a week, or one that’s been freshly baked, still warm from the bread machine? We know which we prefer.

When you make your own bread at home, you can tailor it to your preference each time. Whether you’re a fan of a crusty sourdough, golden brown loaves, or multigrain, packed full of flavour and nutrients, the power is always in your hands… or your bread maker.

Can you make sourdough in a bread maker?

Absolutely. In fact, we highly recommend it. Sourdough, with its tangy flavour and chewy texture, is a favourite for many keen bakers. While traditional sourdough requires careful tending of a starter and a lot of patience, a bread maker can simplify the process without compromising the taste. Most modern bread machines even have a dedicated sourdough setting nowadays.

How to make bread in a bread maker – knead-to-know tips…

Making bread in a bread maker is really easy. Here’s how it works:

Gather your ingredients:

Most bread recipes call for basic pantry staples like flour, water, yeast, sugar, and salt. (You can also add extras like seeds, nuts or dried fruits for variety.)

Add ingredients in the right order:

Check your bread maker’s manual for guidance, but typically, you’ll add liquids first, followed by dry ingredients and then yeast.

Select your settings:

Choose the correct setting for the type of bread you’re making – white, wholemeal, gluten-free, sweet bread etc. Adjust the crust colour and loaf size if your machine allows.

Press start:

Sit back and relax as the bread machine kneads, proofs and bakes your loaf to perfection.

Enjoy your bread:

Once the cycle is complete, remove the bread pan, tip out the loaf and let it cool slightly before slicing.

Which bread maker should I get?

Choosing the right bread maker can make all the difference in your breadmaking journey. Here are some of our top picks to get you started.

Lakeland Compact 1lb Bread Maker

This compact model is perfect for smaller kitchens. Despite its compact size, it’s packed with features, including 11 pre-set programmes and adjustable crust settings. It’s ideal for anyone new to breadmaking or looking for a reliable everyday bread maker.

Panasonic Compact Bread Maker

Compact and efficient, the Panasonic Compact Bread Maker is another great option for smaller households or those with limited space in the kitchen. It offers several baking options, including programmes for wholemeal and gluten-free loaves.

Lakeland Touchscreen Bread Maker

If you’re into modern gadgets, this sleek touchscreen model is a pleasure to use. With 12 programmes and a clear digital display, it’s really clear and super easy to use. It even makes cakes and jams.

Panasonic Automatic Bread Maker

For those who want a multi-talented bread machine, the Panasonic Automatic is in the upper crust. With an impressive 32 pre-set programmes, it can bake everything from basic bread to sourdough, rye and gluten-free bread. Its dual temperature sensors ensure consistent loaves every time.

Rise to the occasion

Making your own bread at home is about more than just taste – it’s about taking control. By swapping shop-bought loaves for home-made ones, you’re leaving nasty preservatives at the door and welcoming a world of fresh bread, made by you, and tailored to your taste. So whether you’re crafting crusty sourdough loaves or experimenting with wholegrain recipes, the process is almost as rewarding as the result.

Shop all of our bread machines and bread-making kit here.