Breadmakers are a controversial kitchen unit – many chefs declare that despite all the modes and settings, the loaves produced are not a patch on self-kneaded bread. However, they do cut down a lot of the time and effort required to fill a house with gorgeously edible bread smells, and make loaves that are generally cheaper than those bought from the supermarket. In deciding which model to purchase, key features to consider should be the price and size of the machine, the size of loaf it creates, and the number and type of programmes offered. Do you want an all-singing model that makes pizza dough and cakes as well as bread, or a small one to fit in the back of a cupboard and make the occasional loaf? We have considered user reviews, consulted chefs and analysed model specifications to bring you the best breadmakers available now, arranged in price order. Panasonic were the first company to start making bread machines. David Cameron has one, as we now know, and Telegraph food writer Xanthe Clay says they are "easily the best".

This stainless steel wonder-machine with its diamond fluoro-coated pan and kneading blade – scratchproof and easier for cleaning – is Panasonic's most expensive machine and is currently the priciest on the market, too. It has 11 settings: basic (rapid and raisin), French, whole wheat, Italian, sandwich, 100 per cent rye, pizza, gluten-free, speciality (for different grain and flour types), jam and compote; it can also make three sizes of loaf and has a 13-hour delay timer. This machine also has one up on its closest Panasonic colleague (the white SD-2501WXC, £119.99) and most other breadmaking machines by featuring a yeast dispenser. Buy now from Amazon Going one better than the Panasonic, the Cuisinart has 12 preprogrammed modes and is slightly shorter and thinner. It also weighs 2.7 kilograms less, at 4.8kg. Three key features are the machine's inbuilt air circulation system (creating crisper crusts), its removable paddle (meaning the loaf doesn't come out with a hole in the base) and the internal oven light that lets you watch the bread rise through the viewing window.

You can make cakes in this machine too, using a special cake setting.hamilton beach single serve blender kmart Morphy Richards Premium Plus 48324 Breadmakerninja kitchen system pulse 550 watts reviews This is the machine for fussy crust eaters. ninja ultima blender vs blendtecMorphy Richards's second most expensive model has five crust settings (very light, light, medium, dark, very dark) as well as three loaf sizes, 19 programmes and a cool touch exterior making it safe for young bakers, although users have disputed how cool the machine actually is when in use. blender kitchenaid artisan 5ksb5553eer

The only noticeable difference to the brand's £149.99 model (which only has 17 programmes) is the exterior design. breville bsb530 blenderCooks report that the machine is generally easy to use, its only fault being that the 'collapsible' paddle occasionally sticks in the loaf.mixer kitchenaid bekas Lakeland My Kitchen Compact Breadmakercuisinart blender cpb 300 reviews For something that may only be used occasionally, breadmakers can take up an awful lot of surface space in a kitchen. Lakeland's gleaming white machine is a much more squat model than those listed above. It still boasts 11 settings and a non-stick pan, but only makes a 1lb loaf. Home cooks say this model is one of the best at the lower-priced end of the market.

It makes three sizes of loaf (1lb, 1.6lb and 2.2lb), and its 12 settings include an automatic one-hour 'keep warm' function in case you can't get to the bread as soon as it finishes. It can also do a 55-minute simple loaf bake. Kenwood BM450 Rapid Bake Breadmaker Kenwood currently has three bread machines for sale, of which the BM450 is the only one in aluminium, rather than plastic. It is also significantly larger and heavier that the others (at 9.5kgs), and, uniquely, lets you create your own programmes as well as choosing from the 15 preset options. It will do rapid bake and has a one-hour keep-warm function, a 15-hour delay timer, an automatic ingredients dispenser and a removable lid for easy cleaning. This rather long but sleek-looking model (shown here in snazzy red, also available in blue or chrome) is described as "more than an ordinary bread making machine". Compared to the others listed above, though, the only outstanding feature beyond the usual range includes its ability to make homemade jams as well as breads, doughs and cakes.

Users also note that it turns out a well-shaped loaf, compared to the very tall ones some breadmakers create. READ: Best coffee machines READ: Best ice cream makers READ: Top 10 kitchen gadgetsCOLLECT for free in AS LITTLE AS 60 SECS large item delivery from next day Look out for products badged Fast Track to get it today - Collect in as little as 60 seconds - 7 days to collect - Dedicated Fast Track counter in-store - 7 days a week - Buy before 6pm and we'll deliver by 10pm - Choice of 4 delivery slots From next day, 7 days a week Choice of 4 delivery slots >  Food and drink preparation 1 - 30 of 30 items As a great alternative to hand mixers, view our excellent range of stand mixers to help you prepare some great tasting meals for all the family. These food mixers have a range of different functions and speeds so you will achieve the perfect consistency. The kitchen aid stand mixer has a large, 4.3 litre bowl and various attachments including a dough hook, creaming beater and whisk.

A fantastic solution for making delicious cakes, the choice of 10 speed settings will result in accuracy and perfection every time with your baked goods. The bowl and beaters can be removed for easy cleaning and serving, and they come in stylish designs, perfect for your kitchen. The Kenwood mixer 'Chef Titanium,' is elegant in syle and appearance, along with a stainless steel bowl and attachments you will find it to be multi-functioning too, with an attachable blender and food processor, with this mixer you have everything you need rolled into one. For other kitchen appliances be sure to browse our range of juicers and hand blenders, perfect for healthy shakes and soups and with one of our food choppers you will save time preparing vegetables whilst ensuring you still get your five a day. And for a real treat, that is also fun to make, grab yourself an ice cream machine. Your guests are sure to be impressed when you whip out a bowl of homemade ice cream. Breville SHM2 Twin Motor Hand and Stand Mixer - White.