# Can a bread machine make challah? The best ones to try

- Link: https://www.challahbake.org/resource/bread-machines-for-challah/
- Published: 2026-10-22T09:21:43-04:00
- Author: Shira

A bread machine is the quietest way to make challah dough: add the ingredients, 
press the dough cycle, and come back to a smooth, risen dough ready to braid. The
catch is size. Most machines make a single loaf of dough, so they suit a small Shabbat
table far better than a big bake.

A typical bread machine batch uses around 4 cups of flour (about 500 g), which is
well under the amounts discussed in our [hafrashat challah guide](https://www.challahbake.org/resource/hafrashat-challah-step-by-step/).
If you want to take challah with a blessing, you will usually need a bigger batch
than one machine makes, so ask your rabbi how you should proceed.

## The machines worth your counter space

![A braided challah loaf](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/
svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20835'%3E%3C/svg%3E)

 1

Best overall

Zojirushi

### Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus

Reviewers keep naming this the best bread machine they have tested. It has two kneading
blades that work the dough thoroughly, and King Arthur Baking says it makes the 
best loaves of any machine they tried.

 * Two kneading blades for a well-developed dough
 * Customizable courses, including a dough cycle
 * Makes a 2-lb loaf

 $454.00as of October 22, 2026 [Get it on Amazon ](https://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-BB-PDC20BA-Virtuoso-Breadmaker-Stainless/dp/B07BQ28TQ6/?tag=challahbake-20)

![A ball of risen dough](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/
svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%201024'%3E%3C/svg%3E)

 2

Biggest loaf

Breville

### Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL

Reviewed.com's pick for best overall: a nicely shaped loaf, crunchy crust and soft
crumb. It is the only one of these that goes up to a 2.5-pound loaf, and it has 
13 settings and a dough option.

 * Up to 2.5 lb, so the biggest dough here
 * 13 programs and an automatic fruit-and-nut dispenser
 * Makes a very pliable dough, great for braiding

 $399.95as of October 22, 2026 [Get it on Amazon ](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004RCNJA0?tag=challahbake-20)

![Two people baking together](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/
2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20807'%3E%3C/svg%3E)

 3

Best value

Cuisinart

### Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker

A small, friendly machine that bakers on Reddit often recommend on a budget. One
user says it makes the best dough they have had from a machine.

 * Compact, so it fits a small kitchen
 * A simple dough cycle
 * A gentle price for a first machine

 $164.97as of October 22, 2026 [Get it on Amazon ](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C8V4FDR?tag=challahbake-20)

## Using a bread machine for challah

 * Use the **dough** cycle only, then shape and braid by hand. Baking inside the
   machine makes a tall loaf, not a braid.
 * Add liquids first, then flour, with the yeast on top and away from the salt and
   sugar.
 * Weigh your flour. A scale beats a measuring cup (see our [tools guide](https://www.challahbake.org/resource/small-tools-that-make-challah-easier/)).
 * Rich doughs with plenty of sugar and egg can need a little extra flour. Add it
   a spoonful at a time while it kneads.