Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread vs Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker
Both made our Best Bread Machines for Small Households shortlist, at #1 and #2. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker if you want collapsible paddle folds flat during baking, leaving a much smaller hole in gluten-free loaves than a fixed paddle. Choose the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 if you'd rather have dedicated whole grain 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.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 5 in Best Bread Machines for Small Households | #2 of 5 in Best Bread Machines for Small Households |
| Pick label | ||
| Brand | Breville | Hamilton Beach |
| Key features | 1 to 2.5-lb loaf range; 13-plus automatic programs; Collapsible kneading paddle | 2-lb capacity; 14 programmable settings including whole grain; 3 loaf sizes, 3 crust shades |
| Biggest strength | Collapsible paddle folds flat during baking, leaving a much smaller hole in gluten-free loaves than a fixed paddle | Dedicated whole grain preset handles most standard whole wheat blends adequately |
| Main trade-off | Fewer total ratings than Hamilton Beach or Zojirushi, so there is less long-term owner data | Single kneading paddle and single heating element struggle more with 100 percent whole wheat than dual-blade machines |
| Best for | gluten free bread | whole wheat |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick
Choose the Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker if…
- Collapsible paddle folds flat during baking, leaving a much smaller hole in gluten-free loaves than a fixed paddle
- Widest loaf-size range in this list, useful for dialing in a smaller gluten-free test loaf before committing to a full batch
- Automatic dispenser adds seeds or dried fruit at the right point without opening the lid
Best for: gluten free bread
Prefer the alternative? See the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 section.
#2 pick
Choose the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 if…
- Dedicated whole grain 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 grain dough
Best for: whole wheat
Prefer the alternative? See the Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker section.
Pros and cons of each
Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker
Pros
- Collapsible paddle folds flat during baking, leaving a much smaller hole in gluten-free loaves than a fixed paddle
- Widest loaf-size range in this list, useful for dialing in a smaller gluten-free test loaf before committing to a full batch
- Automatic dispenser adds seeds or dried fruit at the right point without opening the lid
- 9 custom settings allow fine control over crust color and cycle length
Cons
- Fewer total ratings than Hamilton Beach or Zojirushi, so there is less long-term owner data
- Larger footprint takes up more counter space than the Cuisinart
Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885
Pros
- Dedicated whole grain 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 grain 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
Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker vs Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885: 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 collapsible paddle folds flat during baking, leaving a much smaller hole in gluten-free loaves than a fixed paddle. Choose the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 if you'd rather have dedicated whole grain 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 collapsible paddle folds flat during baking, leaving a much smaller hole in gluten-free loaves than a fixed paddle, while the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 stands out because dedicated whole grain preset handles most standard whole wheat blends adequately. The trade-offs differ too: the Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker's main caveat is that fewer total ratings than Hamilton Beach or Zojirushi, so there is less long-term owner data, 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 fewer total ratings than Hamilton Beach or Zojirushi, so there is less long-term owner data 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 gluten free bread.