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Bread Machines · Head-to-head

Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker vs Amazon Basics Programmable Bread Maker

Both made our Best Bread Machines Under $100 shortlist, at #1 and #2. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.

Quick verdict

Choose the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 if you want dedicated whole grain preset handles most standard whole wheat blends adequately. Choose the Amazon Basics Programmable Bread Maker, 2 lb if you'd rather have low price for a 2 lb machine. Overall we rank the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Bread Machines Under $100 list.

Winner overall: Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885

Side by side

Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 vs Amazon Basics Programmable Bread Maker, 2 lb compared

Every difference that matters, in one table.

Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 versus Amazon Basics Programmable Bread Maker, 2 lb
Attribute
Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 product photo
Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885Check price
Amazon Basics Programmable Bread Maker, 2 lb product photo
Amazon Basics Programmable Bread Maker, 2 lbCheck price
Our ranking#1 of 2 in Best Bread Machines Under $100#2 of 2 in Best Bread Machines Under $100
Pick labelShortlisted
BrandHamilton BeachAmazon Basics
Key features2-lb capacity; 14 programmable settings including whole grain; 3 loaf sizes, 3 crust shadesSee full details
Biggest strengthDedicated whole grain preset handles most standard whole wheat blends adequatelyLow price for a 2 lb machine
Main trade-offSingle kneading paddle and single heating element struggle more with 100 percent whole wheat than dual-blade machinesSingle paddle makes a tall loaf with a hole in the base
Best forwhole wheatfirst-time bread machine owners on a budget
Decide

Which should you buy?

Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885

#1 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 Amazon Basics Programmable Bread Maker, 2 lb section.

Check price on AmazonFull details
Amazon Basics Programmable Bread Maker, 2 lb

#2 pick

Choose the Amazon Basics Programmable Bread Maker, 2 lb if…

  • Low price for a 2 lb machine
  • 14 programs including gluten-free and dough
  • ExpressBake cycle under 90 minutes

Best for: first-time bread machine owners on a budget

Prefer the alternative? See the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 section.

Check price on AmazonFull details
The trade-offs

Pros and cons of each

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

Amazon Basics Programmable Bread Maker, 2 lb

Pros

  • Low price for a 2 lb machine
  • 14 programs including gluten-free and dough
  • ExpressBake cycle under 90 minutes
  • Three crust settings

Cons

  • Single paddle makes a tall loaf with a hole in the base
  • Louder kneading than premium machines
  • Basic build
Answers

Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 vs Amazon Basics Programmable Bread Maker, 2 lb: common questions

Which is better, the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 or the Amazon Basics Programmable Bread Maker, 2 lb?

Choose the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 if you want dedicated whole grain preset handles most standard whole wheat blends adequately. Choose the Amazon Basics Programmable Bread Maker, 2 lb if you'd rather have low price for a 2 lb machine. Overall we rank the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Bread Machines Under $100 list.

What is the difference between the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 and the Amazon Basics Programmable Bread Maker, 2 lb?

The Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 stands out because dedicated whole grain preset handles most standard whole wheat blends adequately, while the Amazon Basics Programmable Bread Maker, 2 lb stands out because low price for a 2 lb machine. The trade-offs differ too: the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885's main caveat is that single kneading paddle and single heating element struggle more with 100 percent whole wheat than dual-blade machines, and the Amazon Basics Programmable Bread Maker, 2 lb's is that single paddle makes a tall loaf with a hole in the base.

Is the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 worth it over the Amazon Basics Programmable Bread Maker, 2 lb?

For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Amazon Basics Programmable Bread Maker, 2 lb instead if single kneading paddle and single heating element struggle more with 100 percent whole wheat than dual-blade machines is a deal-breaker for you.

Who should buy the Amazon Basics Programmable Bread Maker, 2 lb instead of the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885?

The Amazon Basics Programmable Bread Maker, 2 lb suits first-time bread machine owners on a budget, while the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 is best for whole wheat.

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