Breville Custom Loaf vs Cuisinart Compact
Based on tests by America's Test Kitchen (Aug 2026). How we score
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From 1 tester: America's Test Kitchen
From 1 tester: America's Test Kitchen
Amazon prices as of Sep 30, 2:51 AM EDT (details)
What the testers found
America's Test Kitchen's Best Buy, rated Highly Recommended: "Most of the time, it produced picture-perfect loaves that had an even crumb and a pleasantly fluffy texture." Its pan is smaller and more cube-shaped, so 2-pound loaves can overflow on long-proof settings: "A 2-pound batch of dough rose too much on the whole wheat setting." "If you don't mind playing around with the settings for 2-pound loaves, this affordable machine is a great option." ATK didn't test long-term durability, and the listing doesn't state a warranty.
| Criterion | Breville Custom Loaf | Cuisinart Compact |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 2.5/3 | 3/3 |
| Ease of use | 2/3 | 2.5/3 |
From America's Test Kitchen: The Best Bread Machines (updated Aug. 17, 2026)
Specs side by side
| Spec | Breville Custom Loaf | Cuisinart Compact |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.95 | $129.95 |
| Cost per year | — | — |
| Warranty | 1 year limited | — |
| Loaf | 1 to 2.5 lb (America's Test Kitchen) | 1 to 2 lb, vertical (America's Test Kitchen) |
| Kneading paddle | Collapsible | — |
| Features | Automatic fruit and nut dispenser, viewing light | — |
| Kneading paddles | — | 1 |
| Pan | — | 6.25 x 5.5 x 6.5 in (America's Test Kitchen) |
| Cycles | — | 12, including gluten free |
Sources: America's Test Kitchen: The Best Bread Machines (updated Aug. 17, 2026), Manufacturer specs via Amazon listing
