Bread Maker Running Costs: Is Home Baking Cheaper?

By the Bread Wise editorial team · Updated 2026 · How we test & score

One appeal of a bread maker is cheaper bread, but is home baking really less expensive once you count the electricity? Here's the honest picture.

The cost of a home loaf

A loaf's cost is mostly the ingredients - flour, yeast, a little salt, sugar and oil - plus the electricity to run the cycle. For a standard loaf, the ingredients are inexpensive, and the machine uses modest power over a few hours (most of which is proving, not heating). Add it up and a home loaf often costs less than a comparable bakery or premium shop loaf, while giving you control over what goes in.

When it saves the most

The savings are biggest if you'd otherwise buy premium, seeded, sourdough-style or gluten-free bread, which are expensive in the shops. If you only buy the cheapest value loaf, the saving per loaf is smaller, though you still gain freshness and ingredient control. Either way, the machine pays for itself over time if you bake regularly; the exact electricity cost depends on the model's wattage and your tariff.

Our top picks

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to run a bread maker?

Mostly the ingredients plus modest electricity over the cycle (much of which is proving, not heating). It depends on the model's wattage and your tariff, but a home loaf is typically cheaper than premium shop bread.

Is a bread maker cheaper than buying bread?

Usually, especially versus premium, seeded or gluten-free loaves. Against the cheapest value bread the saving is smaller, but you still get freshness and control over ingredients.

Bottom line

Our top pick is the Bread Maker (our score 9.6/10) - A practical bread maker for fresh home-baked bread with minimal effort..

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