Whole wheat bread contains the bran, germ, and endosperm of the wheat kernel, giving it a dense texture that rises less than breads made with refined white flour. Consequently, whole wheat dough requires more water, longer kneading to develop gluten, and extended rising times compared to white flour dough. Without proper adjustments, whole wheat loaves can become too dense. Kneading the stiff dough can also overtax lightweight bread machines, causing excessive vibration. In rare cases, a bread machine might even shake so much, that it falls off the kitchen counter. To produce properly risen whole wheat loaves without a kitchen catastrophe, I’ve recommended bread machines well-suited to the task.
Zojirushi BB-CEC20 Home Bakery Supreme
The Zojirushi BB-CEC20 Home Bakery Supreme is the grandmother of bread machines for whole wheat bread. Even though Zojirushi now offers a newer model, the BB-PDC20 Virtuoso Plus, the company still manufactures the tried-and-true BB-CEC20. This is welcome news for bakers with fond memories of using the BB-CEC20 to bake delicious loaves.
This large bread machine contains two kneading paddles that thoroughly mix and knead whole wheat dough without shaking or falling. The control panel features an LCD screen and offers ten pre-programmed cycles, three crust shades, and a 13-hour delay timer. For a full review of the BB-CEC20’s advantageous features, see my in-depth evaluation.
In particular, the pre-programmed cycles include Basic Wheat and Quick Wheat, with extended kneading times that allow for optimal gluten development in whole wheat and rye doughs. The dual kneading blades also thoroughly work the heavier dough so that it rises high and bakes into a traditional, rectangular loaf. You can view pricing for the Zojirushi BB-CEC20 Home Bakery Supreme bread maker on Amazon (paid link).
Zojirushi BB-PDC20 Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus
The Zojirushi BB-PDC20 bread maker excels at baking delicious, evenly browned loaves thanks to its dual bottom and lid heaters that promote uniform baking. Its double kneading blades thoroughly knead dough for optimal texture and rise.
This bread maker offers preset programs for Whole Wheat, Rapid Whole Wheat, Multigrain, and Sourdough Starter. The Homemade setting enables customizing knead, rise and bake times for full control. You can learn more about it by reading my Zojirushi BB-PDC20 review.
With a 2-pound capacity, it bakes traditional rectangular loaves and provides light, medium or dark crust options. However, the crust color cannot be adjusted for the Whole Wheat and Rapid Whole Wheat courses.
Packed with advanced settings and versatility, this automatic bread machine delivers outstanding loaves for beginners and experts alike. Simply add ingredients, select a course, and it handles the rest for perfect 2-pound loaves every time. While whole wheat flour doesn’t rise as well as white flour, the Zojirushi BB-PDC20 Virtuoso Plus remains an excellent, highly functional bread maker overall (check price on Amazon – paid link).
West Bend 47413 Hi-Rise Bread Maker
The West Bend 47413 Hi-Rise bread maker is ideal for making whole wheat bread. This machine has a Whole Wheat setting that is programmed to properly knead and rise breads made with a high percentage of whole wheat flour.
Whole wheat flour contains the bran and germ, resulting in denser loaves that don’t rise as high as white bread. The West Bend 47413 is designed to compensate for this. When using 100% whole wheat flour, you may need to add extra liquid to aid mixing and kneading. Be sure to closely follow the recipe and directions in the manual. The dual kneading blades thoroughly mix even heavy doughs.
With twelve settings, three crust options, and a reputation as an easy-to-use and easy-to-clean best-selling bread machine, the West Bend 47413 Hi-Rise can reliably produce whole wheat loaves. You may buy the West Bend 47413 bread maker on Amazon (paid link).
Which is the best bread machine for whole wheat bread?
I recommended the Zojirushi and West Bend bread machines for whole wheat bread because they have two kneading paddles. Dual paddles knead dense whole wheat dough more thoroughly than single paddles. Most bread machines have a whole wheat program, but dual paddle models do a better job.
Though the Zojirushi machines cost more, the affordable West Bend 47413 still kneads whole wheat dough effectively with its dual paddles. For that reason, I think the West Bend offers the best value for baking high-quality whole wheat loaves. You may read my West Bend 47413 review for a full discussion of the West Bend Hi-Rise bread makers.