Abstract: An automatic breadmaking appliance has an outer housing containing a baking chamber for receiving a mold in which the bread ingredients are mixed, kneaded and baked. A heating element located in the baking chamber supplies heat as necessary throughout the breadmaking process and an improved ventilating system is selectively operable under control of the appliance process controller to circulate cooling air through the baking chamber and to recirculate heated air from the upper region of the baking chamber to the lower regions thereof to accelerate heating and conserve energy. The ventilating system also effectively cools the housing and prevents condensation from forming thereon. Temperature sensing means located outside the baking chamber senses the temperature of the contents of the mold in the baking chamber. An improved viewing window, window cover, and light facilitate visual inspection of the bread being baked.