Best Zojirushi Bread Maker – Comparison 2021

Let me introduce you to one of the most sought after and unique bread machine producer in the market: Zojirushi. Many homemade bread bakers opt for the best Zojirushi bread makers, and that is for a good reason. The company knows how to stand out from the crowd with the diversified looks and qualities. Some of their bread makers, like the Virtuoso series, contain the best heating element system ever installed in a bread maker that produces loaves with a pro-level crust.

Zojirushi is a Japanese company. They have been producing various kinds of kitchen appliances since the early 1900s, and the bread maker segment is only one of them. If you are looking for a fancy bread machine with supreme functionality and high-quality features, then I suggest you take a look at what this distinctive brand has to offer for you.

Here are the best Zojirushi bread makers selected for their capacity and functionalities:

Zojirushi BB-PAC20BA BB-PAC20 Home Bakery Virtuoso Breadmaker

Meet the master, and never forget that there is only one bread machine in the market named as the Virtuoso! BB-PAC20BA is the ultimate dough monster ever made by Zojirushi in terms of loaf volume and loaded features. It does not matter if you are a novice or expert; you will attain perfect loaves with the easy to use features.

The first thing I have to mention about this unit is the extraordinary heating element built-in. Although most bread makers come with various crust options, many home bakers still complain from their bread not getting enough brown color. However, things are quite different when you have a Virtuoso in your kitchen. It is guaranteed to accomplish perfectly browned bread with this particular item every time you hit the start button. The revolutionary heating system enables you to have full control over the crust. Note that the lid has an additional heating element inside to further improve even heating. You will be amazed by the results.

Talking about big size, the 2-pound loaf capacity will surely be appealing to large families. You can prepare a big batch and save time. Indeed, there will be plenty for everyone at home. On a side note, it is always a good idea to prepare just enough each time you make some. This is because homemade bread tends to go bad faster than the store-bought versions. After all, it does not contain any harmful chemicals inside.

Furthermore, this bread maker has a unique design that you don’t usually see when compared to other standard types. I think the rectangular shape is more convenient when the pan loading section is on the one side, and the digital controls are set on the other. Plus, you get a large viewing window this way.

Most bread makers operate only with a single paddle, but this one comes with dual kneading blades. In the end, this enables the machine to knead the dough properly, and you get superior dough development. You will also find the handles on the inner baking pan extremely resourceful when lifting the baked bread. It is vital for easy handling and removal. Note that the pan features a non-stick coating. Gently wash the blades and the pan with lukewarm water and dish soap for easy cleaning.

Enjoy effortless bread baking at home with the high-performance appliance Virtuoso. It comes with 10 pre-programmed settings, including the gluten-free mode. If you like, you can add more programs by using the memory settings. One of my favorite features is the rapid mode, which allows making bread in as little as 2 hours. Use the delay timer to prepare fresh bread for the next morning. The package includes free measuring cups and a recipe booklet that is full of yummy tips.

It is truly a multipurpose kitchen gadget, as it is usually the case with most bread machines. What else can you make with your Virtuoso bread maker? Try making some cake, jam, and meatloaf. Virtuoso is also really convenient to prepare just about any kind of yeast dough like a pizza, bagel, breadsticks, pretzel, or rolls.

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Virtuoso Plus

You should also know that the Virtuoso also has another model called the Virtuoso Plus. The main difference between the two is the number of extra bread cycles available. The Plus model has 4 more extra courses, meaning you get four more recipes. Another difference is the color of the control panel; the Plus model features a black panel instead of silver.

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Pros:

• Extra heating elements for superior baking
• 2-pound loaf size
• Convenient rectangular shape
• Additional accessories such as measuring cup and spoon
• LCD display with indicator light
• Large glass window on top
• 10 programs, and 3 crust settings
• Gluten-free setting
• 13 hours delay timer
• Stainless-steel body

Cons:

• It does not include automatic fruit dispenser
• Inner pan is not dishwasher safe

Zojirushi BB-CEC20 Home Bakery Supreme 2-Poud Loaf Breadmaker

The BB-CEC20 Supreme has a similar modern design as the Virtuoso. The main difference between the two items is the heating element. The Virtuosos model includes additional heater on the lid and under the inner pan, which makes evenly baking easier and also in a shorter amount of time. However, you still get to produce superior homemade bread with exceptional crust color with the Supreme model. Just select your desired crust option from the menu.

Note that both models have additional similarities. For starters, this one also features a large glass viewing window for flawless monitoring. You do not have to open up the lid occasionally for that matter. Besides, you can also make 2-pound loaves with this one. A 13-hour delay timer is included to make your life easier. Take advantage of the large LCD control panel while selecting the desired bread cycle. You get to choose among 10 different pre-programmed settings and 3 crust-shades. Another difference between the Supreme and the Virtuoso is the Gluten-Free setting. However, you can still make gluten-free bread by programming a custom memory setting.

My favorite function of the Supreme BB-CEC20 is the sourdough starter mode. It is miraculous to be able to prepare a light sourdough starter in a little over 2 hours. Next one is the quick bread mode that enables you to prepare a fresh loaf rapidly. Last but not least, there is an auto shut-off system designed for your safety.

The cleanup is a breeze, thanks to the nonstick coating on the pan. Just remove the blades and the inner pan, and then wash them with a little bit of dish detergent and lukewarm water. Make sure you do not put them in the dishwasher machine.

This item comes with extra accessories such as the measuring cups, instructional DVD, and a full-color recipe booklet.

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Pros:

• 2-pound loaf size
• Convenient rectangular shape
• Additional accessories such as measuring cup and spoon
• LCD display with indicator light
• Large glass window
• 10 programs, and 3 crust settings
• 13 hours delay timer
• Stainless-steel body

Cons:

• There is no Gluten-free setting
• It does not include automatic fruit dispenser
• Inner pan is not dishwasher safe

Zojirushi BB-HAC10 Home Bakery 1-Pound Loaf Programmable Mini Breadmaker

As the name suggests, this one is a compact and practical bread maker. I do not know about you, but I am always fond of mini gadgets in the kitchen. They save time and effort when all you need is to prepare a fast meal. Do not expect large size bread from this one. You get to produce 1-pound loaves with this mini bread machine. However, this size is ideal if your family is not too big, or you live alone. If this is the case, then it is simply perfect for you!

You might be amazed at the scope of features provided with this smart mate. They may not sound as fancy as the many features of the Virtuoso or the Supreme models, but you get all the necessary functions to produce a high-quality 1 lb loaf at home. So, let’s get into them in detail to give you some feedback on the easy-to-use BB-HAC10.

The first thing you will notice is the large control panel when you take the BB-HAC10 out of its box and set it up on the counter. There is a large LCD screen that is extremely easy to use. You basically control the crust color, baking and leavening times only by pressing a few buttons. It comes with 4 pre-programmed settings; basic, soft, French, and dough. Just hit the start button after you make your desired selection, and it will take it from there. Keep in mind that this is the only Zojirushi bread maker that you get to select the bread texture you desire!

The BB-HAC10 Mini comes with a standard delay timer that you can set up for 13 hours. This is pretty standard with most Zojirushi bread makers. Just program it the night before and have some fresh warm loaf in the morning. Nobody has to go to the bakery; the bakery comes to you!

Nonstick pan and the single blade are both very durable. Zojirushi took extra measures to make the cleaning of all parts quickly. The lid is detachable, which is immensely convenient. Just take it off and wash with mild detergent under lukewarm water.

If you are like me, then you would want to check out your bread dough during all phases. Do not worry; the round viewing glass window on top makes your life easier to monitor the whole process.

Also, note that there is a convenient power cord holder at the back of the unit. Just tuck it in while the machine is not in use. Obviously, it is much easier to store this one due to its compact size. It does not take much space, and there is a sturdy handle on top to make it easy to carry.

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Pros:

• Selectable bread texture
• Compact and practical
• Large LCD display
• Round viewing glass window
• 4 programs, and 2 crust settings
• 13 hours delay timer
• Includes instructional video and recipe booklet

Cons:

• There is no Gluten-free setting
• It does not include automatic fruit dispenser
• Inner pan is not dishwasher safe
• Fewer presets

Zojirushi BB-SSC10WZ Home Bakery Maestro Breadmaker

Here is another small size bread maker from Zojirushi; BB-SSC10WZ. It produces 450 g loaves each time. This one reminds me of the Mini model above, but there are certain differences between the two items. Make no mistake; the Maestro model is far superior to the Mini. To me, the only drawback is the lid; there is no viewing glass on top. It is hard to monitor the bread dough. However, you get more settings with the Maestro model. And the best part is that they added automatic nut and fruit dispenser to this one. Plus, your bread will be evenly baked because the Maestro Is equipped with a double-heater system inside the unit to enable superior results.

If you are in search of a practical bread maker to make basic bread, and not looking for big loaf size, then this might be it. It is just perfect for soft white bread, but you still get to make any kind you like. Zojirushi even included options for various pizza and pasta dough types.

The exterior parts of the BB-SSC10WZ are made out of white plastic. The nonstick pan and the blade are removable for easy cleaning, and they are all BPA free. I have to admit that the LCD is not very large, but it is extremely easy to follow and control due to the simplistic design.

This might be a good start for you to delve into the world of automated bread makers and gain some experience before you move on to fancier appliances. Small or not, you still get to control what your family is eating health-wise while you bake delicious bread.

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Pros:

• Automatic nut and fruit dispenser
• Equipped with double-heater
• Compact and practical
• Additional accessories such as measuring cup and spoon
• Gluten-free setting
• Salt-free and sugar-free settings
• Carry Handle
• 15 programs, and 2 crust settings
• 13 hours delay timer
• 50 delicious recipes included

Cons:

• No viewing glass window
• Inner pan is not dishwasher safe

Buying Guide for the Best Zojirushi Bread Maker

Before you invest your money in any kind of automated bread machine, make sure that it Is suitable with your homemade bread plans. First, you have to ask yourself how you intend to use it? This is important because some users take advantage of every function their bread machine offer while others prefer to use their appliances occasionally. You need to make a decision on the capacity, recipe functions, and of course the price accordingly.

If you do not have any budget issues, then the BB-PAC20BA Virtuoso bread maker is the best choice. It is by far the most advanced bread maker version available from the company. You can make any kind of bread, jam, meatloaf, and also prepare various types of dough like pizza, rolls, bagel, cookies and more. It is surely the number 1 choice on top of the best Zojirushi bread makers.

Below you can find detailed information and comparison on the Zojirushi bread makers.

Deciding on Capacity

For this decision, you should consider your family size. If you are an individual or a young couple, then the mini size BB-HAC10 or the Maestro should be sufficient. Note that the Maestro comes with extra courses and technologies. The only disadvantage of the Maestro is its small size. Plus, it does not have a viewing window on top. If you are a large family, then I suggest you should go with Virtuoso model since it has all the best elements and features that Zojirushi ever came up with.

Nut and Fruit Dispenser

I believe this feature is a bit overrated. In the end, it is not of a big deal to open up the lid and add the nuts. I know that having this feature does not hurt, and it sure is helpful, but I still think it is designed for the lazy! If you really must have this, then select the Maestro model. Other models do not contain an automatic fruit and nut dispenser. However, they all come with large viewing windows. And to me, that is far more important while I am monitoring the dough progress.

Delay Timer, Non-stick Pan, LCD panel

I combined all these features under one section since all of the Zojirushi series include these characteristics. I love the LCD panel design Zojirushi uses on its products; it is easy, simple and straightforward. Last thing you want is a complicated control panel on an automatic bread maker. If we ever wanted to keep things complicated, then we would not buy the bread machine in the first place!

Is Zojirushi bread machine worth?

Zojirushi is a distinctive company. If you are searching for ways to make your homemade bread taste and look professional, then you would see that Zojirushi bread makers worth every penny. The special heating system, easy to use control panel, custom features, and free accessories all adds up to bake extra quality bread at home.

How do you use the Zojirushi bread maker?

All Zojirushi bread makers come with easy to follow LCD that enables to program the settings only with a touch of a button. You simply add your liquid ingredients into the baking pan, and then put the rest of the dry ingredients like the flour, dry yeast, and nonfat dry milk on top. Select the bread course you like and hit the start button.

Do you have to use bread flour in a bread maker?

It is important to use bread flour every time you make bread, whether you are baking it in the bread machine or making by hand from scratch. This is because you need more gluten than the regular all-purpose flour. It is nearly impossible to end up with a quality bread otherwise. However, you can turn your all-purpose flour to bread flour only by adding 1 teaspoon of wheat gluten per 1 cup of all-purpose flour.

What else can I make in my bread machine?

Always keep in mind that bread is not the only thing you can make in a bread machine. You are lucky if you have a Zojirushi Virtuoso since you can even make meatloaf. Try making nut bread, multigrain bread, gluten-free bread, rice flour bread, and other types. Prepare any kind of yeast dough like pizzas, rolls, pretzel, bagel, and more. Most bread machines also allow you to make a cake in them. Some are also capable of yogurt-making!

In Conclusion

Zojirushi is one of the leading brands since they care to pay attention to small details, which in turn makes your life easier when you bake at home. You can sense the high level of craftsmanship, ease of use, technological expertise, and the overall quality in every aspect of these glamorous kitchen appliances. The Zojirushi Virtuoso and the Virtuoso Plus model is the best choice, especially if you have a large family. It is the ultimate bread maker powered up with extensive features. Thanks to its special heating element technology, the bread comes out with magnificent crust color. This also adds up to the chewiness inside and the crispiness outside. If you are looking for a bread maker that can make 1 pound (454 g) bread each time, then I suggest you go with the Maestro model. It is a compact model with enormous features. To make your decision easier, you can consider the Virtuoso as a 4-wheel sports SUV model, while the Maestro as the compact sports car.

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