Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker vs Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread
Both made our Best Bread Machines for Beginners shortlist, at #1 and #3. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 if you want dedicated whole grain preset handles most standard whole wheat blends adequately. Choose the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker if you'd rather have dual heaters set the crust from the top as well as the bottom, which helps a gluten-free loaf hold its shape before it can sink. Overall we rank the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Bread Machines for Beginners list.
Winner overall: Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885
Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 vs Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 5 in Best Bread Machines for Beginners | #3 of 5 in Best Bread Machines for Beginners |
| Pick label | Best overall | |
| Brand | Hamilton Beach | Zojirushi |
| Key features | 2-lb capacity; 14 programmable settings including whole grain; 3 loaf sizes, 3 crust shades | 2-lb loaf capacity; Dual heaters, lid plus bottom; Double kneading blades |
| Biggest strength | Dedicated whole grain preset handles most standard whole wheat blends adequately | Dual heaters set the crust from the top as well as the bottom, which helps a gluten-free loaf hold its shape before it can sink |
| Main trade-off | Single kneading paddle and single heating element struggle more with 100 percent whole wheat than dual-blade machines | Vertical loaf shape is taller and narrower than a sandwich-style loaf |
| Best for | whole wheat | gluten free bread |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick
Choose the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 if…
- Dedicated whole grain preset handles most standard whole wheat blends adequately
- Large ratings volume gives plenty of real-world feedback on which whole wheat recipes work best in this machine
- Dishwasher-safe pan and paddle simplify cleanup after a sticky whole grain dough
Best for: whole wheat
Prefer the alternative? See the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker section.
#3 pick · Best overall
Choose the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker if…
- Dual heaters set the crust from the top as well as the bottom, which helps a gluten-free loaf hold its shape before it can sink
- Double kneading blades handle the thick, batter-like gluten-free dough more evenly than a single-blade machine
- Large viewing window makes it easy to check the batter consistency mid-cycle without opening the lid
Best for: gluten free bread
Prefer the alternative? See the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 section.
Pros and cons of each
Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885
Pros
- Dedicated whole grain preset handles most standard whole wheat blends adequately
- Large ratings volume gives plenty of real-world feedback on which whole wheat recipes work best in this machine
- Dishwasher-safe pan and paddle simplify cleanup after a sticky whole grain dough
Cons
- Single kneading paddle and single heating element struggle more with 100 percent whole wheat than dual-blade machines
- Denser loaves come out noticeably shorter than on the Zojirushi or Breville
- Shorter reported lifespan than the premium machines under heavy weekly whole wheat baking
Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker
Pros
- Dual heaters set the crust from the top as well as the bottom, which helps a gluten-free loaf hold its shape before it can sink
- Double kneading blades handle the thick, batter-like gluten-free dough more evenly than a single-blade machine
- Large viewing window makes it easy to check the batter consistency mid-cycle without opening the lid
- Long track record as the most consistently top-rated machine in the category
Cons
- Vertical loaf shape is taller and narrower than a sandwich-style loaf
- Kneading motor is audible during the mix cycle
Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 vs Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker: common questions
Which is better, the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 or the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker?
Choose the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 if you want dedicated whole grain preset handles most standard whole wheat blends adequately. Choose the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker if you'd rather have dual heaters set the crust from the top as well as the bottom, which helps a gluten-free loaf hold its shape before it can sink. Overall we rank the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Bread Machines for Beginners list.
What is the difference between the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 and the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker?
The Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 stands out because dedicated whole grain preset handles most standard whole wheat blends adequately, while the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker stands out because dual heaters set the crust from the top as well as the bottom, which helps a gluten-free loaf hold its shape before it can sink. The trade-offs differ too: the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885's main caveat is that single kneading paddle and single heating element struggle more with 100 percent whole wheat than dual-blade machines, and the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker's is that vertical loaf shape is taller and narrower than a sandwich-style loaf.
Is the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 worth it over the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker instead if single kneading paddle and single heating element struggle more with 100 percent whole wheat than dual-blade machines is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker instead of the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885?
The Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker suits gluten free bread, while the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 is best for whole wheat.