Zojirushi
Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker
- #1 in Best Bread Machines for Gluten-Free Bread
- #1 in Best Bread Machines for Whole Wheat Bread
- #3 in Best Bread Machines for Beginners
- 2-lb loaf capacity
- Dual heaters, lid plus bottom
- Double kneading blades
- Dedicated gluten-free program
- 13-hour delay timer
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On this page
Is the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker worth it?
Yes, for the right buyer. The Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker ranks #1 in our Best Bread Machines for Gluten-Free Bread list (best overall). Its biggest strength: 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 main caveat: vertical loaf shape is taller and narrower than a sandwich-style loaf.
Overview
What the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker does well
The dual-heater design and dedicated program produce the most consistent rise of any machine here. The highlights are 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 and double kneading blades handle the thick, batter-like gluten-free dough more evenly than a single-blade machine.
The strongest kneading and most even crust of any machinewith dense flour. Its case rests on double kneading blades incorporate bran and germ into the gluten network more thoroughly than a single-blade machine and dual heaters help a denser whole wheat loaf set its crust before it can sink.
The most forgiving machine in the category, worth the price for a committed beginner. The highlights are dual heaters are the most forgiving crust setup for a beginner who has not yet dialed in timing and large viewing window lets a new baker watch the whole process and learn what each stage should look like.
Specs that matter
Key features
- 2-lb loaf capacity
- Dual heaters, lid plus bottom
- Double kneading blades
- Dedicated gluten-free program
- 13-hour delay timer
The trade-offs
Pros & cons
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
Fit check
Should you buy the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker?
Buy it if you're…
- Shopping for gluten-free bread
- Shopping for whole wheat bread
- Shopping for beginners
- Shopping for small households
Think twice if this matters to you
- Vertical loaf shape is taller and narrower than a sandwich-style loaf
- Kneading motor is audible during the mix cycle
Where it ranks
Featured in 4 best-of lists
| List | Rank |
|---|---|
| Best Bread Machines for Gluten-Free Bread· Best overall | #1 / 4 |
| Best Bread Machines for Whole Wheat Bread | #1 / 4 |
| Best Bread Machines for Beginners | #3 / 5 |
| Best Bread Machines for Small Households | #4 / 5 |
Cross-shop
Alternatives to the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker
Products ranked near it in our research, each better for a slightly different buyer.
- Hamilton Beach
Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885
- 2-lb capacity
- 14 programmable settings including whole grain
Head-to-head
Compared with
Buying advice: bread machines
- Most machines bake 1 to 2.5 lb loaves. A 2 lb loaf suits a family of four; smaller households may prefer a compact machine with a 1 to 1.5 lb setting.
- Dual-paddle machines with a horizontal pan knead more evenly and give a traditional loaf shape. Single paddles leave a tall loaf and a larger hole in the base.
- Useful programs include whole wheat, gluten-free, dough only and a rapid cycle. Many extra programs go unused, so focus on the ones you will bake.
- A 12 to 15 hour delay timer lets you load ingredients at night for fresh bread in the morning. Avoid dairy and eggs on long delays.
- Kneading is loud and the machines are bulky. Check counter space and whether you can store it in a cupboard.
Answers
Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker: common questions
Is the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker worth buying?
Yes, for the right buyer. The Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker ranks #1 in our Best Bread Machines for Gluten-Free Bread list (best overall). Its biggest strength: 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 main caveat: vertical loaf shape is taller and narrower than a sandwich-style loaf.
Who is the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker best for?
Based on our research it suits gluten-free bread, whole wheat bread, beginners and small households. It's ranked #1 of 4 in our Best Bread Machines for Gluten-Free Bread list.
What are the downsides of the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker?
The main trade-offs owners and reviewers point to: vertical loaf shape is taller and narrower than a sandwich-style loaf; kneading motor is audible during the mix cycle.
What are the key features of the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker?
2-lb loaf capacity, Dual heaters, lid plus bottom, Double kneading blades, Dedicated gluten-free program and 13-hour delay timer.
What are the best alternatives to the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker?
Worth comparing: Cuisinart CBK-200 Convection Bread Maker, Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker and Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885. Each ranks near it in our research for a slightly different buyer.
Where can I buy the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker?
It's sold on Amazon. Prices and stock change often, so check the current listing before you buy, our link takes you straight to it.
What is the easiest bread machine for a total beginner to use?
The Hamilton Beach 29885 is the easiest starting point for most first-time bakers because its 14 presets and simple dial-and-button interface require the least setup knowledge, and its lower price makes early mistakes less costly. The Cuisinart CBK-200 is a close second, with more presets but a slightly steeper initial learning curve for its convection settings.
Do I need to know how to bake bread before using a bread machine?
Bread machines exist specifically to remove the kneading, proofing, and temperature judgment that hand baking requires. A beginner only needs to measure ingredients accurately, especially the yeast and liquid, and select the correct preset for the type of bread being made. The machine handles timing and temperature automatically.
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Other bread machines we recommend
- Hamilton Beach
Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885
- 2-lb capacity
- 14 programmable settings including whole grain
- Amazon Basics
Amazon Basics Programmable Bread Maker, 2 lb
- Low price for a 2 lb machine
- 14 programs including gluten-free and dough
