Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread vs Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread
Both made our Best Bread Machines for Gluten-Free Bread 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 Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker if you want 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. Choose the Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker if you'd rather have collapsible paddle folds flat during baking, leaving a much smaller hole in gluten-free loaves than a fixed paddle. Overall we rank the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Bread Machines for Gluten-Free Bread list.
Winner overall: Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker
Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker vs Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 4 in Best Bread Machines for Gluten-Free Bread | #3 of 4 in Best Bread Machines for Gluten-Free Bread |
| Pick label | Best overall | |
| Brand | Zojirushi | Breville |
| Key features | 2-lb loaf capacity; Dual heaters, lid plus bottom; Double kneading blades | 1 to 2.5-lb loaf range; 13-plus automatic programs; Collapsible kneading paddle |
| 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 | Collapsible paddle folds flat during baking, leaving a much smaller hole in gluten-free loaves than a fixed paddle |
| Main trade-off | Vertical loaf shape is taller and narrower than a sandwich-style loaf | Fewer total ratings than Hamilton Beach or Zojirushi, so there is less long-term owner data |
| Best for | gluten free bread | gluten free bread |
Which should you buy?
#1 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 Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker section.
#3 pick
Choose the Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker if…
- Collapsible paddle folds flat during baking, leaving a much smaller hole in gluten-free loaves than a fixed paddle
- Widest loaf-size range in this list, useful for dialing in a smaller gluten-free test loaf before committing to a full batch
- Automatic dispenser adds seeds or dried fruit at the right point without opening the lid
Best for: gluten free bread
Prefer the alternative? See the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker section.
Pros and cons of each
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
Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker
Pros
- Collapsible paddle folds flat during baking, leaving a much smaller hole in gluten-free loaves than a fixed paddle
- Widest loaf-size range in this list, useful for dialing in a smaller gluten-free test loaf before committing to a full batch
- Automatic dispenser adds seeds or dried fruit at the right point without opening the lid
- 9 custom settings allow fine control over crust color and cycle length
Cons
- Fewer total ratings than Hamilton Beach or Zojirushi, so there is less long-term owner data
- Larger footprint takes up more counter space than the Cuisinart
Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker vs Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker: common questions
Which is better, the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker or the Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker?
Choose the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker if you want 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. Choose the Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker if you'd rather have collapsible paddle folds flat during baking, leaving a much smaller hole in gluten-free loaves than a fixed paddle. Overall we rank the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Bread Machines for Gluten-Free Bread list.
What is the difference between the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker and the Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker?
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, while the Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker stands out because collapsible paddle folds flat during baking, leaving a much smaller hole in gluten-free loaves than a fixed paddle. The trade-offs differ too: the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker's main caveat is that vertical loaf shape is taller and narrower than a sandwich-style loaf, and the Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker's is that fewer total ratings than Hamilton Beach or Zojirushi, so there is less long-term owner data.
Is the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker worth it over the Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker instead if vertical loaf shape is taller and narrower than a sandwich-style loaf is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker instead of the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker?
The Breville Custom Loaf BBM800XL Bread Maker suits gluten free bread, while the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker is best for gluten free bread.