Zojirushi BB-PDC20BA Review

 

Today I will be reviewing the Zojirushi BB-PDC20BA Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker.

Back in the pandemic, I got into the bread making craze (had to do something). I landed on enjoying making bread in a bread machine that I found in a thrift store for $20. I’ve enjoyed making bread on and off since then. In 2023 I bought the Zojirushi BB-PDC20BA for $238.48 used “like new” on Amazon. This was a great deal that at the time I had seen pop up from time to time. It currently retails for $419.95.

I wanted this machine for a few reasons.

1. Makes standard sized loafs where other machines make a horizontally shaped loaf. 
2. Has a delay timer. Will allow you to add ingredients at some time then set a finish time in the future (wake up to freshly baked bread)
3. Can make a custom program to make real sourdough bread. While I had aspirations of doing this, I’ve never gotten around to it
4. I was told with care, this could be a BuyItForLife item, depending on how the nonstick pan coating hold up. But that can be replaced.

Some things I don’t care for

1. This thing is huge. At 18” wide and 13” tall it takes up a lot of room. Luckily I have a spot that will fit it in my cabinets but it’s something to consider.
2. It makes HUGE loafs of bread. This used to be a pro for us, but right now they feel big. Standard machines are 1.5 lb loafs. This makes 2lb loafs. You can make them slightly smaller 1.75, MAYBE 1.5 but not smaller. If your household can eat this fast enough before staleness, not a problem.

I am really considering buying the Zojirushi BB-HAC10 1lb mini loaf machine (above). I like the idea of small mini loafs that can be made fresh for dinner with friends and eaten in one sitting (maybe two). I think would feel special. My very patient partner would have some feelings about storing TWO big kitchen appliances in our cabinets. Fair. But that is an option. Other than the lack of custom settings (which I haven’t used) all the same pros exist for this machine.

In sum, it has made every bread I’ve made in it beautifully. Does it make bread better than my $20 thrift store machine? No. Are some of the features nice? Yes. Is it worth $420 dollars, probably not. $250 used? I think so.

Thanks for reading! Purchases made through my links help me share honest product reviews to guide thoughtful buying decisions. Bye!

 P.S.

Lately I've been experimenting with making High Fiber, High Protein Pumpkin bread in this machine and it's been working great!