If you plan to make bread on a regular basis, the Zojirushi BB-PDC20BA Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker is a worthwhile splurge. Its bread recipes have a better texture and more evenly browned crust than other bread makers I’ve tested, and it’s an added bonus that the loaves are a traditional horizontal shape—ideal for toasting.
The Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus allows you to develop a two-pound loaf of whatever bread type you choose. Unlike other bread makers, you won’t be able to pick other size options and will be restricted to the two-pound loaf.
With a retail price of around $230, the Zojirushi Mini Breadmaker might give you sticker shock at first, but the price is actually average for a high-quality bread machine.
The Zojirushi’s bread pan isn’t dishwasher-safe, but it’s really, really easy to clean. The loaves slide out cleanly, leaving little to no residue on the nonstick sides, and the only piece that needs attention is the kneading paddles, as sometimes crust gets stuck underneath them.