Zojirushi Supreme vs Virtuoso: Which Breadmaker Is Right for You?

When it comes to baking fresh, delicious bread at home, a high-quality breadmaker can make all the difference. Zojirushi, a brand synonymous with reliability and precision, offers two popular models that stand out in the market: the Home Bakery Supreme (BB-CEC20) and the Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus (BB-PDC20BA). Both of these breadmakers promise to elevate your baking experience, but each caters to slightly different needs. Whether you’re a novice baker looking for a simple solution or an experienced home baker wanting more customization and versatility, we will help you choose the perfect breadmaker to suit your kitchen and your baking goals.

1. Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme Breadmaker

The Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme Breadmaker (BB-CEC20) is a standout kitchen appliance for those who love the idea of fresh, homemade bread without the hassle. Its user-friendly interface, with an LCD control panel, allows you to choose from 10 pre-programmed settings, including options for whole wheat, cake, jam, and even sourdough starter. One of its most notable features is the 13-hour delay timer, which lets you wake up or come home to the smell of freshly baked bread. The machine is designed to bake a perfect 2-pound loaf with a choice of three crust settings—light, medium, or dark—giving you full control over the final product. The non-stick baking pan and the two kneading blades ensure consistent results, making it easier to achieve that perfect loaf every time. Additionally, the included recipe book and instructional DVD make it easy to get started.

On the positive side, the Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme is highly versatile, handling a range of recipes from bread to cakes and even meatloaf. The large viewing window lets you keep an eye on your bread as it bakes, and the inclusion of an auto shut-off system enhances safety. However, at nearly 20 pounds, it is a bit heavy and may not be ideal for smaller kitchens or for those looking for a more portable option. The machine also requires hand washing, which may be inconvenient for some users.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. 10 pre-programmed settings for various recipes.
2. 13-hour delay timer for fresh bread anytime.
3. Three crust shade options for customization.
4. Non-stick baking pan for easy cleaning.
5. Dual kneading blades for thorough mixing and higher rise.

Pros:

1. Versatile, can bake bread, cakes, and even meatloaf.
2. User-friendly LCD control panel with easy-to-follow instructions.
3. Delay timer allows for fresh bread at any time.
4. Includes recipe book and instructional DVD for guidance.
5. Auto shut-off system for added safety.

Cons:

1. Heavy at 19.5 pounds, which may be cumbersome in smaller kitchens.

2. Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker

The Zojirushi BB-PDC20BA Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker is an exceptional addition to any kitchen, offering a variety of settings to cater to diverse dietary needs. From the gluten-free and vegan options to the multigrain and whole wheat courses, this breadmaker ensures that you can bake delicious, healthy loaves with ease. Its innovative dual heaters on both the top and bottom of the baking pan promote even baking and golden crusts, while the double kneading blades ensure a superior dough texture. With a large LCD display and easy-to-read controls, it’s simple to select the right course for your baking needs. The 13-hour delay timer is particularly convenient for waking up to or coming home to fresh, homemade bread, adding a touch of luxury to your daily routine.

On the positive side, the Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus excels in versatility, offering not just bread, but also cake, jam, and dough-making capabilities. The “Homemade” course allows users to customize their settings, making it ideal for creative bakers. The rapid courses are another standout feature, baking a loaf in just over two hours. However, the unit’s weight at 24 pounds can be a bit cumbersome for some users, and its hand wash-only requirement may be inconvenient for those seeking a more low-maintenance appliance.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. Dual heaters for even baking and browning.
2. Double kneading blades for superior dough results.
3. Large LCD display for easy course selection.
4. 13-hour delay timer for fresh bread at any time.
5. Specialized settings for gluten-free, vegan, and multigrain bread.

Pros:

1. Versatile with options for bread, dough, jam, and cake.
2. Customizable “Homemade” course for personalized baking.
3. Rapid baking cycle for quick bread production.
4. Evenly baked loaves with the dual heater system.
5. Easy-to-use with clear LCD control and large viewing window.

Cons:

1. Heavy at 24 pounds, making it less portable.

Zojirushi Supreme vs Virtuoso: A Comprehensive Comparison

Zojirushi is renowned for its high-quality breadmakers, and the Home Bakery Supreme (BB-CEC20) and Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus (BB-PDC20BA) are two of their most popular models. Both offer a variety of features designed to make homemade bread baking easier and more enjoyable, but they have distinct differences that cater to different user needs.

Key Features

Both models share several key features that make them stand out in the crowded breadmaker market. They are designed to be user-friendly, offer multiple pre-programmed settings, and provide consistent results. However, there are differences in functionality that could influence your decision.

Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme (BB-CEC20)

• Capacity: 2-pound loaf
• Kneading Blades: Dual blades for even kneading and higher rise.
• Heaters: Single heater at the bottom of the baking pan.
• Pre-programmed settings: 10 settings including Basic, Whole Wheat, Jam, Cake, Quick, and more.
• Delay Timer: 13-hour delay for fresh bread at any time.
• LCD Display: Simple interface with clear controls.
• Additional Features: Includes an instructional DVD and recipe book for easy setup.

Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus (BB-PDC20BA)

• Capacity: 2-pound loaf
• Kneading Blades: Dual blades for superior dough kneading.
• Heaters: Dual heaters on both the bottom and lid for even baking and browning.
• Pre-programmed settings: 14 settings including Whole Wheat, Multigrain, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Rapid Whole Wheat, and more.
• Delay Timer: 13-hour delay timer.
• LCD Display: Larger and more advanced interface with key code on the lid.
• Additional Features: Customizable “Homemade” course with memory settings for kneading, rising, and baking times.

Performance and Bread Quality

Both breadmakers produce high-quality loaves of bread, but the Virtuoso Plus offers a slight edge when it comes to consistency and customization.

Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme (BB-CEC20)

The Supreme model excels in producing perfectly browned, rectangular loaves. With its dual kneading blades and a single heater at the bottom, the breadmaker ensures that the dough is thoroughly kneaded and that the loaf rises to an impressive height. However, compared to the Virtuoso Plus, the Supreme lacks the dual heaters, which means the bread may not have as evenly browned crusts.

Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus (BB-PDC20BA)

The Virtuoso Plus is designed with dual heaters—one on the bottom and one on the lid—which significantly improve the evenness of baking and produce a more evenly browned crust. The dual heaters help achieve a bakery-style loaf with a golden, crispy crust and a soft, fluffy interior. The inclusion of the “Homemade” setting with customizable options also allows users to fine-tune the kneading, rising, and baking processes, giving greater flexibility for different types of bread.

Versatility and Special Diet Options

When it comes to versatility, the Virtuoso Plus stands out due to its variety of specialized courses.

Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme (BB-CEC20)

• Offers 10 pre-programmed settings, including options for whole wheat, jam, cake, and more.
• The machine can bake a range of breads but does not offer the specialized settings for gluten-free or vegan diets.
• The Supreme excels at making basic bread, but its settings may not cater as well to those with specific dietary needs.

Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus (BB-PDC20BA)

• The Virtuoso Plus includes 14 pre-programmed settings, including gluten-free, vegan, salt-free, and sugar-free courses, making it an excellent choice for those with dietary restrictions.
• The Multigrain course is particularly noteworthy, as it’s designed to handle various whole grains and seeds, creating a more complex, flavorful loaf.
• This model also includes a Rapid Whole Wheat setting, which is ideal for those who need to bake bread quickly without compromising on quality.

Ease of Use and Additional Features

While both machines are relatively easy to use, the Virtuoso Plus offers a more advanced and user-friendly interface.

Feature	Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme	Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus
LCD Display	Simple, easy-to-read	Larger, with key code on lid
Customizable Settings	No	Yes, with “Homemade” memory settings
Delay Timer	13 hours	13 hours
Additional Accessories	Measuring cup, spoon, DVD	Measuring cup, spoon, recipe book
Heaters	Bottom-only heater	Dual bottom and lid heaters

Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme (BB-CEC20)

The Supreme’s LCD display is simple and easy to navigate. While it offers fewer settings than the Virtuoso Plus, its basic functionality makes it ideal for users who want to bake without too many complex features. The machine also comes with a recipe book and instructional DVD, which makes it easy to get started, even for beginners.

Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus (BB-PDC20BA)

The Virtuoso Plus, on the other hand, features a larger LCD display and a key code system on the lid, which simplifies the course selection process. The addition of the “Homemade” setting and three memory settings provides greater flexibility, allowing users to create custom bread recipes. It also comes with a recipe book, liquid measuring cup, and a set of nested measuring cups, making it even more convenient for users who want to experiment with different bread types.

Price and Value for Money

The Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus comes at a higher price point than the Supreme, but the additional features and versatility it offers may justify the cost for serious bakers or those with special dietary needs. The Supreme, while slightly more affordable, is still an excellent choice for those who want reliable, high-quality bread without the extra features.

FAQ

1. Which breadmaker is better for beginners, the Supreme or the Virtuoso Plus?

If you’re a beginner, the Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme (BB-CEC20) might be the better choice. It offers a simpler interface and fewer settings, making it easy to use without feeling overwhelmed. The straightforward controls, along with the included recipe book and instructional DVD, make it a great starting point for someone just getting into bread baking. However, if you’re willing to spend a bit more time learning and want more advanced options as you progress, the Virtuoso Plus offers more features and flexibility that could be beneficial as you become more experienced.

2. Can I make gluten-free bread with both models?

Yes, both models can make gluten-free bread, but the Virtuoso Plus (BB-PDC20BA) has a dedicated gluten-free setting that is specially designed to handle the unique requirements of gluten-free baking, such as different rise times and mixing speeds. This ensures better results when baking gluten-free loaves. The Supreme (BB-CEC20) also has a gluten-free option but lacks the specialized customization and settings of the Virtuoso Plus, which may affect the final texture and consistency of your gluten-free bread.

3. What is the difference between the baking cycles of the two models?

The Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus (BB-PDC20BA) offers a more advanced baking cycle with its dual heaters (one on the lid and one on the bottom), providing more even baking and a superior crust. It also includes a Rapid Whole Wheat setting that bakes bread in under 2.5 hours. On the other hand, the Home Bakery Supreme (BB-CEC20) uses a single bottom heater, which still produces great results but may not provide the same evenness or browning as the Virtuoso Plus. The Supreme also lacks the Rapid Whole Wheat cycle but still offers a quick baking option for regular bread.

4. Is the Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus worth the extra cost?

The Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus (BB-PDC20BA) is priced higher than the Supreme model, but it offers several additional features that may justify the extra cost for serious bakers. The dual heaters, customizable “Homemade” course, and specialized settings for various diets like vegan, salt-free, and sugar-free breads provide more versatility. If you have dietary restrictions or want to experiment with different bread types, the Virtuoso Plus is worth the investment. However, if you prefer a simpler and more affordable option, the Supreme still delivers excellent results at a lower price point.

5. Can I bake other things besides bread with these machines?

Yes, both breadmakers are versatile and can bake more than just bread. The Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme (BB-CEC20) can also make cakes, jam, and dough. Similarly, the Virtuoso Plus (BB-PDC20BA) has even more variety, with settings for cake, jam, dough, and even pasta. The “Homemade” course on the Virtuoso Plus allows for further experimentation, letting you customize settings for different types of recipes beyond just bread. So, if you’re looking for an all-in-one appliance for baking a variety of foods, the Virtuoso Plus offers more flexibility.

Conclusion

Both the Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme and Virtuoso Plus are exceptional breadmakers, but they cater to slightly different needs. If you’re looking for a straightforward, reliable machine that makes delicious bread with minimal fuss, the Home Bakery Supreme is a great option. However, if you want a more versatile breadmaker with specialized settings for various diets and customizable features, the Virtuoso Plus is the better choice.