Reviews Zojirushi BB-PAC20 Home Bakery Virtuoso Breadmaker 120 Volts

This Zojirushi BB-PAC20 Home Bakery Virtuoso is the best. I had another one and it died on me. Because of the sturdiness of this machine is why I wanted another one. All the other bread machines "walked" across the counters and the noise level was objectionable.

I love this breadmaker. I have made several loaves of bread and they have all turned out perfect. My loaves come out even and the paddles don't leave a huge hole. I have made only a hand full of loaves, but I love this well made, sturdy, quiet bread maker. Surprisingly, this machine actually has exceeded our expectations; even 100% whole wheat bread, which in the ancestor Zo could be iffy, is perfect.

• Bakes a large traditional rectangular shaped 2-pound loaf
• Dual kneading blades knead dough thoroughly for a higher rise
• Revolutionary heater built into lid makes a perfectly browned crust
• Quick baking cycle prepares breads in about 2 hours; Time delay up to 13 hours
• Includes measuring spoon, measuring cup, a user manual with a variety of recipes, and a removable nonstick bread pan for easy cleaning

In both 2 lb. and 1.5 lb. loaves, the crust is just right - not tough or hard; the top is golden and even; every loaf/cake, complex or simple, has been almost freakishly flawless (true, you are paying for those double paddles and top heater, but do they ever make a difference.

I mostly make the King Arthur Flour White Whole Wheat recipe (found on the King Arthur website and in the book The Bread Lovers Bread Machine Cookbook). I had the Zojirushi Supreme breadmaker, and while it was very nice I found it did not cook the top of some of the breads (especially potato bread or slightly moister breads).

Our favorite is a rich egg bread also know as Challah and here is my personal recipe:

• 2 Beaten Eggs with water to equal 10 oz
• - or 10 oz water and 0.90 oz of powered whole eggs
• 14.85 oz BY WEIGHT bread flour (I highly suggest King Arthur!)
• 1.5 t Salt
• 2 T Sugar
• 1/3 stick of butter (2.66 T or just cut a stick in 3 parts)
• 1.5 t Yeast (buy it in bulk here or at Costco as grocery store prices are insane)
• Optional: 2 drops of egg yellow food color (I suggest AmeriColor available here)

Set the Zojirushi BB-PAC20 Home Bakery Virtuoso Breadmaker machine to the quick or normal cycle, light crust, and hit start. DO NOT use the timer as eggs are perishable.

I have had excellent luck with this Zojirushi BB-PAC20 Home Bakery Virtuoso Breadmaker machine for the white whole wheat and potato breads that I like to make. I pull the dough over and even it out in the pan. I really think that the extra element in the lid makes a big difference when baking.