Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus Bread Machine: Ultimate Home Baking Review
Every loaf emerges golden-crusted and tender, whether you prefer white or gluten-free.
Introduction: The Gold Standard in Home Bread Making
The Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus Bread Machine is widely recognized as one of the leading bread makers for home bakers seeking exceptional quality, versatility, and reliability. Not only does it produce beautifully shaped horizontal loaves, it also offers unmatched consistency and an impressive feature set, making it a standout appliance in a crowded market.
Why Choose the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus?
- Consistently perfect loaves – Even baking, no crumbling, and a soft, airy interior.
- Versatile settings – Handles everything from classic white to gluten-free, vegan, and artisan-style breads.
- Traditionally shaped loaves – The horizontal pan mimics bakery-style sandwiches for easy slicing.
- Durable design – Sturdy construction means reliable performance for years, even with daily use.
- Effective for specialty diets – Excels at gluten-free, low-sugar, and vegan baking without compromises in taste or texture.
Design and Build Quality
This bread machine features a robust, highly polished exterior and a sizeable footprint on your countertop. Despite its large size, many users find it well justified, as it churns out double-sized (2 lb.) loaves that look, smell, and taste like artisanal bread. What sets it apart is the dual heater system, including a top heater in the lid, which ensures the crust is golden, evenly baked, and never soggy.
Some notable design elements include:
- Printed course list on lid – Makes settings selection simple and intuitive.
- Double kneading blades – Helps achieve thorough mixing for airy doughs and superior crumb structure.
- Removable paddles and bake pan – Allows for easy cleaning and the option to minimize holes at the bottom of each loaf by removing paddles mid-cycle.
Bread Loaf Quality: Performance Across Settings
The Virtuoso Plus delivers on its promise of excellent bread, no matter the recipe:
- White bread – Consistently light and fluffy, perfect rise, and crisp but not tough crust.
- Whole wheat – Slightly denser but moist, well-risen, and flavorful.
- Gluten-free – Surprisingly palatable, rivaling artisanal bakery gluten-free loaves, with balanced texture and flavor.
- European, multigrain, and specialty – Delivers loaves with complexity, distinct character, and robust crusts.
- Sourdough starter and sweet breads – Effective at proofing, kneading, and baking all in one cycle.
Unique Features and Advanced Settings
The Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus is packed with user-friendly features and customizable options:
- 15 pre-programmed settings allow for homemade breads, cakes, jams, and specialty items:
| Setting Name | Description |
|---|---|
| White | Classic sandwich bread |
| Whole Wheat | Dense, hearty bread |
| European | Artisan-style, chewy crust |
| Multigrain | Seeds, grains, hearty textures |
| Gluten Free | Specially formulated for gluten-free flours |
| Salt Free/Sugar Free/Vegan | Adapt recipes for dietary needs |
| Rapid White/Wheat | Quicker results for busy days |
| Dough & Sourdough Starter | Prepares dough for further shaping and baking |
| Cake & Jam | Expands utility beyond bread |
| Homemade | Three memory slots for custom cycle programming |
Ease of Use
Operating the Virtuoso Plus is simple, even for novice bakers:
- Clear display and controls – All courses and settings are easily accessible, with the list conveniently printed on the lid for reference.
- Recipe book included – Provides reliable, tested recipes designed to work perfectly with this unit’s features and cycles. Starting with these guarantees early success.
- Audio cue for add-ins – Beeps mid-cycle to signal when it’s time to add dried fruit, nuts, or seeds, ensuring even distribution without an automatic dispenser.
- 13-hour delay timer – Schedule warm bread for breakfast or after work, adapting to your daily routine.
- Easy cleaning – Removable paddles and pan can be washed easily; cleaning up after baking is stress-free.
Accessories and What’s Included
Several useful accessories come with the Virtuoso Plus to streamline your baking experience:
- Liquid measuring cup – Conveniently marked for typical ingredient volumes.
- Measuring spoon and cup – Essential for precise ingredient preparation.
- Recipe book – Developed specifically for the machine, covers an array of bread styles and even some creative non-bread recipes.
What others are reading
Pros and Cons of the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus Bread Maker
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Noise, Reliability, and Longevity
The Virtuoso Plus is notably quieter than most bread machines and its sturdy construction means it can handle frequent use without issue. Owners routinely cite that their Zojirushi units last for years, supporting heavy baking schedules from families and enthusiasts alike.
Comparing With Other Bread Makers
While less expensive competitors may offer similar basic functions, none match the Virtuoso Plus for:
- Heat distribution – Upper and lower heating means no underbaked tops or tough crusts.
- Consistent results – Even when using alternative flours or custom recipes, the Virtuoso Plus delivers the same quality each time.
- Loaf shape – Horizontal pan produces bakery-style loaves compared to vertical, often awkward shapes from cheaper models.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus
- Start with recipes from the included booklet for guaranteed success.
- Don’t rush the rapid-cook settings; allow enough time for proper rise and bake on whole wheat or specialty loaves.
- Add fruits, nuts, or seeds at the beep for ideal placement in the loaf; don’t rely on simply adding them at the beginning.
- Mill your own flour and experiment, this machine is robust enough to handle custom blends.
- If you want to minimize paddle holes in the bottom of your loaf, remove the kneading paddles at the appropriate stage mid-cycle (after the final mixing).
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
Q: Can I make gluten-free bread with the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus?
A: Yes, it excels at gluten-free baking, and produces loaves with great flavor and texture – better than many store-bought options.
Q: Does it come with recipes?
A: Yes, a well-tested recipe book is included, covering every bread setting and some cakes and jams.
Q: Is it difficult to clean?
A: No, the pan and paddles are removable for easy cleaning. Just remember to replace the paddles before the next bake.
Q: Can I bake rapid bread in a pinch?
A: Absolutely. The rapid settings are designed for quick, reliable loaves when you need bread fast.
Q: How big are the loaves?
A: Loaves are 2 pounds, horizontal, easily sliced for sandwiches, toasting, or serving.
Conclusion: Is the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus Worth It?
For serious home bakers, families, or anyone with a passion for quality bread, the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus Bread Maker represents an investment in reliability, versatility, and flavor. While the initial cost is high, the machine’s longevity, consistent results, and flexibility mean the value is quickly realized through years of perfectly baked loaves. If horizontal, bakery-style bread and specialty settings are important to you, no bread maker currently rivals the Virtuoso Plus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How does the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus differ from older models?
A: The Virtuoso Plus adds a top heater in the lid for more even crust, additional specialty settings, and a refreshed interface.
Q: Is the bread pan nonstick?
A: Yes, facilitating easy removal and cleaning after each loaf.
Q: Can I use fresh milled flour?
A: Yes, the machine can handle fresh milled flour with the right recipe and hydration adjustments.
Q: Does it have a fruit and nut dispenser?
A: No automatic dispenser; add-ins must be put in manually when prompted by the beep.
References
- https://www.tomsguide.com/home/zojirushi-home-bakery-virtuoso-plus-breadmaker-review
- https://themilleracres.com/zojirushi-home-bakery-virtuoso-plus-breadmaker-review/
- https://www.techgearlab.com/reviews/kitchen/bread-machine/zojirushi-virtuoso-plus
- https://www.breadmachinepros.com/zojirushi/zojirushi-bb-pdc20-review/
- https://store.zojirushi.com/products/bbpdc
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQFIs5SPIIM
- https://shop.kingarthurbaking.com/items/zojirushi-home-bakery-virtuoso-plus-bread-machine
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