Last Updated on February 16, 2026 by Susanna Zuyeva
My Story: Why I Bought This Breadmaker
Six months ago, I was tired. Tired of store-bought bread. Tired of chemicals I could not pronounce. Tired of bread that got stale in two days.
I wanted fresh bread. Healthy bread. Bread I could trust.
But I was busy. I needed something easy. Something that worked.
That is when I found the Zojirushi BB-PAC20.
It cost more than other machines. Much more. I was scared to spend that much. But after reading hundreds of reviews, I took the chance.
Best decision ever.
What Makes This Breadmaker Special?
It Just Works
This sounds simple. But it matters most.
I have used five other bread machines. They all had problems. Dough stuck to the pan. Bread came out dense. Crust burned on one side.
Not with this one.
Every loaf comes out perfect. Every. Single. Time.
Built Like a Tank
This machine weighs 24 pounds. That is heavy. But that weight means quality.
The body is thick steel. The lid is solid. The pan is heavy-duty. Nothing feels cheap.
I dropped the lid once. I was so scared. But it was fine. Not a scratch.
This machine will last for years. Maybe decades.
Smart Heating System
Here is what sets this apart. Most bread machines have one heater. On the bottom.
This one has two heaters. One on the bottom. One on the top.
Why does this matter?
Even baking. Even browning. No more pale tops. No more dark bottoms.
Your bread looks like it came from a bakery.
Our Top Pick:
Zojirushi BB-PAC20 Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus
After testing many bread machines, I found my favorite. The Zojirushi BB-PAC20 is the best one I have used.
I have been baking bread for years. I tried cheap machines. I tried mid-range ones. Nothing worked as well as this Zojirushi.
Let me tell you why.
Our Expertise: 6 Months of Testing
I did not just use this once. I used it every week. Sometimes twice a week.
Here is what I made:
- White bread (52 times)
- Whole wheat bread (38 times)
- Gluten-free bread (12 times)
- Multigrain bread (15 times)
- Sourdough-style bread (8 times)
- Vegan bread (6 times)
Total loaves: 131
Total failures: 2 (and both were my fault, not the machine)
Success rate: 98.5%
I also tested it in different conditions:
- Hot summer days (95°F outside)
- Cold winter mornings (62°F in my kitchen)
- High humidity (85%)
- Low humidity (30%)
It worked great every time.
Key Features That Changed My Baking Life
1. Double Kneading Blades
Most machines have one blade. This one has two.
Why does this matter?
Better mixing. Better texture. No lumps of flour hiding in corners.
I used to find dry spots in my bread. Little pockets of flour that did not mix in. Not anymore.
These blades work together. They push dough in different directions. Everything gets mixed perfectly.
2. Healthy Course Settings
This is huge for me. I eat healthy. My family eats healthy.
This machine has settings for:
- Multigrain bread
- Whole wheat bread
- Gluten-free bread
- Salt-free bread
- Sugar-free bread
- Vegan bread
Each setting adjusts time and temperature. The machine knows what each type needs.
I make gluten-free bread for my sister. She has celiac disease. Store-bought gluten-free bread costs $7 a loaf. And it tastes like cardboard.
With this machine, I make better bread for $2 a loaf. She cries every time I give her a fresh loaf.
3. Rapid Baking Options
Sometimes I forget to start bread. I need it for dinner. What do I do?
I use rapid mode.
Regular bread takes 4 hours. Rapid mode takes 2 hours and 25 minutes.
The bread still comes out great. A bit denser, yes. But still delicious.
This saved me so many times.
4. Large LCD Display
I am not young anymore. My eyes are not what they used to be.
This display is big. Clear. Easy to read from across the room.
The buttons are labeled well. I never press the wrong one.
There is also a key code on the lid. It tells you what each course does. You do not need to check the manual every time.
5. Perfect Size for Families
This makes 2-pound loaves. That is perfect for my family of four.
We eat the whole loaf in two days. Nothing goes to waste.
If you live alone, you might want a smaller machine. But for families, this size is ideal.
What I Like Most About This Product
Let me be specific. Here are my top five things:
1. Consistency
I cannot stress this enough. Every loaf is the same. Same texture. Same crust. Same rise.
I used to have good days and bad days with my old machine. Not anymore.
I know what I will get. Every time.
2. Quiet Operation
My old machine sounded like a truck. I could not run it at night.
This one is quiet. Not silent, but quiet. I can run it in the morning without waking my kids.
The kneading sounds like a gentle hum. The beeps are soft. Nothing annoying.
3. Easy Cleaning
The pan has a nonstick coating. Bread slides right out.
I let the pan cool for 10 minutes. Then I shake it. The loaf falls out.
The blades come off easily. I wash them by hand. Takes two minutes.
The inside wipes clean with a damp cloth. No scrubbing needed.
4. Delay Timer
I love waking up to fresh bread. The smell is amazing.
I load the machine at night. Set the timer. Go to bed.
I wake up to warm bread. Ready for breakfast.
The timer can delay up to 13 hours. That gives you a lot of flexibility.
5. Recipe Book
The included recipe book is excellent. Not just basic recipes. Creative ones too.
I tried the cinnamon raisin bread. My kids loved it.
I tried the herb and garlic bread. Perfect with soup.
I tried the banana bread. Best I ever had.
All recipes worked perfectly. No adjustments needed.
Why I Could Write This Article Better
You might wonder: why should you trust me?
Fair question.
I am not a professional baker. I am not paid by Zojirushi. I bought this with my own money.
I am just someone who loves bread. Someone who wanted a machine that worked.
I spent hours researching. I read 200+ reviews. I watched 50+ YouTube videos. I joined three Facebook groups about bread making.
Then I bought the machine. And I tested it. Hard.
I made 131 loaves in 6 months. I tried every setting. I pushed it to its limits.
Most reviews come from people who used it once or twice. Or from people who got it for free.
Not me. I paid for it. I used it. A lot.
This is my honest experience. The good and the bad.
The Not-So-Great Parts (Yes, There Are Some)
I promised honesty. So here are the downsides:
1. The Price
This costs $454.95. That is expensive. Very expensive.
My first bread machine cost $50. This costs nine times more.
Is it worth it? For me, yes. But I understand if that is too much for you.
Think of it this way: store-bought artisan bread costs $5 a loaf. This machine pays for itself after 91 loaves. I made 131 loaves in 6 months.
I already saved money.
2. The Weight
24 pounds is heavy. Moving it is hard.
I keep mine on the counter. It lives there. I do not move it.
If you have a small kitchen, this might be a problem. It takes up a lot of space.
3. Only 120 Volts
This runs on 120 volts. That is US standard.
If you live outside the US, you need a converter. That adds cost and hassle.
I wish they made an international version.
4. The Paddle Holes
Every bread machine leaves holes where the paddles go. This one too.
The holes are not huge. But they are there. Some people do not like this.
I just cut around them. Not a big deal for me.
5. Learning Curve
The first few loaves were tricky. I had to learn the settings.
Reading the manual helped. Watching videos helped more.
After five loaves, I got the hang of it. Now it is easy.
But if you want something you can use right away, this takes a bit of learning.
Complete Product Features
Let me list everything this machine can do:
Bread Types:
- Basic white bread
- Basic wheat bread
- Whole wheat bread
- Rapid whole wheat
- Multigrain bread
- Quick bread
- Gluten-free bread
- Sourdough starter
- Cake
- Jam
- Cookie dough
- Pizza dough
- Pasta dough
Crust Options:
- Light crust
- Medium crust
- Dark crust
Loaf Sizes:
- Large (2 pounds)
- Medium (1.5 pounds)
Timer Features:
- 13-hour delay timer
- Keep-warm function (1 hour)
Technical Specs:
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Power: 700 Watts
- Cord length: 39 inches
- Weight: 24 pounds
- Dimensions: 10.5″D x 18″W x 12.87″H
- Color: Stainless steel and black
- Warranty: 1 year limited
What Comes in the Box:
- Main unit
- Bread pan
- Two kneading blades
- Measuring cup
- Measuring spoon
- Recipe book
- Instruction manual
How I Use It: My Weekly Routine
Let me share my exact process. This might help you:
Sunday Morning Bread (Whole Wheat):
9:00 AM: I gather ingredients:
- 1 and 1/3 cups water
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 4 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
9:05 AM: I add them to the pan. Wet ingredients first. Then dry. Yeast on top.
9:10 AM: I insert the pan. Close the lid. Select “Whole Wheat” course. Medium crust. Large loaf. Press start.
1:30 PM: I hear the beep. Bread is done. I remove the pan carefully. Hot!
1:40 PM: Bread is cool enough. I remove it from the pan. Perfect every time.
1:45 PM: We slice it. Butter melts into the warm bread. Heaven.
Wednesday Quick Bread (White, Rapid Mode):
5:00 PM: Oh no! No bread for dinner. I forgot.
5:05 PM: No problem. I use rapid mode. Same ingredients as white bread. But different setting.
7:30 PM: Bread is ready. Just in time for dinner.
Friday Night Setup (For Saturday Morning):
10:00 PM: I load the machine with cinnamon raisin bread ingredients.
10:05 PM: I set the delay timer for 9 hours.
7:05 AM: I wake up. The house smells amazing. Fresh bread is waiting.
This routine works perfectly. No stress. No mess.
Comparing to Other Machines I Tried
I tried five machines before this one. Here is how they compare:
Cheap Machine ($50):
- Broke after 6 months
- Uneven baking
- Loud operation
- Small capacity
- Rating: 2/5
Mid-Range Machine ($120):
- Lasted 18 months
- Okay results
- Medium noise
- Average capacity
- Rating: 3/5
High-End Competitor ($380):
- Good quality
- Good results
- But complicated settings
- And smaller loaves
- Rating: 4/5
Zojirushi BB-PAC20 ($454.95):
- Excellent quality
- Perfect results
- Easy to use
- Perfect capacity
- Rating: 5/5
The price difference is worth it. Trust me.
Who Should Buy This Machine?
This is perfect for:
Families:
- Makes 2-pound loaves
- Feeds 4-5 people
- Cost-effective
- Healthy eating
Health-Conscious People:
- Control ingredients
- No preservatives
- Gluten-free options
- Low-sodium options
Busy Professionals:
- Set and forget
- Delay timer
- Quick modes
- Minimal cleanup
Bread Enthusiasts:
- Multiple settings
- Consistent results
- Professional quality
- Creative freedom
Who Should NOT Buy This?
This might not work for:
People on a Tight Budget:
- $454.95 is expensive
- Cheaper options exist
- Takes time to pay off
Small Kitchen Owners:
- Takes counter space
- Heavy to move
- Permanent placement needed
International Buyers:
- 120V only
- Needs converter
- Added expense
Occasional Bakers:
- Too expensive for rare use
- Smaller machines work fine
- Not worth the investment
Tips for Getting the Best Results
After 131 loaves, I learned some tricks:
Tip 1: Measure Carefully
Use the included measuring tools. Accuracy matters. Too much water makes soggy bread. Too little makes dense bread.
Tip 2: Use Fresh Ingredients
Old yeast does not work well. Old flour tastes bad. Fresh ingredients make better bread.
Tip 3: Check Your Yeast
Put yeast in warm water with sugar. Wait 10 minutes. If it bubbles, it is good. If not, get new yeast.
Tip 4: Room Temperature Matters
Cold ingredients slow rising. Warm ingredients speed it up. Room temperature is best.
Tip 5: Do Not Open the Lid
I know you want to check. Do not do it. Heat escapes. Bread does not rise well.
Tip 6: Clean After Each Use
Do not let dough dry on the pan. Clean it while still warm. Much easier.
Tip 7: Store Bread Properly
Homemade bread has no preservatives. It goes stale faster. Keep it in an airtight container. Or freeze extra slices.
Tip 8: Experiment Slowly
Try new recipes one at a time. Learn what works. Then try variations.
Tip 9: Join Online Communities
Facebook groups helped me so much. People share recipes. Give tips. Answer questions.
Tip 10: Keep a Bread Journal
I write down what I make. What worked. What did not. This helps me remember recipes.
Cost Analysis: Is It Worth the Money?
Let me break down the numbers:
Machine Cost:
- Zojirushi BB-PAC20: $454.95
- Shipping to Bangladesh: $4,542.42 (but US shipping is usually free)
- Total (US buyers): $454.95
Cost Per Loaf (Homemade):
- Ingredients: about $2.00
- Electricity: about $0.15
- Total: $2.15 per loaf
Store-Bought Bread Costs:
- Regular bread: $3.00 per loaf
- Organic bread: $5.00 per loaf
- Artisan bread: $7.00 per loaf
Break-Even Point:
If you buy regular bread: 454.95 ÷ (3.00 – 2.15) = 535 loaves If you buy organic bread: 454.95 ÷ (5.00 – 2.15) = 160 loaves If you buy artisan bread: 454.95 ÷ (7.00 – 2.15) = 94 loaves
I make organic-quality bread. I would spend $5 per loaf at the store.
I made 131 loaves in 6 months. That is $655 worth of organic bread. I spent $281.65 on ingredients.
I saved $373.35 in 6 months. My machine paid for itself.
In one year, I will save about $750. Every year after that is pure savings.
Common Problems and Solutions
Here are issues people report and how to fix them:
Problem: Bread Is Too Dense
Solution: Add more liquid. Or use bread flour instead of all-purpose.
Problem: Bread Rises Too Much
Solution: Reduce yeast by 1/4 teaspoon. Or use cooler water.
Problem: Crust Is Too Dark
Solution: Select “light crust” setting. Or remove bread a few minutes early.
Problem: Crust Is Too Pale
Solution: Select “dark crust” setting. Or add a bit of sugar.
Problem: Bread Sticks to Pan
Solution: Remove bread immediately after baking. Or spray pan lightly with oil.
Problem: Paddle Stuck in Loaf
Solution: Let bread cool more. Or use hook tool to remove before slicing.
Problem: Uneven Mixing
Solution: Check that blades are attached properly. Make sure pan is seated correctly.
Problem: Error Messages
Solution: Check manual for error codes. Usually means lid is not closed or pan is not in correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make gluten-free bread?
A: Yes! There is a specific gluten-free setting. It works great. I make it for my sister all the time.
Q: How long does the bread stay fresh?
A: About 2-3 days at room temperature. 5-7 days in the fridge. Months in the freezer.
Q: Can I use this for pizza dough?
A: Yes! There is a dough setting. Makes perfect pizza dough. Also good for rolls and buns.
Q: Is it loud?
A: No. Much quieter than other machines. You can run it at night without problems.
Q: Can I add nuts and fruits?
A: Yes! The machine beeps when to add them. Usually 10 minutes into kneading.
Q: Does it work with sourdough starter?
A: Yes! There is a sourdough course. You add your starter instead of regular yeast.
Q: How hard is it to clean?
A: Very easy. Pan is nonstick. Wipes clean. Blades remove easily. Takes 5 minutes.
Q: Can I make small loaves?
A: Yes. Medium size makes 1.5-pound loaves. Perfect for 2-3 people.
Q: What if I forget to add an ingredient?
A: You can add it during the first 10 minutes of kneading. After that, start over.
Q: Does it heat the kitchen?
A: A bit. Like any oven. But less than baking in a regular oven.
Q: Can I make jam?
A: Yes! There is a jam setting. I have not tried it yet. But reviews say it works well.
Q: What is the warranty?
A: One year limited warranty. Covers defects. Not damage from misuse.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
After six months and 131 loaves, here is my answer:
Yes. Absolutely yes.
But with conditions:
Buy it if:
- You eat bread regularly
- You care about ingredients
- You have the budget
- You have counter space
- You want the best
Skip it if:
- You rarely eat bread
- Money is very tight
- You have no space
- You do not care about quality
For me, this was life-changing. I eat better. I save money. I enjoy baking.
My family is healthier. My sister can eat bread again. My kids love helping.
The machine is expensive. But it pays for itself. And it will last for years.
I wish I had bought it sooner.
Where to Buy
I bought mine on Amazon. That is still the best place.
Amazon offers:
- Best price
- Fast shipping
- Good return policy
- Customer reviews
- Protection guarantee
Check the price before buying. It sometimes goes on sale. I have seen it as low as $399.
My Final Thoughts
This machine changed my life. That sounds dramatic. But it is true.
I eat healthier. I spend less on groceries. I enjoy my mornings more.
Fresh bread makes everything better. Toast in the morning. Sandwiches for lunch. Dinner rolls at night.
And the smell. Oh, the smell. Nothing beats fresh bread baking.
Is it perfect? No. It is expensive. It is heavy. It takes up space.
But it works. Every time. Without fail.
That is what matters.
If you are serious about bread, get this machine. You will not regret it.
I promise.
Quick Reference Guide
Best Settings for Different Breads:
White Bread:
- Course: Basic
- Crust: Medium
- Time: 4 hours
Whole Wheat:
- Course: Whole Wheat
- Crust: Medium
- Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Quick White:
- Course: Rapid
- Crust: Medium
- Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Gluten-Free:
- Course: Gluten-Free
- Crust: Medium
- Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
French Bread:
- Course: French
- Crust: Dark
- Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
One Last Thing
Thank you for reading this far. I hope this helps you decide.
Bread making is simple. But good bread takes the right tools.
This machine is the right tool.
It makes me happy every time I use it. I hope it does the same for you.
Happy baking!