Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker

Delicious fresh warm bread in a jiffy.

Want bread in a jiffy and with minimal effort? A bread machine makes it possible. Just add the ingredients in the order called for in the recipe, pick your settings and preprogrammed cycle, and press “start.” A few hours later, a beautiful loaf of bread emerges.

Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

With a fancy heated lid and dual paddles for kneading, this machine formed and baked beautiful, golden-crusted loaves with even-crumbed interiors. The machine’s heated lid helped it achieve the exact chosen crust shade every time. However, the control panel was slightly confusing to use, and we wished that the display screen showed a timer for how long the bread would take to make rather than the time of day.

We maintain strict objectivity in all testing.*

PERFORMANCE ★★★

EASE OF USE ★★½

KEY: GOOD ★★★ FAIR ★★ POOR ★

Details

Loaf Size Range: 1.5–2 lb
Preprogrammed Cycles: White, Whole Wheat, European, Multigrain, Gluten Free, Salt Free, Sugar Free, Vegan, Rapid White, Rapid Whole Wheat, Dough, Sourdough Starter, Cake, Jam, Homemade
Kneading Paddles: 2
Includes: Liquid Measuring Cup, Nested Measuring Cups, and a Measuring Spoon
Bread Pan Dimensions: 9.4 x 5.68 x 5.13 in
Machine Dimensions: 10.5 x 18 x 12.88 in
Item Number: ATKZHBP
Item Weight: 24 pounds

Shipping

How We Tested Bread Machines

All the machines we tested had the ability to make 2-pound loaves, though some also had options for other bread sizes, ranging from 1- to 2.5-pound loaves. We made a variety of breads in each machine: basic white bread from each machine’s recipe booklet, our recipe for basic wheat bread for bread machines, and our recipe for sweet bread with almonds and dried cherries for bread machines. After the first few rounds of bread making, we did some further baking in our favorite machines.

Winning Traits

Machines with Two Kneading Paddles
Longer Bread Pans
Automatic Fruit and Nut Dispenser
Viewing Light
Heated Lid

* OBJECTIVITY FIRST, LAST, AND ALWAYS.

America’s Test Kitchen does not accept advertising and conducts equipment tests without the knowledge of product manufacturers. Exclusive equipment offers are sourced only after the test results have been published in our magazines and on our websites.