Zojirushi Virtuoso Bread Machine Assessment

I’ve but to fall sufferer to the sourdough craze that appears to comb by my good friend group and social media feeds each couple of years. I really like bread, and the thought of shaping my very own loaf, placing it to mattress in a cute little proofing basket, and scoring stunning patterns into its doughy high sounds so romantic. However as my thirsty houseplants can attest, I’m not the best at routine upkeep. I don’t belief myself to maintain a starter alive or keep in mind to knead dough in between proofs. So when my husband recommended buying a bread machine, I ought to have jumped on board shortly. I dragged my toes a bit, complaining about the associated fee and the misplaced counter area. However reader, I’m right here to admit that I used to be improper. I’ve fallen head over heels in love with my bread machine, the Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker, which additionally occurs to be a Severe Eats winner. 

Its Options Make It Stand Out 

I wished a bread machine that would make a wide range of loaves like multigrain and cinnamon raisin, however my husband and I additionally knew we’d be utilizing it primarily for sandwich loaves. We additionally prioritized straightforward cleanup, along with loaf measurement. This mannequin bakes a two-pound loaf, which looks like lots for a small family till you uncover that each your one-year-old and your yellow lab are bonkers for contemporary bread. I bake a few loaf every week, largely utilizing the recipe guide included with the machine, which provides over 50 recipes of varied types. There are even directions for making different objects like pizza dough, jam, and sure, expensive reader, even sourdough starter. (I’ll but succumb to its siren name.)

There are just a few options that make the Zojirushi Virtuoso notably superior. One is the two-paddled pan, which ensures the elements are completely combined through the kneading course of. I’ve but to discover a stray little bit of unincorporated flour, or in any other case, after baking. The “Crust Management” setting enables you to select a light-weight, medium, or darkish crust in your loaf—what customization! And, lastly, the bigger, rectangular pan is good for a sandwich-shaped loaf, making it tremendous straightforward for slicing and getting ready sandwiches. Many different bread machine pans are taller, and whereas they could take up much less actual property in your counter, that makes sandwiches a little bit awkward.

The Bread Is Scrumptious

The honey bread from the included recipe guide has been a family favourite. It’s gentle and fluffy, and though it’s not the best to slice into sandwich bread, two thick items will take advantage of deliciously nostalgic PB&J you’ve ever had. The price of this specific recipe breaks right down to about $2.50, relying on the place you supply your elements. I bought a 10-pound bag of bread flour from Costco, however all the opposite elements are simply from the grocery retailer, and it’s so simple as water, bread flour, honey, salt, unsalted butter, and rapid-rise yeast. Whereas this has been our default recipe, I additionally extremely advocate the usual white bread, cinnamon raisin, and pizza dough recipes, which make common appearances in my residence.

It Makes It Simple to Bake Bread on a Whim

I like to recommend utilizing a kitchen scale for measuring out elements, however the Zojirushi recipe guide consists of each weight and quantity so you’ll be able to select your individual journey. A lot of the recipes are so simple as including elements to the pan within the order they’re listed, tapping a few buttons, and hitting begin. In 5 minutes (I timed it), I can pull collectively the elements and have a loaf going. Speedy recipes might be baked and able to eat in beneath three hours, however most others take round three and a half.  

Having a bread machine has additionally confirmed helpful in conditions like making day-of dinner plans, or once I want a housewarming or get-well-soon present for a good friend. As a result of the prep time is so quick and the baking course of is usually hands-off, it’s straightforward to throw the elements collectively shortly and get one thing began. It additionally doesn’t add a lot residual warmth to the kitchen, though I’ve used it within the hotter months in a house with out air con (thanks, New England). The aroma of contemporary bread, nonetheless, does add an incalculable quantity of pleasure. And for those who occur to show that contemporary bread into French toast the subsequent morning, you run the danger of incandescent happiness. 

A Couple of Useful Suggestions When Utilizing a Bread Machine

Though I’ve baked profitable loaves with out this step, most recipes counsel pausing the rising course of to punch down the dough in order that it doesn’t develop too giant for the machine. I’ve solely had one loaf develop so tall that it nudged the lid of the machine whereas baking, however whereas it was not fairly as good on high, it was nonetheless baked by and scrumptious. 

Cleanup is as straightforward as gently washing the baking pan with heat soapy water. Nevertheless, as a result of dough tends to get baked into the removable paddles on the underside, I like to recommend soaking the pan in heat water to loosen the gunk first. 

FAQs

Who’s a bread machine for?

A bread machine is nice for bread-baking newcomers, individuals who need their houses to odor like contemporary bread, or anybody who likes the thought of contemporary bread however may choose a barely extra hands-off method than a home made recipe.

How does a bread machine work?

A bread machine is basically a miniature oven that homes a baking pan with rotating kneading paddles affixed to the underside. The machine mixes and kneads the dough throughout the pan, proofs the dough at a low warmth setting, after which will increase the temperature to bake it. The heating component wraps across the within the machine in addition to the lid to create an excellent bake and brown the highest of the loaf.

Is it value it to make use of a bread machine?

A bread machine just like the Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus is a big funding up entrance, however most loaves will value much less to make than buying store-bought bread. In the event you make bread constantly at residence, over time this may assist offset the price of the machine. 

How lengthy does bread made in a bread machine final? 

In the event you haven’t devoured your entire loaf the second it comes out of the machine, the bread will stay contemporary for a number of days if stored in a sealed container. Take a look at our overview of one of the best bread bins, in addition to concepts for utilizing up leftover bread for those who’re apprehensive about having extra.

Why We’re the Specialists

• Jenna Lanoue is a contributing author at Severe Eats, a lifelong passion baker, and carb fanatic who’s at all times testing new recipes and forcing them on her family and friends. 
• She has owned her Zojirushi bread maker for months now and has made at the least one loaf per week with no plans of slowing down.
• We reviewed bread machines and located the Zojirushi Virtuoso was by and much one of the best one.