Zojirushi BB-PAC20 Virtuoso Breadmaker

The Zojirushi BB-PAC20 Virtuoso Breadmaker is at the top of the price range, but it offers more features than most bread machines. We haven't seen reviews of this newer machine, but its features seem promising. We'll be updating our report as reviews become available. An automatic gluten-free setting eases the process of making gluten-free breads and cakes, a convenient feature for those with wheat allergies or celiac disease. An extra-large viewing window allows close monitoring of bread during the baking process, and dual handles on the baking pan make it easy to remove a finished loaf.

The Zojirushi BB-PAC20 can produce up to a 2-pound loaf of bread, and it features an additional heating element in the lid that's meant to more evenly brown the crust. In addition to its gluten-free feature, settings include basic, whole wheat, quick, dough, jam and cake, as well as a 13-hour delay time. It can also store up to three favorite custom recipes, and if the power goes out mid-cycle, this bread machine retains its memory for up to 10 minutes. The Zojirushi BB-CEC20 (*Est. $240) , a similar model, costs less but lacks baking pan handles, a lid-based heating element and a gluten-free setting. 

Because the Zojirushi BB-PAC20 is a newer machine, we weren't able to locate any professional or consumer feedback. We did find a brief overview at PleasantHillGrain.com, although we're typically skeptical of reviews that appear to be designed solely to promote the sale of products.