Zojirushi BBCCX20 Review

What the Reviewers Like:
Experts and owners like the variety of cycles available on the Zojirushi BBCC-X20 bread machine. Pluses include the large viewing window, three customs settings and the ability to extend the first rise to 24 hours. Consumers prefer the traditional horizontal loaf to taller vertical loaves.

What the Reviewers Don't Like:
The Zojirushi BBCC-X20 breadmaker has a large countertop footprint and weighs 21 pounds - so it's quite bulky. While experts say the two mixing paddles are better for kneading dough, some owners don't like that you end up with two small holes in the bottom of the bread (instead of one hole with single-paddle machines).

Zojirushi BBCCX20 review highlights

All reviewers note that the Zojirushi BBCC-X20 is a highly advanced bread machine that boasts sourdough-starter and custom-programmable cycles. Experts also note that this model has two mixing paddles, which in testing do a better job than a single paddle at mixing and kneading. Owners say that the Zojirushi bread machine is very flexible and can make jam, cakes and even meatloaf, in addition to bread. Most prefer the Zojirushi breadmaker's horizontal loaves -- which bake horizontally and look more like store-bought sandwich bread -- to machines that bake vertically. While reviews agree that the Zojirushi BBCC-X20 is the best full-featured bread machine, those who don't care about custom cycles or specialty items like jam and meatloaf can get by with something far less expensive like the Panasonic SD-YD250 (*est. $130) or even more basic Sunbeam 5891 (*est. $50).

The Zojirushi BBCC-X20 bread machine has garnered over 200 owner-written reviews at Amazon.com and another 200 at Cooking.com, which are the best places to judge owner satisfaction. We only found a handful of owner-written ratings at Epinions. In his review for BreadMachineDigest.com, expert Robert Barnett bakes everything from multigrain sourdough to cinnamon rolls in his Zojirushi BBCC-X20 bread machine before rating it on performance, features and design. Editors at BreadInfo.com provide a one-page write-up on the Zojirushi breadmaker, but they mainly discuss features and do not explain their testing methodology.

Also see full report: Bread Machines

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. The Bread Machine Digest
Zojirushi BBCC-X20 Review
Robert Barnett

Robert Barnett bakes more than two dozen loaves of bread in his Zojirushi BBCC-X20. He reports that the machine handles even the stiffest dough with ease. He likes the sourdough starter cycle and the increased number of custom programs over the previous model. This is the highest-rated bread machine of the thirteen models reviewed by Barnett. Still, he would like to see a touchscreen, interior lights and longer rise cycles.

2. Amazon.com
Zojirushi BBCC-X20 Reviews
Contributors to Amazon.com

At Amazon.com, the Zojirushi BBCC-X20 bread machine receives a high average rating in more than 200 owner-written reviews. Owners praise the Zojirushi breadmaker's solid construction, relatively quiet operation, strong motor and flexibility. Novice bakers say it's easy to use and more seasoned types like the custom cycles. A few complain that the paddle shafts are a pain to clean and this machine lacks an automatic dispenser for dried fruit and nuts. Some say that cheaper competitors do as good a job as the BBCC-X20.

3. Cooking.com
Zojirushi BBCC-X20 Reviews
Contributors to Cooking.com

At Cooking.com, the Zojirushi BBCC-X20 bread machine receives over 200 owner-written comments. It's the clear favorite here, with the vast majority of owners saying it consistently turns out great-tasting bread. A few say that loaves emerge with tough crusts, but many say that any "flops" were of their own making. Owners prefer the traditionally-shaped loaves, which they say are more attractive.

4. Epinions
Zojirushi BBCC-X20 Reviews
Contributors to Epinions

The Zojirushi BBCC-X20 breadmaker is a favorite among Epinions reviewers, but there are only a couple of dozen reviews here compared to the hundreds of write-ups at Amazon.com. Most love this bread machine, but a few complain that it's expensive. Some say that it makes denser bread than other bread machines.

5. BreadInfo.com
Zojirushi BBCC-X20 Review
Editors of BreadInfo.com

Editors here call the Zojirushi BBCC-X20 a "bargain" and praise its well-designed control panel. They say that inexperienced bakers will find it easy to use, while advanced baker will enjoy the custom settings. However, editors discuss mainly features and we can't tell if this site's editors actually test these breadmakers.

Also see full report: Bread Machines

Zojirushi BBCCX20 Review