Head-to-head · Best Bread Machines

Hamilton Beach Automatic Bread Maker Machine (model # 29982) vs Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker (model # BB-PDC20BA)

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker (model # BB-PDC20BA) comes out ahead by a clear margin (3.7 vs 4.6). The gap is mostly about fit for purpose — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #7 in Best Bread Machines

Hamilton Beach Automatic Bread Maker Machine (model # 29982)

3.7

$109.95as of Jul 8

The Hamilton Beach 2 Lb. Bread Maker (model #29982) simplifies homemade bread making with its 3-step process and 12 program cycles. Reviewers highlighted its versatility in creating various bread types including gluten-free and whole grain loaves, along with customizable loaf sizes and crust settings. The automatic keep warm feature maintains bread temperature for an hour post-baking. One source noted the product is no longer available, though it was described as beginner-friendly with dishwasher-safe accessories and a large digital display for monitoring progress.

Strengths

— Fresh, homemade bread in 3 easy steps
— Versatile with 12 program cycles including basic, French, gluten-free, whole grain, and sweet
— Customize bread with 3 loaf sizes and 3 crust settings

Watch-outs

— No specific cons mentioned in the provided sources
— Product is no longer available according to one source

$109.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Bread Machines

Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker (model # BB-PDC20BA)

4.6

$454.95as of Jul 8

The Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker (model # BB-PDC20BA) is praised for its ability to produce consistent, fluffy loaves in under three hours, with features like dual kneading blades and a Crust Control setting that enhance baking results. Reviewers highlight its versatility with over 50 included recipes, including pizza dough and sourdough starter, and its suitability for sandwich loaves. While some note the need for occasional manual dough punch-downs and extra cleaning effort, the machine is considered a reliable choice for home bakers seeking convenience and quality. It's best suited for those who bake regularly and value ease of use over minimal counter space.

Strengths

— Bakes a 2-lb. loaf of bread in under three hours with rapid recipes available in just 2 hours and 25 minutes
— Features dual kneading blades and an additional heater on the lid for thorough kneading and even baking
— Includes 50+ recipes in the included recipe book, with options for sandwich loaves, pizza dough, jam, and sourdough starter

Watch-outs

— Requires occasional manual punch-down of dough to prevent over-proofing
— Cleaning requires soaking the pan to loosen baked-on dough from the detachable paddles

$454.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Hamilton Beach Automatic Bread Maker Machine (model # 29982)	Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker (model # BB-PDC20BA)
Model	29982	BB-PDC20BA
Capacity	2 lbs	2-lb. loaf
Programs	12	50+ recipes
Crust Options	light, medium, or dark crust	light, medium, or dark crust
Dimensions	11.2 H x 11.4 W x 13.9 D	18 x 10-1/2 x 12-7/8 inches
Timer	13-hour delay timer	13-hour delay timer
Material	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel
Voltage	120	120 volts
Wattage	—	120 volts / 700 watts

← See the full ranking of best bread machines