Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker Vs Zojirushi: Unlocking The Secrets Of Artisan Bread At Home

In the realm of bread making, two titans stand tall: Breville and Zojirushi. Their bread makers promise to elevate your culinary skills and transform your kitchen into a bakery. But with so many options available, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. In this comprehensive comparison, we pit the Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker against the Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme to determine which one reigns supreme.

Features and Functionality

Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker

• Customizable Loaf Size: Allows you to choose from 1.5, 2.0, or 2.5-pound loaves, accommodating various household needs.
• 13 Preset Baking Programs: Includes a wide range of options, from basic white bread to gluten-free and dough-only modes.
• Crust Control: Lets you adjust the crust darkness from light to dark, ensuring your bread has the perfect golden-brown exterior.
• Delay Start Timer: Program the machine to start baking up to 13 hours in advance, providing fresh bread whenever you need it.

Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme

• Dual Kneading Blades: Features two kneading blades that rotate in opposite directions, ensuring even dough mixing and optimal loaf texture.
• Gluten-Free Mode: Specifically designed to handle gluten-free flour, allowing you to enjoy delicious, gluten-free bread at home.
• Yeast Dispenser: Automatically adds yeast at the optimal time during the baking process, eliminating the need for guesswork.
• Convection Heating: Circulates hot air around the loaf, resulting in evenly baked bread with a crispy crust.

Capacity and Size

The Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker has a larger capacity, allowing you to bake up to 2.5-pound loaves. This makes it ideal for families or those who frequently entertain. In contrast, the Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme has a smaller capacity, with a maximum loaf size of 2.0 pounds. It’s a better choice for couples or individuals who prefer smaller loaves.

Ease of Use

Both bread makers are designed to be user-friendly. The Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker features an intuitive LCD display with clear instructions. The Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme has a similar display but with slightly smaller buttons. Overall, both machines are easy to operate and require minimal effort.

Dough Quality

The quality of the dough is crucial for producing a delicious loaf of bread. The Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker uses a single kneading blade, while the Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme employs dual kneading blades. While both methods effectively mix the dough, the Zojirushi’s dual blades may provide a more thorough and even kneading.

Baking Performance

The baking performance of a bread maker is ultimately what sets it apart. The Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker produces loaves with a consistent texture and even browning. However, some users have reported issues with the crust occasionally being too soft. The Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme consistently delivers loaves with a golden-brown crust and a soft, fluffy interior. Its convection heating system ensures even baking throughout the loaf.

Additional Features

• Loaf Shape: The Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker produces a traditional rectangular loaf, while the Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme creates a slightly oval-shaped loaf.
• Yeast Dispenser: The Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme includes a built-in yeast dispenser, while the Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker does not.
• Window: The Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme has a viewing window, allowing you to monitor the baking process without opening the lid.
• Cleaning: Both bread makers have removable baking pans and kneading paddles for easy cleaning.

The Verdict

Both the Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker and the Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme are excellent bread makers that can produce delicious, homemade bread. However, each machine has its own strengths and weaknesses.

If you prioritize customization and capacity, the Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker is an excellent choice. It offers various loaf sizes, baking programs, and crust control options.

If you value ease of use, dough quality, and consistent baking performance, the Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme is the superior choice. Its dual kneading blades, gluten-free mode, and convection heating system ensure exceptional results every time.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Which bread maker is better for gluten-free bread?
A: The Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme has a dedicated gluten-free mode that optimizes the baking process for gluten-free flour.

Q: Can I use the bread makers to make other doughs, such as pizza dough?
A: Yes, both bread makers can be used to make various doughs, including pizza dough, pasta dough, and dough for rolls.

Q: How long does it take to bake a loaf of bread in these machines?
A: The baking time varies depending on the loaf size and program selected. Typically, a 2-pound loaf will take around 3-4 hours to bake.

Q: Can I add ingredients like nuts or seeds to the dough?
A: Yes, you can add additional ingredients to the dough, but it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper mixing and baking.

Q: How often should I clean my bread maker?
A: It’s recommended to clean the baking pan and kneading paddle after each use. You should also wipe down the exterior of the machine regularly to keep it clean.