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Quick verdict
Choose the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 if you want dedicated whole gra in preset handles most standard whole wheat blends adequately. Choose the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker if you'd rather have double kneading blades incorporate bran and germ into the gluten network more thoroughly than a single-blade machine. Overall we rank the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Bread Machines for Beginners list.
Winner overall: Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885
Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 vs Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
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- Best Bread Machines for Beginners
- Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 review
- Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker review
- All bread machines
Bottom line
Choose the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 if you want dedicated whole gra in preset handles most standard whole wheat blends adequately. Choose the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker if you'd rather have double kneading blades incorporate bran and germ into the gluten network more thoroughly than a single-blade machine. Overall we rank the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Bread Machines for Beginners list.
Hamilton Beach
A capable gluten-free program at a third of the Zojirushi's price.
- 2-lb capacity
- 14 programmable settings
- Gluten-free and artisan settings
- 3 loaf sizes, 3 crust shades
- Viewing window
✓ Pros
- Double kneading blades incorporate bran and germ into the gluten network more thoroughly than a single-blade machine
- Dual heaters help a denser whole wheat loaf set its crust before it can sink
- Dedicated whole wheat cycle runs a longer knead and rise tuned for the flour's lower gluten development
- Consistently the top-rated machine in the category for dense-dough performance
✕ Cons
- Longer whole wheat cycle, often 4-plus hours, requires more advance planning
- Vertical loaf shape is taller and narrower than a sandwich loaf
Best overallZojirushi
The dual-heater design and dedicated program produce the most consistent rise of any machine here.
- 2-lb loaf capacity
- Dual heaters, lid plus bottom
- Double kneading blades
- Dedicated gluten-free program
- 13-hour delay timer
✓ Pros
- Dual heaters set the crust from the top as well as the bottom, which helps a gluten-free loaf hold its shape before it can sink
- Double kneading blades handle the thick, batter-like gluten-free dough more evenly than a single-blade machine
- Large viewing window makes it easy to check the batter consistency mid-cycle without opening the lid
- Long track record as the most consistently top-rated machine in the category
✕ Cons
- Vertical loaf shape is taller and narrower than a sandwich-style loaf
- Kneading motor is audible during the mix cycle
FAQ
Common questions
Which is better, the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 or the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker?
Choose the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 if you want dedicated whole gra in preset handles most standard whole wheat blends adequately. Choose the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker if you'd rather have double kneading blades incorporate bran and germ into the gluten network more thoroughly than a single-blade machine. Overall we rank the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Bread Machines for Beginners list.
What is the difference between the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 and the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker?
The Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 stands out because dedicated whole gra in preset handles most standard whole wheat blends adequately, while the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker stands out because double kneading blades incorporate bran and germ into the gluten network more thoroughly than a single-blade machine. The trade-offs differ too: the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885's ma in caveat is that single kneading paddle and single heating element struggle more with 100 percent whole wheat than dual-blade machines, and the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker's is that longer whole wheat cycle, often 4-plus hours, requires more advance planning.
Is the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 worth it over the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker instead if single kneading paddle and single heating element struggle more with 100 percent whole wheat than dual-blade machines is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker instead of the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885?
The Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus BB-PDC20 Bread Maker suits whole wheat, while the Hamilton Beach Digital Bread Maker 29885 is best for whole wheat.
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