Zojirushi PDC20BA Bread Machine: Full Review

The Zojirushi PDC20BA bread machine is an excellent option for home bakers looking for a versatile and user-friendly model. This mid-range bread maker can knead and bake loaves up to 2 pounds in size, and features settings for different types of breads including white, whole wheat, multigrain, quick bread, and more.

One of the standout features of the PDC20BA is its automatic dispenser, which adds ingredients like nuts, fruits, and seeds into the dough at the optimal time during the kneading process. This promotes even distribution without crushing delicate add-ins. The machine also includes dual kneading blades to thoroughly mix heavier doughs.

With a sleek stainless steel exterior and LCD control panel, the PDC20BA combines attractive styling with intuitive controls. Its compact design makes storage simple when not in use. This bread machine takes the hassle out of baking homemade loaves, delivering delicious results every time.

Design and Build Quality

The Zojirushi PDC20BA bread machine features a sturdy build quality and sleek design aesthetics. The outer housing is made from brushed stainless steel, giving it a modern and elegant look that will fit into most kitchen decors. The interior bread pan is made from nonstick coated aluminum which allows for easy release of baked loaves.

Despite the affordable price point, Zojirushi has not compromised on build quality. The machine feels very solid and stable while operating. All parts like the handle, control panel and viewing window are firmly attached with no looseness. The sturdy build gives confidence that this bread maker will last for years of regular use.

In terms of dimensions, the PDC20BA measures approximately 14 x 8 x 10 inches. It has a compact footprint that will not take up too much counter space. The design includes a convenient cord storage compartment at the base to keep countertops clutter-free.

For ease of use, Zojirushi has designed the bread pan to effortlessly slide in and out of the main unit. The LCD control panel is straightforward with an intuitive interface. The viewing window makes it simple to monitor the bread as it bakes without having to open the lid.

Overall, the Zojirushi PDC20BA scores highly for its durable construction, user-friendly design and sleek stainless steel aesthetics. It's a perfect blend of form and function.

Bread Making Capabilities

The Zojirushi PDC20BA bread machine can make a variety of bread types including white bread, whole wheat bread, French bread, sweet bread, quick bread, cake, jam, pizza dough and pasta dough.

It has three loaf size options - 1 pound, 1.5 pound and 2 pound. The 1 pound setting makes a medium sized vertical loaf while the 1.5 and 2 pound settings make larger horizontal style rectangular loaves. This gives you flexibility to bake loaves for small households or larger families.

The appliance has three crust control settings - light, medium and dark. Choosing light will give you a soft crust while dark will produce a crunchy crust. There are also three crust thickness options - thin, medium and thick.

For kneading, you can choose between the basic setting which provides one kneading cycle or the dough setting which does an additional knead cycle for improved gluten development and rise. The dough setting is great for artisan breads.

The Zojirushi includes a rapid bake cycle that kneads and bakes bread in just 58 minutes. It's ideal when you want fresh bread in a hurry. For most loaves, total bake time is around 3 hours.

There are plenty of options to customize the rise time. You can select quick bread mode for a 1 hour rise or basic bread mode for a 1 hour 30 minute rise. The dough setting provides a 1 hour 50 minute rise while the home made setting lets you manually program rise time up to 3 hours. The long rise develops complex flavors in the dough.

Features and Settings

The Zojirushi PDC20BA bread machine comes equipped with a variety of features and settings to accommodate different types of bread and user preferences.

It has several programmable menus for basic breads like white bread or whole wheat as well as more specialty loaves like gluten-free or sweet bread. Each menu is optimized with settings for ingredients, kneading, and baking times to make the bread turn out perfectly. Users simply add their ingredients to the bread pan, select the appropriate menu, and press start.

The machine also allows for plenty of customization. There are settings to choose the desired crust color, from light to dark, as well as settings for the loaf size from 1 to 2.5 pounds. Users can delay the start time up to 13 hours in advance for fresh bread when they want it.

An automatic dispenser releases ingredients like nuts, seeds, or fruits into the dough during the kneading process at the ideal time. Multiple beep alarms indicate when it's time to add mix-ins. The extended kneading cycle allows the dough to develop maximum gluten for chewier artisan-style bread.

For convenience, there is a 13-hour programmable timer so you can wake up to freshly baked bread or have it ready when you get home. The LCD control panel is easy to read and navigate to select the perfect settings every time.

Ease of Use

The Zojirushi PDC20BA bread machine is designed to be very user-friendly. The control panel is laid out in an intuitive way that allows you to easily select your desired bread setting and crust type. The LCD display clearly shows which program is selected and the countdown timer.

The included instruction manual provides clear guidance on how to use each setting and feature. Zojirushi also offers several bread recipes that have been tested specifically for this bread maker. The recipes walk you step-by-step through measuring ingredients, operating the machine, and baking delicious homemade bread.

One excellent design feature is the viewing window that allows you to watch your dough kneading and rising. This takes away some of the mystery of bread making and lets you check the progress.

The non-stick inner bread pan is easy to insert and remove for cleaning. The paddles that knead the dough lift up which helps remove baked loaves intact. Overall, Zojirushi has designed this bread machine to be very easy and convenient for home bakers to use.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The Zojirushi Bread Machine is very easy to clean and maintain. The non-stick pan lifts out for quick and convenient handwashing after each use. All interior parts like the kneading blade and measuring cup are also removable and dishwasher safe.

Users report the non-stick coating releases baked bread and dough easily. There's no need to scrub or pre-soak the pan. Simply let it soak in warm soapy water for a few minutes, then wash gently with a soft sponge or brush.

The exterior of the machine just needs an occasional wipe down with a damp cloth to keep it looking new. No special cleaners are required.

Overall, the Zojirushi is one of the easiest bread machines to clean. Maintenance is minimal, just keep the vent on the back clear of dust, and occasional oiling of the kneading blade to prevent rust.

There are no tricky parts that are hard to reach or clean. The compact design allows full access. Reviewers say cleanup takes just a few minutes after baking.

Noise Level

The Zojirushi PDC20BA is one of the quieter bread machines on the market. During the kneading cycle, it produces a low, rumbling type of noise that is not bothersome. The noise level rises slightly during the baking cycle, but is still relatively quiet and won't disturb you in another room.

Overall, the noise generated is comparable to a small kitchen appliance like a stand mixer. It's much quieter than many cheaper bread machines that have louder, more annoying operational sounds. The sturdy, solid build quality of the Zojirushi helps minimize noise and vibration. This bread machine can confidently be used early in the morning or late at night without waking up the household.

Value for Money

The Zojirushi PDC20BA bread machine offers excellent value for the price. It is moderately priced compared to other similar bread machines on the market.

The Cuisinart CBK-200 sells for around $100, while the Zojirushi PDC20BA costs approximately $300. The higher price tag of the Zojirushi buys you superior construction, more versatility, and better baking performance.

Professional-style bread machines like the Zoji home bakery tend to cost $200 to $400. Within this price range, the PDC20BA hits a nice sweet spot of quality and functionality without breaking the bank.

While not cheap, the Zojirushi provides exceptional capabilities and consistent results for home bakers. Given its commercial-grade dual kneading blades, sturdy build, versatile settings and outstanding reliability, it's well worth the extra investment over cheaper models.

The Zojirushi PDC20BA offers a lot of value considering its professional-grade performance, versatility, and durability. Though moderately expensive, it produces consistently delicious artisanal bread that rivals bakery quality. For serious home bakers, it's money well spent.

Pros and Cons

The Zojirushi PDC20BA bread machine has several advantages as well as a few potential drawbacks to consider:

Pros

• Produces high-quality bread with excellent texture and taste. The bread has a nice crust and soft, airy interior.

• Versatile and can make a variety of bread types including white, whole wheat, multigrain, quick bread, cake, jam, pasta dough and more.

• Features a gluten-free setting for making gluten-free breads.

• User-friendly with an LCD display and menu for selecting settings and crust color. Simple to program and operate.

• Features dual kneading blades to thoroughly knead dough. Produces evenly baked loaves.

• Features a viewing window to watch the bread as it bakes without opening the lid.

• Comes with measuring cups and spoons, and recipes to get started.

• Reputable and reliable Zojirushi brand known for quality appliances.

Cons

• Higher price point compared to other bread machines. Significant investment for a single-use appliance.

• Large footprint takes up substantial counter space. Not ideal for small kitchens.

• Non-stick interior may degrade over time with heavy use.

• Limited loaf size options. Can only make 1.5 or 2 lb loaves.

• Results can be inconsistent and finicky. May require troubleshooting with recipes and settings.

• Cleaning around kneading blades can be difficult. Parts are not dishwasher safe.

Conclusion

Overall, the Zojirushi PDC20BA bread machine is an excellent option for home bakers looking for a versatile and user-friendly model. This machine delivers high-quality loaves with its sturdy build and precise heating elements. The range of settings allows you to make a variety of breads, from basic white loaves to more artisanal options like sourdough.

One of the standout features is the dual kneading blades that provide thorough mixing for consistent results. The LCD display and menu make selecting settings straightforward. While cleaning does require some effort, the nonstick pan helps. This bread maker is on the pricier side but offers great value given the quality of the appliance and its baking abilities.

In conclusion, the Zojirushi PDC20BA reliably produces delicious homemade bread. If you bake frequently and want options for different bread styles, this machine will serve you well. The sturdy construction also ensures years of use. For its versatility, consistency, and overall performance, this Zojirushi bread maker is highly recommended.