Even though the Zojirushi is the number 2 seller in the list of Top Bread Makers, it is a close second. The quality in construction on this unit is apparant to anyone who uses it. When Zojirushi calls it the home bakery, they are not exagerating. The bread is as good and fresh as getting it from a bakery, and not much harder than driving out to the local grocery store.
From the company site, here is some more information-
“The Home Bakery Supreme® Breadmaker bakes a large traditional shaped 2 lb. loaf of bread and Zojirushi’s exclusive Home Made Menu function allows adjustments to the knead, rise and bake time. Also prepare dough, cake, jam, sourdough starter and even meatloaf in this versatile machine. Use the 13-hour programmable timer to have freshly baked bread ready when waking up.
- Dual kneading blades to ensure thorough kneading for improved baking results
- Durable interior and exterior for extended use
- User friendly easy-to-read LCD control panel
- Light sourdough starter in 2 hours
- Delicious fresh fruit jam cycle
- Home made menu setting to bake meatloaf”
Some other specs provided by the company-
Model No.: BBCC-X20
Capacity: 2 lb. loaf of bread
Dimensions: (W x D x H) 17 x 10 x 12 inches
Electric Rating: 120 volts / 700 watts
Color: White
Not surprisingly, as a producer of one of the Top Bread Makers, the company was generous enough to answer some questions-
Q- Can the Home Bakery make gluten-free bread?
A- Yes, the Home Bakery Supreme® breadmaker (BBCC-X20) comes with a gluten-free bread recipe.
Q- Can I use my own recipes?
A- The recipes in the instruction manual have been specially written for the Home Bakery breadmaker. We recommend you use the recipes in the instruction manual whenever possible. However, if you would like to try other recipes, here are some important things to keep in mind:
- Please be sure that the total amount of ingredients does not exceed the capacity of the Home Bakery breadmaker. If so, the ingredients may overflow and cause damage to the machine, which will not be covered under warranty. A good rule of thumb is: 2 lb. loaf capacity (BBCC-X20, V20, Q20): No more than 5 cups (or 20 oz.) of flour with 2 cups of liquid
1.5 lb. loaf capacity (BBCC-S15, Q15, M15, N15): No more than 4 cups (or 16 oz.) of flour with 1-1/2 cups of liquid
1 lb. loaf capacity (BB-HAC10, BBCC-Q10): No more than 3 cups (or 12 oz.) of flour with 1 cup of liquid - Please be sure to measure correctly and, if possible, use recipes written for bread machines.
Q- Can I use home ground or home milled flour?
A- After some testing it was determined that it is possible to use this type of flour. However, the flour has to be measured by weight and not by volume. This is because the texture of home ground flour may differ from store bought. Some home ground flour may be ground too fine or too coarse. Please calculate the weight required in recipes in the Home Bakery manual by following this formula for flour: 4 oz = 1 cup of flour.
Q- Can I use all-purpose flour?
A- Bread flour is recommended because of its higher gluten content. Gluten makes the bread dough more elastic which improves the rise and texture of the finished product. All-purpose flour is best suited for making pancakes, waffles and cookies.
Q- What if my bread bakes unevenly?
A- Make sure that the two kneading blades are attached all the way to the bottom, and that they face the same direction before you start adding ingredients. This will ensure that the ingredients will be kneaded thoroughly. Uneven loaves could also be the result of dough that is too dry. Watch the dough through the viewing window during kneading and if it seems dry, add water or milk one teaspoon at a time, waiting to give the dough time to absorb the moisture, until the right consistency is reached.
