Customer Reviews:
 Two paddles a mistake November 16, 2008
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
We bought this machine because of it's size -- it would fit in our appliance garage. However, in order for it to be narrow, the loaf pan is elongated, and hence there are two paddles instead of one. This results in poor kneading, because the dough gets repeatedly torn, tearing up the gluten strands as they're forming (at least this is my conjecture). It works OK if you make a large amount of dough, but you can't make a small loaf or a smallish amount of pizza dough. I have not tried baking in the machine, but I doubt this would work well either, because when I lift the lid to get the dough after the first rise, it's usually lopsided. It's very expensive too! The one I had before that was only about $50 and did a fine job. That one, however, started "schooching" on the counter while kneading and finally smashed to the floor. I have not had good luck with bread machines. A caveat: I bake all the bread for the family, so it gets used 3-4 times a week.
 A First Impression November 15, 2008
4 out of 5 found this review helpful
Since sourdough bread is essentially unavailable in our town in West Virginia, we decided to purchase a bread machine and make our own on a regular basis. I have to make it clear at the beginning that I have never owned a bread machine or baked bread the old-fashioned way. Nor am I a bread aficionado (read: elitist). But I do like to learn new things and experimentation.
I read through many (no, not all, not even close to it) of the 368 reviews posted on Amazon for this machine. I also read reviews of other machines. I came away with the impression that everyone has a bread machine that they love. Many times, reviewers gnash their teeth because their favorite machine is no longer made and would gladly sell their soul to have it back. Clearly, people who use bread machines take their bread very, very seriously (even passionately).
It is clear that, while some reviewers did not like the bread made by the Zojirushi, NO ONE felt it is poorly made. It looks to me like the previous reviewer (and others) who would NEVER again buy a Zojirushi when this one breaks are going to have a long, long wait. Interestingly, reviews of every other bread machine include a cadre of individuals who severely criticize that machine for poor construction, breakdown after a short time, and the like.
The quality of construction speaks volumes to me, so I purchased this one. I believe that a wide variety of factors lead to a "bad" loaf, and one can find a solution to the problem. Clearly, the Zojirushi company provides a good deal of support to the users--but it has to be used. Though, I have not accessed that help, so I don't know how useful it is.
I've noticed that almost every criticism of the Zojirushi relates to the crust being thick. Other comments on uneven loaves, etc., I discount as just annoyances. Homemade bread shouldn't look like a factory loaf, anyway. Or am I mistaken?
So, the crust seems to be the fly in the ointment for those who don't like the machine. I think this amounts to a matter of opinion. I love a thick crust, so the criticism is no issue for me. I'd have to say that if someone wants a thin, soft crust, you need to think carefully about this machine or be prepared to experiment. I have to think that varying amounts of ingredients, etc. must hold an answer to this.
I have not had a problem with the loaf sticking in the pan, and I see the paddles stuck in the bread as simply something you have to check. To tell you the truth, I was surprised that this divot on the bottom was characteristic of all bread machines. I never thought about how you would automatically knead the bread, then suddenly make the paddle disappear.
I have only made one loaf so far, so I may amend this review if I come across problems or new discoveries. Making the first loaf was a delight, just plain old white bread. The machine worked perfectly, and it tastes delicious. I should add that the automatic nature of the baking is essential, as I do not want to make baking a career change.
Sourdough should be a much greater challenge. I have purchased some mixes as well as starter to try making it from scratch.
*****Part 2: I have now made sourdough bread using King Arthur Alaskan Sourdough mix. Easy and deeelicious. A perfect loaf, even in shape (though it is a 1 1/2 pound loaf). I do have one complaint, though. The mix instructions say to put the crust setting on light, and the lack of hard crust was disappointing. So, I will crank up the crust setting next time. As a side note, the King Arthur mix is good, but not a strong sourdough. I think that strong sourdough is not possible with a mix like this. So, I am moving on to using the sourdough starter capability of the Zojirushi with some starters I have purchased. Imay even keep a starter culture going if that turns out to be better.
This will now provide us with sourdough bread in a predictable way. It takes less than 5 minutes to add the ingredients to the pan, then everything is automatic after that. Incredible. Plus, we can now experiment with all kinds of other breads.
I qualify my opinion with this: I am not a homemade bread elitist. What I readily accept, what I prefer in terms of crust and taste may not make the grade with those who take breadmaking very seriously.
Disappointed November 13, 2008
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
I previously had a Panasonic which I used for many years and finally wore it out. It made wonderful bread. I debated whether to buy another one or go with a different brand. I decided on the Zojirushi because I liked the idea of having a loaf that, well, looked like a loaf of bread and I thought the two blade system would be good for mixing.
Well, I've had the machine about a year now and I'm disappointed to say the least. First of all, the bread comes out too well done on the bottom & sides. I've discovered if I take the bread out 5 or 6 minutes before the timer on the machine says its ready, it helps a little.
The other issue is I found that my 65 year old arms have great difficulty in getting the d...m bread out of the pan. It is so frustrating! I shake & shake and finally after about 15 shakes it will loosen and if I'm lucky the paddles with stay in place. Boy, my arms hurt after this struggle.
Then, when it finally does pop out it will land hard and squish the top or part of the top crust will flop off. What a mess.
Many times the paddles have stuck to the bread and when we go to slice, oops, we hit the blade at the bottom of the loaf.
I wish I had my old Panasonic back. When this one hits the dust I will not buy another Zojirushi.
However, it's only saving grace is that it does make decent dough for pizza and rolls. That's why I'm giving it a two star instead of one.
I do have a Zojirushi rice cooker which I love and use for oatmeal as well as great for white & brown rice. However, that is another product and another story
Bread making made easy! November 12, 2008
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
This machine operates very easy. If you follow the instructions and guides included. It will not be long and friends will be considering you a master baker.
Great Breadmaker November 11, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I've had a Zo for 9 years and wanted to upgrade to this machine for a few years. I finally took the plunge and upgraded to this new machine because I wanted the sourdough cycle. I made a couple loaves of bread so far and they've all come out beautifully. They are kind of 'crusty' but I brush them down with some melted butter and the crust is great. To be successful with this machine you must measure accurately and keep the machine away from drafts. This machine works great!
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