ConsFirst / Bread machines / Compare
Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker, 2 lb vs Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more
The short answer
Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker, 2 lb ranks higher (#1 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on loaf quality, programs & gluten-free, durability & nonstick.
The biggest complaint about the Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker, 2 lb is very expensive; for the Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker it's tall loaves that can collapse. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker, 2 lb | Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in bread machines | #1 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$ |
| Type | Horizontal 2-paddle | Vertical 1-paddle |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 6% | 10% |
| Overall score | 4.1 | 3.5 |
| Loaf quality | 5.0 | 3.5 |
| Programs & gluten-free | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| Paddle hole & removal | 2.5 | — |
| Ease & noise | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Durability & nonstick | 4.5 | 3.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $100 · $$ $100–250 · $$$ over $250. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker, 2 lb
- Very expensive
Wirecutter says it usually costs around $400 and has only a one-year warranty, which is limited for the price. Food & Wine says it was the most expensive machine it tested, more than double the average. Amazon's summary says some owners feel it's not worth the money.
- Big and heavy
Wirecutter measures it at 10 by 18 inches and 24 pounds, about the size of a microwave. Serious Eats calls it big and heavy, and Food & Wine says you'll likely need to store it in a pantry or closet.
- Two paddle holes; paddles can stick
Wirecutter notes that two-paddle machines leave two holes in the bottom of the loaf. Amazon's summary says some owners report the paddles getting stuck.
Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker
- Tall loaves that can collapse
Serious Eats found larger loaves very tall and awkward to slice. The Spruce Eats says the largest loaves tended to hit the lid and deflate, and Wirecutter saw a dramatic dome collapse that it says owner reviews confirm is a recurring issue.
- Some units break early
Amazon's summary says durability is a concern, with some units breaking after a month. The Spruce Eats says the compact body has less insulation, so the outside gets hot during baking.
- Uneven results with some breads
Food & Wine's sourdough came out gummy with a darker bottom, and Serious Eats found its white bread a little dry. Amazon owners are split on noise.
Who should pick which
Pick the Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker, 2 lb if
Frequent bakers who want the best loaf
Gluten-free and whole wheat bread
Classic horizontal sandwich loaves
Skip it if: You bake only occasionally; You're short on counter or storage space; You want a quick-bread setting
Pick the Cuisinart Compact Automatic Bread Maker if
Small kitchens
Good bread under $200
Quick breads like banana bread
Skip it if: You want sandwich-shaped slices; You mostly bake big 2-lb loaves; You need a confirmed gluten-free setting
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.