First, I think the unit is well built with a good reputation as one of the top brands. However, two things: you can make better bread and double the loaves using a Stand Mixer designed for dough kneading. It will be cheaper as well! Next, I think the rule the company has regarding no returns after opening is unreasonable in today’s modern consumer landscape. Buy the unit from a retailer instead so you won’t have this problem.
We upgraded our Hamilton beach breadmaker for this opting for a more long loaf of bread. We were not disappointed. Much nicer cook texture and time for it.
I am really enjoying my Virturoso. I’ve been baking bread by hand for a year but this bread machine has made my life easier. I would recommend this bread machine!
I just wanted to share how happy I am with my Virtuoso Plus. It’s been a fantastic addition to my home bakery. The machine is reliable, easy to use, and consistently produces great results. From breads to specialty items, everything turns out perfect every time. It’s truly helped elevate the quality of my baking.
Works like a champ. I had the previous model for years, and loved it. It finally died of old age and exhaustion (I bake several times a week.) When I initially got the new one, I had to return it, due to mechanical issues, but they sent a replacement that is excellent. My family are happy to have bread coming out of the kitchen again. The CSR, Jesse, was eminently helpful in dealing with the return & replacement process--I couldn't have asked for better.
Short Version: I am very disappointed with the response from Zojirushi. I complained about a chip in the “non-stick” coating after just a couple months use (a few loaves of bread and a couple cakes). Their response was that this is normal and not to worry about eating any chips that may come loose as the FDA said the coating is ‘safe’. They would not replace the baking pan at no cost to me.
Long version below: I received this machine on April 18th. I have made a few loaves of bread and a couple cakes. The mixing/baking pan has a small chip in the coating. I don't want to eat “non-stick” coating chips. Very disappointed in the durability of the pan. Otherwise the machine works great. How do I get a new pan under warranty…this should have lasted longer than a few loaves over the course of 2 months Their reply: Thank you for contacting Zojirushi America.
Overtime depending on the usage of the bread machine, the baking pan and/or kneading blades will eventually acquire wear and would need to be replaced.
The non-stick coating wearing on the baking pan and kneading blade is considered normal. The nonstick coating may eventually discolor and/or peel off. This will not affect its performance or sanitary properties, and is harmless to your health. Nicks and peeling do not affect the functioning of the bread maker.
All of our baking pans are manufactured with a nonstick coating made of PTFE. It is a fluoropolymer, a material commonly used for non-stick coating in cookware for conventional kitchen use. PTFE, a fluoropolymer, has been the subject of extensive laboratory testing to examine its safety and durability. The results of this testing has been reviewed by such regulatory agencies as the FDA which has concluded that fluoropolymer non-stick coatings for cookware are safe for conventional kitchen use.
Even in the unlikely event that a person accidentally ingested a flake of non-stick coating, the coating is non-toxic and would pass through the body without being absorbed.
The non-stick coating wearing on the baking pan and kneading blade s considered normal. The nonstick coating may eventually discolor or wear off.
All materials used in our products have been deemed safe by the FDA. As we mentioned earlier, no toxicological risks have been found in the materials of our products and you can safely continue to use the kneading blades, should you wish.
Nuts and knives used to pull bread out of the baking pan may cause scratches. You can continue to keep using the baking pan. This is not considered a manufacturing defect
I sent the information and picture they requested. And my reply: I have not added any nuts or seeds to my bakes. And I use silicone spatulas. I might think this was normal after a couple years of use...not a couple months of light use.
I would like a new pan. The paddles are okay.
Their response: Thank you for your reply and for sending this image.
The baking pan is safe to continue to use and based on the image, the issue is not considered a manufacturing defect.
If you would like to send in your baking pan (prepaid shipping is not provided), we can request for a replacement new baking pan to be shipped to you. Please let us know if you would like to receive this offer and we will provide shipping information to send in your baking pan for inspection.
Please be advised that ZOJIRUSHI vAMERICA’s 1 year limitedv warranty covers consumer electrical products for a period of one year from the date of purchase from an authorized retailer. Our warranty policy provides protection against manufacturing defects only.
ZOJIRUSHI specifically excludes from this warranty all non-electric/mechanical attachments, accessories and disposable parts. These items may include but is not exclusive to the baking pan, kneading blades, measuring cup, etc.
Zojirushi Limited Warranty for Electrical Products: