Zojirushi BB-CEC20 vs Zojirushi BB-PAC20 Bread Machines – Which is better?
Choosing the best bread machine can be a difficult task. When I started baking bread, I was not sure if it would be worth the effort for me.
Lucky for me, I got ahold of both their BB-CEC20 and BB-PAC20 units to try out!
The CEC20 is a smaller unit, while the PAC20 is a larger unit. I will discuss the benefits of each one, and how they compare to other bread machines in their categories.
Choosing the right bread machine for you can be easier than you think!
Zojirushi is a well-known brand in the bread maker market. If you’ve seen any of their models, then you know that they make high-quality kitchen appliances.
If either of their two models has caught your eye, then you’re definitely someone who appreciates quality products.
When it comes to Zojirushi, they have two great products. But the problem is deciding between them.
We have tested both products and want to help people who are trying to decide by giving our professional opinion.
Zojirushi BB CEC20 Bread Maker
The BB-CEC20 is a smaller bread maker, with dimensions of about 10.5″ wide by 11 deep by 13.75 inches high.
It features all the delicious menu options that I have come to know and love from Zojirushi’s products, including cake, dough, sourdough starter, quick bake cycle, and more.
The CEC20 is perfect for people with smaller kitchens due to its small size.
It can fit on your countertop without being obtrusive, which makes it the perfect addition to any kitchen that’s lacking space or storage.
If you live in an apartment or dorm with a limited amount of cabinet space, then this bread machine is perfect for you.
The CEC20 can hold up to two and a half pounds of dough, which is definitely on the small side.
If you’re someone who enjoys baking bread in bulk, then this may not be the right bread maker for you.
The BB CEC20 model is less expensive than the other model, but it is just as good and can even compete with it.
Larger Bread Pan
If you want bread that is big, then you will be happy to know that both models of Zojirushi bread makers can make bread up to 2 pounds.
Both of these bread makers have a special type of kneading. There is more than one kneader and this makes the process faster and more efficient.
It also helps you make bread faster, but it does not really help with your decision. So don’t give up yet.
Pre-Programmed Settings
The Zojirushi BB CEC20 has 10 pre-programmed presets that will let you choose the perfect settings for your bread. This will help keep the consistency levels high every time.
You can use the 3 crust shading levels and 13-hour delay timer to bake your favorite bread at any time.
On the other hand, the other model has a menu with about 19 options to get the perfect settings for you.
LCD Control Panel
The LCD control panel helps you to read the settings. It is important because it is easy to see and there are 6 buttons that help you navigate through the settings.
There is a very similar LCD control panel on the other model. It is hard to make a decision.
Large Viewing Window
The Zojirushi BB CEC20 has a large viewing window that lets you watch your bread while it is baking.
The viewing windows make it easier to see the bread. The angle makes it look better.
There is another model with a smaller window and no angle, so the view is harder.
Extra Accessories
Zojirushi includes many accessories with the BB CEC20 model. You will have everything you need to get started when you buy it.
We could start making bread with the bread maker after 20 minutes. There are measuring spoons and cups, a manual, recipes, and even an instruction DVD that comes with it.
This bread maker has more accessories than the BB PAC20 model.
Recipes
The recipes booklet that comes with the Zojirushi BB CEC20 bread machine shows how versatile the machine is.
This bread maker has 10 pre-programmed settings, but it can make a lot more than 10 types of bread.
The BB PAC20 model also includes a recipe book, but it is not as good as the recipe book that comes with the BB CEC20 model.
Easy to Use
Even though there are a lot of options and features on this exact bread baker model, it’s very easy to use.
Even someone who has no bread making experience will be able to get it right from the first try.
All you need to do is decide which recipe will you use, prepare the ingredients, set the right preset, choose your desired crust color, and let it work its magic!
Zojirushi BB PAC20 Bread Maker
Which bread maker is better? It is hard to decide. The Zojirushi BB PAC20 has some slight improvements, but also some disadvantages.
This bread maker has a large viewing window so you can easily see your bread. The viewing window on the BB PAC20 is bigger and round, which makes it easier to see if something goes wrong.
When you buy this bread machine, there are some accessories that come with it.
There are measuring cups and spoons, a user manual, a recipe book, and an instruction DVD.
Let’s have a look at its top features before making a decision.
Custom Settings
The main advantage of the BB PAC20 is the custom menu. This menu allows users to choose their own bread type and baking settings.
There are about 20 different settings, which makes it possible to use a wider variety of recipes, including those that use gluten-free and organic ingredients.
Super Fast Baking Cycle
The BB PAC20 does something that the previous model doesn’t. It has a quick baking cycle that makes bread in just about 2 hours. If you’re in a hurry, this is the fastest way to get fresh bread on the table.
Extra Heater
We found that the BB PAC20 model is a lot warmer inside than the other one.
This is due to the extra heater that is on top of the lid which makes sure that bread cooks evenly. This also makes it possible for loaves of bread to come out more high, which is a good thing.
This function sacrifices the bigger and angled viewing lid.
Dual Kneading Blades
Just like the BB CEC20 model, BB PAC20 features dual kneading blades that knead the dough thoroughly. In this aspect, both models are equally good.
But you will be able to make your dough softer because there is more heat in the PAC20 model.
Control Panel with LCD
We believe that the controls along the LCD panel have been improved in BB PAC20, which makes it easier to use. But it also introduces better visibility in dark.
The buttons are placed in two columns. The start and cancel buttons are green and red so they are easier to see.
Wrapping up
Zojirushi BB CEC20 is a good bread maker, but we think that Zojirushi BB PAC20 has better features which make a difference while you’re baking.
But on the other hand, BB PAC20 is a bit more expensive than Zojirushi BB PAC20. This might not be ideal for customers who are on a tight budget.
Therefore, we think that Zojirushi BB PAC20 is a winner, but if you are on a tighter budget – we highly recommend going with BB CEC20.
It will depend on your needs which bread maker is a better choice for you. You might want to think about what you want the bread maker to do. Both of them are great options!
