Ready to buy a bread maker but don’t know which one is best? In this post I compare the Neretva vs Zojirushi brands to help you decide. I also share why I purchased the brand I did, instead of the other one.
Neretva vs Zojirushi: Is the Premium Price Worth It?
Here’s my review and comparison of these two best bread machines for large families.
What is the Neretva 3.3lb bread maker?
Here’s what the large capacity Neretva bread maker looks like:
Core Features:
• 15 preset programs: Basic bread, quick bread, French, whole wheat, gluten-free, sweet, sugarless, cake, dough, knead, jam, yogurt, defrost, bake, homemade
• 3 loaf sizes: 2.2LB, 2.75LB, and 3.3LB (feeds 7–8 people at max size)
• Dual kneading paddles & ceramic nonstick pan (no chemicals, easy cleanup)
• 360° dual heaters (top and bottom) for even baking
• 850W power with quiet motor (~40dB)
• Auto fruit/nut dispenser — adds ingredients at the perfect time
• 15-hour delay timer — set it to wake up to fresh bread
• Price: Less expensive, generally less than $200. I purchased mine on sale for $159.
Check price on Amazon for Neretva >
- The yogurt setting is a bonus feature — you can ferment yogurt right in there.
- The dough setting also lets you proof dough in the machine and bake in your own oven if you prefer more control.
Known from customer feedback on Amazon:
Customers consistently praise the bread quality and appreciate the larger loaf size. The dual paddles make a real difference vs. single-paddle machines.
Some note that mixer holes occasionally appear in the bottom of loaves, but that’s standard for bread makers (easy to remove with a chopstick).
What is the Zojirushi bread maker?
The Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus (BB-PDC20BA) is a premium bread maker designed for baking perfectionists — and it’s 4.6 stars from 4,900+ reviews.
Key specs:
• 2 lb loaf capacity (rectangular loaf) — best for smaller households
• 7 programs including whole wheat, gluten-free, rapid, vegan, salt-free, and sugar-free
• Rapid bake — fresh bread in just 2 hours 25 minutes
• Dual heaters (bottom + lid) for even browning; dual kneading blades for superior rise
• 13-hour delay timer
• 700W power; stainless steel body
• Price: Most expensive bread maker, usually over $400
Check price on Amazon for Zojirushi >
Why I Bought Neretva vs Zojirushi
Bottom line: The Neretva was my best fit — larger loaves, more programs (including yogurt for my plant-based milk), and half the price.
- This one also has a ceramic pan, which the Zojirushi does not.
- The Neretva makes the largest loaves, 3.3lb which is better for larger families. The Zojirushi only makes 2lb loaves. It also has a fruit/nut dispenser which Zojirushi does not.
- The one I bought has a 15-hour delay timer, the Zojirushi has 13 hours only.
- The Neretva is a higher wattage, 850W vs Zojirushi has only 700W.
- The Zojirushi wins on bread quality and durability, but at a steep premium and smaller loaf size.
They both have:
- Dual heaters – which make for better baking
- 2 kneading paddles – which make for better kneading
Yogurt setting
- Neretva: Yes
- Zojirushi: No
Loaf shape
- Neretva: Rectangular (sandwich-ready)
- Zojirushi: Rectangular (sandwich-ready)
Power
- Neretva: 850W
- Zojirushi: 700W
Price
- Neretva: $189.99
- Zojirushi: $454.95
Ratings
- Neretva: 4.4 stars
- Zojirushi: 4.6 stars
A few things worth noting for my baking style:• Vegan/plant-based: Both have vegan settings, but the Neretva’s yogurt program is a real bonus for fermenting plant-based milks
• Loaf size: The Neretva’s 3.3 lb is significantly larger — great for a household of 2 adults + toddler
• Bread quality: The Zojirushi has a slight edge in consistency and crust evenness (lid heater is excellent), but the Neretva performs very well for the price
• Durability: Zojirushi is known for lasting 10+ years; the Neretva is newer with less long-term track record
• Ceramic pan: Neretva’s ceramic pan aligns better with your preference for chemical-free, non-toxic cookware
Since you already ordered the Neretva arriving Thursday, you’re in great shape! The Zojirushi would only make sense if you decide you want a premium upgrade down the road.
Ready to buy?
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