Looking for info - Bread Making machines

LitaRose77

So, I am heavily considering purchasing a bread maker, but I wanted to gather some feeback from other folks who have/use them.

1. Are there any brands that I should avoid or focus on?
2. How easy are they to use?

Clearly, I am a novice (or below that, if that is possible.) at making my own bread. I am a novice in general when it comes to cooking & have only had a few fails in the kitchen. Positive note, I have not poisoned anyone or started any fires, so I guess I am moving in the right direction! :laugh:

PapaverSomniferum

1. I got both my bread machines off of Craigslist, brand new, for $5 a piece. Apparently, they're common Christmas gifts and most people can't be bothered to bake their own bread. I can definitely recommend machines that have as many settings as possible, especially ones that will bake without kneading (good for making things like monkey bread and quick breads), and ones that can make jam or jelly. Multi-use is awesome.

2. super easy to use. just plug in the ingredients, pick a setting, and go. Bread is an art form that takes a lot of practice and is rarely mastered. Luckily, raw ingredients are cheap and you can experiment to master your own.