Pros: This machine is easy to use. You can make many types of breads from basic white, French, whole wheat, pumpernickel, banana or pumpkin, and cheese bread. Did I mention that it's easy to use? It's quiet. After adding ingredients, select two or three options by touching the buttons, and it does everything until you take the finished bread out.

Cons: Honestly, the biggest problem is to not to use it all the time and having to resist the extra calories because it's hard to resist eating fresh bread. It takes about 3 hours, but so does well-made, home-made bread. The cycles include kneading and waiting for the dough to rise, just like if you make it by hand. If you don't like to wait 3 hrs, you buy your bread from the store. It does have a rapid 59 min. cycle, but why rush it?

Other Thoughts: I waited until after I had used this machine for 2 months before I reviewed it. If you can reboot a computer, you are overqualified to use this product. You add liquid ingredients first, then add the flour on top without mixing the liquid into the flour. Then you make a small indention in the top of the flour and put the yeast in the dry flour. Be sure to put the yeast in last and in a small well in the dry flour. Shut the top, select about three options, and wait. This is my first bread machine, and I absolutely recommend it for its ease of use, quality of finished product, and low price. It makes 1.5 and 2 lb loafs. You won't be embarrassed serving it to guests. My Thanksgiving guests loved it.