I've been using the Amazon Basics Bread Maker for months now, and it's become my go-to appliance for fresh, homemade bread. The first thing I noticed was how compact it is—it fits perfectly on my counter without taking up too much space.

One of my favorite features is the ExpressBake setting. I love waking up to the smell of freshly baked bread in just 90 minutes! The crust options (light, medium, dark) let me customize each loaf to my preference. I usually go for medium—it gives that perfect balance of crispy yet soft texture.

The dough function has been a game-changer for pizza nights. I use half for immediate baking and refrigerate the rest—it keeps well for days! At 425°F for 23 minutes, I get restaurant-quality pizza at home.

Cleaning is surprisingly easy thanks to the non-stick pan. I just use the soft side of a sponge—no scrubbing needed. Though like others mentioned, the paddle does stay stuck in the pan, but it's not really an issue during cleaning.

The machine does make some noise during kneading—not ideal if you have light sleepers in the house—but it's music to my ears because I know delicious bread is coming! For best results, I've learned to sift my flour and use a kitchen scale for precise measurements.

While the included recipe book could be better (I often turn to online recipes), this machine more than makes up for it with its consistent performance and affordable price point. At about $1.50 per loaf compared to $4+ store-bought bread, it's already paid for itself!