As someone who never thought I'd own a bread machine, this Kitchen in the Box unit has completely changed my weekly routine. That first whiff of freshly baked bread at 6am (thanks to the delay timer) is better than any alarm clock!

The nut dispenser is genius - my banana walnut loaf had perfect nut distribution without me lifting a finger. Though pro tip: add 10 extra minutes baking time for nut-heavy recipes.

I've had some hilarious fails (who knew cold water could murder yeast?), but the machine itself is forgiving. The non-stick pan cleans up shockingly well - even after my disastrous cinnamon roll attempt that welded itself to the sides.

While the manual reads like it was translated through three languages, I've discovered online bread machine communities filled with better recipes. My current obsession? Using the dough setting for pizza crust - game changer for Friday movie nights.

The motor does sound like it's having a minor existential crisis during heavy dough cycles, but two months in, it's still powering through my weekly baking marathons. For the price, this little white workhorse has earned its permanent spot on my counter.