Beyond WBYBM1 Automatic Bread Maker Machine - 2LB Loaf, 12 Programs, Gluten-Free & Homemade Bread Baking for Family Breakfast, Gifts, and Kitchen Essentials

If you like to buy bread mixes in a box at the store, this may be a very good product. But if you like to mix ingredients from scratch, you will be annoyed by all the bells and whistles oriented towards scanning in product bar codes. The scanning technology probably accounts for the rather high price, too. On a positive note, it is attractive, and nicely sized at 16 x 13 x 9.Upon writing this review, I have had this breadmaker for a little over a month and it has yet to leave my counter. I've made about 15 loaves of bread with it and not one has displeased me. I love every single loaf that comes out of it.Pros:-the scanning wand really does work. I've used 3 different brandname breadmixes and all have been recognized and the machine configured automatically.-the loafpan is the shape of a normal loafpan you use to bake in the oven.-it has a compartment for adding extra ingredients such as walnuts or berries. This breadmachine can also be configured to make doughs you can freeze for later or jellies/jams, pizza dough, or some desert loaves.Cons:-Fairly large footprint so if you're tight on counterspace, you may need to find a storage area after each use.-Can't put the loafpan in the dishwasher because the coating will wear off around the edges.-This machine probably won't save you money in the long run, but it won't cost you more money than buying store-bread once you get past the initial cost of buying the machine. Breadmixes and storebought bread are comparably priced. Most people don't buy a breadmachine to save money though because we're in it for the taste.Final note:-READ YOUR MANUAL!!! It looks big but most of it is recipies in the back. There are a few things that you need to know to make a perfect loaf everytime such as adding the ingredients in the right order so the yeast doesn't activate too quickly. Once you have the process down, making bread is literally as easy as putting the paddle in the pan. Scan the box barcode and set your desired crust darkness. Add ingredients to the loafpan in the correct order. Pop the loafpan in the machine and push start. It takes 3 minutes or less, the rest is done for you, and a perfect, wonderfully tasty loaf pops out everytime.The Beyond bread maker has performed flawlessly for over two years. I make at least two loafs per week. I measure up five batches of the dry ingredients at the time so they're ready to go. I've only made three of the recipes (White, Wheat and French), but they come out perfect every time. Absolutely love it! Too bad it's not available any more - what do I do when it breaks? I've not owned a bread maker before so I cannot compare, but I have no complaints with this one. Plus, as an added bonus, the kids love to keep busy pulling on the scanning tool. It's fast, healthy, and economical.I totally disagree with the review above. Works fine from scratch, if you know what you're doing. If you don't, it's even easier. My roomate bought one of these and it makes great bread all the time with the scanner or with the presets. I don't have anything to compare it to because I've never owned a different bread maker, but I do know that this one works great and if you've never owned one, I recommend this one.