I love bread machines! I love their convenience--push a button and forget about them. I love the great bread they make--better than in the store.
I wrote this article several years ago. It's still true. But today, I would write more about the dough setting.
More and more I've come to use the dough setting--push a button and you have dough. Now you can get your hands in the dough, feel it, and form a loaf or make rolls--and often sweets.
But if I just want a loaf of bread--I still love my bread machine.