Proof that technology can be used for good and not evil is todays bread machines. In addition to producing the standard white bread loaf, these machines can produce bread as nutty or whole grained as you want.

Other excellent uses for a bread maker:

  • Most have a dough setting for pizza dough, or cinnamon buns.
  • Most have a timer option, similar to a coffee machine's timer - can be set to produce fresh bread first thing in the morn.
  • If there is a God, and I get to meet him sometime, He gets a high five for the smell of bread baking. A bread maker lets you make this smell at home, instead of the smells you usually make!

Buying tips:

  • Get the largest size available. Most machines make 1 - 2 pound loaves. Bread keeps well if you make the whole grain or white bread variety.
  • Buy a good one. These don't really have any user serviceable parts, and are more expensive to fix than to buy a new one. To aid in chosing, a consumer review magazine may be worthwhile.