I had used a B&d a few years ago, but gave it to my son since I live alone. I missed making fancy bread, so I shopped around. It had to be small. This little Zojirushi is perfect in size, easy to load, the paddle does not make a mess and release the loaf readily, the result is always a pleasure. I varies the flours, the added goodies are almost gourmet cooking, and the bread is constantly perfect even with my adventurous additions : walnuts, almonds, almonds flour, chestnut flour, apples, apple sauce, garlic, ginger, fruits, bacon, cheese, herbs, whole wheat, durum and rye, chocolate and buttermilk. The only rule is simply to think about how much moisture all these bring and try to leave the flour volume equal to the recipes they advise you. So, you learn to balance it all, including the tastes and "Bon appetite" . Just keep the proportion about right!