I have a breadmaker and love it. Pop the ingredients in as you go to bed and come down in the morning to the smell of fresh, warm bread. The bucket is non-stick so really easy to pop out your loaf and clean up. You're right that some models are a poor experience though. If you ever fancy giving one a go again, I'd recommend one of Panasonic's (https://www.panasonic.com/uk/consumer/home-appliances/breadm...) machines. I'd never use anything else.