Oster CKSTBR9050 2-Pound Expressbake Breadmaker, White

Short Review:
No need to spend more money on fancier models. This is the only bread maker you need for everyday use.
Detailed Review:
By way of introduction, I and my family have been using bread machines for almost 25 years.   My first brand was an Oster.  When I got married I gave away my Oster and tried other brands such as Cuisinart, Zojirushi, and Breadman, etc.  Finally, I have come back to Oster.  This Model is one of the most basic and least expensive bread machines you can buy... and guess what... these inexpensive Osters are the best in my opinion.  Many people fail when it comes to making bread in bread machines because they fail to understand some of the basics of bread making.  Not that I am a master bread maker or anything, but I have made bread outside of the bread machine world. 

SO, what is the key, what is the secret that they don't tell you?  The consistency of the dough ball.  If the ball is too dry or wet, it will flop!  In my experience, the dough ball consistency should be like a baby's... cheek.   SO, put in all the ingredients and start the cycle, whichever you are using and after about 3 mintues, lift up the lid and take a look. If there is flour there are pieces of dough in the bowl, than it is too dry.  If the dough is sticking to the sides or your finger when you touch it, it is too wet.  YOUR FINGER SHOULD NOT STICK TO THE DOUGH BALL, WHEN TOUCHED, THAT IS THE KEY!  Feel free to start the whole cycle over again after the initial mixing period is over, if you need to get the consistency right.  Add flour or water with a teaspoon to get the  consistency just right.  And if you add too much flour or water, don't worry, you can correct it by adding a little more... flour or water! 

Sample Sourdough Egg Bread ("Challah") recipe
Simple sourdough starter:  mix well 2 cups of flour, with 2 cups of water, and 1 tablespoon of instant bread yeast.  It should look like a loose pancake batter.  Cover bowl with a towel and leave overnight in a warm place.  Make sure to use a bowl that will have plenty of volume, because the starter will grow and go over the top if the bowl is too small.