Let me tell you, this compact silver box has become my kitchen MVP. After burning my first loaf (totally user error - I eyeballed the water), I've perfected the art of fresh bread with this Cuisinart. The vertical design fits perfectly in my apartment kitchen, and that viewing window? Genius for obsessive bakers like me who love watching the magic happen.

Pro tip: The paddle IS included - it's just sneakily taped inside protective cardboard (nearly tossed mine!). I've made everything from basic white to honey oat using Bread Dad's recipes (skip the manual's fussy instructions). The medium crust setting gives that perfect golden crunch while keeping the inside pillowy soft.

My favorite feature? Waking up to cinnamon raisin bread smells at 6am thanks to the delay timer. Though fair warning - the nut dispenser is dramatic. Close it too hard and your walnuts stage an early escape! Still mixes in fine though.

After 15+ loaves, my only complaint is wishing for a pause button when I forget ingredients (learned the hard way with honey bread - yeast needs liquid friends!). But for under $200? This machine turns flour into edible happiness while I binge Netflix. Just unplug between batches - keeps the programming fresh!