I think some people just have the "right touch". I've had 5 breadmakers - all different brands ending with the $150 Cuisinart my hubby bought and I still can't get a decent loaf. I've used recipes from the book, friends, relatives and online - none were good - at least to me. It is very hard to knead bread with arthritic hands, so I guess I'll just keep buying it from the store - even though it has no taste.