I only use the bread machine now. That gives a fairly good result with no work. Among other things, I can't keep the kitchen warm enough for dough to rise, so I have quit trying to make rolls and stuff.
Yes, the bread machines do a fine job too. I got a French bread mix for my machine and it turned out really good. Krustez makes some nice mixes for the bread maker.
Well, ... No. When whole grain bread drops below two bux a loaf I buy as many as will fit in my freezer. I bought a hundred and fifty pounds of wheat ten years ago and I have ground maybe half of that. Hard red winter wheat is a noticeably stronger flavor than what comes from the feed store (white wheat, one third the price) but I only bake when I run out of store bought.