Nothing fancy, just a reminder that the best things in life are easy and cheap(er)!
Homemade basic white bread machine loaf, whipped butter with fresh minced garlic, dried italian seasoning and salt. Gently kissed at 350 until the butter melts into the bread, finished on a low broil until your favorite shade of brown.
100% yes and I'll tell you why (edit: 100% yes worth it)
I had the same frustrations years ago when I first tried them. This is how you do it:
Buy a nice digital kitchen scale. Forget your cups and tablespoons. You're working with grams now. Dabble with recipes that appeal to you. Trial and error. Once you nail it, that's your recipe from now on. The scale keeps it consistent every time. Game changer.
Buy a good bread knife. And resist the temptation to slice until it's cooled. You'll get better and better and suddenly you're making beautiful sandwiches with your clean slices.
Those two things will eliminate what I think the main frustrations are with bread machines: inconsistency and cutting issues.
Edit 2: WHEAT GLUTEN!! If your loaves are not chewy enough and just kind of mush, add straight wheat gluten. I have 15g in my personal recipe due to using half white all purpose flour.... replaces some of the gluten missing from that.