Totally agree about single use appliances, but the bread machine is the sole exception. Figured it wouldn't get more than a few uses, so bought a cheap one to start with. Turns out I use it daily.

I used to use the Kitchen-Aid with the dough hook. Mostly just the convenience factor won out. Just pouring everything into one pan and hitting a button was the big sell. Plus, it's got a timer so I can load it up before bed and have fresh bread in the morning.

Also switched to using a kitchen scale instead of measuring cups, and combined, that has massively reduced the amount of dishes and mess I have to clean.

You don't even need to knead (the only real 'work' in breadmaking) if you don't feel like it.
Gluten forms all by itself over time.