I have 2 DAK machines and absolutely love them. They are more expensive than some of the others but are great. I have had mine for 5 years, and about 4 years on the second one. I had an Oster and had nothing but trouble. It may have just been a lemon, but the bread wasn't very good and the machine would turn itself off, burn the bread, wouldn't mix, and just completely gave out after 8 months. I couldn't turn it on and forget it, I had to be around to watch it all the time. A lot depends on how often you intend to use it and what all you want to make. I make bread every day, make all of our buns, rolls, crusts, etc. so they get a good workout.