Boy, Page said just about everything I was going to say! So 'ditto'.
I guess if you're going to mail-order you can't check them out -- but there has been some 'talk' about a lot of the different machines having 'paddles' (kneading blades) that are not too strong -- this making some of the machines that came out last winter 'lemons'. So if you do have a store nearby where you can check these brands, I would go and look and feel.
Also, consider how long the warranty is - some are only for 3 months (and some machines have given out in that time I've heard) but many are 1 year. Like Page said - use it a lot the first month - or couple of weeks to be sure what it wants.
Mine is older and makes 1 and 1-1/2 lb loaves. I agree that 2 or even 3 is better. You can always make a smaller loaf in a 3 lb machine - but you sure cant do the opposite.
Check your library and get out a few cookbooks with bread machine recipes and give some different ones a try. Many of the machines struggle with whole wheat and other 'heavy breads. Your manual should say if they recommend this.
I do the majority (about 98%) on dough/manual cycle and then shape and bake on my baking stone, etc. But the breads I do bake completely have been good with 1 or 2 exceptions. Also, check the size of the breads in the machines you are considering. Some machines are vertical - some are horizontal and some round. If you have fussy kids, this could make a difference ..'ooh I won't touch that!' etc.
Whatever you get, Burgundy, enjoy and use!
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