Just to add my vote for a breadmaker (Panasonic), I've had one for many years. When they visited, my grandchildren liked my bread so much that their parents have now bought one as well.
Just like others, I put the ingredients in the bread pan at night and set the timer for a loaf in the morning. We have it fresh then slice the rest and freeze it in sandwich-sized quantities.
I have also baked cakes in the breadpan.
I do not use any sugar when I make my loaves, just flour, salt, butter, water and dried yeast. I mix different flours in different proportions. I have only had one failure - I forgot to add the yeast!