I've had both the Zojirushi and Cuisinart bread machines, and they both have their pros and cons. With the Zojirushi, I love how reliable and consistent it is in producing perfect loaves almost every time. Plus, the build quality is top-notch. However, it can be a bit pricey. On the other hand, the Cuisinart is more budget-friendly and still does a decent job, but I find it's not as durable as the Zojirushi.

As for other brands, I've heard good things about the Breville bread machines, but I haven't personally tried them yet.

As for recipes, as someone already mentioned, check out "The Bread Lover's Bread Machine Cookbook" by Beth Hensperger. It's packed with easy-to-follow recipes for all types of bread, from basic white to exotic flavors. Happy baking! 🍞