I get better results using an acitve yeast than dry yeast. It only adds a few minutes to your prep to mix the yeast, water and sugar. I have used a bread machine, but I do enjoy making the bread by hand. The only thing I still use the bread maker for is mixing pizza dough. I usually make enough dough for 4 or 5 loaves at a time. and store it in my fridge. My sure you let the yeast ferment for a at least a few hours, a few days is better.