You don't mention the temperature of the water that you're adding. I'm assuming it should be warm water (but not over 150 as that kills the yeast)?
So far I have been using a bread machine which I am reasonably happy with, but I'd like to start making more interesting breads and since it's 33 degrees outside, it's a perfect day to run our whole-house heat pump, er, I meant our gas oven.
Remember kids, when shopping for home appliances you want a gas stove, but the oven better be electric or you will have to add an A/C unit for the kitchen.
Of course in a perfect world I'd have 4 gas burners and 2 electric so I'll stop burning sauces.
