Are budget bread makers under $150 worth buying?

For occasional bakers, yes. The KBS Pro, Neretva 20-in-1, and OSIPOTO all draw thousands of positive Amazon reviews and generally favorable r/BreadMachines threads, with users praising ease of use and consistent loaves. The trade-offs versus a Zojirushi are noisier operation, less even crust browning (single heater versus dual), and shorter expected lifespans based on community reports.