Bonnie:
I don't know how helpful this will be, but here goes . . .
I currently have the Breadman Plus (Ultra), which is the version just
before the Ultima came out. I have been very happy with it, and the
bread pan is as non-stick as ever after 9 months of regular use. I have
had no problems mechanically at all, nor some of the over/under baking
issues I occasionally see in the ng with other machines. One of the
things I WOULD have liked to have seen was the adjustable cycles and
pause feature which I understand is now in the Ultima --- up until now,
the only place I knew that existed was in the Zo. I have heard
wonderful things about Zo's, but natuarally they also cost a little
more. I just thought I'd pass along that if you are looking for a less
expensive alternative, while I have not played with the Ultima I'm
certainly happy with the Ultra from Breadman.
For what it's worth . . .
Patty