The built-in timer is a huge plus. Since the kneading is on a timer (as part of the DOUGH cycle), you don't have to worry about how long to knead or if you're doing it right. You can set it and walk away. With this sourdough recipe, you don't need to check the moisture level unless you're worried you didn't measure correctly. Remember to come back and remove the bread dough from the machine at the end of the DOUGH cycle.