The extra equipment simply makes it easier, but you don't really need any of it. Bread, pizza dough, pasta, muffins, cookies, tortillas, and anything else that's flour-based can be made without anything but a stove or oven.

I guess it depends on your priorities. For me, it was about saving money, even if that meant a small investment in extra kitchen stuff.

Yes, a blender, bread machine, pasta maker, pressure cooker, microwave, and coffee maker all take up space in my kitchen. But for me, it's totally worth it! They've paid for themselves many, many times over!