I've had this coffee maker for about a year now. I only use it to make 1 mug size and it tastes fine. I like that it takes up very little space on my counter. As far as smells or tastes of plastic, I have not noticed any. I guess a timer would help and if you pour the pot too fast the lid may pop up a little too much and some coffee will spill out. But really minor problems. Great value for the price!