I think this works great.  I was torn between a Keurig and this machine, but this machine is ideal.  I can get the pods or I can get the grounds.  My preference is grounds because I love waffle house coffee.  When I first used the machine I was skeptical about it's use and if the flavor of the coffee would be the same as purchasing from the waffle house, however, what I found was that the grounds in this machine made my coffee taste better than me purchasing a cup of coffee from the waffle house.  I am so excited and happy that I made this purchase.