The last maker I had was a cheapy (maybe $15)...it leaked, it took 10 minutes (no joke) to brew a half pot of coffee, and the coffee wasn't really "hot".  Finally convinced my husband to let me buy this one, stressing that it was in HIS best interests to let me.  I mean, without my morning coffee I'm a beast!  I brew a half pot in 4 minutes.  4 MINUTES!  And it's piping hot, even after I add my cream.  I've had it 5 days, and have made coffee about 15 times.  I can't get enough of this machine.  Water is easily poured in to the machine, the filter and coffee are firmly seated (no mishaps with water getting behind the filter and not over the grounds), the pot is sturdy.  It's piping hot (I've selected the "h" setting for temperature).  I can't recommend this enough.