The 12 cup replaced the 7 year old 10 cup unit.  Same size, added features.  Put to use immediate and using daily.  It has a 1-4 cup button feature new which is nice for 2 of us.  We cleaned when unpacked with light vinegar solution and boiled twice.  The brew had a "plastic " taste which disappeared.  As a engineer, I would guess the plasticers used in molding left new product residue.  I would recommend clean well before use.  Otherwise , it is great with auto timer and clean functions.