I love this machine! I've grown so accustomed to the way it works (ie the removable water container), I can't bring myself to buy another brand - plus it makes great coffee. Start with freshly ground coffee and this machine does a fabulous job making the gold SCA cup. The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars is for the design - it feels outdated. I wish Braun would modernize it a bit and simplify the design; remove the plastic.