I got this because I have a family of 6, and usually have in laws visiting or cousins or some kind of family staying over, so the 12 cup is large enough to cover everyone for there coffee needs in the morning, it shows you on the right corner how much water you have in it, which always helps, the 12 cup pot is like a restaurant size and easy to carry with the handle, it has a built in clock, and you can program it the night before so everyone can have their coffee first thing in the morning, definitely a must in our kitchen