I was looking for a programmable coffee maker, so coffee would simply be ready when I wake up. This one does that, which is nice, but it's lacking in some other features. It's supposed to allow for grabbing a cup while still brewing but without making a mess, but it still drips, leaving it to sizzle on the warmer and drips down the pot. I do like the vortex feature because I like a stronger pot of coffee than my husband, but with a drip maker, I usually have to use more grounds for that, which means I end up spending more $ on coffee. The strength choice feature is good for that also. I guess overall it's just not an attractive appliance being all plastic, and I really dislike that I can't see the water basin area well to be able to see if there's anything floating in it (mold, bugs, etc.). We've decided to put it in our guest room area and seek out a better unit, something more attractive for the countertop.