By following the directions for the coffee preparation as well as the proper set-up of the coffee maker, the brewer produces a coffee shop worthy pot of coffee. My only "dig" is the thermal carafe. It doesn't pour correctly after you put your filtered water in it for brewing unless the lid is screwed on tight. After brewing, it doesn't do a good job of keeping the coffee at a hot drinking temperature and lastly you cannot get the last remnants of your brew at the bottom of the carafe without unscrewing the lid!?!