I have never really known how to use a regular coffee maker except for a keurig machine and it was very embarrassing. I originally started using it to make my loose tea in a tea bag and it worked perfectly so I started to experiment some more and finally learned how to use the machine. I enjoy making a cup of coffee in the morning before work and my boyfriend loves it as well since we didn't have a coffee machine on hand at home to use. We are in love with it!