We are coming from a k-cup machine. Upkeep for that machine was, keep it full of water and throw used k-cups away. The new machine requires filling the water, of course, but it also requires a fairly involved cleaning of the machine's internals every 4-5 cups. The internals, upon removal, leave coffee residue, grounds and water on the counter. Not a clean, no fuss machine. But I guess that's the price you pay for a really fresh cup of coffee.