This coffee maker is beautiful, but, the cup of coffee is what matters most. This coffee maker delivers such a balanced and smooth cup in no time. Parts are easy to clean. Gold setting is perfect. Coffee stays hot in carafe. My only gripe is the carafe does keep about 1 oz. or less of coffee behind and you have to remove the top to pour the rest, but, that’s really minor. Also wish you could remove the water resorvoir. Brewing 4 cups takes 3 mins, super fast. Color of machine is more of a dark charcoal gray then a black. Super easy to wipe down and clean, doesn’t show streaks. Above all, I’m very impressed with coffee quality.