The thermal carafe does not keep coffee hot enough after 3-4 hours.
This unit requires cleaning after all beans are used from the top feeder and before it's refilled. Cleaning involves removing the feeder and using the included brush/cup tool to completely remove the residual grinds which build up in the chute between the grinder and the coffee basket. If this is not done on a regular basis the chute will clog completely. The burr grinder is not adjustable; only one grind is available. The strength is adjustable by the length of time it grinds beans to feed the basket. The sound from the beeper which lets one know when the coffee is brewed and ready is hardly noticeable and should be much louder.
The bottom line is that it makes a very good cup of coffee and if all the refinements are made, this will be a 5 star rating.