I ditched the cups and couldn't be happier! Being able to put fresh whole bean coffee in a machine and it grinds the beans for you to make the freshest cup of coffee is a godsend. I drink roughly 5 cups of coffee a day so I'm always using the carafe to make a large pot of fresh coffee to drink multiple cups in the morning and evening. I'm also able to make just a cup when needed. Love all the features it offers with timing my brew when needed.