I just received a new dcc-1120 coffeemaker as a replacement for a similar unit that malfunctioned 22 months into the 36 month warranty.  After contacting Cuisinart about the problem (heating element failure), the service rep lead me through a few tests before agreeing to ship me the new unit.  Every once in a while, a defect occurs. That's life.  How a company responds when that happens is what makes or breaks a company in my mind.  Kudos to Cuisinart for backing its products.  I love my new coffeemaker, by the way.