Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

after months of dealing with burnt coffee from my trusty krups coffeemaker...i decided that there just HAD to be a better way. i launched an exhaustive search for what would be the best (you know this is always a compromise, anyways) machine for the job. i knew i wanted a thermal carafe...and wasn't as concerned with the price as i was concerned with the quality and durability. i read many reviews here on amazon...including reviews for this machine. after seeing a bunch of negative reviews (based on how difficult to operate, clean, or lack of really HOT coffee from this machine) i decided to look further, instead of just jumping in. of course...as i searched the web, i finally realized that i was just going to have to try the machine...worst that could happen was that i could experience all the problems that some others had...and i'd have to return it. expecting problems (i saw an awful lot of buyer whining about operation difficulty (it isn't a problem) temperature of coffee (although quoted as 170 degrees in the manual it generally stays in the carafe at 160 degrees) and all assortment of complaints about adding water to the reservoir (a no brainer), assembly/cleaning issues (also very simple), pause and serve issues (never had a problem)... i had NO problems whatsoever with this unit. coffee tasted good from the first cup...and still tastes good (i've had the unit for over two months now) as a matter of fact...the coffee is still hot and drinkable after 3 hours (although the manual does recommend that you dispose of the coffee after 2 hours) so all in all? a VERY satisfied customer...i rated it at 4 stars because it IS expensive...and for the anal-retentive types out there...yes the coffee rarely exceeds 165 degrees... but...if you are sitting on the fence (like i was) jump in! you won't be disappointed!