Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I am a fan of good coffee; I have been roasting my own beans since the 1990's, have a Pasquini Livia 90 and Rocky Rancilio for espresso, several presses and a Chemex for pour-over. For the workday mornings when we have to get out the door, I have been using a Capresso MT-500 which was on its last legs. I decided another auto drip was in order. I reviewed all the current high-end makers, but insisted on something with a thermal carafe, brewing temp of 200 degrees, pre-infusion, made more than 40 ounces of coffee and could brew with a push of a single button, since my wife does not like to fuss with the coffee maker. My research led me to this machine. I also looked at the Technivorm, Brazen, Cuisinart, Capresso, Breville and Bonavita offerings. I have had the Zojirushi for a week now. So far, it has been excellent. I measure the temp in the carafe at 188 degrees and in the coffee ground bed at 200-202 degrees and the coffee tastes excellent. I brew using the 'time-saver' option and a full pot of 50 ounces takes about 9-10 minutes to brew. The coffee is extracted very well without undue bitterness. I generally roast to a 'full city' or 'medium' (10-15 seconds into second crack) level so I don't roast out all the varietal character from the coffee. The carafe keeps the coffee hot for at least four hours; we have always finished the coffee by this point. It uses a 8-12 cup cone basket and I use Melitta filters rather than the included permanent filter; my wife does not like fines/sludge in her coffee. I am especially impressed by the large showerhead which gives an excellent even brew over the coffee grounds. Clean-up is easy since the filter basket and water tank lift right out for cleaning and filling. It is constructed well and does not appear flimsy. So far, this appears to be a winner. I will update this review as needed.