Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Only had Cuisinart's DCC-3000 for 4 days so really need more time for an evaluation. I've owned a few Hamilton Beach Brewstation carafeless models recently and I really like them. The Hamilton Beach units make great coffee but always develop leaking issues sooner or later. If you get to 2 years without a leaking issue you should feel fortunate. First, the DCC-3000 by Cuisinart is an entirely different level of machine. It's very sturdy, well made and my unit purchased does not look like the picture in Amazon's advertisement. It looks better. The power cord is VERY short, maybe 14-16". Unless you use an extension cord you must locate it directly in front of a power outlet or in an area where it is not beneath an overhead kitchen cabinet. If under a cabinet, the cord just barely allows room to pull out from cabinet, lift the lid on top, and remove the coffee tank for cleaning, without unplugging the unit. The coffee dispenser turns on a soft LED light above you coffee cup and smartly allows you to view the rising coffee level in the cup.....very nice feature. After 4 days of making my AM coffee, I'm now using the right amount of coffee and water to suit my tastes (strong). I prefer my coffee very hot and most coffee makers don't quite get hot enough for me. The Ham Beach Brewstations excel at hot coffee. The DCC-3000 falls short, almost gets there but I must nuke/microwave each cup for 30-35 seconds to bring to temp. This machine is quiet, brews relatively quickly, but I think a bit slower than a Brewstation. Bottomline, so far I think this is a great unit, much more substantial, and higher quality than the H/B Brewstation. At current prices, it will cost you $5-20 more than the best Brewmaster (a 47454 Deluxe), but the DCC-3000 has a 3-year warranty rather than 1-year. This unit is classier looking and you'll easily notice the lack of flimsy plastics found in a guaranteed to leak Brewstation. You can use paper filters or the gold-mesh basket that comes with it. Also a charcoal filter with DCC-3000 though I'm unsure if it really makes a difference. With the additional warranty, pricing in the $90's, and higher quality unit I think this is a no-brainer.....buy the Cuisinart DCC-3000. ****One-month update***** I still like this unit, however, the number one reason to buy a any coffee maker is to make great coffee. As another reviewer said, the coffee is weak/watery. I tried adding more coffee which does modestly help but obviously drives up the cost of making a pot. I use Starbucks coffee......not cheap. I believe the water flows thru the basket/filter too fast....it isn't held in basket long enough to flavor the brew. I'm going to try 2 things......using 2 paper filters instead of one (or use a paper filter with the gold basket?) to slow down water passing thru basket(and hope it doesn't overflow). If that doesn't work I plan to grind my coffee finer, almost as fine as an expresso grind. Hope I don't end up with mess.