Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I was hesitant before ordering this coffee maker because the reviews are so mixed, but I've used it daily for a month and I am very happy with it. Before brewing the 1st time I filled it with white vinegar and ran it through a cycle, then 2 cycles of plain water to remove any residual plastic taste. I will also do this once a month for cleaning. I have a damaged adrenal system so I cannot have caffeine so no coffee for me, but I can drink Teeccino Teeccino Variety Pack (Hazelnut, Mocha, and Java) Chicory Herbal Coffee, Caffeine Free, Acid Free, 11 Ounce (Pack of 3). I call it my Faux Coffee and you brew it just like coffee. I also needed a coffee maker for company and I wanted one that makes individual servings without those K cups. This is a simple machine that is easy to use & quick to clean. It has 2 water levels 8oz and 14 oz clearly marked by 2 plastic parts that look like steps molded into the back wall inside the tank. The lower one reads 8 oz and the higher one reads MAX so you just fill up to those with water-no measuring cups needed. There are 2 filters so the 2nd mesh filter catches any tiny granules that may get through the metal filter. After brewing you push up the 3 parts-both filters and the drip cup, dump the grinds (I use the coffee grounds in my rose bushes, they love the acid) and rinse the 3 parts and either set aside to dry or make another cup. I like to leave the lid open to dry out inside. It looks like the silicone seal would pop off to clean but it hasn't gotten dirty so I haven't tried to do that yet. It does a great job on the Bold setting which drips a little slower than the Regular setting ( I actually haven't used it on Regular yet). When using a mug it can splatter a couple of drops on the sides or in front but no major mess. I use a Takeya Iced Tea Maker Set 24 oz pitcher to brew in that is 6 1/2" high and it doesn't splatter. This holds 14 oz with enough room to add powdered Collagen & Goat's Milk and use my milk frother to mix it all up. Bean Envy Electric Milk Frother Handheld, Perfect for the Best Latte, Whip Foamer, Includes Stainless Steel Stand Using 14 oz water I get enough coffee for two 8oz mugs. I like that it's a simple machine with basic parts so there's not a lot to go bad. The stainless is easy to wipe clean and it looks much nicer than most coffee makers. I like the quality of the stainless filter with a good sturdy metal handle so there's no chance of dropping it and making a mess with the grounds. It takes up very little space on the counter, it's only 6 3/4"wide x 7 1/2"deep x 12 1/2" tall ( 17 1/4" with the lids open). In my photos I show it beneath my microwave oven which is set at a standard wall cabinet height. It will fit up to a 7 1/4" high mug or a 4 1/4" high mug with the metal shelf in position. My only complaint is that the previous model came with an extra scoop/filter but now they only include one. I'd like to have an extra one. TIP: Here's a little secret my Grandpa taught me...add a dash of Sea Salt (or Himalayan Salt) to the coffee before brewing. It sounds gross but trust me, just a dash & it enhances the flavor of the coffee, & no it won't taste salty! I also add a dash of powdered cinnamon to my mug (do not put it in the coffee machine!). It adds a yummy flavor. This doesn't pertain to the function of the machine but I thought I'd include it in case anyone is interested...I wanted a pull out shelf but dislike those plastic ones so I made one out of an 8 x 10 tile and attached thick felt pads to the bottom. Now my coffee maker slides out to fill it up and then slides back against the wall. It works great as long as you have a smooth surface.