I give this machine 2 stars b/c I don't use the grind function, which quite honestly is why I paid over $100 for a coffee machine. The grind function only holds enough for maybe.....5 or 6 cups of coffee MAX, and even then, it grinds it so fine that 20% of it sticks to the sides and the rest is for brewing, which makes WEAK COFFEE (not to mention the noise wakes up the neighborhood, it's a little intense).However, I'm salvaging it - I grind my beans in a separate grinder, and I can turn off the grind function, and brew it this way, and it tastes GREAT. The thermal carafe is good b/c it does stay hot, but pours so slowly you always think you're out of coffee - pretty weird.In sum, if you like strong coffee, get a Cuisinart without the brewing function and save some money.