I had an older Keurig machine which was bigger but great. I purchased this Model which looks more like something out of sharper Image. the water container has an internal blue LED light that illuminates the water a Star Trek like blue and will flash when the water gets low. So if you like a nice big cup of Joe or tea you'll need to fill it often. Now that said, about the noise factor - this thing sucks in water and growls very loudly, like a coffee grinder. If you are filling a big mug of coffee, you will need to fill your cup twice which means the machine will have to suck water in 4 TIMES which lasts about 6 or 7 seconds. It rattles anything on the kitchen counter from the vibration frequency. Sounds great doesn't it....