After reading the reviews on Amazon, I purchased this coffeemaker from a local retailer, as I was concerned about having to return it. I also found it difficult to pour water into the machine, but I did so very carefully three times, and each time water leaked out through the tank before I even put the coffee into the filter. I had a large puddle on the counter and it wasn't from pouring spillage. I like the concept of the machine, but it definitely has defects. And for the price, I wasn't willing to put up with the mess. I ended up purchasing the Cuisinart DTC-975BKN (12-cup thermal carafe machine), and I'm much happier with it. (Read the reviews on Amazon and follow instructions careful and you won't have problems.)