We have been using this coffee maker for a little over one year. It does make a good cup of coffee when it works. In the beginning the coffee would overflow onto the counter on a weekly basis. We discovered there is a little ball valve in the lid which would stick on occasion. So learned to shake the lid to make sure it wasn't stuck prior to placing the lid on the carafe. Now one year into using, the coffee leaks all over the counter for a different reason. Now it appears that the junction where the plastic on the carafe meets the stainless steel, has slightly separated. When brewing you can see coffee streaming out where these two component materials meet. Definitely a design flaw, as the handle is not anchored to the carafe at both ends, thereby pulling the plastic top away from the stainless steel section when pouring. Time for a different brand!