I have been patient with this machine for almost a year but now I've had it! First, the water level indicator doesn't work, so no matter how much water I pour into the holding tank the little ball thing doesn't move. The basket holder is hard to open, the permanent filter makes the coffee taste bad so I chucked that thing and use paper. The aroma button makes no discernable difference, so don't buy it for that feature. There's constantly coffee and grinds all over my counter top because it leaks out the bottom somehow. The seal on the lid seems to be loose or something because there is always leaking when I pour. And, the coffee doesn't even start out hot enough, so the thermal carafe is kind of a moot point. Saving graces (that just aren't enough)are the timer and the overall sleek look of the machine. I'm headed out to look for something else.