The cons far outweigh the pros of this little machine.

Pros:
1. Good cup of coffee

Cons:
1. Difficult to fill reservoir without spilling
2. Difficult to fill cup with coffee without spilling (carafe lid leaks)
3. Difficult to fill cup with coffee without burning hand with escaping steam from carafe.
4. If you lift the reservoir lid (which also holds the hot water dispenser) at the end of the cycle, water that had formed on the underside of the lid will spill back onto the boiling element and shoot steam and drops of boiling water on you hands and at your face. One learns the first time not to stand directly in front when attempting to lift lid
5. Power button cannot be turned-on with one hand
6. Carafe lid is sometimes difficult to snap into place

I only keep it because it is small and I'm the only coffee drinker at home. Also, I am too lazy to return it. Someday, whimsy will present a new machine to me.

This is a perfect coffee maker if you have limited counter space and low cabinets. This is the only machine I have found to fit on our countertop without having to be moved daily...you'll love this compact.
Cuisinart has products that are funtional & affordable and withstand the test of time...enjoy your Java!

I can live without the coffeemaker shutting off after 30 minutes

I purchased this 4-cup coffeemaker after I broke my second (spare) glass carafe of my 4-cup Mr. Coffee maker (got it as a gift over 14 years ago). It is amazing that the cost to replace that carafe is nearly the cost of a new coffeemaker! I won't need to worry about cracking or breaking this stainless steel carafe.

One minor complaint I have with the carafe is that the plastic rim that makes up the pouring lip/lid holder/handle assembly prevents pouring every last drop of coffee. I also find it slightly annoying that Cuisinart found it necessary to turn off the heating plate after 30 minutes although I'm sure it is a safety feature with a carafe I cannot see through. I've never damaged a glass carafe from "boiling" it dry. I do not find the carafe lid annoyingly difficult to remove or place in position. This lid is different than my glass carafe version and even then, with the Mr. Coffee I need to align the lid opening to the spout like I do with this version.

I don't know if it is just the black color of the parts but the brew basket and coffee maker drip arm have remained clean after brewing over the eight months I've owned and used it. I think that the design of the Cuisinart helps keep the coffee from splashing back onto the drip arm and lid which keeps this area very clean. My old Mr. Coffee was difficult to keep clean (the water sprinkling area above the coffee basket).

PROS: The coffee maker's drip arm (so far) remains clean after use. The carafe should last long after the coffee maker stops working.

CONS: I cannot pour every last drop of coffee easily from the stainless steel carafe. The warming pad shuts off after 30 minutes.

I really love this coffeemaker.
Since I am the only coffee drinker
in our household, this is perfect.
It makes just the right amount for one large
mug or two cups and the coffee is good and hot.

My mom bought 3 of these for Christmas: one for me, my sister, and my grandma. The carafe on ALL THREE of them spills when you pour from it. It somehow leaks sneakily down the front as you pour. We've all had the problem, so it's unlikely a user error. I've checked to make sure the top is snapped on correctly, I've tried pouring at different speeds; nothing helps. My mom also thought they were insulated when she bought it, but it's not. I'm unhappy with the product and would not recommend it.