I received this as a gift.  The best thing I can say about it is that it makes wonderful tasting coffee.  I owned a Gavalia coffee maker for about six years that made great coffee.  (The reviews for the current models aren't good though.)  After it went out, I bought one from WalMart than had to be returned because the coffee tasted awful.

I have three main issues with this Cuisinart.  The lid is really difficult to get on and off.  I had an idea this morning to put some cooking oil on it so I'll try that later.  Also, it makes strange clicking sounds while brewing and warming.  I had read that in other reviews and after reading about some starting on fire, I wonder if this is related.  Because of this I don't use the warmer and only brew when I'm nearby.  Lastly, I can't grab a cup while brewing without some dripping on the hotplate.

The glass carafe does seem too thin and I can see why other reviewers have had them break.  If I run it through the dishwasher, I'm sure to not let other glassware touch it and surround it with the other plastic pieces to keep it from shaking around.  Also, the measuring steps inside are useless.  It's so dark you can't even see past an inch.  And, remember it's not stainless steel.  It some kind of brushed metal.  The knobs are really nice and the programmable features work perfectly.  I love the 1-4 cup feature.  I tested with and without using it and it really does make the coffee stronger.

My three main issues are very frustrating BUT since the taste is so good, I'll deal with the issues.
I received this as a gift. The best thing I can say about it is that it makes wonderful tasting coffee. I owned a Gavalia coffee maker for about six years that made great coffee. (The reviews for the current models aren't good though. )  After it went out, I bought one from WalMart than had to be returned because the coffee tasted awful. I have three main issues with this Cuisinart. The lid is really difficult to get on and off. I had an idea this morning to put some cooking oil on it so I'll try that later. Also, it makes strange clicking sounds while brewing and warming. I had read that in other reviews and after reading about some starting on fire, I wonder if this is related. Because of this I don't use the warmer and only brew when I'm nearby. Lastly, I can't grab a cup while brewing without some dripping on the hotplate. The glass carafe does seem too thin and I can see why other reviewers have had them break. If I run it through the dishwasher, I'm sure to not let other glassware touch it and surround it with the other plastic pieces to keep it from shaking around. Also, the measuring steps inside are useless. It's so dark you can't even see past an inch. And, remember it's not stainless steel. It some kind of brushed metal. The knobs are really nice and the programmable features work perfectly. I love the 1-4 cup feature. I tested with and without using it and it really does make the coffee stronger. My three main issues are very frustrating BUT since the taste is so good, I'll deal with the issues.