I'm on my second one in 4 years.  I just bought one for my in-laws (I like them, this isn't some cruel punishment!).  Yeah, it's kinda loud.  Yeah, it's a pain to clean.  Yeah, the carafe could be better.  No, I don't think i'm using more coffee (just make sure the bean holder is dry).  I'm only sorry that Sam's no longer has them for ....