massive upgrade to my morning cup of joe! was using a $30 target special with a reusable/washable filter previously for about 5 years. i was reluctant to go back to using paper filters, but ultimately they just do a better job of filtering. improvements for me include:
1. much improved, richer coffee flavor
2. cleaner coffee without any coffee grounds floating in the bottom of my cup
3. more precise temperature control yields a better brew
4. wasnt sure about the stainless carafe, but it does a good job of keeping the coffee hot and i dont have to worry about accidentally bumping into something and having it break/crack. although the lid leaks if not tightened enough
5. consistency - water in, same amount of coffee out. for some strange reason, my old coffee maker did not put out a consistent amount of coffee. if i measured 2 cups in, sometimes i'd get a cup and a half. other times, i'd get 2 cups. probably related to water temp.
6. smaller footprint than my old coffee maker.