I have a different model without the hot plate and it does brew quickly as described. Note that the 10 cups means a small European cup , of 4 ounces (1 1/4 liter total) . So you really get about 7 standard 6 ounce cups or 5 mugs of 8 ounces. Construction is nice, no hot water touches plastic. Only the cold water reservoir is plastic, the hot water tube is glass and metal.