simply the best semi-automatic coffee maker I've ever owned. The set up is easy, but I have to say that the only step it does is bring the water up to temp and pour it over the grounds for me, it's just that it's consistently hot and I know that I'm getting the most out of the beans that I buy. If I didn't care or simply couldn't tell the difference, then this machine would be a waste of money; It'll expose the strengths as well as the flaws of the coffee you choose.