Tremendously easy to use. Quick cleanup. Overall design is very pleasing. Moderate space requirements on the counter. Fits under most cupboards when the top is closed.
Negative Product Points
Works well only with Philips coffee pods. Philips coffee has little taste/body, and is quite bitter. Limited selection of coffee varieties (light, medium, dark, decaf). Relatively small water reservoir. Mysterious intermittent leak after 8 months that cannot be located.
Detailed Commentary
Machine purchased at Costco for $65, which included two aluminum coffee pod cannisters. Nice touch, but the cannisters dont' seal well. This isn't really a problem since the coffee is definitely not fresh to begin with. The machine is easy to use with minimal cleanup, and it looks nice on the counter. Additionally, it's quick. That's about as far as the positive points go.
On the flip side the coffee available for this machine is terrible. The machine has the option to use one pod or two, and one "cup" worth of water or two with each brew cycle. I use two pods, and the two "cup" button. This fills up a 12 ounce cup. Brewing a 12 ounce cup with one pod yields weak, bitter coffee with no body when dark roast is used. Medium and light roast produce what is basically colored water. I use two pods and the two cup button with dark roast, and dose it heavily with hazelnut creamer and splenda before I find it drinkable.
One year out and the machine has a reduced throughput of water, probably due to lime scale and other hard water deposits. After 8 months the machine developed a mysterious leak at the back that I absoloutely cannot locate. It is highly intermittent, and appears to be coffee rather than simply water. For those of you familiar with the design of this machine, you may be just as puzzled as I am. I continue to use the machine due to the convenience, and the fact that I get free pods from a relative in Holland.
My overall take on the machine? Spend the equivalent amount of money on a drip machine or french press. You'll get an infinitely better variety of available coffee, and a FAR more enjoyable cup.
Buying Experience
No hassles. Picked up the box and went through the checkout. Never had to return items to Costco, so I can't comment on that aspect.
