Solid value, durable, fast, easy to use, makes good coffee.
Positive Product Points
Small footprint, easy to use, durable, programmable.
Negative Product Points
Replacing filters is a pain.
Detailed Commentary
We've owned the KF 180 for more than 3 years and it has never missed a beat. Although the handle on the carafe seems like it might come loose, it's well anchored. Swing-out basket holder and basket are easy to remove and clean. Auto shut-off when removing the carafe in mid-drip works well but usually lets a few drops fall on the hot plate.
The unit does tend to make thin coffee until you adjust to your preference. It's probably set up for mainstream tastes. We compensate by using one measure of coffee for each three measured cups on the carafe. Others might use one measure per two cups. Grinding the coffee fine (nearly to espresso use on supermarket grinders) also helps to get good flavor. Whether making 4 cups or 12, this approach has worked nicely.
The replaceable filter built into the water receptable is not hard to change, but they cost $$ and aren't really necessary. I suggest leaving in the original spacer or just ignoring the filter replacement. In the basjket, standard #4 cone filters work just dandy.
You do have to remember this unit is plastic, not stainless steel. You can't beat it up and have it last, butwhy would anyone beat one up???. This unit works consistently after three years' continuous use. The timer and clock still work flawlessly as well. And it makes coffee FAST - as fast as anything I've used except for a Bunn at work.
