Unbelievable!

Author's Rating:

Pros: Use fresh, whole beans with ease. Coffee hot without over-cooking. Cleaning a snap.

Cons: Hard to see water levels. Can't get hand into carafe.

The Bottom Line: 
Great for serious coffee fans. You'll love it.

Author's Review
This is my third Grind & Brew machine. I did not believe that the thermal carafe without a burner would keep coffee hot, but my Dad went ahead and bought one. He performed several days worth of experiments, and he reported good luck, so I went ahead and bought my own. Wow! I make my coffee at 7:30 am and it is still hot at lunch time. I also approve of the way they broke down the pieces inside; it is a breeze to clean.
This machine has a digital programming feature and comes with a gold filter, and paper ones if you prefer. They also include a tool with a scoop at one end and a brush to clean tiny areas on the other. All I do is put one scoop of beans for each cup I want to make, and then pour in enough water to equal the amount of scoops. You can make coffee with whole beans, or skip the grinder and put pre-ground beans directly in the filter basket. Then just push the button. I actually find the grinder to be quieter on this model than my previous Grind & Brews. I don't know why so many reviews talk about the noise. It is a grinder chopping up beans to powder form. Go figure, it makes noise!
As with most coffee makers, it has a spring that will hold the water in the basket (pause) if you remove the carafe. However, I would not recommend this. Let the entire pot brew because of the unique way coffee brews. The coffee that comes out first is stronger than the coffee that filters through at the end. Let the entire pot brew, and then I even give the carafe a bit of a swish to mix it for good measure.
I do not wash the gold filter. I find it best to dump out the contents and spray it out in the sink. The filter basket and cover can just be rinsed if I'm in a hurry. I find that the only pieces that consistently need washing with soap are the grinder top and bottom (if I used whole beans), and the carafe cover. Be sure to use the enclosed brush! When I have time to spare, I clean them all more thoroughly, except the filter, and I even wipe out the interior of the machine. I find the new design of the Grind & Brew makes wiping out the inside much easier.
The inside of the carafe is impossible to get your hand into, but I think they did that to keep the heat in. I just clean it by swishing baking soda and hot water inside. I also agree with other reviewers that it is difficult to gauge how much water has been poured in. I have to have the counter lights on and stand on my toes. But, I always receive compliments from my guests about the quality of my coffee. This is the best Grind & Brew yet.
I must add here something other reviews have commented on regarding the quality of the coffee. There are many factors involved with making a good cup of coffee. I actually think that the coffee maker has little to do with it. The only reason my coffee is so good is because I purchase whole beans from Starbuck's and grind them fresh with each pot in my Grind & Brew. Even then, there are different coffees that provide different experiences. I do not use just any coffee from Starbuck's. There are only certain ones that suit me. If someone complains that their coffee is too weak, they might want to shop for a bolder coffee. Additionally, I keep my coffee beans in the freezer to reduce environmental effects. Water quality also changes the quality of the coffee. I might add that the Grind & Brew has a water filter inside!
Please, before using your Grind & Brew for the first time, run a couple of pots of water through the system, and follow other manufacturers instructions. They know what they're talking about.
If you hate the burnt taste of coffee that has been simmering all morning to keep it hot, and you don't like dealing with an extra grinding process just to use fresh beans, this coffee maker is for you.
The good things are: Use fresh, whole beans with ease. Keeps coffee hot without over-cooking. Can take your coffee carafe with you anywhere in the house and it stays hot. Cleaning a snap using included brush, and water sprayer.
The bad sides are: Hard to see water levels. Can't get hand into carafe. Pours a little slow, but it is hot coffee, so maybe a good thing?