This is really useful - the thermos flask is definitely the way to go, the filter basket removes and cleans easily and the unit is even far quieter than my 34 year old Braun was when brewing. The coffee produced is much more consistent with what you expect from the bean and grind, I'm grinding just before using them which helps as well. The Thermos carafe is something I'd consider absolutely essential - it lets you brew an entire 10 cup pot and consume that over a period of time without the coffee being stewed and destroyed by constantly being heated as happens on machines with a warmer plate, not to mention the significant cost savings for power which will certainly add up over time. Operation is quite simple - fill then push the button, time varies based on the strength setting (which I believe slows throughput over the grinds to increase strength). I see why James Hoffman uses a thermos carafe dripolator similar to this, you can produce a good volume of coffee and consume it at a more leisurely pace without it going "bad" over a 1-2 hour period. If you ever see this unit on sale you'd be very wise to pick one up immediately.