This is the thermal carafe version of the DCC-1200 which I used to own. I broke the glass carafe and ordered this. I didn't realize it before but coffee made in a glass carafe with a heating element under it is burnt. Coffee made with the DCC-1400 is wonderful and doesn't taste burnt. The drawback of the stainless carafe is you cant tell how much is in the pot but the difference in taste is worth it. I have no problem buying a refurbished model - I even ordered a 2nd one for backup.
I am VERY picky when it comes to coffee makers and have trouble finding one that doesn't make the coffee taste like plastic. This one works fine for me. I owned a DeLonghi before this one for about 6 years and the new DeLonghis have suffered a setback in quality as far as I am concerned. I returned about 3 of them. The minor flaw in this coffee maker is that the water gauge is on the inside and it is a little hard to tell what the level is. It is also a little tricky to pour water into. That wasn't enough for me to return it though, since the coffee tasted great!
I purchased this coffee maker 4 months ago and it has worked wonderful so far. This is the 3rd coffee maker I have had in the last year. It told me last week to clean it and I did. Makes wonderful coffee set to my taste, and stays as hot as I want it to. Looks sleek and beautiful on the cabinet. Only drawbacks are you have to pour slow so you don't dribble (but only when I rush) and clock can't be seen in dark, only used to program it. I hope it lasts as long as it is warranteed for but would take 2 years.
