EDIT (8/24/18): If the "Clean" light comes on every time you run a brew cycle -- even after prior repeated cleanings -- you can probably fix this issue by unplugging the unit for at least one (1) hour, preferably longer. Doing this apparently resets the machine back to its factory settings. As I documented below (yes, I know this review is WAY too long), I had cleaned my DCC-3000 repeatedly and the "Clean" light kept coming on no matter what. There are a lot of complaints about this related to this model and its predecessors. I do not know if there is a dedicated sensor that detects calcium/mineral buildup that triggers the "Clean" light. If there is one, it might be defective if the above procedure to clear the "Clean" light's status does not work for you. I am leaving my rating at Four Stars for now; still, it is a great machine if you can tolerate its quirks.EDIT (8/19/18): For now, I am taking off one (1) star (from a 5-star rating) because the "Clean" indicator is now coming one every 7-10 days! I brewed my first batch of coffee on May 23, changed the water filter on July 23 (every 60 days as recommended) and the "Clean" light didn't come on for the first time until July 31. No problem, I figured...it's probably time for its first cleaning. Performed the vinegar flush on July 31, only to have the "Clean" light come on again on Aug. 10. That's strange, I thought. So I cleaned it again, this time using 1/2 water and 1/2 vinegar. Seven days later on Aug. 17, the "Clean" light came on AGAIN. This morning (Aug. 19), I cleaned it again with pure vinegar (12 cups; oh, what a stink!) and am now running a third flush with clean water. It may be time to use pure lemon juice, as the vinegar I have been using is, admittedly, old and its acidity has probably diminished with time. I'll provide another update soon, but this is a discouraging development because I truly LOVE this type of coffee dispenser.ORIGINAL REVIEW (6/10/18):Simply put, this is a great coffeemaker.When I first saw it, it reminded me of my red plastic Kool-Aid drink dispenser I had when I was a kid. Nostalgia aside, the DCC-3000 is a great value for those wanting to, ahem, dispense with the traditional coffee carafe. Initial setup is quick and easy. Just remember to pull the power cord completely out from its internal storage compartment on the back of the unit. You can also push the cord back into its storage cavity to reduce excess length.When the water reservoir is filled to the 6-cup mark, my unit completes a full brewing cycle in five (5) minutes. It’ll make a little noise – some hissing and an occasional pop or two – but that tells you it’s working as it should. During a recent brief power outage (about 2 minutes), the clock retained all of its settings. And the beautiful blue LED backlight will cast just enough light so you can prepare your coffee on the counter without turning on the kitchen light. The white LED dispensing light is just outright cool and helps prevent you from overfilling your cup. If you use a ceramic mug, be advised that the bottom of the cup may scratch the plated drip pan grate. Just place a folded paper towel atop the grate to prevent this. (Replacement parts ARE available from Cuisinart and other sources but can be pricey.)Cleaning is fairly straightforward. I clean my coffee reservoir and filter basket with warm soapy water after each use to remove any residual coffee oils. This is my personal preference; for most users, cleaning it once weekly in this manner is usually sufficient. The cavity for the coffee reservoir will capture residual condensation that remains from a brewing cycle. Just roll up a paper towel (length-wise) and wick it away from the interior.I have used the “1-4 cup” setting just once for a 4-cup brewing cycle and it produced flavorful coffee with the comparable strength and temperature of a 6-cup cycle. On my unit, I have found that each demarcation on the Coffee Gauge represents about 2 cups. I have yet to use the included gold-tone filter, opting instead for paper filters.The only improvements I would make to future iterations of the DCC-3000 are (1) a slight redesign of the coffee reservoir/filter basket lid to prevent condensation from dripping down the back of the unit and (2) a backlight for the Coffee Gauge.This machine, combined with Amazon pricing and a three-year Cuisinart warranty, represents an excellent value for those wanting to go carafe-less.UPDATE (6/19/2018): I have owned the Cuisinart DCC-3000 for 30 days now and have completed 13 brewing sessions (6 cups each). Around the 8th or 9th session, I noticed my coffee had become somewhat weak for an unknown reason(s). This morning, I filled the water reservoir to the **5.5** cup mark (1/2 cup less than usual), used my normal 6 level scoops of medium ground coffee and set the "1-4 Cups" feature. The result was noticeably stronger coffee. I know that other reviewers here have said that activating the "1-4 Cups" feature does not enhance the strength if you are brewing more than 4 cups. Regardless, I will keep experimenting until I can brew coffee consistently at my preferred strength. As stated earlier, I wash the coffee reservoir and filter basket in warm soapy water after each use. For some users, this might seem like overkill. However, I have not experienced any problems with dripping from the dispenser. At most, only 2 drops fall into the drip pan once I have filled my cup, which is acceptable. **Keeping the spring-loaded port at the bottom of the coffee reservoir ++clean and unobstructed++ is key to keeping coffee from dripping from the dispenser.** I have yet to use the gold-toned filter, opting instead for junior-size paper filters designed for 4-6 cups. All in all, I'm still very satisfied with my purchase.