Using this Cuisinart coffee maker is a breeze. First, open the bean hopper and fill it with your favorite whole coffee beans. Then, you can set the brewing time up to 24 hours in advance if you want a fresh cup waiting for you. The machine will automatically grind the beans just before brewing starts. You can use the brew pause feature to pour yourself a cup even before the brewing is finished. If you only need 1 to 4 cups, there's a special setting for that. When it comes to the auto - shutoff, you can adjust it from 0 to 4 hours to save energy. You also have the option to turn off the grinding function if you prefer to use pre - ground coffee. As for maintenance, make sure to clean the bean hopper regularly to avoid any clogging. Wipe the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth. And since it has a thermal carafe, you don't need to worry about heating elements wearing out, but still, keep it clean inside. Remember, this product is discontinued, so take good care of it to enjoy delicious coffee for a long time.