Since everybody else is weighing in, I'll put in my $0.02. I have a 12 cup version of the Cuisinart 'Brew Central' (see link) that was sold through Starbucks. I like it best of all the recent coffee pots I've had (and I seem to buy one every year or so). I think it meets the requirements listed that started this thread, even though it is a thermal caraffe type pot. It is programmable, and easy to use (didn't need to read the instructions). It seems durable to me, but we've only been using it since Christmas. It is definately more durable than the previous low-end Cuisinart unit I was using. It uses a #4 cone filter, and comes with the gold mesh filter. I also use brown paper filters, for easy clean up. The documentation for this model doesn't say anything about a warming plate, but it does appear to have one, or at least the base gets too hot to touch. Pros: 1. It works great! The pieces fit into place, and the drip mechanism doesn't seem overly complex or failure prone. This is EXTREMELY important to me, as I've had WAY too many coffee makers over the last year that over flow, or mis-flow, or get clogged, or something goes wrong, spilling coffee all over the place. The LAST thing I want in the morning to to clean up the coffee that I only want to be DRINKING!!! 2. The apparent warming plate turns off right away, and the thermal caraffe keeps the coffee fairly hot for quite a while, without 'Cooking' the already brewed coffee over time. 3. It's a great size, that fits under our cabinets with plenty of clearance. Cons: a. It doesn't have an externally visible level or gauge telling you how much water to add. You have to look down in the tank at a little 'stair-step' thingie to see how much water you've added. When I'm blurry-eyed in the morning, this is one thing I don't want to have to focus on. b. There is no overflow prevention system, and the tank can hold more water than the caraffe. It is completely possible to put too much water in the tank, which will then attempt to flow into the caraffe, and overflow on the counter. To prevent this from happening, I keep a pitcher of water with the exact correct water level marked on it. This also helps address Con #a. c. I wish the coffee was a bit hotter, and that the caraffe kept the coffee hotter longer. If I'm in the mood, I'll pre-warm the caraffe with hot tap water before brewing. The water I use is room-temperature, so that helps. We had an 8 Cup Thermal caraffe pot that kept the coffee HOT for like 6-8 hours. This one will keep it hot enough for about two hours, but after that it's not hot enough for me. I grind up coffee a couple of times each week for the next few days, and I fill the filter cone up to almost the TOP. I love rich, strong coffee! I use Reverse-Osmosis filtered water, and locally roasted beans from my favorite coffee establishment, and I'm happy with the coffee that is produced. We'll see if I'm still happy toward the end of the year, or if I will feel compelled to buy yet another coffee pot or not. :-) Here is a link that might be useful: Cuisinart Brew Central

An in person visit is still the best way to find what you need. We do not sell online, only in store. Most contractors only purchase things that they can see, feel, and judge their quality. We only sell first quality goods, which many internet sites do not. Yes, I'm a ProSource employee, but not on the flooring side. I'm a KD at one of the stores. Almost any real in person flooring store can get you loads of choices that an internet presence that concentrates on closeouts and second quality cannot. This post was edited by live_wire_oak on Thu, May 1, 14 at 17:03

Hate it. Had to get it last March after XP computer toasted itself. Just this past weekend I received an e-mail from HP asking if I wanted to extend the warranty - with the ability to call a tech for assistance. I took it. I called them a lot during the early days since Best Buy sold me a printer and a flash drive for factory back-up that were compatible only with Windows 7 and the key card for Word 2013 - and I hate it - could only be used once and of course it didn't work the first time. Best Buy was useless and there is no way I should have had to pay the Geek Squad to hook up a basic printer - I didn't, I called the printer manufacturer and HP. HP had already sent me a warning re making sure my computer could handle Win 8.1 - I decided to just not even try it. The tech I spoke with when I bought the extended warranty suggested I not do it. Our Internet provider does not support Win 8 or Internet 10 so that is another problem. And if your problem is anything other than the Internet connection failing they transfer you to a "specialist" and charge you. Cdns. already pay a lot for basic services. Then there is the e-mail issue. My husband's office is going to stick with Win 7 and Word 2010. I can't pay to switch back to Win 7 because I never had it. But the difference between Win 7 and Win 8 is great - same with Word 2010 and Word 2013. All I use the computer for is Word, Internet and e-mail. I don't shop or belong to Facebook etc. I use a keyboard - and HP added a few keys so I am making mistakes that I never did before despite typing 120 wpm! I helped a friend book an air ticket using her tablet - I don't want a tablet - I need a real mouse. The future is looking grim computer wise. Then there is the cell phone issue. I don't have one - did for 2 years. I don't text. I would just like to have a plain cell phone that functions only as a phone. I have the phone that I used for the 2 years but it won't accommodate a pay as you go card. I don't understand how people can watch TV on a tiny little screen while driving yet need a 60 inch screen at home. I guess I am just too old!

Hi no-green-thumb!~You really do have a lot of hidden potential. It has been a long winter; I am in IL, so I know how different winter and spring can look! Still waiting for plants to "pop" here, although a little green is finally peeking through. I did a paver installation in my landscape construction class. They need a gravel base, and proper grading. Their installation makes them more impervious to water than flagstone, which will heave slightly, so IMO flagstone is not the best choice for a patio right next to the house. They tend to be somewhat expensive. BUT the cost of installation of your existing patio included the flagstone itself, which you still have and can re-use, so don't despair! We have a flagstone patio in the far corner of my backyard, and I think that could look lovely with your forest backdrop. It is really not expensive to do, just labor intensive. Many nurseries have staff that might be able to do the job or recommend someone, so if DIY is not an option, you should get several bids before proceeding. Or, this is what I would do if it was MY yard... I think it would be best if you had a deck installed; one without steps, just a walkout that extended from the corner all the way to the purple fence to the left of your ac unit. Replace that panel with six foot cedar fence panels, to hide the AC from view. To add interest, stagger the fence heights. The deck would have an octagonal cut-out for the tree, and low wide steps to the flagstone path connecting it to the cement patio. The flagstone path would be wider at the steps and narrower towards the patio, but it would be at least three feet wide, four feet would be better. I wouldn't touch the stone edged bed of hostas and ferns, except to maybe trench the edge slightly, so that the stones "sink" and are no longer a problem when you mow. I really dig (no pun intended) the natural stone and flagstone combination. However, the wooden deck and cement patio are both more practical surfaces for grilling and eating, more sure-footed. I agree that the cement patio is one logical place for your existing grill. Since that was also expensive to install, why not re-use it? Have you seen these type of gazebos, they're a great way to define the eating area from the lounging/bar area closer to the house? They are designed to be taken down and stored in the winter. Here is a link that might be useful: Gazebos