I wouldn't recommend the Capresso MT500 to anyone unless they tried a cup brewed from it before purchase to make sure that they like what this machine produces.
Positive Product Points
It's an attractive appliance on the kitchen counter. Carafe keeps coffee very hot.
Negative Product Points
I missed the swing out filter basket that I had with my Krups. This unit has to be pulled all the way forward, out from under the cabinets and onto the edge of my kitchen counter so that I can lift the whole top up to set it up for brewing. I tried every grind (grinding at home; getting Peets to grind fresh beans) and I never got the flavorful cup of coffee I hoped for. For my taste, this machine brews too quickly without allowing enough time for water to be in contact with the coffee.
Detailed Commentary
The best part of the experience of owning (briefly) and returning this coffee maker was the great customer service from 1st in Coffee. They suggested I return the unit to Capresso to have it checked, which I did. Capresso assured me that it functioned the way it was suppposed to. 1st in Coffee gave me a full refund, even though by the time the coffee maker had gone back to Capresso and come back to me, I was well past the 30 day guarantee.
I bought the MT500 based on the reviews I found here. I wonder if my palate is just different than everyone else's. I think this coffee maker brews too quickly, short changing the time that the water is in contact with the grinds. I tried the 2-4 cup button, grinding finer, using more coffee, etc. but all I ever got was stronger or weaker, never more flavorful.
I was very disappointed with this unit, more so considering the investment. My 30-year old GE 4 cup auto-drip with a flat bottomed filter basket brews slower, richer coffee than I ever got from the MT500.
Buying Experience
1st in Coffee is the best. Very responsive. Excellent customer service. I highly recommend them.
