ANy coffee left over from the day before stays in the container. When DH gets up he grabs a cup and nukes the left over from the day before while he makes a fresh pot in the morning. I had to get after him to get a stronger brew. I like richer darker brew. We get the French roast. About every 3 years we get a new coffee maker. We went back to Black and Decker. They lasted the longest. our last coffee maker a Cuisinart only lasted about 6 months.