This coffee maker is gorgeous and would make a lovely addition to your kitchen. Ice and water are placed in the top jar, and by regulating the dripping water through the valve in the center, coffee is steeped and ends up in the carafe at the bottom of the tower. Through a unique 3 hour process using pure ice water, ice drip coffee produces a unique flavor not found in regular brewed coffee. It's easy to use. Just put the water and coffee grounds into the brewer and you are ready to go. A permanent ceramic filter mechanism is included and is available in a brown stain finish. This coffee maker holds 32 oz. By slowly brewing your coffee with ice water, the harsher oils in your ground coffee are not brought out. The final brew is a lot mellower than a regular brew machine.