Being that it only makes approximately 2 20 oz. cups, the thermal carafe is not really important to us.
Our decision would be based on cleaning the glass compared to the thermal, and using the machine with the glass vs. the thermal (there is some mention of not being able to fit the thermal carafe under the machine with the lid on.)
I guess I just wanted to know if anyone here has any comment about either version.
BTW, in researching this, we found that there are only two machines recognized by the SCAA (Specialty Coffee Association of America), the Technivorm KB-741 and the Newco OCS-8. The KB-741 is 1475 watts, and the OCS-8 is 1400 watts.
A few "experts" told us that it is all about having the water temperature at 203 degrees F. These were the only two reasonably priced machines that produce 200 degree water, one reviewer says he tested the temperature of the water and repeatedly found it to be exactly 203 degrees on the Technivorm KB-741.
More than a few sites that specialize in selling coffee said they consider the KB-741 coffeemaker simply the best coffeemaker you can purchase today.
As a side note, we all know a good coffee maker can be ruined by not being able to clean it properly. The KB-741 has a completely removable shower head that's made out of stainless steel, and can go right in the dishwasher.
Here is a page you may find interesting: http://www.ruscelli.com/technivorm_newco.htm