I am becoming accustomed to the sequence of motions to create that morning brew. Put the filter in the bottom. Screw the bottom to the larger tube, put it on top of the cup, add coffee grounds, add water, stir once as the coffee seeps through. I add another couple of ounces of water and stir again (my cups are very large). Use the second tube to force all the water through. There. The delicious coffee is ready. Much better tasting than the Kuereg and worth my sleepy-headed effort. Warning. You can only add the coffee once the base is attached to the larger tube. It won't work if you forget and add coffee before it is together. I think the coffee is better than the coffee at our local coffee shop. And it is definitely hotter.