When I made the first batch of yogurt I didn't notice that the Yogurt Maker didn't chime when I turned it on. Didn't matter as it worked fine, made great yogurt, but didn't shut off automatically. Because I am over busy like so many people, I simply tossed the box. When I did the second batch, I noticed the machine would shut off way before it was supposed to. I ended up having to turn it back on twice. The yogurt came out fine but having to monitor the machine was down right annoying. My advice is to use the machine a few times before you throw out the box or you will be in the same predicament as I am of having to run it while I am home so I can turn it back on. Bummer! After giving it some thought, I ordered the exact same yogurt maker, used the box to send the defective one back. The new one works like a charm. I'd give it a 5 for the second one. Amazon sent me a UPS prepaid address via email and refunded the full amount of my purchase. Amazon rocks!! In case anyone is interested, powdered milk works great in the Yogurt maker. I ordered Organic because the grocery store only carries Carnation which isn't organic. Got the organic on line at Amazon.Update: bought this in 2012 used it sporadically since then but it still works fine. I am shocked at how the price has risen. I know I didn't pay $30. If I were to buy a yogurt maker the current price would have scared me off. A yogurt maker simply keeps things at a uniform temperature and there are some for less money. The pros are that it continues to work after five years and I have produced many batches of yogurt. I like the individual containers a lot. It does need to be cleaned out after each use, which leads to the cons. It's hard to get into the small, individual compartments so I've ended up using a q-tip. It's awkward but it works. It's also a negative that the manufacturer doesn't carry more of the indivual containers. I have to wait until I'm down to the last one before I can make another batch. Given the cons listed, if I were to buy a yogurt maker today, I would look for a different. However, as long as it keeps working, I will still this one.