I've lived with my mother (88) and her cat (12) for about 2 years and the feeding schedule was insane. I finally sold this idea and this machine has solved all my problems in this department. I heeded the reviews on the less expensive machines that are similar and am convinced that I made the right choice. This unit seems to be really well made, and will likely last a long time. The instructions are easy enough to follow (if you are not entirely intimidated by something like a digital clock, smartphone, DVR, etc.). It is set to "military time" (a 24-hr clock), so you need to fill it once every day, but that is exactly what we needed. 5 feeding times in a 24 hour period, roughly 5 hours apart. There are 5-bins and 4-program-times, so one feeding is manual (when we fill it for the day). We determined that roughly 2-teaspoons (not heaping, not perfectly level) per bin was the right amount. The bins are plenty big enough for this, and still roomy enough for kitty to get every morsel without a problem. This cat is completely spoiled, was getting irregular amounts at different times (a schedule existed, but was not always adhered to), which literally made the cat a bit crazy and quite a nuisance sometimes (waiting for the appointed feeding time). It was also starved as a kitten (while pregnant, it was a rescue / adopted cat), so it cannot control itself if you leave food out all the time. I noticed though, that sometimes she would not always eat everything in her bowl, so we adjusted the amount so that the first time she visits the bin (on time) she sometimes leaves a few kibbles (dry food only), and will finish the rest later. This cat is WAY calmer now, since she is now getting the same amount of food on a regular schedule. I do still need to pay attention to the feeding times, in case the cat is out of earshot (or outside) when the feeding time is activated, but after a few weeks, even that is getting easier. The recording works great, but is not all that loud. (A bonus in some regards.) We had to get down right into the microphone to get a good recording, but once you are done with that, and all the programming, you are all set. It has a battery backup system, and even includes a low battery indicator. it did not take the cat long (a few days) to figure out what is going on. Now she checks the machine more, rather than annoying everyone, when it is close to feeding time. Now all we have to do is... Once a day (usually when the cat is outside, between feeding times), the bins are loaded up, and at the "manual" time we let her in and all is right with the world.... Thank Goodness!!! .... I did not test it, but I suspect each bin could hold about a cup of food. The tray is removable, but hard to get a hold of. A simple pair of pliers makes that task really easy. The release button is stiff enough that no animal could break into it. I do hold the release button in while both removing AND replacing the cover. (Forcing the cover down feels like something might break.) It is easiest to open and close the lid if the back of the machine is against a wall or something.... At first I was worried that the cat would tear the machine up trying to get to the stored food (she has done similar things, breaking into any bagged food left in her reach), but in the beginning she did not, and now she is so calm it is not a concern. Overall the machine feels sturdy enough, looks nice, and is easy to use.