June 11, 2004

By CONNIE DUFNER
House & Garden Editor
The Dallas Morning News

Imagine: hot, fresh coffee in less than a minute. That's the promise of a new generation of housewares, one-cup coffee makers, designed to capture the hearts, minds and pocketbooks of a nation of discriminating javaholics. For commuters, it means no standing in line at the coffee or convenience store and navigating a leaky cup, hoping you won't stain your fresh outfit before getting to the office. For home-based aficionados, no pre-dawn fumbling with water, filters, scoops and grounds, then listening to your spouse complain two hours later because it has gotten cold.

Photos by Natalie Caudill, Styling by Karen Elizabeth Watts / DMN Keurig Single-Cup Brewing System

Philips: Senseo

Melitta: One:One

Black & Decker: Home Cafe

Nuova Simonelli: Jazz

Lavazza: Espresso Point

Imagine: hot, fresh coffee in less than a minute. That's the promise of a new generation of housewares, one-cup coffee makers, designed to capture the hearts, minds and pocketbooks of a nation of discriminating javaholics. For commuters, it means no standing in line at the coffee or convenience store and navigating a leaky cup, hoping you won't stain your fresh outfit before getting to the office. For home-based aficionados, no pre-dawn fumbling with water, filters, scoops and grounds, then listening to your spouse complain two hours later because it has gotten cold.

Ranging in price from $50 to several hundred dollars, these countertop appliances have swarmed the market from groceries to discount retailers.

Two reasons are driving demand, says Lisa Casey Weiss, a lifestyle consultant for the International Housewares Association industry group. The first is the coffee-bar effect, she says. "Consumers are looking for a good-quality, good-tasting cup of coffee, and they felt they couldn't re-create that at home.

"The other part of it is that there are a lot of households that only want one cup at a time. You may be in a single-person household and don't want a big carafe," or there may be multiple people, and everyone wants something different, Ms. Weiss says.

The beauty of these coffee makers is that there's not a lot of thinking involved once you bring one home. They're easy: Just add the pre-measured coffee pods and water, press the button and wait for your cuppa. But there are some differences in price, look and taste to think about, and that's where we can help.

We turned to Discount Dame Karen Watts, whose day jobs include catering, food styling and frequent Starbucks appearances, to test six brands of coffee makers. If you're looking for a one-cup wonder, they're out there, and with just a few decisions to make, you'll have a new way to get your caffeine fix.

Keurig (pronounced cure-ig) Single-Cup Brewing System

Price: $250; "K-cups" $2.95 for 5-packs or $13.95 for a 25-pack.

Availability: www.keurig.com or 1-866-901-2739;

The goods: Unlike the other appliances, Keurig uses "K-cups," plastic cups that include a minifilter along with the coffee. The system also offers more than 70 choices of coffees and teas, including Gloria Jean's, Celestial Seasonings and Bigelow.

Is it for you? A great choice if you're brand-loyal and willing to pay more for the variety of high-quality coffees.

Philips: Senseo

Price: $65 to $70; pods $3.99 for 18-pack.

Availability: Machines and pods widely available at supermarkets, warehouse clubs, mass merchandisers and discount retailers

The goods: Senseo targets the "coffee-involved" customer – highly educated professional, age 35-59, who prefers premium coffee and doesn't mind paying for it. Available in cobalt blue, black and white.

Makes either two 4-ounce cups or one 8-ounce cup.

Is this for you? Of the coffee makers at the lower end of the price range, choose this model for a sleeker, more contemporary look.

Melitta: One:One

Price: $50; pods $5 for 18-pack in six flavors; coffee club available by phone, 1-800-841-1628, and online at www.1to1coffee.com

Availability: Widely available

The goods: Five lively colors, including tangerine and lime, from a trustworthy manufacturer. Makes 8-ounce American cup or 5-ounce European cup.

Is this for you? A good choice if you prefer a funkier style and are brand-loyal.

Black & Decker: Home Cafe

Price: $55 to $60

Availability: widely available; pods $3.99 for a 16-pack in nine blends by Folger's and Millstone

The goods: This machine has a removable water reservoir that is easy to fill. Makes 7-, 9- and 14-ounce cups. Company says the appliance is geared to newly married couples, those buying their first countertop appliances and people who like to drink coffee at work.

Is this for you? Some convenient features. A great choice for value-minded shoppers who are happy with grocery-store coffee.

Nuova Simonelli: Jazz

Price: $700

Availability: Machines and pods, starting at $30 for cases of 50 for noncoffee beverages and $60 for cases of 100 to 150 for coffees, available from Globex America, 2324 Shorecrest Drive, Dallas, 214-353-0328.

The goods: High-end taste to match the high-end looks; as good a taste, if not better than what you get in the coffeehouses. You can adjust brewing temperature for a cup that will keep its heat.

Is this for you? Yes, if you've got the dollars and that commercial-kitchen look appeals to you. Your choice, especially above the $500 mark, will depend mostly on looks.

Lavazza: Espresso Point

Price: $895

Availability: Globex America. Pods include espressos, coffees, teas, hot chocolate and consommé, starting at $30 for cases of 50 for noncoffee beverages and $60 for cases of 100 to 150 for coffees.

The goods: "I would never leave my house if I owned this," said our tester, who also admitted to loving its steel-and-brass good looks. "This one washes your car when it's done with the coffee."

Is this for you? Again, at this price, you're gilding the lily – a great cup of coffee in a beautiful package.

To buy or not to buy

Here are four things to think about when considering a one-cup coffee maker purchase:

• The machines are easy to use; buy according to budget, coffee quality and taste preferences.

• Pods are interchangeable. Of course, each manufacturer will suggest purchasing their brands, but we tested all except the Keurig (which uses only one type of dispenser) with different pods and got similar results. Loose coffee grounds are not an option.

• All use an internal pressure brewing system and water reservoirs. No liquids other than water may be used. Don't confuse with other coffee appliances that steam milk.

• The lower-price models are more expensive to repair than replace. If you want your appliance to support heavy use and highly discriminating taste, you might consider making the investment. However, if you're the type who latches onto housewares trends (quick, where is your breadmaker now?), just try out the lower-end models and enjoy your joe in seconds.