Java Nirvana In Your Kitchen
Americans are the biggest consumers of coffee in the world. So it's no surprise that an entire market of coffee-related goods are being geared to their gourmet tastes.
According to the National Coffee Organization, more than 54 percent of Americans drink coffee every day and 25 percent have an occasional cup. The average consumption in the United States is 3.1 cups of coffee per day (NCA). Men drink approximately 1.9 cups per day, whereas women drink an average of 1.4 cups of coffee a day.
Best Magazine's senior editor David Gregg visited The Early Show and offered a roundup of the latest in coffee machines.
Pod Machines
Introduced several years ago, pod machines are growing in popularity, thanks to new flavors and sleek new coffee maker design.
Philips Senseo
This Museum-of-Modern-Art-style pod machine controls the temperature of the water, the type of grind of the coffee, how long the water is exposed to the coffee, and locks in the flavor with the frothy layer. In addition to the existing pods, new pods developed for Senseo will hit the market this spring. They are Killarney Irish Creamery, Paris Vanilla Bistro and Vienna Hazelnut Waltz. Current flavors: Dark, Medium, Light, and Decaf roasts. Senseo retails for 69.99. A bag of 18 pods costs $3.99-$4.99. That's 22-28 cents a cup.
Krups Home Café
Coffee Giant Krups is introducing a brand new pod machine called the Krups Home Cafe, at the Housewares trade show in Chicago. Gregg offered a sneak peek with a single-cup coffee brewer that uses pressure-brewing technology. Specially designed Millstone coffee pods can brew either one or two cups of coffee at a time. This model also allows consumers to customize the amount and flavor of their coffee by setting the system for a 6 oz. or 9 oz. cup of coffee or even up to a full 18 oz. travel mug. The cups can even be of different flavors, thanks to two independent pod holders. Retails for $150.
Cartridge-Based Coffee Makers
Keurig B50 Home Brewer
The Keurig B50 Single Cup Home Brewer uses cartridges called K-cups engineered to protect the coffee from all of the elements that cause it to become stale (oxygen, light, moisture). Green Mountain Coffee Roasters (makers of the Keurig B50) offers more than 20 varieties of coffee in K-Cups including light and dark roasts, flavored coffees, organic and Fair Trade coffees, and signature blends. In addition, Celestial Seasoning Teas offers six black, herbal and green teas through Green Mountain Coffee Roasters. Plus, the B50 Single Cup Home Brewer brews coffee in less than one minute without the hassle of grinding beans, measuring coffee, handling filters, or cleaning up. The B50 is smaller than Keurig's first single cup brewer (the B100), offers two brew strengths, and has a convenient removable water tank. Available at Green Mountain Coffee Roaster's Web site at an introductory price of $149.95. Customers who sign up for the Cafe EXPRESS automatic delivery program receive 48 K-Cups for free.
French Press
Bodum Presses
One of the more traditional ways of making coffee, the French Press is getting a makeover by Bodum. Its Chambord 4-cup Coffee Press has the traditional French press design; SRP: $29.95. Bodum also makes the Eileen 4-cup Coffee Press, styled to honor designer Eileen Gray, and the Columbia 6-cup Thermo Press with a double wall of stainless steel for insulation, keeping coffee hot for a longer period. Tea can also be brewed in the Columbia press. Both the Eileen and the Columbia retail for $59.95. Available at www.bodumusa.com
Traditional Auto-Drip Coffee Makers
Hamilton Beach Eclectrics Coffeemaker
While no Mr. Coffee of yesteryear, Hamilton Beach's stylish auto drip Eclectrics Coffeemaker (MSRP: $129.99) features a 12-Cup glass carafe (60 ounces), 24-hour programmable clock, auto shutoff after 2 hours, removable cone filter basket, drip-free pouring. Available at counterscaping.com
Bean Grinders
Kitchen Aide Coffee Mill Model A-9
When it comes to grinders, seek a burr mill style. Unlike the less expensive blade grinders, a burr mill grinder does not heat the coffee as it grinds, stealing some of the flavor before you even brew. Styled by designer Egmont Arens in 1938, this retro-style, classic burr mill coffee grinder is considered the world's first electric coffee grinder created for in-home use. Sixteen selectable grinds accommodate every brewing process from espresso to French Press. Available in six colors. $99.99 at kitchenaid.com
Espresso/Cappuccino Machines
Saeco Classico
Known for its high-end espresso makers, Saeco has an affordable $300 machine that brings true cafe espresso to the home. It can use traditional ground espresso and has an adapter for the new generation of pods. The top has a cup warmer and a large 85-ounce water tank. Price $300. Available at saeco-usa.com
Capresso Impressa F9 Gold Plated Limited Edition
Jura-Capresso captures the gold with the new Impressa F9 Limited Edition. With its 24-karat gold plated panels, this Limited Edition fully automatic coffee and espresso center adds sophisticated value to superior performance, making it the ultimate gift for the true coffee and espresso connoisseur. Only 555 numbered and laser-engraved Impressa F9 Limited Edition machines will be produced. The F9 grinds, tamps, brews and self-cleans in less than a minute for the best in crema coffees, espresso, cappuccino, latte or mocha latte. The Jura-Capresso Impressa F9 Limited Edition has an actual retail price of $3,999. It comes with a special Limited Edition commemorative certificate, dedicated toll-free customer support and instructional literature and video. For dealer listings and locations, contact Capresso or check its Web site at capresso.com.