Coffeemakers

Most models make a good cup of coffee. Higher-priced models usually have more convenience features and fancier styling.

The popularity of Starbucks and other specialty coffee shops seems to be driving demand for a new generation of coffeemakers that seek to replicate the coffeehouse experience at home. Customized brewing, integrated grinders, and thermal carafes are a few of the features manufacturers are hoping will encourage consumers to trade up. Truth is, virtually any model can make a good cup as long as you use decent coffee.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE



You'll find manual-drip systems, coffee presses, percolators, and "pod" coffeemakers that brew individual cups using ready-to-use packets of coffee. But consumers buy more automatic-drip coffeemakers than any other small kitchen appliance: about 14 million per year. Mr. Coffee and Black & Decker are the two largest brands, along with well-known names such as Braun, Cuisinart, Delonghi, Krups, Melitta, and Proctor-Silex.

Coffeemakers come in sizes from single-cup models to machines capable of brewing up to 12 cups at a time. At the low end are bare-bones coffeemakers with a single switch to start the brewing process and a plain metal hotplate; pricier models can have programmable start and stop times, a water filter, frothing capability, an automatic shut-off, and a thermal carafe. Most consumers opt for the more basic models. Black and white remain the standard colors, but some brands have added other hues. Price range: $10 to more than $200.


HOW TO CHOOSE



Consider how much you consume. If one cup of coffee is enough to jump-start your day, you'll like the convenience and compactness of a single-serve drip coffeemaker. You'll probably use (and waste) less coffee than with a full-sized machine. For coffee-to-go, consider a model that comes with an insulated mug.

"Pod" coffeemakers are the newest option for those who want just one cup at a time. They use pressurized water and individualized packets of coffee with integral filters, called pods. But pod coffeemakers have significant shortcomings.

If you're a coffee lover, or if you entertain a lot, you'll need a bigger coffeemaker. Most large machines produce 10 to 12 cups, but be aware that a manufacturer's cup is usually 4 or 5 ounces, not the huge mug that may come to mind-and not the 6 ounces most coffee packages use as a basis for directions.

Consider how often you refill. If you wait an hour between cups, buy a full-sized coffeemaker with a thermal carafe. Those keep coffee hot and fresh-tasting for hours. The warming plates that accompany glass carafes keep coffee hot, but flavor suffers with constant heating.

Consider convenience. Certain basic design details apply to all coffeemakers, plain or fancy: The models rated highest for convenience have clearly marked water reservoirs, easy-to-use swing-out filter baskets, and simple, intuitive controls. The more annoying models have hard-to-read water gauges, filter baskets with a high fumble factor, and carafes that are as likely to spill coffee as pour it. Extra options to look for-if any-will depend on your coffee-drinking habits.

Consider counter space. Some machines need considerable space. Those with controls on the side instead of the front can be placed sideways on a countertop so they steal less depth.