Consumer Reports Finds Ten Recommended Coffeemakers for $100 or Less

Get a better brew with models ranging from $20 to $100

YONKERS, N.Y., Nov. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As more and more consumers
look for ways to save money, many may be trading their beloved drive-thru
coffee for java made at home. Coffee-lovers take heart: Great coffee can be
made at home at a fraction of the cost, according to the latest tests in the
December issue of Consumer Reports on newsstands November 3 and available
online at www.ConsumerReports.org.

All of the 10 recommended 8- to 12-cup drip models with carafes cost just $100
or less. The new Kalorik CM25282 ($80) costs less than a third of the
Technivorm Moccamaster ($265), a Dutch import touted by connoisseurs for its
superior brewing. Though the Technivorm aced Consumer Reports' brewing tests,
which gauges a coffeemaker's ability to reach the 195 degrees F to 205 degrees
F needed to extract the most flavor from the coffee, the Kalorik is one of the
top picks that brewed comparably.

Also from Kalorik, the TKM-20208 ($45) is a CR Best Buy and has a thermal
carafe that helps keep coffee warm without having to heat it. Other CR Best
Buys include the Michael Graves 40304 ($40) and Mr. Coffee JWX27 ($40).
Less-picky drinkers can opt for the programmable Black & Decker DLX1050B which
costs just $20. For a brew station, which allows cups to be filled directly
from the machine, opt for the top-scoring Hamilton Beach BrewStation 47454
($80).

Less is more
A good coffeemaker should be easy to set up and clean, with clear markings on
the reservoir and carafe and an easy-to-see on/off light. Some models became
cumbersome in Consumer Reports' tests. Handling the Technivorm's array of
parts and properly positioning the carafe for brewing takes added care, while
the Espressione CM475 ($140) has a handle that was too small for some testers.

Paying more for a fancy coffeemaker doesn't guarantee better coffee. The
Kenmore Elite 237904 ($120) offers a copper-hued metal version of the brand's
$50 238002 model, but produces the same mediocre coffee and has a thermal
carafe that's hard to empty. If there's a need for speed, Bunn coffeemakers
keep water hot all the time. But brewing was only so-so for both Bunn models
Consumer Reports tested.

For grind-and-brew models, which are typically a hassle to clean, the Mr.
Coffee GBX23 ($50) has a blade grinder and is a CR Best Buy. It's far less
expensive than the Capresso CoffeeTeam Therm 455 ($295) and the Krups KM7000
($130), both of which have burr grinders with a bucket that accepts the
freshly ground beans and automatically swings in place for brewing.

Among models that also make espresso, Consumer Reports recommends the CR Best
Buy Emerson CCM901 ($90) and the Krups XP1500 ($105), however neither matched
the best machines in coffee-brewing tests.

How to choose

Multicup models with carafes can brew a full pot at once while brew stations
refills a cup or mug directly. To-go models make a mug or two in about 3
minutes instead of the usual 6. Other features to consider:
-- Programmable coffeemakers are widely available. Most models can have
coffee ready at a specific time.
-- Thermal carafes come with some machines, cost about $20 to $40 a la
carte, and help keep coffee warm without heating, avoiding a burned
taste.
-- Brew-strength control adjusts brewing time or lets some water pass
around the beans for milder coffee without underbrewing.

-- Pod models brew neatly from a sealed packet. But many are limited to
only the company's coffee, which can be pricey per cup. What's more,
pod
machines have been unimpressive in Consumer Reports' past tests.

Regardless of the price or special features, Consumer Reports recommends
starting with good coffee. Other tips for getting the best coffee include
grinding at home, using filtered water and cleaning the machine as often as
recommended.

DECEMBER 2009
The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not
be used for commercial or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is published
by Consumers Union, an expert, independent nonprofit organization whose
mission is to work for a fair, just, and safe marketplace for all consumers
and to empower consumers to protect themselves. To achieve this mission, we
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SOURCE Consumer Reports

Linda Zebian of Consumers Union, +1-914-378-2885, lzebian@consumer.org