The best coffeemakers for when you need your joe to go
Dec 12, 2011 1:30 PM
If you’re one of those people who doesn’t leave the house in the morning without your commuter cup of coffee, you should know about some coffeemakers that can speed you on your way. In Consumer Reports latest coffeemaker tests we reviewed one-serving models, brew and dispense machines and a drip coffeemaker that can fill a carafe or two mugs. Here are the pros, cons and costs of four brew masters.
Smart Cafe My Invento
Price: $150
Why we like it: No mess: Simply load one or two paper pods and start brewing. It can make one or two cups at once and lets you adjust brew strength. Its removable reservoir is easy to fill and holds about 40 ounces.
Why we don’t: It’s pricey.
Where to get it: www.smartcafe.ca.
Brookstone coffee for one 515395
Price: $40
Why we like it: This to-go model brewed ground coffee almost as well as the best carafe models. It dispenses into a travel mug.
Why we don’t: Someone will have to wait for coffee if there are two of you. It’s bare-bones: no programming, brew control, or other perks.
Where to get it: Amazon.com, Brookstone.
Mr. Coffee BVMC-ZH1B
Price: $50
Why we like it: This competitively priced model offers superb brewing. And as with all brew-and-dispense coffeemakers, you don’t have to worry about fumbling with or breaking a carafe when you’re feeling clumsy in the morning.
Why we don’t: It doesn’t allow you to adjust brew strength.
Where to get it: Amazon.com, Walmart.
Hamilton Beach Stay or Go 45237R
Price: $80
Why we like it: It lets you fill a carafe or two travel mugs, each with its own blend of coffee.
Why we don’t: Handling its carafe is awkward. And brewing two javas at once works only with the included travel mugs.
Where to get it: Amazon.com, Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, Target, www.hamiltonbeach.com
Adapted from ShopSmart magazine
