Gaggia introduced their latest Super Automatic machine, the Titanium. Equipped with two stainless steel lined thermoblock boilers and rapid steam function, the state-of-the-art machine grinds, tamps, and brews espresso at the touch of a button. A removable 60-ounce water reservoir makes refilling a snap. With 18 adjustable grind settings, the machine features a striking blue backlit LCD display that will talk the user through the brewing process. A drip tray and used coffee grounds are easily removed, as is the brew group to ensure easy cleanup. The Titanium comes with a stainless steel Turbo Frother frothing wand that swivels 180 degrees and has an automatic frothing attachment. For more information, call 888-389-4123, or send e-mail to sales@gaggia-usa.com.
Coffee lovers will be impressed with the new Jura-Capresso IMPRESSA Z5 fully automatic coffee and espresso center. The machine is the first to feature a triple-insulated thermal milk container that keeps milk fresh, cold, and ready for frothing or steaming. The machine automatically grinds the beans, steams and froths the milk, tamps and brews the coffee, then delivers it directly into the cup. Designed to brew one or two cups of pressure-brewed coffee, as well as hot chocolate or water for tea, the machine features eight one-touch beverage buttons that can be individually programmed for volume, strength, and temperature. Additionally, the coffee strength and the amount of coffee and milk dispensed can be changed without altering the pre-programmed settings. The IMPRESSA Z5 is available for a suggested retail price of $4,200. For more information, call 201-767-3999, or visit www.capresso.com.
Hamilton Beach offered a new brewing choice with time-saving features and a new design. The BrewStation Deluxe Coffeemaker features one-hand dispensing and one cup-at-a-time coffee delivery. No carafe is needed as the machine brews coffee and holds it ready for dispensing into any sized mug. Features include a swivel base for easy water filling, a permanent gold tone filer, a cleaning indicator and water filter with replacement indicator, and a 24-hour programmable clock with programmable auto shutoff times. The unit brews up to 12 servings, and brew modes are Flavor Plus, Normal, Decaf and 1-4 cups. It is available for a suggested retail price of $129.99 in black or platinum. For more information, call 800-851-8900, or visit www.hamiltonbeach.com.
Saeco debuted their Renaissance XX and Renaissance XV drip coffee makers that combine European styling with the latest innovations. The XX features a top-loading filter basket with a removable internal basket. A 50-ounce top-filling water tank is designed so that it can be filled with the carafe or directly at a water source. A thermal-insulated stainless steel carafe with soft-grip handles keeps 50 ounces of coffee hot for five hours. The digital blue LED light panel allows for programming of automatic timer functions. Both units come with a one-year warranty. The Renaissance XX retails for $150 and the XV for $130. For more information, call 440-528-2000, or send e-mail to info@saeco-usa.com.
For those who have a romance with their coffee, Nespresso introduced the Nespresso Romeo. It takes no more than three easy steps to create coffee in this fully automated machine. The machine features a sleek modern look with polished chrome parts, aluminum front panels, and ABS housing. It is equipped with a 19 bar pressure pump and thermoblock to help guarantee maximum extraction of aroma and flavor. The steam nozzle is easy to use -- just immerse it into a jar of milk, choose milk foam or hot milk, and operate the steam lever. The machine has automatic capsule insertion and ejection, a digital display in 12 languages, a programmable coffee volume control, an electronic control in the water reservoir and the used capsule receptacle, and integrated semi-automatic descaling. For more information, call 212-755-0585, or visit www.nesspresso.com and www.nespressopro.com.
Planetary Design added a 20-ounce wide-base mug to their award-winning French Press line called Boot Cut. The product uses the French press technique in a durable, insulated stainless steel 20-ounce mug. The new mug incorporates Planetary Design's patented plunger that features a double filtration system to assure a high-caliber brew. Boot Cut comes in five enamel colors -- Mango, Iris, Wasabi, Cornflower Blue, and Black, and is available for a suggested retail price of $26.
Kraft Foods Inc. launched its proprietary Tassimo Hot Beverage System in the U.S. offering on-demand coffee at the touch of a button. The Tassimo brewing system uses technology that enables the user to make coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cappuccino, espresso, and latte one at a time using the Tassimo discs that contain a precisely measured amount of fresh coffee, tea, chocolate, or concentrated milk. When inserted into the machine, it reads the bar code printed on the label and automatically calculates the correct water quantity, brewing time, and temperature. Made by Saeco, the machine will be distributed and serviced by Braun. Tassimo is available for a suggested retail price of $189. For more information, call 914-335-6993 or send e-mail to priso@kraft.com.
Melitta presented their new Lilypod mug that brews coffee in a microwave, cup by cup. The stainless steel-lined microwave brew mug features a removable bottom where the coffee pods are located, then once water is placed inside the mug and heated in the microwave, the brew-through handles deliver hot, freshly brewed coffee into the mug. A great gift item, the Lilypod retails for a promotional price of $9.99. Eighteen pods are packaged with the mug.
Expanding the coffee category for Bosch is their new Benvenuto espresso machine. Designed to give coffee lovers the ability to create professional-quality espresso, Benvenuto uses the company's unique Aromaswirl system for maximum flavor extraction. The machine also features a stainless steel brewing system that protects water from acquiring a metal taste, precise temperature control, and a built-in filter to ensure completely clean water for the purest taste. With a built-in grinder, self-cleaning features, and the ability to maintain water temperature throughout the brewing process, the Benvenuto produces a great cup of coffee. It is available in all black for an MSRP of $1,099.99 or black with stainless accent for $1,299.99. For more information, call 866-442-6724, or visit www.boschsmallappliances.com.
Krups was showcasing their new Krups KP 1010 Home Cafe, an upscale single-serve pod brewing machine with a sleek stainless steel design, a built-in water filtration system, and dual single-cup capabilities. Using Millstone pods, features include a removable anti-drip tray, a one-hour auto turn-off function, a locking filter holder, and empty tank detection. Available in June, the unit can brew one single or two cups simultaneously in about one minute. The company also debuted their new espresso series, which includes the XP4000 and XP4050. Each machine is a 15-bar pump system with a Thermoblock heating element that can make up to two cafe-quality espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes. Both machines have easy-to-use filter holders with three premeasured inserts for single, double, or E.S.E. pods. For more information, call 800-526-5377, or visit www.krups.com.
At the PMI booth, there were numerous intros from three different brands. In the Stanley line the company introduced a new line of products with women in mind. The Stanley Half Quart Bottle has double-wall vacuum stainless steel construction, a rust-proof finish, and comes with an eight-ounce drinking cup. Available in Pink, Glacier Blue, Thistle Purple, and Classic Green. Visit www.pmi-worldwide.com. In the MiGo line, the company debuted their Ginger Water Bottles that are the perfect accessory for the road as they feature a 24-ounce capacity, a swerve profile, and come in Bahama Breeze and Paradise Pink colors. Also new from MiGo were the Audrey and Marilyn models of their classic travel mugs. For more information, call 206-256-1278, or visit www.migo.com.
FrancisFrancis! debuted new colors, including a Metallic Turquoise, in their X1 line of expresso makers. The company plans to follow the current fashion trends rather than furniture trends and will offer the new colors for a limited time only. They also showed off the perfect cup for espresso. Titled Mou Cups, they are made of German porcelain and coordinate with the new X1 colors. The simple round cups fit snugly into a recessed saucer that cradles the cup. Four different designs are available, plus white bisque with coffee beans in bias relief. For more information, call 845-424-3016.
At the European Gift and Housewares booth, the buzz was all about their new Cellini by La Pavoni model. The stunning post-modern design by Carlo Gellizi features dual pressure gauges to monitor coffee and steam output, microvalves to eliminate group dripping, a 40-ounce removable water tank, a full-metal body with top cup warmer and a super froth attachment. For more information, call 800-927-0277, or visit www.europeangift.com.
Zak Designs takes the French Press on the road with its new Smart Cafe French press collection designed by Sebastian Conran for William Levine and distributed in the U.S. and Canada by Zak. The removable plunger is attached to a mesh screen that separates grounds from liquid. Available in two separate styles, the mugs are available in blue, gray, or black and have double-walled insulation to keep coffee at the right temperature. The Desk Mug has a splash-proof lid, a handle, and a wider base, while the Travel Tumbler's design fits into most car cup holders. For information, call 800-331-1089.
Component Design Northwest introduced the ProAccurate NSF Hot Beverage and Frothing Thermometer designed for use with frothing pitchers or cups. The thermometer offers a large dial for easy reading and NSF approval for the use in a commercial setting. Featuring a temperatuire range from 0 to 220 degrees F, the thermometer's unique bimetal construction gives an instant reading. With a suggested retail of $9.99 for the 5-inch stem and $10.99 for the 6.5-inch one, you can order now at 800-338-5994.
