Starbucks has entered the white-hot single-serve coffeemaker market with its own machine that enables coffee drinkers to make coffee, espresso and lattes at home using real milk. The machine, called the Verismo System, uses Starbucks-branded coffee pods and special "milk pods" developed for the new coffeemaker, both a first for the coffee company.
Available in such colors as silver, black, burgundy, and champagne, the machines come in two models—a base model that sells for $199 and one with such added features as LED lights and temperature control that sells for $399. They are on sale now on the Starbucks website and will be in Starbucks stores later this month and at Macy's, Williams-Sonoma and Sur La Table in October.
"With more than one out of three brewers sold last year being a single cup machine, this is more than a trend," said Jeff Hansberry, Starbucks president, Channel Development, in a press release. "We are entering a highly dynamic and burgeoning market at a premium position, and we will win on quality and technology."
It's too soon to tell whether the machine would measure up to others in Consumer Reports tests of single-serve coffeemakers. In our tests of 15 machines, we recommend the Krups Nescafe Dolce Gusto Circolo, $150, and the Smart Cafe My Invento, $120. The Smart Cafe was better at brewing range and the Krups had the edge in temperature consistency; both were excellent at making an immediate second cup.
But Starbucks is already a winner in Consumer Reports taste tests of coffee blends, in which Starbucks House Blend was the top-rated brand. Its Colombian coffee was also very good but our tasters didn't like the Kenyan or Sumatran varieties quite as well. In our sampling of Colombian coffee pods, our tasters preferred Folgers Gourmet Selections Lively Medium Roast over Wolfgang Puck Chef's Reserve.
With the debut of the Verismo, Starbucks will begin making its own coffee pods. Previously, the company had an agreement with Green Mountain Coffee to make its single-serve pods. The milk pods contain a fine milk powder made from fresh milk that is reconstituted with water from the coffeemaker.
Via: Big brewer Starbucks debuts a single-serve coffeemaker
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