New Looks for 1988’s Favorites

When a new product proves a success, there follows, almost inevitably, a variation on that product from the same or another manufacturer. Like sequels to hit movies, these follow-up products prove that tried-and-true ideas can be the best.

The CafePresso ($200) is an innovative product from Krups that really took off as soon as it was unveiled in the marketplace last year. Consumers bought the machine not just for its black matte finish but mainly for its versatility. What’s new this year is the addition of white CafePressos. Although there appears to be a strong demand and promising future for black kitchen appliances, outselling white in many cases, Krups gambled on a white unit to please people who go for a pristine, all-white look in kitchens.

The key selling point of CafePresso is its dual function. Compact looking, the appliance features a powerful four-cup espresso/cappuccino machine and an eight-cup drip coffee maker. Aside from being uncomplicated, the CafePresso offers speed. Its fast steam action froths milk for cappuccino in a matter of seconds.

Another extremely handy feature, also available on Krups’ other coffee makers, is Stop ‘N Serve. Pioneered by Krups, this design makes it possible for the brewing cycle to stop when the carafe is removed as for a quick one- or two-cup serving. However, the brewing resumes automatically when the carafe is replaced.

The idea of holding heat in a brewed pot of coffee has been achieved in the invention of an insulated carafe in a coffee system. Ever since the concept was introduced by a European company a few years ago, other manufacturers have followed, hoping to achieve the same success.

Last year Black & Decker released its full-size Thermal Carafe Drip Coffee Maker ($58.98) in Euro-styling with a white base and smoked black water reservoir. Coffee is brewed directly into an all-white vacuum-bottle thermal carafe. When tightly covered with its lid, the insulated carafe keeps the coffee hot and fresh for hours even though the machine is shut off. The plastic carafe is totable and can be placed directly onto a serving table immediately after heating without damaging the surface. An automatic drip feature interrupts coffee flow when the pot is removed.

A similarly styled upgraded version is equipped with an analog clock/timer ($75.98). It can be set the night before and programmed to brew anytime within the next 24 hours. Taking advantage of the same concept and new this year is Black & Decker’s personal-size Four-Cup Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker ($44.98).

Considering changing patterns in coffee drinking habits, Black & Decker’s marketing manager Jeff Bye says, “More Americans than ever are drinking coffee, but they’re drinking fewer cups a day. . . . Our new personal-size coffee makers were created so that coffee drinkers who want only a few cups can enjoy flavorful coffee without wasting a drop.”

Like the full-size models, the personal-size coffee systems are designed with a brewing light that signals when coffee is ready and automatic drip stop. And, for peace of mind after rushing out the door, all units were created with an automatic shut off feature after the brewing process is completed.

Black may be the strong statement in small portable appliances, but white seems to be the direction taken by manufacturers for major kitchen appliances. This clean contemporary look follows the sleek European style of kitchen design. GE Appliances’ new line of kitchen and laundry appliances is called “white-on-white.” Creating a softer, sophisticated design with an integrated look, the models are white with white control panels and subtle gray graphics.

One of the first units to arrive is the Spacecenter 27 side-by-side refrigerator. The new all-white unit (model TFXW27F) offers the same GE Refreshment Center door, an exclusive custom dispenser offering chilled water and crushed or cubed ice. The door swings down and becomes a built-in counter space for handy serving of beverages and snacks.

“This refrigerator, designed as a food management system that allows for efficient organization of a large quantity of foods and beverages, has been highly popular since we introduced it in 1986,” said Gary M. Christensen, general manager of GE’s refrigeration products. Another innovative feature is the electronic monitor with solid state electronics that light up and beep to alert the user of possible problems.

For convenience, there is a Quick Serve System under the refrigerator shelf that contains five storage dishes that are microwaveable and dishwasher proof. The model also includes a food-saver system with three vegetable/fruit pans, door shelves that hold gallon containers, 3-liter bottles and six-packs.

The Krups CafePresso are available at Bullock’s, Broadway and Robinson’s.

The Black & Decker thermal carafe coffee makers will be available end of April at Broadway, Adray’s and Home Express (Orange County).

The GE Spacecenter 27 (model TFXW2F) is available at GE appliance dealers. For nearest store, call GE’S toll-free consumer service number: (800)-626-2000.