Invasion of the pod coffeemakers

Pod coffeemakers are all about convenience. The machines, which have been gaining popularity, force water through a little packet of coffee called a pod that fits into the machine's dispenser.

The good news: There's no measuring or spilled grounds. The bad news: They can cost more to operate than other types because you'll probably use prepackaged pods. But with many of the machines you have a choice of refills, including a variety of coffee brands.

In our latest tests (available to subscribers) of 15 models, 1 Senseo had very good speed for brewing the first cup and excellent speed for a second. It also allowed you to vary the coffee strength. 2 Krups had excellent speed for the first cup and for repeats. It shared top scores with the Senseo. 3 Invento Café is another very good choice. All three are recommended. They cost from $120 to $150. If you're looking for a very good model that costs less, consider 4 Senseo at only $70.