GOTTA HAVE JAVA
With some new cutting-edge single-serve coffeemakers, you can make just one cup of coffee, so you will never have to drink the dregs. When you are ready for a pick-me-up, pop in a pod (premeasured ground coffee that is contained in a filter; starting at around 25 cents each) and push the button. In about a minute, you will have a steaming jolt of joe.
How fresh is pod coffee? Some brands package many pods in a large foil bag. Once the bag is opened, the pods are exposed to air and can begin to go stale. Best for freshness: pods that are individually wrapped in foil.
You can make your cup extra strong with these coffeemakers. The portion of coffee in the pods is fixed, but you can adjust the amount of water for a more potent (or weaker) brew.
But there is one caveat: Most of the models are compatible with only certain brands of coffee pods.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute's tests, the Philips Senseo ($69.99) produced great-tasting coffee and was the easiest to operate. Another plus: a convenient two-cup option.
Prefer the taste of Folgers or Millstone? Mr. Coffee Home Café ($79.99) uses these brands and comes with a stainless-steel mug.
The Melitta One: One Pod Brewer ($49.99) makes a mean cup of joe - or tea - at a bargain price. Bonus: It comes in fun colors.
The pricey Bunn My Café ($229.95) was the only model Good Housekeeping tested that is compatible with a wide variety of coffee and tea pods. Extras: It has the largest water tank (so you will need to refill it less often).
WILD FOR WAFFLES
If your idea of a wafflemaker is the big, clunky type Grandma had in the kitchen, Good Housekeeping has news for you. Today's wafflemakers are small, good-looking and packed with unusual features.
Here are the three top performers from the Good Housekeeping Institute's tests:
* Count on the Hamilton Beach Flip 'n Fluff ($24.99) for big, thick, thoroughly baked waffles. Though this model has few frills - just a light to tell you when it's hot enough to add batter - the institute found that it made wonderful waffles.
* Like your waffles thin and crisp? The Cuisinart Heart-Shaped Waffle Maker ($50) is for you. It makes one large waffle that you can break into five small hearts. Its signal lights indicate when preheating and baking are complete, and this machine has six doneness settings.
* If waffles are king at your breakfast table, you might want to consider investing in the KitchenAid Pro Line Waffle Baker ($299.99), similar to the type used in restaurants. It has a baking chamber that you flip during cooking. The results: Two giant waffles that cry out for a topping of whipped cream and strawberries. Deluxe features include lights and beeps to signal that preheating and baking are complete, a built-in digital timer and automatic shut-off.
l On another matter: If you are in the market for a doghouse for Fido, the Good Housekeeping Institute says: Make sure there is room for him to stand, turn around and stretch out. If he can't, find one that is larger. To protect your pooch against cold and wet weather, look for a unit that has insulated walls and can be elevated at least 3 inches off the ground. The institute says two doghouses fit those criteria. PetsMart Top Paw Doghouse ($39.99 and up; 888-839-9638 or http://www.petsmart.com) is a lightweight, traditional-looking pet shelter. Petco Precision Pet Outback ($99 and up; 877-738-6742 or http://www.petco.com) is made of fir wood and looks like a rustic log cabin.
