Hasta La Ideas

Simple design, fresh color and clean lines meet just in time for breakfast

We recently checked out the colorful new line of appliances from DeLonghi first hand. A nostalgic feel combined with the bold hues of today initially brought the kMix Collection to our attention; the intuitive controls and ease of use kept us interested. Adding to the appeal, each die-cast aluminum appliance comes in eight colors—including our favored green—for an unbelievably cute look.

Fun colors aside, the size and minimalism of the controls are the real selling points for the five-cup drip coffeemaker. The compact silhouette and one-button design make for unobtrusive presence not often found in counter-top makers. Plus, it has all the usual features that ensure proper brewing temperature and keep your coffee hot once brewed—everything you need and nothing you don’t.

All-metal, the two-slice toaster is both basic and functional. To prevent burning your breakfast, the “peek and view” function lifts the toast to check without canceling the timer, and variable browning control ensures a consistent toast each time. We also really appreciate the bun warmer and toast rack, a clever addition that sits atop the toaster and does just what its name implies.

Both the toaster and coffeemaker are available now from Bloomingdales for $125 and $165, respectively. Check Broadway Panhanndler for the electric kettle ($80), and espresso-maker ($300), as well as the other products in the collection.

Also on Cool Hunting: The DeLonghi Gran Dama