Showing posts with label automatic espresso. Show all posts
Showing posts with label automatic espresso. Show all posts

4/14/2010

Jura 67083 Cool Control Milk Cooler Review

Jura 67083 Cool Control Milk CoolerA colleague had ordered this and we both have nearly identical Jura automatic espresso machines. We both work from home, so I wanted something that would make my machine a little more automated.

I've purchased wine coolers and other machines which use the same type of induction technology, and I've been 'burned' by them all - breaking down early, not keeping the right temperature, etc.

I've had this device for six months now and I'm still just as pleased with it as the day I unboxed it. Milk is truly kept cold consistently and it's incredibly quiet.

Cons: If you're a Skim milk drinker, and you wait a couple days before using it, I've noticed that the milk can sometimes freeze up or develop ice crystals. I've been able to mitigate this by filling the outer tank with barely just enough water for it to reach the brim when the container is inside of it.

Also, the tube can be a hassle to clean. Sometimes the suction power pulls milk through and lets it sit there in the tube. You have to be conscientious to clean it thoroughly after each use or each day.


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Product Description:
The Cool Control Milk Cooler keeps milk cool, fresh and always available for your favorite coffee beverages.Cool Control from Jura-Capresso keeps milk cool and fresh as long as in any refrigerator.The CFC-free Peitier cooling system cools milk down from room temperature to 39-degrees Fahrenheit and keeps the temperature constant.Milk will never freeze or warm up.The removable 41-ounce stainless steel milk container is dishwasher safe.The low wattage, low noise motor cost just pennies a day to run.The compact Cool Control is the ideal accessory for all Jura-Capresso Automatic Coffee Centers.Completely equipped, the Cool Control connects directly to the frothXpress automatic frothing systems.

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4/13/2010

Jura-Capresso 13214 Impressa Z5 Automatic Coffee Center Review

Jura-Capresso 13214 Impressa Z5 Automatic Coffee CenterYes, you'll flinch when you see the price tag!Right now this is the king of super automatics.My work hours are all over the place and many times there is just no time to devote to pulling the perfect espresso from a manual or semi machine.Add to that I drink cappuccino's or lattes 95% of the time.This machine was made for those who drink mostly cappuccino's or lattes and it couldn't be easier.Many long time aficionados on the coffeegeek.com forums will tell you that you cannot pull anything close to a "god shot" from a super automatic and they are correct.But what you get is pretty darn good especially if you love the taste of espresso but don't want to devote your life to making perfect shots every pull.The Z5 is the model of simplicity and produces consistent very good shots of espresso and excellent latte's & cappuccino's every time with little time.I had this machine programmed, up and going just 10 minutes out of the box.I am not an expert on pulling shots manually.Setting the knob to the hottest setting, strongest espresso and finest grind yielded a very tasty shot that was far better than any I have had at Starbuck's.I used Coffee Emergency espresso roast.The crema was good and the temperature excellent.I used a Capressa S9 a year ago and was not happy with the temperature of the shots coming out of the machine.They are much improved on the Z5. Back to cappuccino's...Fill the milk thermos with your choice of milk...set knob to cappuccino and hit the button.A gorgeous cappuccino was produced on the very first try.I didn't have to move the cup...it was all automatic!It took me ages to learn to make a decent cappuccino onsame thing manually.Again...much better than at Starbuck's and any of the local coffee houses. The Z5 has a timer that can be set to turn the machine on and off when you want it to. Settings for water level, brewing time, amount of heated milk and foam, can all be pre set or adjusted with a knob live as your beverage is being made.The unit is whisper silent even when grinding beans.It is a well built piece of equipment that is UL approved for both residential and commercial use.I couldn't be happier with it.Should you get this machine? Bottom line is that if you want to make espresso's as a hobby and are going for that ultimate "god shot" every time don't even think about this machine.If you are a working professional who just wants a great cappuccino, latte and espresso with absolute minimum fuss that will beat Starbuck's and your local coffee shop.... think about buying this machine.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Jura-Capresso 13214 Impressa Z5 Automatic Coffee Center

Product Description:
A coffee lover's dream: put down your cup, push one button, make perfect cappuccino--without moving the cup! The Impressa Z5 is the first automatic coffee and espresso center with professional technology and one-touch cappuccino system for home use.Beans are ground, and fresh cold milk transforms into hot, frothed milk and pours into your cup. With high pressure, hot water is forced through the perfectly ground and tamped coffee. Now, espresso flows through the thick layer of milk froth: pick up your perfect cappuccino and enjoy. In the meantime, the used coffee grounds are discarded and you can immediately start dreaming about another cappuccino, latte, espresso, or any other hot, large cup of crema coffee. The Impressa Z5 features eight preset beverage buttons. All your coffee drinks are now just one pushbutton away. Use the pre-programming or change coffee strength, coffee volume, and the amount of steamed/frothed milk while the Z5 prepares your preferred coffee beverage. The informative three-line LED display makes using the Z5 extremely user friendly.

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4/11/2010

Jura-Capresso 13531 Impressa C5 Fully Automatic Coffee Center, Piano Black Review

Jura-Capresso 13531 Impressa C5 Fully Automatic Coffee Center, Piano BlackI have purchase the new Jura-Capresso Impressa C5 before it had been released. So I had to wait for several weeks for its delivery. Once it arrived it took a good couple of hours to read through the manual, (the machine operation is not intuitive). It had all kinds of warnings for grinding: no oily beans, no flavored beans, and so on. (You could grind such beans in separate grinder and use it in the grinded beans compartment. I have not tried this yet). So, I have followed the instructions closely, and for about 5 to 7 days it worked fine. However, one morning, after the first cup of coffee I made, I could not make a second one. (There was no coffee coming out of the spouts). I try different approaches to solve the issue myself, however eventually called the company. The representative had walked me through some steps, basically squandering more and more of my good beans, but was not able to solve the problem. To his credit, once he realized he can not resolve the issue he offered to replace the body of the machine. The way it worked; the company has sent the new body and a label to send the old one back. (I had to remove all the removable parts: water tank, spout for cappuccino, and such)It took about a week for a new one to arrive. On arrival, I have noticed that the spout on the new one did not feet as well as on the old one, but I did tried to froth the milk yet. (I hope it works)
As far as quality of the coffee it makes, it is not bad; it is still not a commercial quality, but the machine makes a creama that is somewhat resembling of a good European café coffee. I have tried several different kinds of beans and came to the conclusion that quality of beans make a bigger difference than the machine itself. (I tried the good beans in the cheap espresso machine and the coffee was almost as good).The best beans I found were at the "Whole Foods" store.
Overall, I think it is way overpriced, and I would not purchase it again.



Click Here to see more reviews about: Jura-Capresso 13531 Impressa C5 Fully Automatic Coffee Center, Piano Black

Product Description:
Combining a compact design with user-friendly front-panel controls, this fully automatic coffee machine makes it easy to enjoy cafe-quality coffee drinks from the comfort of home. Its commercial-grade conical steel burr grinder offers six fineness settings for any type of bean for light to dark roasts, while a separate funnel for pre-ground coffee allows for making no-hassle decaf or flavored coffee drinks. To help ensure a perfect cup of coffee, the appliance comes equipped with a 1450-watt stainless-steel ThermoBlock heating system, a 15-bar high-pressure pump, and the Intelligent Pre Brew Aroma System (I.P.B.A.S.). Its I.P.B.A.S. delivers freshly ground coffee beans to the infusing cylinder as a powder from the grinder where it gets optimally compressed. Prior to brewing, the powder receives water moisture, which allows the pores to swell and flavors to be released. From here, aromatic, flavorful coffee dispenses into a cup automatically, complete with a thick layer of crema on top. The unit's variable brewing chamber holds between 5 and 16 grams of ground coffee, making it possible to brew a variety of coffee drinks--from a single 1-ounce ristretto to two 8-ounce cups of coffee at a time; the height of its coffee spout can be adjusted between 2-5/9 and 4-3/8 inches (65 and 111 mm) to fit any size cup. Even more, the machine's Connector System allows for using the Easy Cappuccino Frother, the hot water nozzle for tea or instant cocoa, and the optional two-stage frothing nozzle or the Professional Cappuccino Frother (both sold separately) to make perfect milk foam or hot milk.
Choose between coffee and espresso, and one or two cups, by simply turning the rotary dial (icons illuminate in red), then press the control for coffee in seconds. The rotary dial also offers on/off (standby), maintenance, pre-ground coffee, and steam options, and its three light segments illuminate to indicate the current coffee strength and water amount (turn the dial to adjust). Below the rotary dial and behind a concealing panel door, the machine offers a range of maintenance buttons with corresponding illuminated displays for the water tank, coffee-grounds container, bean container, and the cleaning, descaling, and filter buttons. Other highlights include a removable water tank; a bean container with an aroma-preservation cover; built-in memory that permanently stores settings and activities; self-monitoring rinsing, cleaning, and descaling programs; up to eight-hour automatic shut-off for safety and energy savings; and a Clearyl water-filtration system that purifies water and eliminates the need for decalcification. Accessories include a measuring spoon for pre-ground coffee, a milk pipe, a hot-water nozzle, a CLARIS plus filter cartridge, Jura Auto-Cappuccino cleaner, Jura cleaning tablets, Aquadur test strips, a quick reference guide, and a detailed user manual with recipes. A sleek-looking addition to any kitchen counter, the coffee machine measures 15 by 11-1/2 by 13-1/2 inches.

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4/09/2010

Jura-Capresso 13299 Impressa Z6 Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center Review

Jura-Capresso 13299 Impressa Z6 Automatic Coffee and Espresso CenterI recently purchased the new Z6 after seeing one at William's Sonoma around Christmas.I resisted the temptation to purchase until a friend of mine called and told me he found one under the Christmas tree!We both purchased the Capresso 1500 about 3 years ago and thought those were the "Cat's Meow".Now fast forward to 2007 and the Z6 is here as the super automatic on steroids.

After unpacking I sat down and watched the included DVD twice.Once with my wife and once alone as I set up the machine.After you get through the initial setup and programming the machine is very easy to operate and maintain.Making a coffee drink is as simple as pushing one of 8 drink buttons on the front panel. I like the idea of the thermal milk storage tank but it's recommended that you don't store milk in it after use.I find this a little inconvenient to have to pour the milk into another container.With my previous C1500 I just put the plastic milk jug in the refrigerator and used it the next day.

I bought this unit to replace my C1500 for two major reasons. The first was my C1500 struggled to make a really hot coffee drink.I found myself drinking the beverage too quickly to avoid it getting cold or putting it into the microwave to heat it back up.The Z6 makes a hotter beverage that is much improved but still could be a few degrees hotter in my opinion.The second reason I purchased the Z6 was to get a bigger cup under the spouts.The C1500 was limited in what size cup I could place under the spouts and the Z6 allows me to put virtually any reasonable sized cup under the spout.

The Z6 is a beautiful piece to look at sitting on your counter and will be the envy of many a guest.However it has a chrome finish which appears durable but I would caution you to take extra precautions not to scratch the finish as it would be permanent.I place a paper towel on the lower tray when using ceramic type mugs to avoid scratching.

Update on 05/26/2008

I would like to say that the Z6 has been performing flawlessly for the past year and a half.As long as you perform the routine maintenance the Z6 will provide many years of trouble-free performance.I've also been putting the thermal milk container in the refrigerator with milk in it with no issues.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Jura-Capresso 13299 Impressa Z6 Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center

Product Description:
The Jura-Capresso Impressa Z6 Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center gleams with a high-polish chrome plated metal front housing, a unique mirror LED display and a hand-polished zinc die-cast oversized tray.A coffee lover's dream, the Impressa Z6 has professional technology and one-touch cappuccino system. Beans are ground, and fresh, cold milk transforms into hot, frothed milk and pours into your cup. With high pressure, hot water is forced through the perfectly ground and tamped coffee. Now espresso flows through the thick layer of milk froth: pick up your perfect cappuccino and enjoy. In the meantime the used coffee grounds are discarded and you can immediately start dreaming about another cappuccino, latte, espresso, or any other hot large cup of crema coffee.

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4/07/2010

Jura-Capresso 13289 Impressa S7 Avantgarde Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center Review

Jura-Capresso 13289 Impressa S7 Avantgarde Automatic Coffee and Espresso CenterNot sure if the first reviewer is misdirecting his dissatisfaction. Sounds like the spending of the vacation money was the real problem. Because this machine is perfect, and I have nothing bad to say about it. Other than that it does look a little Spartan, but only in a minor way.

It brews an wonderfull espresso, with thick, golden, foamy crema. It brews it absolutely perfectly, and consistently everytime. Overall the functionality of this machine is superb, and very customizable. Each button can be programmed to YOUR specifications, so easily a monkey could do it. The cup warmer is genious, the clean-up is easier than ANY drip maker I have used/owned. Overall the machine is also very quiet.

The 'Foofy' drinks (as I like to call them) are top notch! My wife prefers the lattes, Chai teas,etc. The frother on this machine has it's own dedicated thermoblock boiler, so there is no lag time, and the froth is excellent. Micro-bubbles as good as any Barista. Water filtering system is great, easy to activate, grinds, tamps beans which is excellent. Also has a chute for already ground coffee, good for Decaf, or flavored.

I guess you could complain about the plastic on the outside, but this does not bother me at all. and frankly seems easier to keep clean, which is a concern since milk etc splatters on the machine when you froth. Also keeps the machine lighter and enables you to move it without breaking your neck.

The ONLY difference between this machine and the S9A is the following:

Exterior look, S7A has black accents, S9A has the same plastic accents, but in silver.

S9A comes with the Frother X-Press, which quite honestly is useless unless you are entertaining and brewing several milk drinks at once. Anyway, frothing in the cup is fun.

The cup warmer on the S9A has stainless tray, whereas the S7A is plastic.

Otherwise, the functionality and insides of the machines is the same. And this is where both of these machines shine, on their functionality. They brew excellent, hot, delicious, rich, coffee in less than 60 seconds. They are tried and true, well-reviewed models.

If you are in the market, don't think twice about a Jura, the quality is fantastic, and end result brew is second to only a Semi-Auto.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Jura-Capresso 13289 Impressa S7 Avantgarde Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center

Product Description:
Combining dramatic aesthetics with advanced technology, this fully automatic coffee and espresso center grinds, tamps, brews, and cleans in under 60 seconds--with the simple push of a button. The unit's integrated, professional, solid-steel conical burr grinder offers quiet operation and six fineness settings for any type of bean, while a separate pre-ground funnel accommodates pre-ground coffee, which is great for making decaf or flavored coffee drinks when entertaining. A two-step pre-infusion cycle moistens and conditions the ground coffee for maximum flavor extraction with perfect crema topping. The machine features an 18-bar power pump with a dual 1250-watt stainless-steel lined ThermoBlock heating system where water and coffee never come in contact with aluminum, along with two frothers, the Dual Frother Plus and the frothXpress PLUS system, which allow for completely automated or manually controlled steaming and frothing.
Behind the door is a rotary dial with a black button, which allows for controlling any of the 15 functions, like water hardness, rinse, temperature, coffee strength, and steam. The machine provides four one-touch individually programmable beverage buttons, all with an override option for temperature, strength, and cup-size while brewing, along with an a la carte button for creating individualized cup size and strength just before brewing. For added convenience, its two-line LED display dialog system gives short, simple instructions like "select product", "fill water", and "clean unit". Selecting from "continuous-on" or "auto-off" from 1/2-hour to 15 hours in 1-hour increments makes sure the machine stays on as long as needed.
Other useful features include a 96-ounce removable water tank, a 10-ounce bean container, a height-adjustable coffee spout, a separate hot water spout for tea or hot chocolate, and a five-level water-hardness selector. In addition, its Clearyl water-care system removes chlorine, lead, aluminum, and copper for better tasting coffee, and an electronic water-level sensor ensures the machine never operates without water. Designed in matte-black housing with silver-metallic accents and a chrome-plated coffee spout, the coffee and espresso machine makes for a beautiful addition to any home or small office. The unit measures 15-3/4 by 14-3/4 by 13-3/4 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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4/06/2010

Jura-Capresso 13339 Impressa Z5 Automatic Coffee Review

Jura-Capresso 13339 Impressa Z5 Automatic Coffee/Espresso CenterI have owned Capresso machines for about the last 8 years or so.Just replaced my Z5.It is expensive but if coffee is important to you, it's worth it.
I can't tell you how much coffee we wasted making a pot at a time the old way. That drove me crazy. Single serve is the way to go.I finally figured out how to make capuchino's with the Z5 and it is so easy!I've got a family of 5 and everyone drinks them now so our machine gets alot of use.I'd venture to say 10 cups a day on average.

We started with a less expensive Capresso model and it worked great but we felt the coffee was not hot enough.We needed more horsepower.The very first Z5 we bought was a lemon and had to be returned.The next one was good for about 3 years until we got the dreaded "Error 8".I did alot of internet research on the best machines available.There was one that seemed very similar to the Z5 but was twice the price.There were others at a lower price but I either did not like the appearance or they did not have all the features.So we stuck with the Z5.

For the more math oriented, here's the way I look at it.If the machine costs $3 grand and lasts 3 years and you make 10 cups of coffee per day, the cost of the machine per cup is under 30 cents each.Then you need to add to that supplies, coffee, water, creamers etc.

Be warned that if you are new to this type of machine it takes some time to master its use.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Jura-Capresso 13339 Impressa Z5 Automatic Coffee/Espresso Center

Product Description:
Make cafe-quality beverages at the press of a button using this fully automatic coffee center. The machine features eight pre-set beverage buttons for creating great-tasting cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolates, hot teas, one or two cups of ristretto, espressos, cafe lungos, and large cups of crema coffee. Use the pre-set programs or make customized beverages by adjusting the coffee strength, coffee volume, and the amount of steamed or frothed milk. Thoughtfully designed, the unit automatically grinds coffee beans, tamps and brews the coffee, then discards used coffee grounds--all with an exceptionally low level of noise. The coffee center also provides an easy-to-read three-line LED display, a one-touch cappuccino system for making cappuccino or latte without ever moving the cup, and an invisible beam that senses the amount of beans in the bean container and indicates when it needs a refill. A 32-ounce triple-insulated thermal milk container, which effectively keeps milk chilled for up to eight hours, comes included. Made in Switzerland, the coffee center measures 16-1/2 by 12-1/2 by 14 inches and carries a two-year warranty.

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3/29/2010

Jura-Capresso Impressa F9 Fully Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center Review

Jura-Capresso Impressa F9 Fully Automatic Coffee and Espresso CenterThis machine is excellent. Produces above average espresso on every shot. Foams milk well too.

I was an early buyer of this machine, and 8,513 shots later (yes it counts them), I know it is an excellent value.

I also would comment that the customer service is excellent. Sent in the machine once, and for $100.00 received a complete overhaul. (Sent in for a pump leak after a house move.) Came back like new, on time, and they paid for the return shipping. Can't ask for much more.

I will buy another super auto, from Jura/Capresso, when the time comes for a new machine. It might be many years from now...

Click Here to see more reviews about: Jura-Capresso Impressa F9 Fully Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center

Product Description:
Impressa F9 Fully Automatic coffee and Espresso Center with Stainless Steel ThermoBlock Heating System, Dual Frother PLUS, Removable 64 ounce Water Reservoir with CLARIS Water Care System, Sensor Touch Control, Coffee Brewing Illumination, LED Display, Chrome Plated, Heavy Die-Cast Coffee Spout and 3mm Thick All Metal Front Housing and MORE.

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3/24/2010

Jura-Capresso 13421 ENA4 Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center, Ristretto Black Review

Jura-Capresso 13421 ENA4 Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center, Ristretto BlackI lived in Switzerland for four years and while there my standards for coffee changed quite dramatically. Hence on my return to the US my first purchase was this machine. While I was living in Switzerland I went through two Nespresso machines which were a pain in the patootie to keep descaled and operational. Both were hosed by the time I left. I was impressed with the Jura machines owned by Swiss friends and neighbors. I have had this machine for 8 months now and have never regretted my decision to purchase it. It is smart enough to tell you when it needs cleaning and the instructions (unlike the Nespresso machinges I have owned) were very clear. Cleaning is automated and a snap to accomplish. Just initiate the program and it will be through by the time you finish doing the breakfast dishes. The one downside is that it is quite large so you will have to devote quite a bit of counter space to it and if you are big coffee drinkers you will also have to fill the rather small water reservoir quite often but other than that the machine is a dream and if you buy the right beans (hint: buy Lavazza beans here on Amazon on auto order - VERY economical) you will have lovely coffee moments. No need for 'bucks unless you want WiFi.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Jura-Capresso 13421 ENA4 Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center, Ristretto Black

Product Description:
The Jura-Capresso ENA4 is the world's slimmest Automatic Espresso and Coffee machine, only 9.5-inches wide.If you want the freedom to choose any coffee bean you like, the genuine flavor of the bean in your cup and the option to adjust the strength of the coffee to suit your taste....then look no further.Make ENA, which comes from the Greek meaning number ONE, your first choice..The ENA4 is environmentally friendly and economical to useWith an innovative zero energy switch the ENA4 draws no standby energy and when the unit is used infrequently the Energy Save Mode can be switched on to reduce power consumption to an absolute minimum.ENA4 has single button operation.Simply turn and push a button and enjoy. Programming the ENA4 is simple and intuitive.The programming and maintenance buttons are concealed behind an elegant panel.With the Rotary Switch and the interactive display, navigating through the programming mode or the automatic cleaning and maintenance program is a snap.The ENA4 has Platinum front and top panels and Ristretto Black side panels.

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