Capresso Ultima Coffee and Espresso Review

I enjoyed the taste of lattes having lived in San Francisco for many years and found myself in withdrawal when I had to return to St. Louis rather unexpectedly.I purchased the Capresso Ultima about the end of 2002 or early 2003 and was and have been fairly satisfied with this product from the get go.Here are a few things I've found in having brewed well in excess of a 1000+ cups and probably 75+ or more pounds of coffee in this machine:
1.Your coffee selection is key.If you like the Starbucks or Peet's or Border's latte taste, purchase a good dark roast.
2.Buy a burr grinder so you can get the right grind, not too fine and certainly not course. I use the DeLonghi. One word of caution, after using the finest turkish grind on my burr grinder for several cups, one day I discovered the coffe would not flow no matter how long I left the pump on.By the way, don't do this because your excess coffee simply flows into the overflow tray and gets wasted.To fix the problem I called the factory in New Jersey (I think) and was told to just return the central unit--nothing else.For $65, my charges, they sent back a new unit even though I had almost 2 years of use on it.It was returned within about 10 days.Excellent customer service.
3.If you like milky, thick foam then stick with 1 or 2 percent to get the best froth which you cannot get with whole milk or soy or rice milk for that matter.
4.DO NOT OVERHEAT THE MILK!!!This breaks down the fat molecules within the milk making it impossible to build a good froth.
5.Use a small colletor to gather the espresso and not the cup you used to steam the milk. I use this to collect the espresso and then pour it into the steamed milk.After a few cups you will quickly determine how much coffee to brew.Also, if you want an absolute great surprise, make a cappacino and let the machine brew the "crema" that seems to be the rage in espresso circles.The Ultima does an excellent job making crema.
For those who don't know, it's the tasty lighter coffee that is brewed at the end of the brewing cycle and has a wonderful milky-coffee taste.
6.The coffee is always HOT, HOT, HOT so please be careful when initially drinking it.
7.The hot water heater works wonders for the likes of hot chocolate mix.
8.I should add about the frother that you will experience a lot of steamiing water which probably shouldn't be there and disappears if you let the steamer run for a few minutes--do this in a separate container and dump the water, the steam will follow.Also the frothing wand is a two stage affair that generally heats the milk at first and then after a slight adjustment on the wand will produce a thick froth.Also, I move the cup with the milk around the wand to get good even heat to the milk.
9From a cold start, to finished cup takes about 3 minutes--the heating element works extremely fast.
10.Always use distilled water not tap.This will result in a calcium deposit which will destroy the unit.If you drink a lot of this coffee, I'd recommend buying your own countertop water distiller.
11.All in all, I could not be more happy with this machine.My son who lives in Brooklyn uses a much more expensive model, over $1,000, and it produces a great cup of espresso---the Capresso Ultima does the same at almost one-fourth the price.
12.It is because of the water wastege that I gave this unit a four star rating.
13.To ensure consistent coffee taste, do take offthe top, very easy procedure, and then rinse it under the faucet.The black, grounds container on the bottom tray should be emptied and rinsed daily after
each use.
14.If and when the time comes to replace, I'll go right back to the same unit--Love it, love it.
15.Finally, the plastic water container holds near perfect amounts of water to make approximately 7 cups of coffee.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Capresso Ultima Coffee and Espresso / Cappuccino Machine

Product Description:
Capresso "Ultima" eliminates all the inconvienent and sometimes difficult steps of conventional espresso machines: no more complications with filling, cleaning and rinsing baskets, tamping and hot filter holders. Just fill in pre-ground coffee to your liking (7 to 15 grams), pull the coffee lever down and turn the pump on. Within seconds the Capresso "Ultima" brews any size cup from one espresso to two six ounce cups of coffee always with wonderful crema on top. The double coffee spout even adjusts to accommodate different size cups.

Buy cheap Capresso Ultima Coffee and Espresso / Cappuccino Machine now

Jura-Capresso 13214 Impressa Z5 Automatic Coffee Center Review

Yes, 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.

Buy cheap Jura-Capresso 13214 Impressa Z5 Automatic Coffee Center now Get 32% OFF

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

I 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.

Buy cheap Jura-Capresso 13531 Impressa C5 Fully Automatic Coffee Center, Piano Black now Get 25% OFF

Jura-Capresso 13339 Impressa Z5 Automatic Coffee Review

I 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.

Buy cheap Jura-Capresso 13339 Impressa Z5 Automatic Coffee/Espresso Center now Get 28% OFF

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

This 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.

Buy cheap Jura-Capresso Impressa F9 Fully Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center now

Jura-Capresso ENA5 Automatic Coffee and Espresso Centers Review

Capresso Jura-Capresso ENA5 Automatic Coffee and Espresso machine.

I bought my machine in February and followed that up with the purchase of a two stage frothing nozzle.
All was well for a couple of days, when the nozzle flew off into the milk, splashing it everywhere and blasting steam out as follow up.
This despite stripping down the nozzle after each use and cleaning it with the brushes provided.
After this happening several times, Ireturned the unit to the "Coffee Shop". I was informed after a week that it was a cleaning problem.There was nothing wrong with the machine!!!
They would return the machine to me on payment of £128.
I accept that part of this charge is supplying a container since I had made the error of destroying the original (who has space for all that sort of stuff?)
They won't budge on this and despite having a lot of customers they informed me who had experienced the same problem.
It would seem to me to be yet another design fault since the fit of the nozzle onto the machine is by a soft rubber connector.

But it seems the customer is in the wrong and all these customers had not cleaned their nozzles sufficiently well.I don't think so!

Best not to buy this machine if you intend to use this frothing nozzle.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Jura-Capresso ENA5 Automatic Coffee and Espresso Centers

Product Description:
Enjoy authentic crema coffee, espresso, cappuccino, and latte from the comfort of home with this fully automatic machine. Easy to use, it grinds, tamps, brews, and self cleans in under 60 seconds--all at the touch of a button. The unit's professional-grade conical steel burr grinder offers five fineness settings to accommodate individual preferences, and its separate pre-ground coffee funnel comes in handy for guests who might prefer decaf after dinner. In addition, the fully programmable machine allows for customizing the strength, temperature, and amount from 1 to 16 ounces, all of which can be easily overridden, without affecting the permanent settings, by using the rotary dial for each cup. Simply turn and push the desired function. Choose one cup, two cups, or steam, then increase or decrease the desired strength and volume. The unit supplies two frothing options--the Dual Frother Plus and the patented frothXpress system that automatically steams or froths milk into the cup. A hot-water dispenser can be used for Cafe Americano or tea. The appliance features 18 bars of pressure and a stainless-steel-lined thermoblock that heats quickly to minimize wait times before initial brewing and steaming.
Economically and environmentally friendly, the unit provides an innovative zero-energy switch, which ensures no standby energy consumption when turned off, and if used infrequently, its Energy Save standby mode can be switched on to reduce power consumption to an absolute minimum. Other highlights include an LCD three-color alphanumeric display, a removable 37-ounce water tank, a 7-ounce bean capacity, a rotating height-adjustable coffee spout for one or two cup preparation, automatic cleaning cycles, and a Clearyl water-filtration system that eliminates the need for decalcification. An illustrated instruction booklet, a quick reference guide, and an instructional DVD come included. With its exceptionally slim design, the bean-to-cup automatic coffee center measures 17 by 9 by 14 inches and carries a two-year limited warranty.
From the Manufacturer
The ENA5: A Stylish and Compact Bean-to-Cup Experience
Less than 9-1/2 inches wide, the Swiss-made ENA is the world's slimmest automatic coffee center, with an intelligent space-saving design that ties into today's decor trends. The ENA 5 is first with a unique height-adjustable spout that rotates 180 degrees, giving the user the choice of brewing through a single or dual coffee spout.
It is also the only model in the ENA line that comes with two frothing systems: the Dual Frother Plus for traditional frothing by injecting steam into a pitcher of milk, and the frothXpress Plus System, which automatically froths or steams milk into the cup.
Energy Savings and Easy Brewing
Not only does the ENA 5 offer the incomparable flavor of high-pressure-brewed crema coffee and espresso-based drinks, it has also been cited for its eco-friendly features for saving energy. Unlike many countertop appliances, the ENA draws no energy whatsoever when the machine is off but still plugged in. The patent-pending Smart Zero Energy Button lets the machine finish any beverage already in progress and then completely disconnects from the electrical outlet. For additional energy savings, the machine can be switched to Energy Save Standby Mode reducing power consumption up to 40 percent.
Brewing is easy with the rotary dial with a built-in push button on the top of the machine. Programming the ENA is simple and intuitive, with the text display as a guide. The multi-color clear text display features easy-to-read alphanumeric text. The background is green when the machine is coffee-ready, red when action is required, and yellow in programming mode.
Feature-Packed
The ENA collection is the first in the Jura-Capresso line to feature a see-through bean chamber visible on top of the machine, romancing the beauty of fresh coffee beans. A built-in five-level conical burr grinder grinds the beans right before brewing for optimal taste. This high-performance grinder can be adjusted for regular or oily beans from fine to coarse simply by turning the chrome adjustment ring while the grinder is running. ENA machines can also brew pre-ground coffee for those who prefer decaffeinated or other specialty coffee blends.
Like all Jura-Capresso models, the ENA collection features the patented variable-volume brewing unit, which ideally prepares between 1 and 16 ounces of coffee. Because fresh, pure water is an essential element of great coffee taste, the ENA features the CLEARYL Plus Water Filter that removes impurities and reduces scale deposits in heating elements. This filter prevents disruption of coffee flavor by transforming hard tap water into water that is pH-neutral balanced. "ENA" means "number one" in Greek, for the number one choice for anyone who wants the ultimate in a compact model. Specifications

• Less than 9-1/2 inches wide
• Programmable for coffee strength, cup size, and more
• Two frothing systems: the Dual Frother Plus for traditional frothing and the frothXpress Plus System
• Draws no energy whatsoever when the machine is off
• Patent-pending Smart Zero Energy Button; Energy Save Standby Mode reduces power consumption up to 40 percent
• Three color choices: Coffee Cherry Red, Ristretto Black, and Blossom White
• Multi-color clear text display
• See-through bean chamber visible on top of the machine
• Patented variable-volume brewing unit
• Grinds, tamps, brews, and self cleans in under 60 seconds
• removable 37-ounce water tank
• 7-ounce bean capacity
• Rotating height-adjustable coffee
• Professional-grade conical steel burr grinder
• Separate pre-ground coffee funnel
• 18 bars of pressure
• Stainless-steel-lined thermoblock
• CLEARYL water filter
• Includes illustrated instruction booklet, a quick reference guide, and an instructional DVD
• Measures 17 by 9 by 14 inches
• Two-year limited warranty

Buy cheap Jura-Capresso ENA5 Automatic Coffee and Espresso Centers now Get 32% OFF

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

I 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.

Buy cheap Jura-Capresso 13421 ENA4 Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center, Ristretto Black now Get 48% OFF