Showing posts with label super-automatic espresso machines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label super-automatic espresso machines. Show all posts

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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4/07/2010

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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