At this writing I''ve owned the J5 for two weeks and have produced approximately 100 shots of espresso/coffee. Having stated that as a qualifier, I''ve found this super automatic espresso machine to be outstanding in performance, ease of use, and quality of espresso produced. The controls are simple to understand and use there are detailed descriptions of these available on multiple vendor websites, the manufacturer''s website even includes a number of very informative videos.
Considering the financial commitment associated with this machine, I was more than a little hopeful that it would produce quality espresso in a straight forward and timely manner. It does this with aplomb.
Regarding its operation, the J5 heats quickly (around 60 seconds) then is ready to run the rinse cycle (also quick, at around 10 seconds). Once the rinse cycle has completed it''s ready for action. I won''t go into detail about the individual espresso/coffee settings (again, this info is readily available elsewhere) other than to say the controls work exactly as described. Each button is customizable, both permanently and as a one-time override. A very wide range of volume and strength is attainable by adjusting these controls.
The morning routine:
I was quite concerned about the total end-to-end time for brewing in the morning before work, and I have to say in this regard I am very pleased. I''ve configured the J5 to automatically turn on as I''m showering/shaving etc, so when I arrive in front of the machine it''s ready to run the rinse cycle. If you''re interested in ensuring the warmest possible espresso/coffee, I recommend running an additional rinse cycle to heat up the internal components a bit more, this combined with preheating your cup really produces a nice hot cup. In the mornings I brew 8 oz. of café crema. The whole process, including a rinse cycle after brewing (the machine prompts for this after hitting the on/off button), takes about 3-4 minutes. This time would be cut by at least half if you were brewing the standard 1-2 oz espresso instead of the higher volume café crema. If you''re interested in immediate cleanup, the drip tray and dreg box are easily removed and rinsed both will hold a substantial volume however, so daily cleaning of these items is not required.
A word on espresso quality:
Okay, after covering some of the operational highlights, here''s the real question of what quality is the espresso/coffee produced? The short answer is...OUTSTANDING! Producing quality espresso consistently is where the J5 really excels. I''ve used two types of espresso so far, Lavazza Pienaroma and the Organic Espresso available from CoffeeAM.com. The espresso shots produced using both of these beans results in an amazing amount of crema (1/4 inch) and a fantastic taste. I''ve also used a locally available pre-ground decaf espresso in the by-pass doser with good results. It''s difficult to describe a quality taste in a written review, but the espresso shots produced by the J5 are simply outstanding.
It''s difficult to continue enthusiastically describing features of this machine without sounding like a shill for the manufacturer...but a few more things are worthy of mention:
* I''ve used the frothXpress attachment for making cappuccinos and lattes a handful of times and it works well, much better than I expected, and is easy to clean. I have not used the optional Dual Frother Plus. The hot water is nice and hot, and works extremely well when used as a cup warming aid.
* I''ve had no issues with the conical burr grinder or any of the other brewing components. They work well and operate within very acceptable sound levels.
* Commenting specifically on the espresso/coffee temperature, I can say that while using the "hot" setting, a rinse cycle to heat up the internal components, and preheating the cup with hot water, the output is very acceptable no need to be hotter.
* Brew duration seems to be heavily effected by the grind setting. For example, a fine setting using dark oily beans induces very slow brew times. If these types of beans are used, a grind setting between medium and coarse seems to work best; this produces a great crema and normal brew duration. Oily beans should also be "air dried" for 4-5 hours before adding to the hopper to allow the excess oils to dry.
* Included with the J5 is an excellent owner''s manual and very handy instructional DVD. Reading/viewing both is highly recommended.
Con?:
For reasons I have yet to determine, both 2 cup buttons brew at the "extra strong" strength setting only. Although I don''t consider this a major fault, it seems very odd that the volume setting is configurable and the strength is not.
Finally, as stated above, I''ve owned this machine for only about two weeks, so I can''t yet comment on durability or longevity. However, the build quality and performance so far would seem to portend high marks for both.
For many years I have used a Krups super automatic, but sadly it broke. After contemplating various machines, we did a taste test of several, and the Jura won hands down.
The Jura uses a lot more coffee for each cup that it brews, and as a result it extracts a bit less, leading to a much richer smoother taste instead of a slightly bitter taste. We did a blind taste test between the Jura and the Saeco and the Krups, and the difference was extremely clear. The Jura was just fantastic.
Set up of the machine is very simple. It took just a few minutes, and all of the parts are clearly marked.
It includes a water filter option, which we are using, so as not to have to descale. The frothing siphon attachment works very well and delivers a perfect amount of steamed or frothed milk and is very easy to clean. I find this nicer than the wand, which some users report can fly off.
Access to the water tank and bean area is easy, and the tank holds a lot.
It features a light for the cup area which is quite nice, especially if you live in a dark place like seattle.
Brewing, cleaning, steaming are all a snap.
The machine is durable and attractive, but most importantly, delivers a fantastic espresso, mocha, latte...
The one down side is that unlike the saeco it has to be sent back to the factory (NJ) for repairs. I''m just hoping that it won''t need them.
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Where to begin? This machine can do it all, from a strong shot of espresso to a flawless cappuccino, all in under minute. If you can tie your shoes, you can use one of these machines.
I looked in to this machine after using an older Capresso model at a friend''s house. I was always impressed by how easily and quickly he could make a variety of drinks for guests, not to mention the quality of their appearance and flavor.
This machine comes with two different frothing systems, one is a more traditional bullet style frother, while the other can automatically steam or froth milk. This is where the J5 really shines. In no time you can froth yourself milk that would make the most seasoned barista jealous, and then push a single button to instantly brew piping hot coffee.
The machine starts with whole beans of your choosing and grinds them just for the drink you are making. This ensures that you''ll get the freshest tasting coffee cup after cup.
What I like most about this machine though is the variety of drinks it can make. If you have a guest over who isn''t a big coffee drinker you can use the machine to make instant hot water for tea, or my favorite trick: run chocolate milk through the steamer for instant hot chocolate. Of course for the rest of us, the pressure brewing system in this machine will allow you to say goodbye to expensive coffee drinks, and become your own favorite barista.
Read Best Reviews of Jura-Capresso 13333 Impressa J5 Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center Here
After five years of continuous use, we consider this one of our best purchases ever! Reliable, flexible, simple to use and maintain, we have had virtually no problems. A great coffee maker.
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When we have already owned or used several Jura Capresso Automatic Coffee Centers, it is difficult to come up with more superlatives. This machine is at or near the top of our experience with many European coffee machines. It grinds fresh coffee beans, tamps automatically either one cup or two cups worth, then brews the coffee to our own taste and measure, then disposes of the used coffee grounds,in less than 30 seconds. From bean to cup espresso, coffee, cappucino, cafe latte, and even makes hot water for tea, faster than a microwave.
What a great Swiss invention. Completely programable and infinitely adjustable for coffee fanatics. Simple enough for the rest of us.
I''ve used my Mr. Coffee JWX9 5-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker daily for the last month. It brews good coffee at the right temperature for me, and the "five-cup" capacity is just right to fill my 20 oz travel mug as I head out for work. The basket is easy to load/unload (I use flat-bottom paper filters) and the stainless steel carafe is both durable and easy to clean. I''ve noticed no unpleasant tastes but I brew only with Brita-filtered cold water and custom-ground coffee from Starbucks. I also run white vinegar through every six weeks or so to keep everything clean.
