Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)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.
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Jura-Capresso 13333 Impressa J5 Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center, Piano WhiteEquipped with an 18-bar pump and 1450-watt stainless-steel-lined thermoblock heating system, this automatic coffee and espresso center can produce cup after cup of coffee with no down time in between. The machine's unique two-step pre-infusion cycle ensures every brew delivers optimal flavor extraction and a creamy crema layer. In the first stage, freshly ground coffee gets compressed, then injected with a small burst of hot water, causing the moist grounds to expand. In the second stage, brewing water courses through the engorged coffee grounds.
This user-friendly appliance combines not only powerful performance, but also a simple, elegant design with easy-to-use controls. Its front panel offers six buttons in the shape of a ring: two buttons for espresso (single and double), two for coffee (single and double), one for hot water, and one for steam. All of these functions are individually programmable. For example, the strength, temperature, and size of each of the coffee buttons can be set, as can the amount of water delivered in a hot water cycle, and the amount of time a steam cycle lasts. The 10-digit alpha-numeric LCD display clearly communicates all functions and settings in any one of five languages. The top of the unit provides three more controls: two buttons (one for power, the other for maintenance) and an illuminated rotary control dial for overriding any settings for coffee and steam. Choose from 11 programming options by pushing the integrated rotary button.
The coffee and espresso center also showcases several other innovative features. Its new ceramic-valve technology shortens the flow of coffee, resulting in a hotter temperature and more crema in the cup. The machine's three hot-water temperature settings produce a hotter Cafe Americano, pre-warm coffee cups faster, and accommodate a larger variety of tea preparation. It also provides a dual, butterfly, coffee-spout design that moves up/down and in/out to accommodate a larger range of cups.
Other highlights include a commercial-grade, solid-steel conical burr grinder with six fineness settings and low-noise operation; a 9-ounce bean container with aroma cover and low-level bean indicator; a self-adjusting brewing chamber, which holds from 5 to 16 grams of ground coffee to make up to two 8-ounce cups of coffee at a time; a sensor-activated pre-ground coffee funnel; a clock/timer with programmable auto-on and auto-off capabilities; and a 71-ounce removable water container with a Clearyl water-filtration system and low-water indicator. Even more, the machine provides two interchangeable frother systems, which include a Dual Frother Plus for manual operation and a frothXpress for automatic frothing and steaming. A concealed compartment neatly stores the measuring scoop and the Dual Frother Plus attachment. The coffee and espresso center measures 16-1/2 by 11 by 13-1/4 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.
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