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(More customer reviews)This was originally ordered for a gift but was delivered on the second day despite my payment for one-day shipping. (To be fair to Amazon, it was ordered just minutes before "next day delivery" closed.)
Despite the fact that this gift could not be given because of its late arrival - after the intended recipient (visiting family) had returned home - I was able to convince my wife that this would be an ideal birthday present for me. I had always wanted a machine where the touch of one button gave me an excellent latte or cappuccino, which I mostly prefer to shots of espresso.
Prior to buying this I had spent a considerable amount of time on the web researching other super-automatics from Jura-Capresso and many other manufacturers. The Jura-Capresso Z5 was my preference but the features of this model appeared to be almost as good for some $600 less. The quality of frothed milk dispensed for a cappuccino on the Z5 looked impressive on a video I checked out.
I expected this model to perform similarly, but what I got was froth of very poor quality and too cold. It had many 1/2" bubbles on the surface if I moved the froth selector closer to the "steam only" position to get warmer milk.
This model will give a 16 oz coffee at the press of one button, but what you get is very weak, bitter and undrinkable. Even a 7oz cup brewed to maximum strength was somewhat weak and bitter, since the entire 7 oz was passed through the coffee until it ran clear towards the end. I had expected 2 or 3 (possibly 4) oz of espresso topped up automatically with hot water to the selected quantity rather than over-extraction to this extent. The finest grind seemed rather coarse when I examined the dregs tray. Maybe these are set up for people who like Megabucks-type charred coffee, so the oily beans don't gum up the grinder. My preference for medium roast could certainly benefit from finer grinding.
Tea or soup made with hot water from the dispenser would be a similar disappointment since the temperature of 8 oz of water hovered little more than 150 degrees (after pre-heating the cup).
On the positive side, espressos of 1 or 2 oz were acceptable, though definitely not the quality of a semi-automatic machine.
After some 24 hours during which I tried maybe 30 brews, changing many of the variables, I finally decided that this machine does not cut it. My inexpensive Capresso Ultima regularly produces better cappuccinos and I prefer the "espressos" produced by my stove-top Mokka pots.
Thankfully Amazon has a good return policy. I have previously returned only one item (which had a flaw and was replaced to my complete satisfaction). This item is currently on its way back to Amazon. I shall treat myself to a vacuum brewer and keep looking for the perfect super automatic.
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Jura-Capresso 13423 Impressa S9 One Touch Automatic Coffee-and-Espresso Center, PlatinumEquipped with One Touch technology, this automatic coffee-and-espresso center makes cappuccino, cafe mocha, latte, or latte macchiato with the simple touch of a button, without having to move the cup. In just a matter of seconds, it grinds, tamps, and brews one or two cups at a time, 1/2 to 16 ounces. The countertop appliance comes equipped with an insulated stainless-steel 20-ounce milk container, which stays right next to the machine and keeps cold milk cold for up to eight hours. It also provides a commercial-grade sound-insulated conical burr grinder with a 10-ounce bean container and six fineness settings for any type of bean--from light to dark roasts, while a separate funnel for pre-ground coffee allows for making decaf or flavored coffee drinks.
In addition to its 18-bar pump, the unit features two, independent, stainless-steel-lined ThermoBlock heating systems for coffee preparation and steam production with no wait time in between, plus four beverage buttons that can be individually programmed for cup size, strength, and temperature--simply turn and push the rotary switch to make the selection. Use the "a la carte" button for customizing the cup size and strength just before brewing, or choose from three hot-water temperature settings for Cafe Americano or a variety of teas including green, herb, and fruit teas.
Other useful details include a graphic display that indicates the brewing or maintenance process, an illuminated coffee-brewing area, a stainless-steel cup-warming platform, a height-adjustable coffee spout, and electronic sensors that indicate when more coffee beans need to be added, as well as a large 96-ounce water tank, a Clearyl water-care system that eliminates the need for decalcification, automatic cleaning cycles, and three Energy Saving modes. Accessories include a Clearyl water filter, cleaning tablets, a measuring scoop, a water-hardness indicator strip, and a DVD with detailed tips on brewing, frothing methods, and cleaning. UL listed for household use, the 1250-watt coffee-and-espresso center measures 15 by 13-1/2 by 14-3/4 inches and carries a limited warranty for two years or 6,000 cups, whichever comes first. From the Manufacturer The Impressa S9: Serving Coffee Perfection Energy-Saving and Feature-Packed Energy-saving functions include a main power switch that ensures zero energy is pulled when the machine is off but still plugged in. Programmable energy saving options allow the machine to draw less energy in stand-by mode. A stainless steel warming plate on top of the machine warms cups before brewing. Featuring sensor technology, it reminds you when beans need to be refilled. An illuminated brewing area adds to its visual appeal. The Impressa S9 One Touch is extremely user friendly and controls are easy to read. The 2-line alpha-numeric display includes helpful graphics and subtle acoustical alerts that make the machine intuitive to use. The Impressa S9 One Touch comes with a 10-ounce bean container, a large 96-ounce water tank and a Clearyl Water Filter to remove impurities and improve taste. Specifications
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