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Jura-Capresso 13333 Impressa J5 Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center, Piano White by Capresso
List Price: $2,700.00Our Price: $899.00You Save: $1801.00 (67%)Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Kitchen See more product details
Product SummaryManufacturer: Capresso Brand: Capresso Release Date: 2007-08-15 Model: 13333 Color: White Product features: - Automatic coffee and espresso center with 18-bar pump
- 1450-watt thermoblock heating system; 2-step pre-infusion cycle
- 6 beverage buttons; 11 programming options; LCD display
- Removable water tank; 6-setting conical burr grinder; 2 frother systems
- Measures 16-1/2 by 11 by 13-1/4 inches; 1-year limited warranty
Accessories:
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Jura-Capresso 13333 Impressa J5 Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center, Piano WhiteCustomer Review: Jura-Capresso Impressa J5 - Outstanding Performance and Quality! Summary: 5 Stars
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.
Description of Jura-Capresso 13333 Impressa J5 Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center, Piano WhiteThe smooth, clean lines and elegant accents make the Jura-Capresso Impressa J5 an aesthetic masterpiece from any angle. A rich platinum metallic treatment for the front and top with tasteful chrome accents contrast with the glossy piano white side and back panels. Adding a new level of convenience the well-designed and used-friendly rotary dial allows you to override any settings for coffee and steam. Pushing the integrated rotary button allows you to enter 11 programming options. All functions and settings are clearly communicated in the alpha-number LED display. New Ceramic Valve technology shortens the flow of coffee resulting in a hotter temperature and more crema in your cup for the best in high-pressure brewed coffee, espresso, latte and cappuccino. World's first Butterfly Coffee Spout: dual coffee spout design moves up/down and in/out (butterfly-design) to accommodate a larger range of cup sizes. Unique triple temperature setting for hot water output produces a hotter Cafe Americano and accommodates a larger variety of tea preparation. The 18-bar pump combines with a fast-heating stainless steel lined thermoblock that delivers cup after cup of coffee with no downtime. Within seconds the J5 is ready to deliver unlimited amounts of steam to heat and froth milk.
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