Virtuoso Coffee Grinder Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Since I have only had the Virtuoso for three months I will not discuss the long-term quality.Because I use it primarily for press pot, drip and small espresso batches I was not looking to get a solid consumer grinder, like the more expensive Rancilio Rocky or Mazzer Mini.

Previously I have owned a Starbucks Barista (the Solis verson, not the newer Saeco Titan verson) and the Capresso Infinity 560 Black.The Barista had a long and happy life, and after performing the hack (see coffeegeek.com), made great coffee and pretty good espresso.The Capresso was excellent for drip & press coffee, but only adequate for espresso.I would happily recommend each of these for people that just want a pretty solid cup of Joe, and do not mind it being slightly heated in the process.The Capresso was still running solidly, so do not infer it died early (it cheerfully grinds my wife's flax seeds very well now), I just wanted something better for my espresso shots.

After briefly considering the Gaggia MDF I looked at the Virtuoso, mainly for three, important, reasons.

First I was very happy with my Solis/Starbucks grinder, it lasted for over 10 years of heavy use.The hack allowed it to make good espresso.Baratza has been involved with selling the Solis products, and are the designers of the Maestro and Maestro Plus grinder (yes, thats right they are THEIR machines, not Solis).After talking to a few of the locally operated coffee shops, invaluable advice, I was able to learn more about the company.

Second, many of the negative reviews were early in the introduction of the product.What I appreciated, and what the shop owners told me about, is the serious approach to resolving any issues the product has and updating the product itself.Each issue has been addressed, burr design, machine rpm, cleanliness, fineness settings, etc.Important to me was that the later reviews, specially by some of the talking heads, were far better than the earlier versions of the Virtuoso.

Third the current version of the product, it is an affordable ($200 in some cases slightly less) grinder with a professional burr, over 40 settings (it can be easily hacked to allow for finer or coarser setting- something I have not needed to do yet. That information is posted in the FAQ of the Baratza website), and lower rpm motor (very important if you do not wish to heat the ground beans, or use a heavy French Roast as I do).It is easy to clean with the supplied brush, but hand wash and rinse well, the washable parts.Absolutely do not wash the container in the dishwasher, unless you wish destroy the anti-static properties of the container, plus it isn't necessary.

After figuring out what settings work best for my three purposes, I am getting a coffee that is as good as I would get in even some of the better local establishments in Portland.My espresso is not quite as good, but then I do not have Mazzer's and a thousand dollar plus espresso machine.For my purposes the espresso is far better than I have made on my own in the past.

It may be only a perception, but it seems as though I am using fewer beans as I have in the past as well, important as coffee prices rise.This is a great grinder for its niche, one can get better, but you will have to pay more, and be seriously addicted to Barista quality espresso.

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Product Description:
585 -Black body with brushed-satin metal top and base -Italian-made 40 mm conical burrs -40 grind settings from Espresso to French Press -Innovative calibration performed during manufacture -Can be user calibrated -480 Watt DC motor -Special gear reduction with unique speed control between 405 to 495 RPMs -60 second timers switch -pulse button manually controls on/off function -Front-mounted pulse button makes it easy to grind directly into a brew basket -5 ounce grounds bin -8 ounce bean hopper -Easy to clean -Dimensions: 14"H x 5"W x 7"D -Weight: 8 lbs The Virtuoso has many of the winning features of the Maestro Plus along with commercial grade components, higher performance and sleeker style. With the Virtuoso, it s now easier than ever to make professional quality coffee, whether at the home, the office or your caf . This is a powerful grinder which includes commercial grade conical burrs, a 480 watt DC motor, and a special gear reduction feature which slows the spinning of the burr to 450 RPMs to reduce heat, noise, and static generation in the grinder. It also ensures that the beans feed smoothly into the burrs.

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Jura-Capresso 7520 Claris Water Care Cartridge Review

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(More customer reviews)Amazon had the lowest price I found on this filter which is the one specified for use with a Capresso C1000.

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Product Description:
The Claris Water Cartridge reduces water hardness up to 75% and eliminates decalcifying.It removes (if present) up to 85% Chlorine, up to 90% lead, up to 95% copper and up to 67% aluminum.Fits Jura/Capresso models C1000, C3000, F9, S7, S8, S9.

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Jura-Capresso 13299 Impressa Z6 Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center Review

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(More customer reviews)I recently purchased the new Z6 after seeing one at William's Sonoma around Christmas.I resisted the temptation to purchase until a friend of mine called and told me he found one under the Christmas tree!We both purchased the Capresso 1500 about 3 years ago and thought those were the "Cat's Meow".Now fast forward to 2007 and the Z6 is here as the super automatic on steroids.

After unpacking I sat down and watched the included DVD twice.Once with my wife and once alone as I set up the machine.After you get through the initial setup and programming the machine is very easy to operate and maintain.Making a coffee drink is as simple as pushing one of 8 drink buttons on the front panel. I like the idea of the thermal milk storage tank but it's recommended that you don't store milk in it after use.I find this a little inconvenient to have to pour the milk into another container.With my previous C1500 I just put the plastic milk jug in the refrigerator and used it the next day.

I bought this unit to replace my C1500 for two major reasons. The first was my C1500 struggled to make a really hot coffee drink.I found myself drinking the beverage too quickly to avoid it getting cold or putting it into the microwave to heat it back up.The Z6 makes a hotter beverage that is much improved but still could be a few degrees hotter in my opinion.The second reason I purchased the Z6 was to get a bigger cup under the spouts.The C1500 was limited in what size cup I could place under the spouts and the Z6 allows me to put virtually any reasonable sized cup under the spout.

The Z6 is a beautiful piece to look at sitting on your counter and will be the envy of many a guest.However it has a chrome finish which appears durable but I would caution you to take extra precautions not to scratch the finish as it would be permanent.I place a paper towel on the lower tray when using ceramic type mugs to avoid scratching.

Update on 05/26/2008

I would like to say that the Z6 has been performing flawlessly for the past year and a half.As long as you perform the routine maintenance the Z6 will provide many years of trouble-free performance.I've also been putting the thermal milk container in the refrigerator with milk in it with no issues.

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Product Description:
The Jura-Capresso Impressa Z6 Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center gleams with a high-polish chrome plated metal front housing, a unique mirror LED display and a hand-polished zinc die-cast oversized tray.A coffee lover's dream, the Impressa Z6 has professional technology and one-touch cappuccino system. Beans are ground, and fresh, cold milk transforms into hot, frothed milk and pours into your cup. With high pressure, hot water is forced through the perfectly ground and tamped coffee. Now espresso flows through the thick layer of milk froth: pick up your perfect cappuccino and enjoy. In the meantime the used coffee grounds are discarded and you can immediately start dreaming about another cappuccino, latte, espresso, or any other hot large cup of crema coffee.

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CAPRESSO Automatic Coffee Center, Froths, Grindes, Brews in less than 50 seconds Review

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(More customer reviews)I loved this since my brother first bought it.I have tried many lower priced imitators, but non lived up to the Capresso C3000.Now, several years later, I have inhereted his coffee machine.I still love it. It is demanding, asking you to add water, empty grinds, or even add coffee. But seriously, it is a great machine that custom brews a great cup of coffee and the biggest problem I find is it makes it to easy to drink a lot of coffee. If you take care of it it will take care of your coffee needs.

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Product Description:
Convenience, Monitoring and Safety FeaturesTwo-line LED display dialog system. Gives you short, plain language instructions ("Coffee Ready", "Fill Water", "Clean Unit" etc. Choose from seven languages in the dialog system. English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Dutch. Select from "continuous on" or "Auto-off". Select from 1/2 hour to 9 hours in one hour increments. Makes sure the machine stays on as long as you want. "Auto On." The C3000 turns itself on at the programmed time and is ready for your first cup. Automatic hot water rinse cycle when the C3000 is turned on and off cleans and pre-heats all vital brewing parts. Automatic cleaning cycle indicator prevents coffee oil build-ups in the brew chamber. A short ten minute automated tablet cleaning program with clear instructions in the LED display system insures clean inner parts and coffee that will never tastes oily or rancid. No inner parts need to be removed. The display will remind you automatically after approx. 200 cups of coffee. Automatic indicator when used coffee container is full. Used coffee container holds up to 16 coffee portions.Electronic water level sensor. Never run out of water-guaranteed! Check how many cups of coffee you have made. Display can show total number of cups brewed and number of cups for each coffee button. Five level water hardness selector. Set the machine to your water hardness (comes with a water hardness indicator strip).

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Jura 67083 Cool Control Milk Cooler Review

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(More customer reviews)A colleague had ordered this and we both have nearly identical Jura automatic espresso machines. We both work from home, so I wanted something that would make my machine a little more automated.

I've purchased wine coolers and other machines which use the same type of induction technology, and I've been 'burned' by them all - breaking down early, not keeping the right temperature, etc.

I've had this device for six months now and I'm still just as pleased with it as the day I unboxed it. Milk is truly kept cold consistently and it's incredibly quiet.

Cons: If you're a Skim milk drinker, and you wait a couple days before using it, I've noticed that the milk can sometimes freeze up or develop ice crystals. I've been able to mitigate this by filling the outer tank with barely just enough water for it to reach the brim when the container is inside of it.

Also, the tube can be a hassle to clean. Sometimes the suction power pulls milk through and lets it sit there in the tube. You have to be conscientious to clean it thoroughly after each use or each day.

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Product Description:
The Cool Control Milk Cooler keeps milk cool, fresh and always available for your favorite coffee beverages.Cool Control from Jura-Capresso keeps milk cool and fresh as long as in any refrigerator.The CFC-free Peitier cooling system cools milk down from room temperature to 39-degrees Fahrenheit and keeps the temperature constant.Milk will never freeze or warm up.The removable 41-ounce stainless steel milk container is dishwasher safe.The low wattage, low noise motor cost just pennies a day to run.The compact Cool Control is the ideal accessory for all Jura-Capresso Automatic Coffee Centers.Completely equipped, the Cool Control connects directly to the frothXpress automatic frothing systems.

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Jura-Capresso 13214 Impressa Z5 Automatic Coffee Center Review

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(More customer reviews)Yes, you'll flinch when you see the price tag!Right now this is the king of super automatics.My work hours are all over the place and many times there is just no time to devote to pulling the perfect espresso from a manual or semi machine.Add to that I drink cappuccino's or lattes 95% of the time.This machine was made for those who drink mostly cappuccino's or lattes and it couldn't be easier.Many long time aficionados on the coffeegeek.com forums will tell you that you cannot pull anything close to a "god shot" from a super automatic and they are correct.But what you get is pretty darn good especially if you love the taste of espresso but don't want to devote your life to making perfect shots every pull.The Z5 is the model of simplicity and produces consistent very good shots of espresso and excellent latte's & cappuccino's every time with little time.I had this machine programmed, up and going just 10 minutes out of the box.I am not an expert on pulling shots manually.Setting the knob to the hottest setting, strongest espresso and finest grind yielded a very tasty shot that was far better than any I have had at Starbuck's.I used Coffee Emergency espresso roast.The crema was good and the temperature excellent.I used a Capressa S9 a year ago and was not happy with the temperature of the shots coming out of the machine.They are much improved on the Z5. Back to cappuccino's...Fill the milk thermos with your choice of milk...set knob to cappuccino and hit the button.A gorgeous cappuccino was produced on the very first try.I didn't have to move the cup...it was all automatic!It took me ages to learn to make a decent cappuccino onsame thing manually.Again...much better than at Starbuck's and any of the local coffee houses. The Z5 has a timer that can be set to turn the machine on and off when you want it to. Settings for water level, brewing time, amount of heated milk and foam, can all be pre set or adjusted with a knob live as your beverage is being made.The unit is whisper silent even when grinding beans.It is a well built piece of equipment that is UL approved for both residential and commercial use.I couldn't be happier with it.Should you get this machine? Bottom line is that if you want to make espresso's as a hobby and are going for that ultimate "god shot" every time don't even think about this machine.If you are a working professional who just wants a great cappuccino, latte and espresso with absolute minimum fuss that will beat Starbuck's and your local coffee shop.... think about buying this machine.

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Product Description:
A coffee lover's dream: put down your cup, push one button, make perfect cappuccino--without moving the cup! The Impressa Z5 is the first automatic coffee and espresso center with professional technology and one-touch cappuccino system for home use.Beans are ground, and fresh cold milk transforms into hot, frothed milk and pours into your cup. With high pressure, hot water is forced through the perfectly ground and tamped coffee. Now, espresso flows through the thick layer of milk froth: pick up your perfect cappuccino and enjoy. In the meantime, the used coffee grounds are discarded and you can immediately start dreaming about another cappuccino, latte, espresso, or any other hot, large cup of crema coffee. The Impressa Z5 features eight preset beverage buttons. All your coffee drinks are now just one pushbutton away. Use the pre-programming or change coffee strength, coffee volume, and the amount of steamed/frothed milk while the Z5 prepares your preferred coffee beverage. The informative three-line LED display makes using the Z5 extremely user friendly.

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Jura Impressa X7 Cappuccino Machine Black Review

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(More customer reviews)This X7-the office workhorse-is nothing else but AWESOME!
We have one at our office and I love that it has 2 hoppers and 2 grinders.
I can have my decaf without the trouble of taking out and replacing the regular beans or using a powder by-pass.
Also, hot, frothy, professional cappuccino at the touch of a button!
No more steam wands for me, trying to get the froth just right.
The X7 will give any office an extra touch of class!

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Product Description:
Perfect for the executive suite or eclectic home. An elegant commercial grade Super Automatic espresso machine. Most powerful, feature rich Cappuccino machine in its class. One-step Cappuccino at the press of a button. Dual grinders for separate, simultaneous or mixed operation. Fresh water plumbed or pour-over operation. Separate steam wand for lattes, hot chocolates, etc. Integrated Claris water filtration with cartridge-change monitoring. Self-cleaning milk frothing device and coffee brew unit. The ultimate commercial quality, fully automatic espresso/cappuccino powerhouse.
The Impressa X7 distinguishes itself both by its state-of-the-art technology, user-friendly control functions and its elegant Cappuccino Look design. The Impressa X7 is simple to install, easy to maintain and even easier to operate. It may well be the first "Plug-and-Play" machine in the market. Once it has been connected to the mains, you only have to follow the clear instructions on the display panel and start making perfect espresso, great cafe latte, typically Italian cappuccino or finest macchiato at the push of a button. Thanks to ultra-modern technology, the Impressa X7 prepares coffee specialities just like a genuine Barista or a large, expensive gastronomy machine. Always fresh and always topped by a splendid, smooth crema. And - put your hand on your heart - isn't the atmosphere much more relaxed if you can enjoy a coffee?
NOTE TO AMAZON.COM CUSTOMERS: If you experience any difficulty with your Jura Impressa #X7 machine, please DO NOT RETURN to AMAZON.COM. Contact the JURAUSA/Xpresso, Inc. customer service department at their toll free telephone number 1-800-789-4109. One of the product technicians will discuss the difficulties that you are having with your machine. If they cannot solve the matter over the telephone they will make arrangements for the machine to be sent to JURAUSA/Xpresso, Inc. in order to perform any necessary after sales service as is covered in the warranty.

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Jura-Capresso 13332 Impressa J5 Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center, Matte Black Review

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(More customer reviews)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.

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Product Description:
Equipped 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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Capresso Infinity Conical Burr Grinders Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been through a couple of burr grinders - the Gaggia MM and a Melitta, so when it came time to buy a new one, I knew what I didn't want - a noisy, dusty grinder that wears out quickly.I've pretty much found it with the Capresso Infinity.

I did some reading, and depending on what you need, it's amazing how much you can spend for a burr grinder - they range up to $400 and beyond.The main features I was interested in, though, were available in the sub-$200 range.For my pump espresso machine, these features included:
>consistent, even grind - for better tasting coffee
>"reduction" gearing - where the grinder motor speed is slowed down without loosing grinding torque, resulting in less static and dust
>less noise - it's nice to have conversations while making coffee
>durable, long lasting quality - I wanted to keep my third grinder for longer than a year.

The Capresso Infinity has delivered on the first three points, and looks good regarding durability.It has commercial grade grinders, which produce an even, consistent grind.With the reduction gearing, it grinds with a nice, even drone - more like a diesel truck than a jet plane taking off.And the dust that used to fly everywhere is gone - the slower speed has virtually eliminated the static.I've found it easy to use as well - one twist dial that works like the old dial timers - twist to the time setting you want, and it grinds until the time expires.

NOTE - I did read where one person had a problem with the timer where he couldn't turn it off.That may be because he tried to turn it backwards, which is not what the directions recommend.To stop grinding, you turn the bean hopper to the "no grind" mode; otherwise, you can break the switch.

Overall, I am pleased with the purchase.The only real adjustment has been figuring out the proper grind level again.The "extra fine" settings will create a fine powder that is too fine for my machine.However, once I switched to the "fine" setting, it has worked great.The amazing extra benefit is how much better the coffee tastes - the fine, even grind makes for maximum flavor extraction.So matter what grinder you buy, go for one that grinds more evenly - you'll enjoy your coffee even more.For the price, I didn't find one that had the combination of features (and less noise and dust!) found in the Capresso Infinity.

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Product Description:
Elegant, timeless design.Commercial-Grade Solid Steel Conical Burrs preserve maximum aroma and grind precisely from Turkish fine to coarse.

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Jura-Capresso 13423 Impressa S9 One Touch Automatic Coffee-and-Espresso Center, Platinum Review

Average Reviews:

(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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Jura-Capresso 13423 Impressa S9 One Touch Automatic Coffee-and-Espresso Center, Platinum

Product Description:
Equipped 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
Coffee perfection is just one touch away with the Jura-Capresso Impressa S9 One Touch automatic coffee center. Become your own barista by creating authentic cappuccino and latte at the touch of a button, without even having to move the cup. This top-of-the-line automatic coffee center is the first and only with a one-touch Latte Macchiato button and with a programmed pause to create its distinctive layers of frothed milk, espresso, and steamed milk. Jura-Capresso is the first and only company with a line of one-touch automatic coffee centers with insulated milk containers to keep milk cold for up to eight hours for frothing and steaming. The Impressa S9 One Touch comes with a 20-ounce stainless steel insulated milk container and two ways to steam or froth milk: the Dual Frother and Jura-Capresso's exclusive frothXpress Plus system for automatic frothing and steaming into the cup.
The Impressa S9 One Touch also stands out for having two thermoblock systems for fast and powerful performance, with no downtime between brewing and frothing. This new automatic coffee center becomes the flagship model for Jura-Capresso's premier S-line, offering a true bean-to-cup experience with professional-quality high-pressure-brewed coffee beverages with just one touch, from cafe-quality crema coffee and espresso to a world of espresso-based drinks. It also dispenses hot water for tea and creates foamy hot chocolate from chocolate milk
Programmable and Powerful
The fully programmable Impressa S9 One Touch lets you program the machine for cup size, cup strength, temperature and more, to ensure that your beverage is brewed to your specifications. It can even be programmed differently for each day of the week. Programming is easy, as is overriding the programming to personalize your brew at any time. The A La Carte button let you create your own special brew. Choose your brew by turning the rotary dial, then press the one-touch beverage button and the machine froths or steams milk, grinds, tamps, brews and then self cleans in less than 60 seconds. 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

Programmable for coffee strength, cup size, and more

frothXpress Plus system automatically froths or steams milk

14-ounce stainless steel insulated milk container

Height-adjustable coffee spout

Electronic sensors that indicate when more coffee beans need to be added

96-ounce water tank

8-ounce bean container

Chrome-plated cup storage area

Adjustable conical burr grinder with six fineness settings

Separate funnel for pre-ground coffee

CLEARYL water filter

Includes a DVD with detailed tips on brewing, frothing methods, and cleaning

UL listed for household use

1250-watts

Measures 15 by 13-1/2 by 14-3/4 inches

Limited warranty for two years or 6,000 cups, whichever comes first

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Jura-Capresso 64553 Clearyl Water Care Water-Filter Cartridge Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The only deal on this cartridge I've found is to wait until it's on the 'buy 3 get the 4th free' deal with Amazon.In all the years I've been using these, I've never had a calcium or scale build-up in my coffee maker, which is the point I guess.

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Product Description:
An important part of the cleaning process, this Clearyl water-filter cartridge for Capresso coffee machines helps ensure better-tasting coffee. The Clearyl system reduces water hardness up to 75 percent, as well as removes large percentages of chlorine, lead, copper, and aluminum if present in the water. In addition, a special organic additive removes almost all carbon and practically eliminates decalcifying. The water filter measures approximately 1-1/2 by 1-1/2 by 8 inches and works with Impressa Z6/Z5, S9/S7 Avantgarde, F60/F8/F7, J5, and E9/E8 coffee machines.

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Espressione CC151-B Complete Coffee System, Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I first noticed the espressione when it was listed on a bargains web site. I clicked through and found out the price was not correct. I started monitoring the machine and noticed that Amazon started dropping the price 10% every other day. When it hit $137 I pulled the trigger.

This machine makes great coffee and frothed milk. It is so good that I stopped drinking filter and instant coffee.

It is fairly easy to clean and is simple to operate.

I can't attest to it's long time longevity, but after 3 months it is great.

I think it is a commercial espresso machine company trying it's hand in the consumer market. Wait until they start playing with the price.

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Product Description:
Complete Coffee System - Black / dual thermostat heating system forconstant 15-bar pump pressure, powerful jet milk frothingmechanism. Versatile system allows you to "lock-in" appropriateportafilters for use with either ground coffee, ESE coffee pods, orsoft pods.

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Capresso 464.05 CoffeeTeam GS 10-Cup Digital Coffeemaker with Conical Burr Grinder Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm a Top 1000 Reviewer here at Amazon, but haven't reviewed anything in years -- until now. The Capresso 464 compelled me.
First things first. This is not my first grind and brew. My old Melitta Mill & Brew, with its faulty plastic latch long since broken had become a drag. For years I had to put a box of chicken stock on top of the grind chamber to keep it shut so it would work! And while it made pretty good coffee, it seemed to waste grounds by spraying them inside the grinder basket. And the daily cleanup ritual had started to make the whole idea of grinding and brewing in one device seem only of marginal value. And yet, the alternatives, including a best-selling Cuisinart model, have notorious bad reviews here at Amazon for being a total chore to clean.

Enter the Capresso CoffeeTeam GS, which solves all of my problems with its ingenious design. No longer do you have to measure the coffee. The CoffeeTeam GS will brew from 2 to 10 cups automatically, grinding just the right amount of beans with no guesswork. Cleanup is a breeze. The filter basket swings out and is easily washed. And because the grinding occurs in a separate chamber from the filter basket, there is no wasted coffee.

The quality of the coffee is also exactly what I want -- hot, and with the full flavor of the bean preserved by the conical burr grinders. If you want stronger or weaker coffee, it's very easy to do. You can also choose finer or coarser grinds depending on the type of coffee you are using (oily coffee should be coarser, light coffee finer).

There are two items that are drawbacks, but I don't mind them so am still giving this five stars. First, the grinder is wake-up-your-wife loud. And it can go for 40 seconds if you are making a full pot. It's not so loud that it hurts your ears, but it is not pleasant, and Capresso would have done well to add some amount of noise insulation. Second, because of the design, a small amount of ground coffee is left in the machine every time. This is an issue in two respects. First, switching from one type of coffee to another is not instantaneous, because invariably there is this overlap. Second, if you leave the machine unused for more than about a week, Capresso recommends cleaning out the coffee chamber and using new coffee. That's because the coffee will get a little more stale with each passing day. But like I said, in my mind these are very minor complaints to a really great product!

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Product Description:
The Capresso CoffeeTeam GS is a fully programmable 10-Cup Coffee Maker/Conical Burr Grinder Combination.Professional, solid-steel conical burrs have 5 grinder settings from coarse to fine for adjustable coffee strength.The slow burr grinding imparts minimal heat, preserving more aroma and flavor.There is a 6-ounce capacity bean container and a see-through window that allows you to check that ground coffee flows smoothly into the filter holder.There is a detachable see-through cover for easy cleaning of the grinder channel.The Digital Control Panel has an easy to read illuminated LCD display, Programmable Clock/Timer, 5 programmable brew amounts for 2-10 cups, and 3 programmable coffee strength settings; mild, medium and strong.There are 2 Mode settings: Grind/Brew - for grinding programmed amount of whole beans directly into the Gold Tone Filter, then automatically starts the brew process and Brew - push the filter release button to open the swing out filter holder, add ground coffee without using the grinder.Charcoal water filtration removes up to 82% of chlorine and other impurities from tap water.The filter holder and one charcoal filter are included.Features: 2-hour safety shut-off, Drip Stop and Stop-and-Serve.Nonstick coated warming plate.900 watts, 200-degree brew temperature. Black with stainless steel accents.

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Jura-Capresso 13421 ENA4 Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center, Ristretto Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I lived in Switzerland for four years and while there my standards for coffee changed quite dramatically. Hence on my return to the US my first purchase was this machine. While I was living in Switzerland I went through two Nespresso machines which were a pain in the patootie to keep descaled and operational. Both were hosed by the time I left. I was impressed with the Jura machines owned by Swiss friends and neighbors. I have had this machine for 8 months now and have never regretted my decision to purchase it. It is smart enough to tell you when it needs cleaning and the instructions (unlike the Nespresso machinges I have owned) were very clear. Cleaning is automated and a snap to accomplish. Just initiate the program and it will be through by the time you finish doing the breakfast dishes. The one downside is that it is quite large so you will have to devote quite a bit of counter space to it and if you are big coffee drinkers you will also have to fill the rather small water reservoir quite often but other than that the machine is a dream and if you buy the right beans (hint: buy Lavazza beans here on Amazon on auto order - VERY economical) you will have lovely coffee moments. No need for 'bucks unless you want WiFi.

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Product Description:
The Jura-Capresso ENA4 is the world's slimmest Automatic Espresso and Coffee machine, only 9.5-inches wide.If you want the freedom to choose any coffee bean you like, the genuine flavor of the bean in your cup and the option to adjust the strength of the coffee to suit your taste....then look no further.Make ENA, which comes from the Greek meaning number ONE, your first choice..The ENA4 is environmentally friendly and economical to useWith an innovative zero energy switch the ENA4 draws no standby energy and when the unit is used infrequently the Energy Save Mode can be switched on to reduce power consumption to an absolute minimum.ENA4 has single button operation.Simply turn and push a button and enjoy. Programming the ENA4 is simple and intuitive.The programming and maintenance buttons are concealed behind an elegant panel.With the Rotary Switch and the interactive display, navigating through the programming mode or the automatic cleaning and maintenance program is a snap.The ENA4 has Platinum front and top panels and Ristretto Black side panels.

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Gaggia 90500 Titanium Super Automatic Espresso Machine, Silver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This machine replaces a semiautomatic Delonghi, which, I thought, was decent.Well...after using this for 3 weeks, I can honestly say that my old machine was barely competent.The Titanium is a wonderful machine.Not only is the espresso excellent but the panerella wand makes awesome froth and the thing looks great.It's fully programable and, once set, it's just a matter of pushing a button to brew a delicious espresso - every time!It warms up in UNDER A MINUTE, has a large bean hopper, large water resevior, very cool blue lcd display...i can't rave enough.I've had no problems at all with this machine and I recommend it heartily.

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Product Description:
By combining first rate technology, contemporary style and a solid steel construction, Gaggia has created the ultimate coffee center. The Titanium boasts a cobalt blue LCD and seven push buttons that operate many of the features on this well-built machine. Five temperature settings, an on/off timer and clock, three coffee volume settings, pre-infusion, and a pre-grinding feature are all programmable using the cobalt blue LCD. The Gaggia Titanium is also equipped with two boilers to eliminate wait time between brewing and steaming, known as the Rapid Steam system. The stainless steel-lined brew boiler offers increased durability as well, and will ensure your machine continues to produce great tasting espresso for years to come. With features like the automatic frothing attachment, stainless steel turbo frother, bypass doser, adjustable coffee strength and grind settings, you will be brewing and steaming coffeehouse style drinks like a seasoned barista. For the easiest way to froth and steam milk, the Titaniums automatic frothing attachment draws milk out of an external container, froths it, and dispenses it directly into your cup. And if youd like something different than the coffee you have in the bean hopper, the Titaniums bypass doser allows you to add pre-ground coffee directly into the espresso machine a fantastic feature for those who entertain. Simply stated, the Titanium is the coffee lovers answer to all their dreams.

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DeLonghi EC140B Espresso and Cappuccino Maker Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I owned the maker for a while.It's far better than many of the Krups and other models typically for sale at department stores.If you want an espresso, you'll need a pump machine.Many cheap machines will say "steam driven" or otherwise have "steam" in the title:what this means is that they lack a pump and merely use steam pressure to get now overly superheated water to flow through the fine espresso grinds.(By the way, "espresso" is, for all intents and purposes, a grind, not a roast.It is a very fine powdery grind, just shy of Turkish grind.)This results in charred burnt espresso, with little or no crema.

This DeLonghi, by contrast, does a fine little job of pumping.In addition, it uses a small stainless steel boiler -- not a superheated "thermoblock" [which means the water is run over a heating coil, not heated within a boiler].

That said, the only way to get an espresso, meaning a coffee drink in which properly heated water is compressed through a powdery grind of freshly roasted beans, and thus producing a chemical reaction which releases a frothy caramel colored liquid (called "crema"), is by using a very good grinder to produce a very fine, even grind.This machine, when coupled with a Gaggia MDF or Rancilio Rocky, or at the most economical, an Innova Lux or Solis Maestro Plus, and beans roasted within two weeks prior, can produce good espresso.

As to cappuccino, the machine does a fine job for the price in steaming milk.In order to do this, though, you must "temperature surf" the thermostat.What this means is that you steam while the boiler is heating.It's simple:start steaming your milk and you'll find that the steam power will run out in about 15 seconds.At that time the light for the boiler will come on, indicating the boiler is engaged.Instead of closing the steam valve and waiting for the light to go off, just close the steam valve for a few seconds, and then open it again, as you continue steaming the milk with the light still on (and hence the boiler still heating).This will give adequate steaming power.

I don't believe you can really get a better espresso or cappuccino maker for under $150.If you want to go for a huge step up, consider buying a Gaggia Carreza.It's worth the extra money.

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Product Description:
Delonghi Espresso/Cappuccino Maker with patented "sempre crema" filter holder. Used with ground espresso, this unique filter mixes air into the brewing process to produce a perfect crema. Distinguished by its caramel color, the crema is the seesnce of authentic espresso.

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Capresso 121.01 Ultima Semi-Automatic Coffee and Espresso/Cappuccino Machine Review

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(More customer reviews)About a year ago I wanted an espresso machine that was easy to use, however I was unwilling to pay 1k or more for a fully automatic machine. The Capresso turned out to be an excellent value, providing ease of use with semi-automatic ground disposal and a reasonably sized water container.
In fact, we have experienced only two problems with the Capresso since we bought it: a torn o-ring and clogging. The o-ring tore because I did not clean the rotation mechanism for several months. The accumulated grounds eventually tore into the o-ring, breaking the pressure seal. However, when I called the Capresso help line to discuss our broken o-ring, the help desk agent immediately sent us two replacements in the mail with no questions asked. Total down time for the machine was a mere two days. The clogging was fixed with a complete cleaning, and if truth be told, it did say in the instruction booklet not to use very finely ground coffee.
Our last espresso machine, besides breaking after two years, was so difficult to use and clean we only made espresso on special occasions. The Capresso is convenient enough that we use it all the time. In fact, we have used our Mr. Coffee only twice (note the broken o-ring comment above) since we bought the Capresso.
After a year of use, I can still strongly recommend this product.

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Product Description:
The best of coffee culture in one convenient package. Eliminating all the strenuous steps of conventional espresso/cappuccino machinestamping, hot filters and stubborn sievesthis all-in-one center lets you pour in the coffee, switch on the pump and enjoy! One-year warranty. Model 121.

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