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 d [Read More...]
Buy Jura-Capresso 13423 Impressa S9 One Touch Automatic Coffee-and-Espresso Center, Platinum at Amazon
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May 15th, 2010 at 2:37 am
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.
May 15th, 2010 at 2:48 am
We’ve had the S9 for over 5 years now. The customer service is pretty good when you have a maintenance question. Makes the most of a good coffee bean by ensuring you get a hot espresso with a lot of real crema. Use strong non-oily beans for the best coffee in the world. Brands I have used include Intelligentsia, Lutz, Kimbo, Lavazza, and other good espresso beans. What I really like about this machine is you can make other coffee (in addition to the beans you have loaded in the machine). It has a one button function to override the beans you already have loaded and lets you add grounds to a compartment at the front of the machine. For example, I have Dunkin Donuts decaf grounds on hand for folks that want a decaf coffee. I also have decaf espresso grounds.
Keep up with the maintenance on this machine and it will take care of you. It’s pricey, so just keep up with the maintenance to get your money’s worth. The machine will let you know when it’s time to change the water filter, clean using the tablets, and de-calcify.
After having a coffee from this machine, we never go to Starbucks or any other coffee shop for coffee. There stuff will not compete. Maybe over 5 years, we broke even on this machine by the $$ we saved by not spending 4-5 bucks on double lattes. Good luck with your choice.