Minggu, 12 Desember 2010

Comparison Of 3 One-Touch Coffee Centers From Jura Capresso

By Edmond Solenz


Jura Capresso currently manufactures four espresso machines that can be described as One-Touch. The Jura Z6 is basically a more flashy version of the Jura Z5 with the same functionality so we will omit that model from this discussion. The remaining three One-Touch models are the Jura Impressa Z5, Jura Impressa S9 and Jura Impressa C9.

First though, what does One-Touch mean? Basically, this is a unique design feature where the espresso and milk spouts are directly adjacent to each other meaning you need to do nothing more than press a button to make your favorite cappuccino or latte beverage. You don't even have to move your cup.

The first thing to look at is price. The Jura C9 is at the low-end at $1,800, the Jura Z5 at the high-end at $3,000 and the Jura S9 in the middle at $2,400.

The Impressa C9 is clearly the most affordable machine. The Jura C9 is the most compact One-Touch automatic coffee maker available at only 11" x 17" (width x depth). With this smaller size comes some compromises in capacity. The water reservoir is only 64oz and the bean container capacity is 8oz versus 96oz and 10oz respectively for the two more expensive models. Finally, when it comes to frothing after brewing the C9 requires a 10 to 20 second heat-up time while the S9 and Z5 are designed to froth immediately.

All three models offer a variety of beverage buttons. While the two more expensive One-Touch machines offer the most customization, there is certainly no shortage or programmability when it comes to the Impressa C9. Probably one of the coolest features of the Jura Impresssa S9 and Jura Z5 are the "double cup" buttons. How this works is that two of the programmable buttons also have "double-cup" buttons right next to them which you guessed it, automatically produce two of each of your pre-programmed drinks on demand.

There are a couple other differences between the C9 and the S9 and Z5. The C9 comes with a 14 ounce insulated milk thermos and 3 available coffee strengths while the S9 and Z5 includes a 20oz stainless steel milk container and 5 available coffee strengths. The primary differences between the S9 and Z5 are the Z5 offers 3 temperature settings versus 2 for the S9 and more durable construction including a die-cast coffee spout whereas the S9 offers a active cup warming platform.

To sum up, the C9 is probably the best One-Touch for you if you are not concerned with its somewhat limited capacity and are patient enough to wait a little longer for your specialty drinks. The Jura Z5 is for the coffee drinker who appreciates a truly hot drink or values top notch quality and design.




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