A little bit of Switzerland
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| Review Date: September 29, 2009 |
| Reviewer: J. Allen, Indianapolis, IN USA |
| 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. |
Outstanding Espresso / Great Size & Design
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| Review Date: November 1, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Michael Miller, San Francisco, CA USA |
After weeks of research we ended up selecting the Jura-Capresso ENA 4.
I was a bit skeptical that this small little super automatic could really replace our larger manual and brew quality espresso. I went to a local retailer and was fortunate enough to be able to use a demo unit. I was amazed by how simple and intuitive the ENA 4 is to use; while at the same time provides a level of flexibility and control well beyond my expectations.
The Jura-Capresso site has some great video demos as well as other info that is worth checking out.
[...]
If you're looking for a super automatic, I highly recommend you take a look at the ENA. Our unit has exceeded our expectations. Great espresso and lattes! |
Excellent
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| Review Date: January 15, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Nahoa, |
| Produces a great cup of espresso or coffee. Works very similarly to the J5 but with a smaller footprint. |
Makes wonderful coffee
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| Review Date: March 20, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Leanne, San Diego, CA |
This is our second Jura Capresso machine, and, although we've only had it for a few weeks now, we couldn't be happier with it. We bought it to replace a Jura Capresso Impresso machine that we had bought here on Amazon about a few years ago that just gave out on us. Before that, we had had a Saeco automatic machine, but we've found that we like the Jura one better: it puts out stronger coffee, looks sleeker and nicer sitting on the countertop, and is easier to keep clean. This ENA4 also has a smaller footprint than our past two machines.
This is also easy to use, and the instruction manual it comes with is very thorough.
My husband uses just cream in his coffee and espresso, but I usually drink mine as caffe lattes. For such, I use either skim milk, soy milk creamer, or coconut milk creamer, and it has steamed all three beautifully, leaving me with wonderful foam, if I desire it.
One big piece of advice is that when you have an automatic machine like this, you shouldn't use oily or greasy beans. We buy beans from a local coffee brewer or stock up on the Lavazza Super Crema Espresso beans and get them on Subscribe and Save. Using the proper beans will ensure that you have a nice crema on the top of your coffee.
The upkeep of the Jura is also more expensive than that of a Saeco. The cleaning tablets and Clearyl filters you have to buy can add up, so just know that upkeep of this machine is another cost to factor in. I think we have to replace the filter about once every three to four months, that is with us making about five to ten shots of coffee/espresso each day.
Several other reviewers commented that the water tank is pretty small on this machine, and that is definitely true. I usually have to fill it each morning, but it's not too much of a pain. Since the tank sits at the back of the machine on this model, though, you'll need to be have room to slide it up and out of the back area.
A few other reviewers mentioned that this makes weak coffee, but I don't agree at all. The type of beans you use makes a huge difference, and we've found that the Jura makes cafe- or restaurant-quality espresso.
Additionally, be very careful when cleaning the dredge drawer (with the grounds in it) that you move the steamer wand out of the way. I accidentally bumped the one a few days after we'd gotten this, and didn't realize that it had come dislodged; when I went to steam my milk, the bottom blew off, shooting out hot steam. I noticed that in a comment to another review for this machine, someone left a link for how to fix this.
Overall, we love our Jura! It's one of our more expensive household "toys," but, if you're serious about your coffee, you'll love having one of these coffee centers. After all, it's the little things in life that make a difference, right?
I will also try to update my review after we've had this awhile longer.
Salut!
UPDATE ON 8/5/10: We're still loving this machine. As I mentioned in my original review, the upkeep on it is a bit expensive, but it makes incredible coffee, is easy to use, and is simple to clean.
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Great Machine
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| Review Date: October 21, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Carrie Jones, |
| I love that the ENA doesn't take up any counter space. It's small, sleek, very compact, and makes any kind of coffee drink imaginable. I also appreciate its energy-saving features. |
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