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Help needed - buying a cappuccino machine

edited January 1970 in Espresso Machines
Hi, I'm yet another newbie after some advice.  It seems that the good folk here in this site know a thing or two about coffee.

I know from what I have read here and elsewhere that what I am after would cause most true connoisseurs to turn up their noses at me, however at the risk of getting frowned upon I will proceed.

I am looking to buy an automatic cappuccino machine that does everything from burr-grinding the beans to adding the microbubble froth, all at the push of a button.  (Well, two buttons if I must).

I lead the busiest of lifestyles, and as much as I would love to delve deep and long into the fine art coffee making, I simply don't have the time.  Indeed, in the last two weeks I have read with relish the stories of success (or otherwise) of those diligent true believers as they continue their search for the elusive "god-shot".  Many of you here would no doubt count yourselves amoung them.  However there can be no such pursuits for me because, in my reality, I need to rush into the kitchen, press a button, dash off to get a couple of other things done while it's pouring, and maybe I'll have a few minutes to sit and savour something approaching a real coffee before I shoot out the door.

So, from reading a review on Coffeegeek, I figure something like the Jura S9 Avanteguarde is just the ticket.  While I understand the end result from this machine falls short of a good manual machine in the hands of an expert, according to the review it does have some redeeming features - like producing real, dark crema and microbubbled froth (albeit not as sweet tasting as hand frothed milk can be).  Yes, it pulls the shot too quickly, but at least it's at the right temperature.  On the whole I would be happy to live with the quality of the result it produces for the convenience I need.

The problem is I can't afford $2800.  I have been told by a Jura rep that the E80 produces the same espresso result - but the auto-frother has to be operated manually.  However that is not the story I have see in the reviews I have read on the E80.  The choice review for example claimed that the coffee temp was too cold and varied widely - unlike the S9 in the Coffeegeek review.

I've also considered the Delonghi EAM3500, but without a detailed review how do I compare it?

I don't want to get a machine that has a "crema enhancer" producing beige fake crema, or one that destroys the milk in the frothing process.

Any suggestions?

(Oh, also, it has to be an auto machine to be "aunt" proof.  She would be using it as well - but she has trouble pushing even one button as she would probably push the wrong one!)

Comments

  • Welcome. The RRP of the S9 is $2995.00. The E80 is a great domestic machine if auto is what you want. The machine will do what you have said you require, end of story. It's reliable and comes from a manufacturer that has the BEST name in autos with a proven track record of many years standing. Others
  • Thanks for your post Fresh Coffee, So are you saying that the E80 produces esentially the same espresso as the S9?  I certainly want it to be true, but at half the price it just seems "too good to be true". I would guess the S9 has more programmable options, but if the internals are pretty much the same, why the price premium.  I'm sure you can see why it's confusing. And what of the claims (not just from choice - who I agree can have their own agendas when reviewing) about the variation in temps.  This part of the process is surely essential to good coffee. Questions, questions...  sorry, but it all has to add up in my mind somehow so I can be sure I'm making the right decision. Also I am keen to hear about the Delonghi as well - I hear they break down a bit.  Does anyone have some experience with the 3500 and how it might compare with the coffee produced by the S9 or the E80? Thanks again
  • I agree with Fresh Coffee - the brewing units on both the E80 and the S9 are essentially the same and the thermoblock/heat cartridge on the E80 is a beauty! For an automatic machine it is good value ...BUT you must keep the steam nozzle clean. :)
  • Thanks for your post Fresh Coffee, you're welcome. So are you saying that the E80 produces esentially the same espresso as the S9?  I certainly want it to be true, but at half the price it just seems "too good to be true". the E80 is the basic domestic machine in the range, very simple compared to the S9 in the computer/programming department. The S9 is an "office coffee machine" with 2 thermoblocks etc intended for much higher output than the E80. After that I dont know what to tell you, except I've sold many of each. I would guess the S9 has more programmable options, but if the internals are pretty much the same, why the price premium.  I'm sure you can see why it's confusing. It doesnt need to be confusing. The E80 costs what it costs, and the S9 costs what it costs. It may have more to do with marketing and the market sector that each individual model is pitched at, than the actual costs of production, whatever that is. In any case the S9 can cope with work environments feeding many more coffees than the E80 can, but that dosent mean the E80 produces any less quality in the cup than its big brother. And what of the claims (not just from choice - who I agree can have their own agendas when reviewing) about the variation in temps.  This part of the process is surely essential to good coffee. I dont believe a word of it and use these machines every day at work, and sometimes at home depending on how many guests my good wife has coming around. Of all the comments my many many Jura clients have made over the years, I have NEVER heard one comment about temperature variation.   Questions, questions...  sorry, but it all has to add up in my mind somehow so I can be sure I'm making the right decision. No worries, I have no qualms whatsoever in recommending Jura machines if it's an automatic that you want. Regardz, FC.
  • Hi guys, Sorry for the delay in replying, I've been off with the flu for a couple of weeks!  I'm still not the best so I'll keep it short. Thanks for all your advice.  It seems the E80 is the go, but I need to try it first.  I have taste tested the Delonghi 3500 and it's certainly very easy, but the taste was slightly burnt and the froth, while simple and automatic, was not as close to the density of normal coffee shop standards as I'd like. I'll see if I can hunt down a working E80 here in Adelaide and get a taste. Just by the way, I did taste test a Delonghi Nespresso unit.  It tasted different to "real" coffee, but it was not at all unpleasant, in fact it was quite a bit smoother than anything I've tasted lately and not at all burnt. I know Nespresso is heresy around here, but I'd be interested in your thoughts. Thanks again for your help. Jason
  • Hi there We have an Saeco Royale at work and is very good for an automatic machine. cost's only 1400$. Daniel
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