Jura-Capresso 13289 Impressa S7 Avantgarde Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center

My wife and I purchased an Jura S7 Avantgarde for each other last Christmas. Due to its high cost, and a few reviews relating faulty machines, we did opt to buy from a company with a lifetime "no questions asked" return policy. Also note that this is the same machine as the S9 for about 300.00 less. We have found the the black color is much easier to keep looking clean.

In the past year, we have used the machine multiple times daily. When we first started using it, I was disappointed in the quality of the coffee it made. I was thinking about returning it because for 2K, I expected excellent taste. However, after reviewing the instructions more throughly, and trying different combinations, I was able to make drinks up to my expectations. If you think that you can buy this machine as a no-brainer expresso maker, you may be disappointed. However, if you are willing to experiment a bit, you will find that this Jura is capable of making excellent expresso, lattes, cafe americano, as well as some of the best pressure brewed coffee you've ever had. If you are a die-hard expresso purist, you probably aren't reading this review, but if you are, I will say that while this machine will come close to the best espresso machines, you will note a difference. For the vast majority of people, the convenience and multiple capabilities of this product are worth it.

Since the machine is completely programmable, you can vary the combinations of water temperature, water quantity, grind setting, powder quantity, expressing time, etc. Once you have discovered the correct combination for your favorite drink, it truly becomes a "one button" machine. (for that drink) I have found that the grind setting has a significant impact on the taste of the coffee, so if you are experiencing problems, start there. Also, while the instructions suggest using a finer grind for ligher beans, I have found that a coarser grind is better. Don't forget that your water will affect the taste of the drink, so try using some R/O water for your experiments.

Pros: Small size fits under cabinets - Programmable - Easy care - Excellent capabilities - Simple use after initial set-up


Cons: High cost of maintenence products. - Initial Investment - Bit noisy during cleaning cycles - Learning Curve

First, the good news: when the machine works, it makes excellent coffee.

Now the rest of the story. We bought this machine ten months ago. In that time, the machine has broken four times. We're now on our fifth breakdown. I have logged several hours with Jura-Capresso's customer service people (or on hold waiting for them), with wildly mixed results. At times, they have been helpful, promptly sending a new machine to replace the broken one. At other times they have been unhelpful and rude. The head of their customer service has insisted to me that they don't have problems with their machines, suggesting that the recurring issues we were having were somehow caused by us.

We have asked repeatedly whether we could return the machine for a refund, but Jura-Capresso says they don't give refunds. So now I guess we're stuck with sending this machine back for repairs every time it breaks -- until the warranty runs out, of course. $2000 for two years of coffee. Not quite what we had in mind.

Best way to make coffee ever. Best money I ever spent. One year and a half later and we are still in love with this machine. This baby does it all, with ease. I am finally free of all that work required to make a great expresso or cappucino.
Now "Marcello" as we named it does all the work with little attention needed by us. I also researched for a couple of years and finally decided on this one for the quality. You won't be disappointed. Ciao

I researched and researched semi-automatic and automatic machines until I was so thoroughly confused that I had no idea which way to go. Alicia at Whole Latte Love steered me towards the S7 after answering many of my questions and thankfully she was very knowledgeable and listened to my needs. The S7 is a great machine, makes near perfect espresso (I don't call anything perfect), and has no learning curve whatsoever.

If you can follow directions and learn what 8 buttons mean then you can make perfect lattes, espressos, americanos, and cremas too. Clean up is a breeze which was another one of my big concerns. The speed of the machine is unbelievable as well. With two boilers there is no waiting at all and 96 oz of on board water means you can make a lot of drinks between re-fills

I just can't say enough positive things about this machine but from the control you have over the mixture of water and "powder" (coffee) to the water temperature to the ease with which it works to the amount of time you get to spend enjoying your drinks vs. working on the machine; this machine is the best. I have tried cheaper machines to no avail if you are considering this whether it is your first or your last consider the S7 very seriously.

Although I have used this model before and have all good results, the one I bought for Christmas did not work. Jura Capresso states that they test their machines before they leave the factory. They might have tested mine and it may have worked, but all it did for me was spit out hot water underneath the tray. I tried different grind settings but to no avail, water flowing out the bottom of the machine. Too bad as this was a gift for all of my family. Imagine the look on their faces when all they got was water dripping onto the floor.