The Jura-Capresso Impressa Z5 13214 is the creme de la creme of espresso machines. This unit wowed us in every way possible, despite its astronomical suggested price.

The Impressa Z5 is a super-automatic machine, with a long list of extravagant features. Like the other machines from Jura-Capresso, the Impressa Z5 is built from the highest-quality materials and boasts superior performance in addition to its sophisticated, ultra-modern appearance.

As the name implies, the Impressa Z5 is one of the most impressive espresso machines available. This machine has all the bells and whistles imaginable, along with a price tag to match. Its state-of-the-art programming automates the entire espresso-making process, from grinding the beans to brewing the coffee. In addition, for cappuccinos and lattes, it even has an auto-frothing accessory that delivers frothed milk from pitcher to cup in seconds.

The Impressa Z5 is a large machine, with a footprint of 12-1/5 inches by 17-1/2 inches, and it stands 14-1/2 inches high. The size doesn't take away from its looks, however, as you'll never tire of looking at the matte-silver front faceplate with black accents. The unit comes with a removable 96-ounce (12-cup) plastic water reservoir, which holds enough water to make about 60 regular espressos. It also has a 10-ounce bean container that holds your favorite espresso roast bean coffee in a covered chamber while awaiting grinding.

When we say automatic, we mean automatic. The Impressa Z5 is fully programmed with the optimum settings to grind, dose, tamp and brew your espresso, all by touching one button. The control panel actually has eight preprogrammed function buttons, which are designed to (1) brew a single or (2) double shot of espresso, (3) brew one or (4) two cups of crema coffee, (5) dispense frothed milk only, (6) prepare a cappuccino or latte (by dispensing frothed milk, followed by a shot of espresso), (7) prepare special coffee, or (8) dispense hot water.

We especially liked the auto-cappuccino function, which automates the entire steaming/frothing nozzle and dispenses the most exquisite frothy milk we've ever seen.

Each of the controls can be adjusted to your individual preferences. There are five different coffee strengths, three temperatures and varying quantities for the coffee and milk. The best part is the user-friendly LED screen that lets you know when to add beans or water, which function is in progress and even when to run a rinse or cleaning cycle. The soft-touch buttons have small icons depicting their functions. It's as uncluttered and uncomplicated as it can be.

The materials and components utilized are all top-quality. The integrated grinder is a commercial solid-steel conical burr grinder with six fineness settings. It is designed for quiet operation and has an electronic sensor to alert you if the container is empty. There is also a funnel for use with previously ground coffee if you desire a different blend than the one currently in the chamber.

The heating system consists of a pair of stainless-steel-lined thermoblocks, one for coffee and one for steam. The Impressa Z5 preheats in about a minute and there's virtually no lag time between cups. An 18-BAR pump provides the pressure for brewing, and every cup is perfect and prepared to your exact specifications.

The Impressa Z5 can also be used to produce one or two cups of crema coffee. Crema coffee is made with the same grinding, tamping and pressure-brewing process, but it is a larger, slightly weaker portion served in a taller cup or mug.

You can use almost any type of coffee beans, including light, dark and espresso roasts. However, you should not use flavored or coated coffee beans. For specialty flavors, you can use the ground-coffee funnel to make an individual cup.

If price isn't an object and you desire the best espresso machine around, the fully automatic Jura-Capresso Impressa Z5 is the one for you.


Pros:  Fully automatic operation, 18-BAR pump, dual-thermoblock heating system, automatic frothing and dispensing, LED readout, customizable program settings
Cons:  Large housing, sky-high price

Warranty
1 year or 6,000 cups