Jura A1 Super Automatic Coffee Machine, 1, Piano Black

Product Information

The Moonlight S8 can make a variety of drinks, including lattes, ristretto and cappuccino. It does this using a combination of the company's Pulse Extraction Process and a separate milk foam dispenser. One of the bean containers is empty. You cannot prepare any speciality coffees for which coffee beans are required from this bean container. You can prepare hot water or milk.

Environmentally friendly: Due to the Jura A1 having a small carbon footprint and Zero Switch Off Technology, the energy consumption is significantly lower than other machines.

SIMILAR ITEMS

Expensive for an entry-level espresso machine: If you are looking for an entry-level machine and are on a low budget then I recommend looking at another espresso machine. On the A1 the control panel is top mounted and is very simple and easy to use. There is no computerised touch screen display to confuse you. There is a control for the two coffee strength levels and 3 buttons to choose between cup sizes – espresso, ristretto or regular coffee. So we have the exact amount of freshly ground beans in the brew unit, we now need to turn that into the perfect shot you crave each morning. It’s here where I think the Jura A1 really excels, and where I think the extra money goes when you choose the Jura A1 over another espresso machine. Use Jura decalcifying and descaling tablets to descale the water container. Descaling can eliminate mildew, limescale deposits and mineral buildup that can produce bad tasting coffee.

Both Jura and Nespresso will deliver good strong espresso every day. Aside from that, the choice will be dictated by your preferences.

Clean the steam wand after every use. This tool has a lot of holes and grooves that milk can easily sit in. To prevent this, purge the steam wand and wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use. Then, as you’re giving your machine a once over at the end of the day, give the steam wand a deeper clean to get rid of any milk that may have been missed. The milk frother only has 1 setting, cappuccino. Which is a bit annoying for so much money, certainly above the JuraA1 coffee maker, personally I’d want at least 2different coffeeswith milk.

It seems I am not the only one either, as they have put a lot of thought and effort into designing the Jura A1, its not just an espresso machine but also a kitchen sculpture. As you probably expect from such a great super automatic machine, the cleaning and maintenance parts are also hassle and worry free. It seems every aspect of the Jura A1 has been well thought out and this is no different. Meanwhile, single-serve capsule machines like Nespresso are cheaper, but the coffee flavor isn’t as good as espresso brewed using fresh beans. Also, over time, a Nespresso machine would likely cost you more because of the extra expense of the pods over fresh beans. The system must be filled with water or the GIGA prompts you to continue a started maintenance programme.

What’s The Best Option For You?

Another of our favourite models from Jura is the J6. It's the most expensive model on this list, but has a beautiful design and is capable of brewing outstanding espresso. It can also produce a wide range of milky coffees, such as latte macchiato, cappuccino and a flat white. If you’re strictly an espresso drinker, a semi-automatic machine in the same price range might offer more control over the brewing process. Meanwhile, the additional steam wand would allow for milk drinks. However, there’s a steeper learning curve with a manual brewing process, and you’d need a separate espresso grinder. The outside is made from plastic, but Jura coffee machines are built to last and to work seamlessly. Weighing in at a solid 9.2kg, you don’t get all that machinery without some heft. But it still remains incredibly compact at 12.7” high by 9.7” wide by 17.5” deep. This can legitimately be described as a compact coffee machine and will slide nicely onto most countertops. One of the dangers of any coffee machine is accidentally running it dry. This is really not good for the pumps. Fortunately for you, the A1 will remind you when you need to top up the water tank.