Reliable entry-level model machine: Most entry-level espresso machines are not going to be robust and last you for a lifetime. With any Jura, you’ll be able to experience excellent and consistent brewing quality for over years. Jura’s exclusive features such as the pulse extraction process and the Aroma G3 grinder used to be exclusively on the top of the range Jura coffee machine. So to think you are getting these on the entry level option, really does represent great value.

They’re surprisingly simple to use and will carry out most tasks with just the touch of a button — making them the kings of convenience in your search for barista-quality coffee at home. The in-built grinders reduce coffee beans to grounds from which the machine can extract the flavour to make an espresso. One cool feature about the Jura A1 is that it will self clean the machine after every 180 cups of coffee brewed. You can choose between two coffee strengths (7g or 10g) and adjust the amount of hot water used and, once you like what you’ve obtained, you can program it to replicate that exact shot. In fact, the Jura A1 lets you program 3 different cup sizes. With most espresso makers from Nespresso, you get to choose between a regular shot of espresso, an espresso lungo, and a ristretto. Some of their best-sold models, Mini, Citiz, Pixie, and Expert only make espresso, but The VertuoPlus models come with an added function allowing you to prepare regular drip coffee if you’re tired of espresso. But most people don’t buy a Jura coffee machine for the factory settings. Instead, you’ve got a dial to adjust the grinder next to the bean hopper – finer for stronger, more bitter coffee; coarser for a lighter brew. Then you can choose from 2 strength options, 1 bean (7g) or 3 beans (10g). You wanted 2 beans? Well, tough apparently.A concealed lid holds the bean hopper at the top of the machine. Flip open the lid, and pour in up to 4.4oz of coffee beans. The machine will automatically switch off after 30 minutes and you can increase the time to up to 2 hours. Sizing and Dimensions The main difference between Jura and Nespresso is that the former manufactures beans-to-cup machines, while the latter has a pod-based brewing system. With a Jura machine, you get to grind the coffee beans on the spot, while for a Nespresso you just put a pod in and press Start. Both methods have their pros and cons. Our espressos came out at the perfect temperature, with our expert taster rating the deep caramel colour of their frothy, creamy cremas. The coffee tasted nutty and fruity - delicious! - but the body was fairly thin and the taste was on the cusp of being too acidic for their liking. The Jura A1 can serve three beverages: ristretto, espresso, and coffee. It can only brew one shot at a time, so you’ll have to pause slightly between brews if you want to make a double shot or serve multiple people.

The Jura A1 espresso machine is designed for using whole coffee beans and the stainless steel Aroma G3 grinder is quiet and very good for getting those perfectly uniform grounds for brewing. If you want to know more about coffee grinders, we have a full breakdown for you. It does also have a chute for using pre-ground coffee. This may seem a bit silly but most super automatic machines have this feature in case you want decaf or something so you don’t need to empty the beans hopper to do so. You can also influence the coffee strengths by adjusting the amount of grinds used, chose between 7 and 10 grams. Or you can use the bypass doser and add your preferred amount of pre ground beans, perfect for those late night decaf moments. With Jura you have to keep in mind the machine needs some time to grind the beans. On the other hand, most of the latest Jura models feature the pulse extraction process, which cuts the extraction time by half.If the machine has been exposed to the cold for a long period of time, heating may be disabled for safety reasons.

An identical flip lid is on the left-hand side, symmetrical to the bypass doser. Open this, and you’ll find the grinder setting. However, the Jura A1 is not for everyone and if you were hoping to have a machine that brews milk-based specialty drinks, this machine is not for you. The A1 could be considered the "baby" of the Jura range - although it's certainly not cheap even by bean-to-cup standards. It's a stylish model with a contemporary design - and is the only Jura machine to make it onto our list of the top 10 bean-to-cup coffee machines. So what makes this model stand out? The Jura A1 is no exception, producing the highest quality espresso. That quality should mean that before long, you’re waving goodbye to expensive coffee shop-bought espresso in favor of the gorgeous coffee produced by the A1.

Deep clean your coffee machine every month by thoroughly washing all of its parts. If this sounds rather arduous, look out for coffee machines that have a cleaning setting to save yourself some time and effort.Descale your machine as often as needed. The amount you need to descale depends on whether you live in a hard or soft water area — if you live in a hard water area then you’ll have to descale more regularly. Most machines come with their own descaling kit and some coffee machines even tell you when they need descaling.