This post originally appeared on Coffee Universe.
It’s been a while since I prepared a good espresso in the comfort of my home. I did so this morning, or rather, it was prepared for me, with just the touch of a button.
I’m being spoiled by the awesome convenience of the professional-quality espresso beverages prepared in the Jura Ena 9 One Touch automatic coffee center.
Let’s just say, a week into my test drive of the ENA9 One Touch, and I’m truly enjoying my new coffee world.
My choice of brewing method is predominantly drip. Occasionally I prepare a Chemex brewed coffee, and from time-to-time, a moka pot espresso. But, for the most part, my coffee is brewed by the pot (very early) each morning.
It’s that ‘early in the morning’ part that brings about one challenge in particular: Freshness. While I’m brewing – and writing, my husband is off to the gym. By the time he returns, the coffee is well past its prime. With the convenience of the Jura ENA 9 One Touch, I’m brewing on demand. I can hear the car pull into the driveway and have a fresh, hot and tasty cup of coffee brewed for him as he walks in the door. (I know, it sounds so June Cleaver-ish).
I have to admit, that I felt a bit intimidated by the machine when I pulled it out of the box. But once I cracked open the instruction booklet, I realized that getting it going didn’t take a degree in engineering. And, even better yet, preparing a great tasting espresso drink didn’t require a week’s worth of barista training at my local coffee shop! Intuitive to use, the display lets me know when it’s ready, and when I need to tend to it (i.e. dump the grinds, fill the water tank)
And, because it is so easy to use, I’ve entered a whole new world of coffee, enjoying espressos, cappuccinos, and everything in between (without having to move the cup). The one-touch convenience saves me time in the morning, allowing me to do nothing more than place a cup and push a button. (I go for the Aroma Boost in the morning, which makes and extra strong coffee)
I especially appreciate the fact that the machine boasts a fine foam technology that froths milk directly into my cup when making latte macchiato or cappuccino. For anyone not trained as a barista, frothing and steaming milk can be a hit or miss affair. The ENA 9 One Touch gets it right every time. The two separate pipe systems for coffee and milk, ensure perfect results – and, easy clean up. Now I’ve added a delicious cappuccino to my repertoire, and even the kids are impressed.
And, let’s face it, we just don’t have a lot of room on the counter. But at 9 ½ inches wide, the Jura ENA 9 One Touch is the slimmest automatic coffee center on the market. I slid it in the place where my grinder and drip coffee maker sat, and I even had a little elbow room to work with. Hmm, maybe there’s room for my rice cooker, electric pressure cooker, or slow cooker on the counter. On second thought, no, This little beauty needs to stand alone on the counter. It just looks so good.
The ENA 9 One Touch has brilliant silver on front and top panels, complemented on the sides with a glossy Piano Black panels. Others agree with me about its design. It won the Good Design Award from the Chicago Athenaeum, the only independent museum of architecture and design in the United States. One of the major design awards in the world, it honors quality design of the highest form, function and aesthetic. (It’s received other design awards as well).
Aside from looking good on the counter while creating professional quality espresso beverages, I particularly like the fact that the machine turns itself off after a period of time, and when it is off, it doesn’t draw any electricity, even though it is plugged in.
For a full list of features, you can find more about the Jura ENA 9 One Touch at
It is available for an actual retail price of $1,499 and is sold at Sur La Table.
