The Jura Impressa S9 One Touch is the high end machine in the S series. What makes it high end? It comes with two frothing systems – a slightly traditional wand / froth aider style system that can easily be used for frothing in the traditional manner. Or you could slide the wand sleeve, and wallah, you had a froth aider device.

The second frothing system is nearly fully “automated”. You can program the machine to apply steam for a predetermined time, hook up this automated frother to a container full of milk, press a button and walk away – when you get back, you’d have a completed drink with a fair amount of near-micro foam and adequately steamed milk.

The machine’s fit and finish is also upgraded from the S7 model (the S8 has the same body as the Jura Impressa S9, but not the automated frothing system).

My biggest issue with the machine is the lack of a programmable preinfusion (as in turn it off, puleeese), and the lack of adequate grinder settings at the fine side. I have noticed that the first shots are also a bit bitter and weak, which tells me that too much ground coffee is left in the machine between shots (but not nearly as bad as the Solis Palazzo or Saeco / Starbucks Barista). Fix these things and the machine will be a much more marked improvement for this espresso snob.

I’m not totally bothered by the plastic body, but when anyone was told the actual price, it was one of their first comments. Steel plates and facing should be nice. The cup warmer gets up to about 50C in one corner, but only about 40C in the front of the machine. It could stand to be hotter. And the beans get a bit hot in the bean bin. I’m not overly concerned about that, but many an espresso snob would be.

Conclusion

  • great temperatures for brewing shots – best I’ve seen on a super automatic
  • steaming performance was great, considering the automations and convenience factors
  • very quiet machine (and the next generation is supposedly even quieter)
  • wide range of programming controls and functions, including “fine tuning” on shot volumes. Nice….
  • Hot water delivery is great. I could almost write a book on it (I think I almost did).
  • Frothing traditionally is possible, and produces nice, pourable microfoam.
  • Looks good, albeit a bit boxy.

This is the standard espresso machine in our lineup of super automatics. It fought the good fight against a low end commercial super automatic, the Franke Saphira (more than double the price), even beating it in a blind, side by side taste test. If you must go super automatic, we give a high recommendation for this machine. Looking forward to the Jura Impressa S9 Avantgarde, and hopefully a less expensive S7 or S8 Avant as well!