The Jura A1 coffee maker stands out as an exception. A machine that eliminates the white stuff from the equation can have clear benefits for those who would never consider adding milk to coffee and cringe at the thought of a latte or cappuccino.
A quick look at Jura A1 Review: For the serious espresso lover who enjoys coffee with focus, the Jura A1 Super-Automatic Espresso Machine is a great tool. This super-automatic Jura is designed to impress, with premium, updated features that elevate every aspect of brewing. Despite being the most affordable model in Jura’s line of coffee makers, the cost of this device is still high.
To find out if it will work for you, continue reading! Any espresso enthusiast would be thrilled to have this brewer in their kitchen.
For more specific information, keep reading.
Table of Contents
Jura A1 Customer Review
- This is our second Jura coffeemaker. Before passing away, our first lived for more than ten years. The same excellent cup of coffee is made by this new device, Jura’s budget model. I took away a star because it still has a few issues that we had with our first coffee maker: the bean dispenser angle still requires manual feeding of the grinder, and ground coffee residue gathers in an odd place on the drip tray. A counting system for monitoring filter usage is also included in this new unit, but I have no idea how it works. There is no justification in the manual. Overall, though, if you want a nearly perfect cup of coffee, I suggest Jura.
- Wonderfully flavorful, and much simpler to use than a Keurig. clear instructions for use and setup. I don’t even bother with the upscale chain drive-thrus because the coffee is so good. Yes, the Jura machine is pricey, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s much less expensive than a regular drive-through, and more importantly, Jura is much superior!
- This is incredibly simple to use and makes excellent espresso. The only thing I don’t like is how often I have to refill the water and empty the used grinds. The tank and spent puck holder should be twice as big, in my opinion.
- For years, I used nespresso that used pods, a french press, and drip coffee makers. It takes the longest to learn how to operate this machine by a long shot. I’ve had to call the business several times for assistance. On the inside of the pull-out drawer underneath, their number is permanently affixed. On the other hand, when you call someone, they are all able to walk you through the issue with ease. Impressively knowledgeable about their product! I’ve tried a variety of coffee beans, and when they’re bad, it makes a terrible cup of coffee. Better than what you can get at the best restaurant or coffee shop, a great cup of coffee can be made with the right coffee bean. The water container is too small, and I concur with other people who felt this way. The machine uses significantly more water than usual because it rinses itself. After approximately 5 cups of coffee, you must also remove all the grounds from the bottom drawer. As a result, it simply appears as though I am constantly cleaning it or adding to it. When you receive an excellent cup of coffee in return, all your work is forgotten.
- I’ve had this machine for three months and use it every day. It is excellent once you understand a few of its quirks.
- Small in size is the water reservoir. makes about three regular-sized cups, so we frequently check the water level. To make checking and topping off the water on the counter simple, we placed felt pads under each corner. Keep an eye on the water level because it will suddenly brew a brief cup if it is low. The only cup size that is adjustable, and only up to 8 ounces, is the regular cup size, despite the fact that the instructions show how to do so permanently. When I once needed advice, I had to call customer service. They were very helpful, but the hold time was quite long. Making one cup at a time is great because we all wake up at different times. Additionally, there is no need for pods or filters, which means less waste.
- I’m so glad I bought this coffee maker.
Jura A1 Overview
The A1 is one of Jura’s entry-level super-automatic espresso machines without many of the bells and whistles that the If the A1 (not the steak sauce) is the small coffee powerhouse you’re looking for, don’t let other, more feature-rich models from the Swiss coffee brand convince you otherwise.
- Integrated grinder for every brew of freshly ground coffee.
- Rissoto, espresso, and long coffee all brew with just one touch.
- Brew volumes for each of those 3 beverages that can be programmed.
- Using the Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.) developed by Jura, a pre-infusion is performed.).
- 2 strength control levels that adjust the amount of ground coffee used.
- If you want to use coffee that has already been ground, skip the doser.
- flexible brew nozzle.
- little space on the counter top.
Notably absent from the aforementioned (and short) list of brewing options is anything milk-based, which shouldn’t come as a surprise because the A1 doesn’t include a milk frothing system.
You can use a different milk frother for the occasional latte or cappuccino; perhaps something with one-button functionality like the Nespresso Aeroccino? — though, admittedly, that adds an extra step to the brewing process and is less than “fully automatic.”
Pros
- P.E.P. and a new Jura AromaG3 grinder variable pressure extraction yield a more complex coffee with 12.2% more aroma (measured by Absolute Dissolved Solids.
- It is environmentally friendly because it has an auto-off mode and a Zero-Energy switch, which ensures that the machine uses no power when the switch is activated.
- Adjustable coffee spout accomodates mugs up to 5.5″, which is more than almost all other Jura models.
- Designed for dependable, long-term use with superior internal components compared to comparable entry-level super-automatic models.
- suitable for Jura’s J.O.E. app to brew coffee remotely.
Cons
- excludes Jura’s sophisticated pre-heating system, which guarantees the machine. doesn’t cool down too much between brew cycles.
- lacks a milk frothing system.
- small 36.8 oz water container.
- No “hot water only” brew mode.
- a touchscreen without color is absent.
Key Features Of The Jura A1
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Machine type | Super-automatic |
| Integrated grinder | AromaG3 grinder |
| Bean hopper | 4.4 oz |
| Bypass doser | Yes |
| Water Reservoir | 36.8 oz |
| Portafilter size | None |
| Portafilters included | None |
| Boiler type | Thermoblock |
| Frother | None |
| Brew sizes | Ristretto (0.5 oz), espresso (1.35 oz), and long coffee (5 oz) |
| Pre-infusion | Yes (P.E.P.) |
| Specialty beverage buttons | 3 programmed beverages |
| Adjustable exit valves | 2.3″-5.6″ coffee spout |
| Dose size selector | Via brew strength selection |
| Temperature control | None |
| Strength control | 2 brew strength levels |
| Auto-off | 30 min, 1-2 hour options |
| Spent puck drawer | 9 servings |
| Drip tray | Removable |
| Warranty | 2 years or 6,000 brew cycles, whichever comes first |
| Case material | Plastic |
| Dimensions | 9.4″W x 17.5″D x 12.7″H |
| Weight | 20.3 lbs |
| Power | 1450W |
Jura A1 Product Review
Design
As promised, you won’t need to completely remodel your kitchen to fit this machine. The Jura A1 is a slim and compact watch like its predecessor. Its dimensions are 20.5 inches high by 12.7 inches wide by 18.6 inches deep, making it the smallest machine in Jura’s current lineup. Less than 13 inches in width is truly remarkable given that it houses a bean hopper, a grinder, a water tank, and a complete brewing system. Despite its small size, keep in mind that it is quite heavy; at almost 20 pounds, it is not something you should move around frequently.
While it’s true that not everything can be reduced to black or white, the Jura A1 certainly is! The modern style and straightforward color scheme are sure to go well with any kitchen. They are offered in Piano Black and Piano White. Even though it has plastic on its exterior surfaces, it doesn’t appear cheap. The opposite is true; it has a chic, chrome-like appearance consistent with Jura’s brand.
Jura chose a simple design for both the Ena Micro 1 and the A1. Only the large drip tray and the height-adjustable coffee spout, which fits taller glasses perfectly, are present on the uncluttered front panel. Although the Ena Micro 1 has been retired, customers can still get excellent coffee from a chic, user-friendly Jura A1.
On top, in a very straightforward and minimalistic design, is the control panel. Jura chose some traditional old-style buttons instead of a full display, giving him the option of brewing with 7 grams of coffee (represented by one coffee bean) or 10 grams (represented by three coffee beans). A few symbols on the control panel will only illuminate when you need to be reminded to perform routine maintenance. See more about JBL Quantum 100 Reviews
Brewing
If you don’t end up grinding all the beans you’ve thrown in, the aroma preservation cover that comes with the 5-ounce bean hopper will come in handy. The Ena Micro 1 and the A1 look identical from the outside, but the upgraded grinding and brewing system enhanced the Micro 1’s already excellent quality. The A1 features an improved multi-aroma G3 grinder. This conical burr grinder’s manual adjustment is controlled by a small dial on the top of the device, and it is quieter than many of the grinders on competing models. You can simply switch to the useful bypass doser if you want to make a shot with pre-ground coffee or one that is decaffeinated!
In addition to cutting the grinding time in half, it also keeps the full aroma of your coffee beans after they have been ground.
The addition of the IPBAS and PEP to the brewing process is another positive change. Not only are these acronyms fancy and enigmatic! The Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System and the patented Pulse Extraction Process that are unique to With short specialty coffees in mind, Jura were created to mimic manual extraction techniques. (1) You can speed up the extraction process and get a better-maintained, more complex coffee aroma by preinfusing the grounds with hot water at brief intervals.
With the Jura A1, switching from bean to cup takes less than 30 seconds. The brewing system’s technological improvements and the effectiveness of the stainless steel-lined aluminum boiler together account for the speed. The Jura can quickly heat water to the appropriate temperature for brewing thanks to its quick Thermoblock heating system. All of these, however, may not be as crucial as the pressure that serves as the basis of espresso.
“What characteristics distinguish a good espresso from a bad one? Pressure is ultimately what matters, even though other factors like the crema, the volume of the beverage, and the coffee’s concentration are also important.”
Although an espresso needs to be brewed under 9 bars of pressure, Jura coffee makers, like the A1, go above and beyond with 15 bars.
The caliber of the water used is another frequently disregarded aspect that can affect the final flavor of a brew, and Jura is aware of this! To ensure that your espresso is of the highest caliber, a Claris filter has been installed in the 37 ounce water tank, and the first filter cartridge has been included.
Coffee Quality And Versatility
The Jura A1 prefers to concentrate on one thing and do it exceptionally well: make quick and delicious shots of coffee. While there are larger (and more expensive) super-automatic espresso coffee makers that feature milk frothing and more coffee options, the Jura A1 prefers to focus on this one thing. Because of this, this machine is ideal for both coffee purists and people who occasionally enjoy cappuccinos but already own a milk frother.
The Jura A1 allows the ground coffee to fully develop its flavors and aromas, producing a high-quality espresso shot with a delightful layer of crema on top. This is made possible by the Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System and the PEP.
Its variable brewing unit ranges from 7 to 10 grams of coffee and it can only brew one shot at a time, making it less customizable than other Jura coffee makers. We sincerely doubt it will be a problem, though, given its speed.
With the Jura A1 you have three drink choices: a ristretto, a classic espresso or a larger cup of coffee.
When you find a combination of coffee strength (7g or 10g) and hot water amount that you like, you can program the machine to repeat that exact shot every time. Actually, the Jura A1 allows you to set up 3 different cup sizes.
You can also affect the extraction process by adjusting the grind size on your adjustable grinder. Select a finer grind for a stronger, more bitter cup of coffee, or a slightly coarser grind for a quicker extraction and a weaker shot. You have more options thanks to the bypass doser because you can use decaf and already-ground coffee.
As we previously mentioned, the Jura A1 lacks any milk steaming or frothing capabilities, so make sure to purchase a separate frother for all of your frothy beverage requirements. If you want a device that can do it all, like the D6, Giga 5, or Impressa E8, look into more advanced Juras.
Cleaning And Maintenance
Maintenance is simple and hassle-free with the Jura A1. The superautomatic espresso maker has three integrated maintenance programs that let you know when it’s time to use them. After 180 preparations or 80 switch-on rinses, the machine will prompt you to clean it. You should also usually change the water tank filter after 2000 ounces of water have passed through it. Water and descaling tablets make quick work of the descaling process, which takes just over thirty minutes.
The machine also alerts you when it’s time to empty the dregs basket that slides out from the front and when you need to fill up the removable water tank, which is conveniently accessed from the back. Apart from that, all that is required of you is the occasional wipedown of the exterior surfaces and rinsing of the drip tray.
Value For Money
Superautomatic espresso machines are pricey because they combine the grinding and brewing processes into one unit. However, of all the Jura products, the Jura A1 and its predecessor are currently the most cost-effective coffee makers! Despite the fact that they don’t offer milk frothing options, the PEP and multi-aroma grinder increase the A1’s value for money.
Jura coffee makers are extremely high-quality and long-lasting coffee makers that are designed and produced in Switzerland (they have a warranty that lasts for two years or 6000 brews, whichever comes first).
Even though there are still many machines that use pods and K-cups, this super-automatic machine uses real coffee, which is better for your wallet and taste buds. Adding to its longevity and promoting an even more eco-friendlyexperience (as well as saving you money on electricity), the Jura A1 features a programmable automatic switch-off feature and a patented Zero-Energy Switch to ensure high energy efficiency.
Do Not Buy The Jura A1 If…
You want a more budget-friendly super-automatic espresso machine – The A1 is the least expensive model offered by Jura. However, we advise looking into the Gaggia Brera if you were considering investing with a smaller budget. This adaptable super-automatic espresso machine, which is designed and manufactured in Italy, comes with a milk frother, a grinder, and an excellent brewing system at a more affordable price.
You want more customizability – Would you like to have access to more options, including perhaps automatic frothing? With 10 coffee strength levels and 13 drink selections, the Jura Z6 has you covered. You can choose from dozens of frothy, caffeinated beverages when you combine the extensive brew selection with the premium milk frother. Similar to the A1, but with more customization options than the A1, the Z6 comes with high-end features like the Aroma G3 grinder, PEP, and IPBAS. Click here to read more about this model. If you feel like there aren’t enough drink options, the Giga W3 has 43 pre-programmed drinks that you can choose from as an alternative.
You want to make milky drinks – Except in cases where you already own a milk frother, we do not advise using the A1 if you enjoy latte, cappuccino, or other milk-based coffee drinks. The Jura ENA 8 is a superior option because this model lacks a milk frothing system.
Thoughts On Minimalism
You shouldn’t mistake Jura’s minimalism for a return to the fundamentals philosophy despite its spare aesthetics and straightforward functions.
Yes, black is basic, but the Similar to how the unbroken face and flashing lights on the top speak of refinement, so does the Jura A1 Piano Black. Minimalism is all about subtleties that scream “I’ve got bragging rights, boo!” I don’t mean to imply that Jura is all show and no go. In addition to having a well-earned reputation for amplifying flavor, the Swiss manufacturer also invented the Pulse Extraction Process, or P.E.P. — technology to this end.
Forcing water through the ground in a series of brief, audible bursts is required for this. This system creates a truly delicious brew when combined with the stepless grinder, which enables you to modify the grind infinitely within a finite range. No other super automatic, as I’ve already said, can compare to Jura espresso.
Whether you have a Jura coffee maker or not, if you can’t or don’t want to stretch to one of the lines further down the alphabet, the A1 might be the perfect fit.
Practically Plug-and-pour — Setting Up The Jura A1
The fact that super automatic espresso machines without milk systems are so simple to use is one of the main reasons why people adore them. Even the most expensive product in this category hardly ever requires an instruction manual.
Jura A1 Bean Hopper
The only time you might need to pull out the instruction manual is when installing the water filter cartridge, unless you’ve traveled back in time to 1923 and have never before seen a bean hopper up close. In other words, there aren’t any novel functions to learn.
Jura A1 Grinder
The grinder dial is placed next to the bean hopper. I set the grinder to the second-fine level using the markings on the dial. Always adjust the grinder while it is running, remember.
Despite the fact that the grinder can grind coffee beans to the finest setting, I didn’t enjoy the flavor. I chose a slightly coarser texture as a result.
Jura A1 Coffee Strength Settings
There are two coffee strength options on the Jura A1 coffee machine: one bean or three beans. You are welcome to speculate as to what happened to two beans; I won’t tell you what happened.
One puck of the weaker variety uses 7 grams, or roughly a quarter of an ounce, of coffee grounds, while one puck of the stronger variety uses 10 grams, or roughly a third of an ounce. Furthermore, you can experiment with those dosages in relation to the water volume, which, for ristretto, for example, ranges from 0.5 to just under 3 fluid ounces.
The ristretto still has its uses even though it isn’t considered a legitimate third beverage option. Take the case of making ristretto as an espresso with about an ounce of water. In the same vein, you can adjust the espresso to be a doppio or the regular coffee to be about 4 ounces. As a result, you pretty much have access to the entire selection of black specialty coffees.
Jura A1 Conversions
To give credit where credit is due, the Jura A1 espresso machine does a great job of accommodating the kind of coffee connoisseur who uses a scale rather than an espresso cup for calibration. This is thanks to the setting options and transparent dosage information.
That prompted me to break with my usual review procedure and grab a scale. Ristretto is the default option, and it fills the cup with just under an ounce of coffee. The espresso is more of a doppio at 1.2 ounces in weight. Unfortunately, the pre-programmed regular coffee produces almost 3 ounces of concentrated coffee, which is too much for my beans.
It can be challenging to convert from ounces to fluid ounces because coffee has a different density from water and you also need to account for the crema. Additional factors include the extraction process, the brewing technique, and others. Generally speaking, the volume is approximately 10% smaller than the pure numerical value in ounces.
Conclusion
The Jura A1, a fully automatic entry-level espresso machine from a leader in the field, lacks milk frothing capability but is constructed to last and won’t let you down.
You not only gain a few extra inches of space, but you also save about $150 to $200, putting you in the $800 price range. Compact design is essential in kitchens where available counter space is as limited as a subway seat on your morning commute.
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