I have just replaced my Gaggia Titanium which after 3 months decided to break down. I decided rather than replace with the same machine to go with the much-praised Jura machines. The Z5 particularly appealed with it's unique One-Touch Cappucino function, which avoids the clumsy looking "automatic frothing attachments" found on so many machines.
The machine was easy to set up, and has almost the same footprint as the Titanium, so doesn't take up too much space. It comes with a classy looking thermal milk container (1 litre) which keeps milk at the ready and chilled for up to 8 hours. The front of the machine is brushed aluminium (not plastic as in many of the Jura machines) which is far easier to keep clean than the Titanium's brushed stainless steel (fingerprints!).
The display prompts are clear (product names such as "1 espresso" can be changed should you so desire - I personally can't see the point of this, since the name isn't displayed until you press the key to dispense the drink.
The temperature (also adjustable) of the coffee, hot water and also the milk is fantastic - I have mine set on the "normal" setting and it is very hot - much more so than the Titanium and many other machines which even set to "Highest" still could be hotter.
The crema was good, and the taste great. The brew group is non-removable and self-cleaning (you are prompted when to run a rinse cycle or pop a cleaning tablet in).
You can program the quantity, temperature and strength of all drinks, and choose to override these on-the-fly should you wish, which is very handy.
The water container is larger than the Titanium and most other domestic machines and you can use Claris water filter cartridges, or alternatively opt to use descaling tablets every so often (again, you are prompted when to do this).
The dump box, and drip tray are suitably large so as to not have to be emptied too frequently (every 20 cups).
I only have 2 grumbles with this machine. One is that central coffee spout (which illuminates the cups during dispensing of coffee) does not adjust high enough for large mugs. The silly thing is that you can also dispense coffee from the cappuccino spout which offers 2 interchangeable spouts - one for small cups and one for tall mugs. Why they couldn't make the central coffee spout raise to the same height is a shame, but not the end of the world. My second gripe is that the consumables - ie. filters / descaling tablets / cappuccino cleaner / machine cleaning tablets are way over-priced. And since you have to use Jura-brand ones to keep within warranty conditions, you don't have much option but to pay these high prices.
Overall though, if you have the money, then go for it - this machine is fantastic, looks great, and is the quietest fully automatic by far - this doesn't wake up the whole house when you make a coffee!
I purchased my machine from GoCoffee.co.uk, who also chuck in a few freebies, such as beans, and cups. I also purchased the Gaggia Titanium from them, and they did not hesitate in agreeing to take back this in part exchange (full refund) for the Jura Z5, even though it was 3 months old. Thanks for the heads up on the cleaning tablet suppliers - although I'm not sure if this would void the manufacturer's warranty to use non-Jura supplies?
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