Guys,

Okay, don't shoot me... I have a Jura Capresso J5 (super automatic). I am very satisfy with the machine. It does have a built in grinder. But I was wondering for example if I use a Baratza Vario grinder for grinding and the Capresso for just extracting. Would this improve the espresso than using the built in grinder on the Capresso?

I would like to also "upgrade" to a semi-automatic machine in the future. So, this grinder will be my first step I guess.

Thanks.

The grinders in home superautos have decent performance at the coarser grind settings used in these machines (the puck is long and narrow, and there's a restrictor in the exit, so grinds are a lot coarser than in conventional espresso machines). The Vario is a better grinder, but it may not show up as better under these very specific extraction circumstances.

However, on top of the puck geometry, there is also the problem of the ground coffee sitting for a shot or two on the way from grinder to group. If the exterior ground coffee goes into the group directly, with no hold ups, you will get a fresher shot whenever you are not making several in a row.

You won't really know for sure until you try it.

I have a J5 as well, and I've played around with feeding the bypass chute from a Maestro. The bypass chute does indeed feed the group directly on the J5, so that's a plus. On the other hand, I couldn't tell a real difference in the shots. I.e. once I ran a cup to get rid of the older coffee in the grinder chute, both shots were OK, not great. Now, I don't pretend that a Maestro can match a Vario for espresso grinding, so the experiment with a Vario would be interesting; but my suspicion is that the super-auto can't fill and tamp the group evenly enough (*) to make a real difference.

I still like the J5 for the walk by, get a cup convenience; but I've never confused it with a serious espresso maker.

(*) although every now and then, by luck, the thing manages to pack the group evenly, and what comes out on those occasions is really very nice.

Thanks guys.

I think you guys are right on this. It probably will not make too much difference.

I will sneak one observation in on this little thread. I tried dosing from my major into the direct feed chute on the DeLongi Magnifica.

First the instructions say to never use more than one scoop of coffee when dosing using the direct feed. On my normal grind setting range of the Major this works out to be 6 grams of coffee max. And I was using my finger to updose and pack it into the scoop a little. I did not use this for trying a brewing cycle as I thought packing it down was against the spirit of the instructions.

I went back and dosed 5.5 grams at my normal grind and did the manual dosing cycle on the machine. Total Choke. Jim must be right, something in the design of that little piston group does not like a standard espresso grind.

Well after tearing things apart and cleaning the inside of the machine out I was not in the 'lets do that again' mood so that is where I left it. I am quite sure with a bit of fiddling that I could find a grind setting on the Major that worked as well or better than the rodent in residence that is the built in grinder of that SA. But I would much rather working with the Peppina or even the Twist if I want a tasty shot.

If I want a brown water based drink to make iced coffee or something I will not need to taste more than a coffee kinda flavor I will let the SA make 5-10 back to back shots to dump in the squeeze bottle.

-Cecil

PS. Maybe someday when I have more time and beans than I know what to do with I will revisit this weird corner of coffeedom.

Thanks. I guess, I will continue to just use the current setup.

This is a thread with pictures of the insides of a 2.5 years old J5, even when the owner followed the recommended cleaning regimen and the machine had 1 service checkup and has been repaired once.
Don't click on the link if you've got a weak stomach. The pictures are described average.
http://www.koffiepraat.nl/forum/viewtop...=10&t=1561

Whenever I use the DeLongi Magnifica I remove the head for cleaning.
I also make sure to reach up inside it and clean the compression piston and it's rings as well.

But beyond that the grind path is open not only to the head, but also to the gearing in the back. So if you do not remove the case and clean that sooner or later the coffee will foul the gear and motor section in the rear of the machine.

It does what it does with a grinder and a coffee processor inside one box, but it is far from a no worry machine.

If you dial it carefully you can get a nice almost espresso tasting drink out of it. But it is a thermo block wanderer and you will not want it for a good drink every day.

-Cecil

Those pictures are gross. I owned a Capresso C1500. I took it apart when it started leaking to replace the o-ring. I did clean the grinder also. But it was not that bad compared to those pictures. And I didn't have any molds growing in the machine also.

Now you are making me wonder if I should send it in for a good cleaning. In truth, I really want to upgrade to a semi. I am itching for it. I have my eyes on a La Spaziale.