"Which machine should I buy", with regard to Capresso super-automatics, is a common question that we get at JL Hufford.  Let us focus on two machines specifically, the Jura Capresso Impressa E8 and the Jura Capresso Impressa F7.

The F7 and E8 both use the finest super-automatic brewing technology, have a separate bypass doser (which allows you to enter pre-ground coffee directly into the machine, bypassing whatever beans are in the bean hopper), have digital displays, have a single heating system, have the ability to grind up to 16 grams of coffee per brew, and can brew up to 16 ounces of espresso coffee per brew.  This last part addresses one of the most common questions.  Both machines can make "crema coffee", or coffee that is produced under high pressure that has a crema (burnt-caramel colored colloid of sugars that appears on the top of your coffee drink).  High-pressure brewed coffee extracts less of the bitter oils you get in drip brewed coffee.  Crema coffee is not the same as espresso, as crema coffee is generally brewed on a coarser grind than espresso.  Both crema coffee and espresso can be made with a good dark and medium espresso blend, like JL Hufford's espresso blend, although some folks still prefer a darker roast for espresso drinks.  These, in addition to many other features of the Impressa series from Jura-Capresso, are some of the most significant characteristics of both machines.  So why is the F7 more expensive than the E8?

UNLIKE THE E8, THE F7:

• has temperature control.  You can select between hot and extra hot.  However, on its hottest setting the F7 will brew at an average of 182 degrees.  The E8 will also brew at an average of 182 degrees on its only temperature setting.  So, if you like to leave your coffee sit a few minutes so it doesn't scald your tongue, the F7 has a setting for you, otherwise max temps are identical
• has a die-cast metallic spout, whereas the E8's spout is almost entirely plastic.  The theory off the incorporation of metal is two-fold: first, metal is more robust so as a movable part it will be sturdier and second, metal in the brew head means that the brew head will retain more heat, thus stay hotter for subsequent brews.  As discussed above, however, the max temperature at spout is roughly the same.
• has an entirely stainless thermal block, as opposed to the E8's stainless lined aluminum thermal block.  This difference is not all that significant, as the heat retention properties of each is good.  And since the aluminum in the E8 never comes into contact with the water, there are no additional corrosion concerns.
• has a 10-digit digital display, whereas the E8's is an 8-digit.
• has an illuminated brewing area so you can easily see exactly what sort of crema you are getting in your cup. 
• has an automatic on setting, so that you can program what time your machine comes on.

**This article was originally posted on our customer service forum, which this blog is intended to replace.**