Jura - Ena Coffee machine reviewed

The ENA is the latest offering from Jura, being launched into the UK market this summer.

The first thing you notice about the ENA is the considerable thought that has gone into the whole design concept. From the way the machine is packed to its sleek lines and compact nature, every detail has been considered which makes it a very impressive addition to the Jura range.

So how did it perform when we tested it out in our shop?

The initial set up is almost intuitive, in fact although I haven't actually used this machine before I found that I didn't need to refer to the manual once, ok, so I'm used to their previous models, but it does reflect how Jura have made great efforts to be consistent throughout their range.

To reduce the footprint of the machine, inevitably something has to give, and that something is the size of the water tank, however on a positive note none of the functionality has been compromised.

As already mentioned it's some of the details that really impress. The pre-ground coffee option has a sleek sliding lid which when open automatically activates the programme. What I think is a particularly good idea is the twisting front nozzle that allows you to have either a single pour, or a double pour, for 1 or 2 cups.

Increasingly clever use is being made of the main control button on the top of the machine, not only as with the J5, Z5 etc. is it used to adjust the strength of the coffee, but also here is is used to activate the steam wand. Very neat.

The cappuccino option has now been standardized and matches the J5 technology, which saw a simpler system with fewer parts to loose. I also like the fact that this system can be completely pulled apart and cleaned without the sense of dread one had in the past over where each part went when reconstructing the frothing unit.

The other great idea is the changing of the colour of the operation screen. When everything is fine, the screen is green, however if the machine needs you to do something, e.g. add more coffee beans the screen turns to red. So without even knowing what the message is you know you must do something prior to making a cup of coffee. I love that simplicity.

The rest of the technology we've seen before on other models, once again great to see how the best ideas from previous models have been used to inform this one. An example that comes to mind is the programming of the pour length of the coffee. Rather than going into programme mode, simply keeping your finger on the button will automatically ask you when you would like to stop the pour. A great idea from the Z5 machine.

All in all a great new addition and it does beg the question as to where this puts the J5, which again whilst being a sleek design led machine has been superseded here by a smaller footprint machine and a much more competitive price structure.

The ENA starts at £534, whilst the J5 comes in at £795. I know which one I'd buy!

Coffee recommendations - Monsooned Malabar Coffee

We are constantly asked in our store to recommend a coffee for a particular coffee maker or "something special" for a dinner party. It's a tricky thing to do as each individual has a taste that he or she prefers and trying to second guess that is a bit like looking in the proverbial crystal ball.

However on this occasion I'm going to stick my neck out. We've recently been carrying out a review of how we roast our coffees to optimise their individual characteristics; a coffee in our store has to earn its place!

I was particularly interested in our Indian Monsooned Malabar coffee as I felt that we weren't getting the "nuttiness" that I usually associate with this coffee. A coffee that is processed at origin in a unique way using the Monsooned winds to "desiccate" the beans which results in a green coffee that is bloated and bleached.

I looked at our target temperature and the timing of the first and second cracks and decided to do what for us is a light roast. The effect was to end up with a coffee that looked as if it had been not particularly well roasted. There was a lot of difference in the colour of the final roasted beans, the homogeneity that one gets with other washed arabicas simply didn't apply here. So what was the impact in the cup?

I shouldn't have worried, using a French press (Cafetiere) it brewed the most wonderful nutty coffee to savour. It reminded me of bed and breakfast establishments that I've stayed in in Paris where the the first thing the proprietor does is to deliver this wonderful heady brew of fresh coffee. On this occasion instead of croissants I enjoyed the coffee with toast and the most fabulous home made marmalade.

I couldn't let the experience pass without sharing it with someone! So next time you pass our store and want something a little special, try Monsooned Malabar you'll certainly have tongues wagging!