The Java Cafe

If ever there was one, this is it: a state-of-the-art coffee center for the hi-tech kitchen or executive office. Capresso's Impressa F9 makes quite the impression even before you know what all it is capable of - a striking, 3-mm. thick chrome alloy front, a chrome-plated die cast coffee spout, a stainless steel grid and an illuminated brewing area that lights up then turns itself off after one minute if not in use. The unit can be programmed into seven languages, giving you explicit instructions: "Coffee Ready", "Fill Water", "Clean Unit" and so on. The Impressa even knows that tastes are as individual as you are. Therefore, you're able to personalize each cup from five different cup sizes in two aroma and three strength settings. All cup sizes are programmable from 1-oz. to 8-oz. with a double-cup button that produces a maximum of 16-oz. of coffee at a time; a height-adjustable coffee spout lets you brew into small espresso cups or even a large, 12-oz. mug with no spills. Housed in the unit is a 8-oz. bean container that grinds up to 30 portions of coffee before it ever needs refilling. A solid steel conical burr grinder comes with six settings, allowing you to adjust the fineness for all kinds of beans from light to dark roasts. For those who prefer pre-ground coffee, a separate funnel can be used for decaf or flavored coffee. Once you've made your selection, the Impressa, with its 18-bar power pump and 1450 watts, goes to work. Without delay, it grinds the beans, tamps then brews your coffee in less than 50 seconds. A two-step, pre-infusion cycle moistens and conditions the ground coffee for maximum flavor. For added purity, the water passes through a built-in Claris water care system that removes chlorine, lead, aluminum and copper for better tasting coffee. An integral part of this unit is the special Dual Frother Plus that has two settings - one for latte (steaming milk) and one for cappuccino (steaming and frothing). The frother can also be used to release hot water for a Cafe Americano or a cup of tea. To keep your espresso machine in peak performance, an automatic cleaning cycle is a short, 15-minute process that helps prevent coffee oil build-up in the brewing chamber. It cleans the inner workings so your coffee will never taste rancid or oily. Included with your Impressa is a video with detailed tips on brewing, frothing and cleaning.