Until recently, I’ve always rolled my eyes when I overheard someone talking about a Jura coffee maker. You see, I had a bit of a chip on my shoulder against the Swiss, who in my mind overpriced their Jura coffee machines -- a.k.a. super automatic espresso machines. I just couldn't understand why an automatic espresso machine needed to cost what Jura charges.
Until recently, I’ve always rolled my eyes when I overheard someone talking about a Jura coffee maker. You see, I had a bit of a chip on my shoulder against the Swiss, who in my mind overpriced their Jura coffee machines — a.k.a. super automatic espresso machines. I just couldn’t understand why an automatic espresso machine needed to cost what Jura charges.
However, each time I’ve reviewed a Jura coffee machine, I’ve grown to appreciate what they have to offer. In fact, I’ve found that Jura espresso machines currently deliver the best espresso and coffee that automatic espresso machines can produce. That’s saying a lot considering how much coffee I drink in a given week.
Table of Contents
- Jura At a Glance
- Why Is Jura So Expensive?
- Differences Between Jura Models
- Pros & Cons of Jura
- Overview
- Jura GIGA Jura GIGA 6Jura GIGA W3Jura GIGA Comparison Table
- Jura Z-Series Jura Z6 – Best OverallJura Z8 – Best for Latte LoversJura Z10 – Best for Cold ExtractionJura Z-Series Comparison Table
- Jura E-Series Jura E8 – Best BudgetJura E6Jura E-Series Comparison Table
- Jura ENA-Series Jura ENA 8Jura ENA 4Jura ENA-Series Comparison Table
- Jura A1 – Best for Living Solo Jura A1 Specs
- Other Jura Coffee Machines Jura D6Jura S8Jura WE8
- Jura: From Follower to Leader
Top 10 Jura Coffee Machines at a Glance
Jura GIGA 6
- Superior quality
- Two electric grinders
- Two Thermoblock heating systems
Jura Z6
- Best price-performance ratio
- Mixed classic and modern style
- Delicious milk froth
Jura Z8
- Amazing latte!
- Two Thermoblock heating systems
- Touchscreen Display
Jura Z10
- Cold Extraction Process
- 32 Specialty Drinks
- Noticeably quieter grinder
Jura E8
- Good value
- Pulse Extraction Process (PEP)
- 17 specialty coffees
Jura A1
- Ideal for Black Coffee Lovers
- Minimalistic design
- Small form factor
Why Are Jura Coffee Machines So Expensive?
If you’re going to charge a premium for an automatic espresso machine you must not only provide the best features, design and uncompromising quality possible, but also a sense of exclusivity reflected in the entire sales concept. Jura is a luxury brand that delivers on all of these fronts.
An important factor of virtually all Jura home coffee machines is price stability. Case in point: the price I paid for the Jura E8 hasn’t really changed in the months since I purchased it. We can interpret that as quality. Just take a look at the prices of automatic espresso machines from other brands. They go up and down all the time.
Whether it’s the latest model, a classic or an entry-level model, Jura coffee machines are real workhorses. They last for years, delivering consistently good espresso and suffering from very few problems that fall outside of the warranty. In other words, you’ll rarely need any significant Jura coffee machine repair.
What is the Difference Between Jura Models?
At Jura, product lines are numbered in a more straightforward way than other manufactures. The amount of quality is dependent upon which Jura coffee maker you purchase within a particular product line.
Take the entry-level class A-series or D-series models, which typically sell for $799 – $999, for example. Other manufacturers would call espresso machines at these prices mid-range, but the advantage here is that you get outstanding, high-quality design for your money. Though the coffee is very good, it still leaves room for improvement.
Next is the E-series of Jura coffee machines. These Jura models offer a lot of value for a budget price … at least relative to other Jura coffee makers.
Stepping up to the Z-series and GIGA series, the espresso and frothed milk are excellent, while the coffee grinding performance and setting options are superb. Even the flat white seems less outlandish in some devices.
The price for a Jura coffee maker isn’t for the faint of heart, which is why you’re still reading. Like all things in life, that old adage “you get what you pay for” is calling out from the back of your mind.
For me personally, the jury is still out on whether I can get on board with Jura’s approach to espresso machine cleaning. Call me old school, but I want to be able to remove the brew group so I can clean it by hand.
Though it’s true that Jura coffee machines offer a decent cleaning program and numerous automatic solutions for cleaning the brew group, there is a downside. It’s that it drives up water consumption … thus, increasing the need for cleaning tablets and descaling solutions.
Enough of my soapboxing for now though! I’ve finally figured out a way to settle, once and for all, if having a fixed brew group is as big of an issue as I make it out to be. That’s why I’ve started a long-term test that will yield some empirical evidence to inform my opinions.
I’m gonna use a Jura espresso machine for an entire year and then completely disassemble it. That’s when we’ll see what the brewing chamber really looks like after regular use. Will it be as clean on the inside as Jura claims? We’ll find out! I may have to eat some humble pie.
Best Jura Coffee Machine: Advantages & Disadvantages
When it comes to listing the pros and cons during comparison, Jura coffee machines often seem to balance each other out. However, this only works when we remove prices from the analysis, which is what people do when they imagine owning the Ferrari of automatic espresso machines.
When money is no object, Jura coffee machines absolutely speak for themselves.
Advantages
- Jura coffee machines accentuate their high-quality look with colors like platinum or chrome.
- The intricate design shines in the durability and sleek feel, even if only in aluminum and plastic materials.
- The grinding capabilities of cone or disk grinders is pretty reliable — most versions now have a continuously variable grinder for your coffee beans!
- Proprietary processes such as the Pulse Extraction Process (PEP) or the Intelligent Water System (IWS) optimize the preparation — even if no one knows how.
- Customer favorites like individual coffee profiles, the one-touch function and extra-shot function are often standard.
- The most important factors — temperature, coffee grind quantity, aroma levels, coffee strength etc — are always adjustable, even in entry-level Jura coffee machines.
- Ideas like “fine foam technology” are not just marketing lingo at Jura — they actually work!
- The operation is almost always simple and intuitive — whether via a touch screen or smartphone.
- All machines work with an automatic milk frothing system — a cappuccinatore — except for the dairy-free Jura A1. Manual steam wands aren’t Jura’s thing.
- The descaling program and cleaning programs are well-thought-out — they have to be.
- The service life is high even with intensive use.
Disadvantages of Jura Coffee Machines
- Price-wise, the devices are always above standard market prices, even with equivalent equipment — buying Jura coffee machines at a discount isn’t that easy to do.
- There’s not a basic container for milk included with the machine. Instead, Jura wants to upsell you on a separate Jura branded container, one of which is a wireless adapter-equipped carafe. I’d probably balk less if it was included with each Jura coffee maker. Then again, that might mean increasing the price, which is probably why Jura avoids doing so.
- Regular maintenance and Jura coffee machine repair, though rarely needed, can be expensive and complicated — partially because of the fixed brew group.
An Overview - The Best Jura Coffee Machine
Jura coffee machines are easy to tell apart: the further back in the alphabet the letter goes, the more extensive the coffee specialties, functions and price. This is especially true of the high-quality machines marked “GIGA,” which play in the gastronomic league.
When a Jura super automatic espresso machine bears a two-digit numerical code, it’s usually a somewhat-modified version of one from the main series. However, I haven’t quite cracked the code as to whether these modifications are more lavish or more modest.
Jura is also one of the few brands that doesn’t constantly come out with allegedly new devices to seem current and increase the desire to buy. I think this is a good attitude — you could almost call it “sustainability.”
In the meantime, I have selected one or more models from almost every line and decided clear winners. Once again, this shows that Jura home coffee machines are always best when not trying to be affordable or suitable for the masses.
Jura GIGA Machines: Completely Over the Top & That’s Why I Love Them!
Jura GIGA 6 – Best Performing Jura Coffee Machine
Jura GIGA 6
A commercial workhorse or the ultimate thoroughbred?
Superior quality
Two electronic grinders
Tons of settings
Excellent espresso and milk froth
App has room for improvement
I readily admit that I ordered and tested the Jura GIGA 6 for my own amusement. Why? Well, because this $5949.00 monster is a bit excessive, even for someone with the most exquisite tastes.
The Jura GIGA 6 dances on the line between a consumer and a professional gastro device, offering an incredible amount of features. It comes with a Clearyl Smart Water Filter among other fun accessories.
I am very enthusiastic about this goliath Jura coffee maker. The Jura GIGA 6 doesn’t have to shy away from comparisons, even a little, and makes terrific coffee.
As far as the user experience, it’s great — especially on the TFT display, which I prefer over the app. However, the coffee spout could use a height and width adjustment. I’m sure I’d say the same of legroom in a Ferrari!
The grinder is not only infinitely variable but there are even two independent, electronically controllable grinders. The handiwork is terrific! Even the flat white tastes almost like it’s from an espresso machine at a cafe — and all at the touch of a button.
Everything about the Jura GIGA 6 is super, great and whatever other amazing adjectives you’d use to describe a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. That’s why I’ve named it the “Best Performing” Jura coffee maker.
This Jura espresso machine still demonstrates what we can expect from modern automatic espresso machines. That’s why the test report is so informative.
Be sure to read my thorough Jura GIGA 6 review if you are leaning toward buying one.
Jura GIGA W3
Originally released in 2016, the Jura GIGA W3 has a lot to offer, but is not on the same level as the Jura GIGA 6.
If you check out the bean hopper on the Jura GIGA W3, you’ll be surprised to see a 35.3 oz (1 kg) monster. This may appear like a good thing to some of you. However, in reality, having that many beans in a single hopper is inconvenient. If you want to use a different coffee one morning, you’ll have to manually empty the entire hopper before grinding and brewing.
On top of that, the time it takes to use that quantity of beans means your coffee beans would be exposed to unnecessary moisture, which affects flavor.
The Jura GIGA W3 is not compatible with Jura’s app and does not have a touch screen. I don’t know about you, but after using my smartphone all these years, I’m not eager to step back to push buttons beside a screen.
You also can’t adjust the milk temperature like you can on the more recent GIGA 6. And last, but not least, there isn’t an option to save a personalized drink profile.
All of this to say, the Jura GIGA 6 offers a lot more for your money than the W3.
Check out: Jura GIGA W3 Review 2022
PROS
- Fantastic quality
- Two Thermoblock heating systems
- Pulse Extraction Process (PEP)
- Automatic milk frothing
- Automatic cleaning
CONS
- No personalized drink profiles
- No app
- Cannot adjust milk temperature
- Fixed brew group
- Bean container too large
- Weighs 40.1 lbs (18.2 kgs)
- Expensive
A Comparison of Currently Available Jura GIGA Machines
| Jura GIGA 6 | Jura GIGA W3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Super-automatic espresso machine | Super-automatic espresso machine |
| Casing material | Plastic / aluminum | Plastic / aluminum |
| Removable brew group | No | No |
| Milk system | Automatic (cappuccinatore) | Automatic (cappuccinatore) |
| Display | Touchscreen display | TFT color display |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| User profiles | Yes | No |
| Minimum spout height | 2.7 in / 6.9 cm | 2.8 in / 7.1 cm |
| Maximum spout height | 6.2 in / 15.8 cm | 6.3 in / 16.0 cm |
| Grinder | 2 x ceramic flat burr | 1 x ceramic flat burr |
| Bean hopper | 2 x 8.1 oz / 230 g | 1x 35.3 oz / 1,000 g |
| Two bean compartments | Yes | No |
| Grind settings | Stepless | Stepless |
| Ground coffee chute | Yes | Yes |
| Water tank | 87.0 oz / 2.6 l | 169.0 oz / 5 l |
| Heating System | 2x Thermoblock | 2x Thermoblock |
| Pot function | Yes | Yes |
| Coffee drinks at the touch of a button | 28 | 9 |
| Adjustable coffee temperature | Yes (3 levels) | Yes (3 levels) |
| Adjustable milk (froth) temperature | Yes (10 levels) | No |
| Two-cup function | Yes | Yes |
| Hot water function | Yes | Yes |
| Hot milk function | Yes | Yes |
| Water filter cartridge | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 39.7 lb / 18 kg | 40.1 lbs / 18.2 kg |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 16.3 x 12.6 x 18.9 in / 41.5 x 32 x 48 cm | 21.7 x 14.6 x 19.6 in / 55.1 x 37.0 x 49.8 cm |
| Extras / other | Cup illumination, width-adjustable spout | N/A |
| Current price on Amazon | $5,949.00 | $5,499.00 |
Jura Z6, Z8 & Z10: Does the Z-Series Deliver Hidden Test Winners?
If we are comparing the GIGA series to a luxury car, then the Z series could best be described as a luxury family car like Audi or BMW. That’s because the Jura Z-series offerings are more balanced and reasonable than over the top.
Jura Z6 – Best Overall Jura Coffee Machine
Jura Z6
The classic Jura machine is completely justifiable.
High-quality processing
Successful mix of classic and modern operation
Delicious espresso and frothed milk
App has potential for improvement
Fixed brew group
The Jura Z6 is a remarkable automatic espresso machine. In fact, I’m dubbing it the “Best Overall” Jura coffee machine.
Offering the best price-performance ratio of all Jura models, the Jura Z6 is a perfect mix of classic style and modern innovation.
The exquisite frothed milk is outstanding, and the black coffee has never tasted so good to me. Plus, all the functions are easy to understand and make sense. The whole thing delivers a refined luxurious product experience.
While the Jura Z6 makes splendid milk foam, it’s important to note that it only has one Thermoblock heating system. That’s not a deal-breaker by any means, but something that needs to be considered if you make a lot of milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes.
Having two heating elements adds a lot of efficiency because it eliminates the delay between brewing espresso and frothing milk. Still, I’ve enjoyed a lot of lattes from the Z6 and was more than pleased.
I talk more about the merits of this automatic espresso machine in my Jura Z6 review.
Jura Z8 – Best for Latte Lovers
Jura Z8
High-end for the highbrow.
Great milk froth
Tons of settings
Excellent black coffee
Extremely high-quality craftsmanship
Useful app
No milk jug in the box
Brew group not removable
The $3,195.00 Jura Z6 and the $4,495.00 Jura Z8 automatic espresso machines are quite similar. They both have a combination spout, more than 20 pre-programmed coffee-based drinks, as well as preparation parameters that you can fine-tune.
However, The Jura 8 has a touchscreen display instead of a TFT display. The Jura Z8 can also prepare frothed milk and coffee at the same time — thanks to having two Thermoblock heating systems incorporated into the design.
The ability of the Jura Z8 coffee maker to prepare milk and coffee at the same time makes cappuccinos and latte macchiatos even better. It’s really hard to argue with the convenience this feature offers, which has earned the Jura Z8 coffee maker the title of “Best for Latte Lovers.”
In any case, take my word for it, hardly anything better can happen to your coffee beans than to be run through a Jura Z-series super automatic espresso machine!
I go into greater detail about the automatic coffee machine in my Jura Z8 review.
Jura Z10 – Best for Cold Extraction
Jura Z10
All-round success with excellent innovations!
Very high-quality design
Fully electronically controllable
Much quieter electronic grinder
Hot and cold coffee
Excellent espresso and milk foam
No milk container included
“Cold brew” is misleading
The newly released $4,299.00 Jura Z10 is a hot item this year. Ironically, I’ve awarded it “Best for Cold Extraction,” which should serve you well on a hot day. I debated about calling it “best for cold brew,” but feel a little conflicted about referring to “iced coffee drinks” as “cold brew.” Nonetheless, this is a masterpiece of a machine!
The Jura Z10 has a very high-quality design that will even satisfy the pickiest of users. I should know; it impressed me!
In my Jura Z10 review I question if this might be Jura’s best model yet? It resembles the Jura GIGA 6 in many ways. The main differences are that the Jura Z10 has 32 specialty drinks programmed in instead of the GIGA 6’s “piddly” 28.
The Jura Z10 only has one Thermoblock heating system, which is probably because of the dominant focus on the cold extraction process. It also has Jura’s 8th generation brewing unit with 3D brewing technology. The claim to fame here is that it allegedly allows water to flow evenly through ground coffee at multiple levels, which is especially important for cold extraction.
Only one coffee bean hopper and grinder are on the Z10 as well, whereas the GIGA 6 has two of each. The grinder on the Z10 is noticeably quieter than on other Jura models though.
The way I talk about this beauty, I almost feel like I’m cheating on my Jura GIGA 6 … as if that’s even possible.
A Comparison of Jura Z-Series Machines
| Jura Z6 | Jura Z8 | Jura Z10 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Super-Automatic Espresso Machine | Super-Automatic Espresso Machine | Super-Automatic Espresso Machine |
| Removable brew group | No | No | No |
| Casing material | Plastic / aluminum | Plastic / aluminum | Plastic / aluminum |
| Milk frothing system | Automatic, cappuccinatore | Automatic, cappuccinatore | Automatic, cappuccinatore |
| Display | TFT color display | Touchscreen display | Touchscreen display |
| App | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| User profiles | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Water reservoir capacity | 84 oz / 2.4 L | 81 oz / 2.4 l | 81 oz / 2.41 L |
| Minimum Cup Height | 3.1 In / 8 cm | 3.1 in / 8 cm | |
| Maximum cup height | 6 in / 15.5 cm | 6 in / 15.3 cm | 5.9 in / 15 cm |
| Grinder | Stainless steel cone grinder | Stainless steel cone grinder | Stainless steel cone grinder |
| Bean container capacity | 9.9 oz / 280 g | 9.9 oz / 280 g | 9.9 oz / 280 g |
| Grounds container capacity | Approximately 20 servings | Approximately 20 servings | Approximately 20 servings |
| Coffee drinks prepared at the touch of a button | 13 | 21 | 32 |
| Adjustable coffee temperature | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable milk foam temperature | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2-cup function | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hot water function | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hot milk function | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Milk foam only option | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Water filter | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 25.4 lbs / 11.52 kg | 30 lb / 13.4 kg | 28.6 lbs / 13 kg |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 14.8 x 12.6 x 17.7 in 37.6 x 32 x 45 cm | 15.0 x 12.6 x 17.7 in / 38 x 32 x 45 cm | 15.0 x 12.6 x 17.7 in / 38 x 32 x 45 cm |
| Current price on Amazon | $3,195.00 | $4,495.00 | $4,299.00 |
The E-Series: Modern on a Budget!
Jura E8 – Best Budget Jura Coffee Machine
Jura E8
A smart, successful machine with a clever cleaning system.
Easy to use
Good cleaning system
Excellent espresso & milk froth
Fixed brew group
The Jura E-series of coffee machines is generally very consistent. It was my review of the Jura E8 that first stole my heart. In true Romeo and Juliet fashion, I realized the beauty that the Jura – Capulet – family could offer.
Thanks to the Pulse Extraction Process (PEP) and numerous sensible setting options, a very good espresso comes out of the coffee spout. Cappuccinos, lattes and latte macchiatos are also rather impressive.
On Jura E-series coffee machines, you control everything in classic Jura form via buttons and the display. The grinder is stepless, but everything else seems a bit old school. Of course, that’s the advantage of these coffee makers: they make preparation beautifully uncomplicated!
The grinder operates quietly as well. Unfortunately, though, we have to accept the fact that the 2-cup function does not apply to milk-based drinks.
The Jura E8 also only has one Thermoblock heating system, so you cannot brew espresso and froth milk simultaneously. That’s also part of why this machine costs significantly less than, say, the Jura Z8.
Available for $2,330.00, I’m naming the Jura E8 the “Best Budget” Jura coffee maker. While that’s still a lot of money, relative to other luxury Jura models, the features included on this automatic espresso machine make it a great deal.
Jura E6
Jura E6
Offers a lot of value.
Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.)
High quality design and build
Automatic milk frothing
Water filter option
Easy to clean
Only 7 specialty coffees
Only one Thermoblock
The $1,479.00 Jura E6 has a lot of similarities with its Jura E8 sibling. One noticeable difference is in the number of preprogrammed specialty coffees. The Jura E6 only has 7 specialty coffees, whereas the E8 has 17.
For the price of this machine, I’d choose the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus.
Check out: Jura E6 Review 2022
A Comparison of Jura E-Series Machines
| Jura E6 | Jura E8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Super-Automatic Espresso Machine | Super-Automatic Espresso Machine |
| Removable brew group | No | No |
| Casing material | Plastic / aluminum | Plastic / aluminum |
| Milk frothing system | Automatic, cappuccinatore | Automatic, cappuccinatore |
| Display | TFT color display | TFT color display |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| User profiles | Yes | Yes |
| Water reservoir capacity | 63.6 oz / 1.88 l | 63.6 oz / 1.88 l |
| Minimum cup height | 2.6 in / 6.6 cm | 2.6 in / 6.6 cm |
| Maximum cup height | 4.4 in / 11.2 cm | 6.0 in / 15.24 cm |
| Grinder | Stainless steel cone grinder | Stainless steel cone grinder |
| Bean container capacity | 9.9 oz / 280 g | 9.9 oz / 280 g |
| Grounds container capacity | Approximately 16 servings | Approximately 16 servings |
| Coffee drinks prepared at the touch of a button | 7 | 17 |
| Adjustable coffee temperature | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable milk foam temperature | No | No |
| 2-cup function | Yes | Yes |
| Hot water function | Yes | Yes |
| Hot milk function | Yes | Yes |
| Milk foam only option | Yes | Yes |
| Water filter | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 21.2 lbs / 9.61 kgs | 21.6 lbs / 9.79 kgs |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 13.8 x 11 x 17.6 in / 35.0 x 28.0 x 44.7 cm | 15.0 x 12.6 x 17.7 in / 38 x 32 x 45 cm |
| Current price on Amazon | $1,497.00 | $2,330.00 |
The ENA-Series: A Lite Version of the Jura E Series?
Jura ENA 8
Jura ENA 8
High Quality With A Small Footprint
Small footprint
Easy to use
Makes excellent espresso
Beautiful design
Quite expensive
Small water reservoir
The Jura ENA series hasn’t really caught my eye like other Jura coffee machines, but each machine has its own merits. The Jura ENA 8 has a slightly smaller form factor than the Jura E-series machines.
The water reservoir is quite a bit smaller than one on the E-series, and the coffee bean container holds half as much. I see this as a huge plus, as it makes changing beans more frequently less of a chore. It also will prevent you from developing a habit of leaving too many coffee beans in your automatic espresso machine, where moisture can taint the beans.
The “multilevel” aroma grinder on the ENA 8 does not necessarily mean all that much — the grinding range of Jura coffee machines is roughly equivalent to a standard six-stage grinder.
One thing I haven’t talked a lot about is the value of the Jura app. I like to think of it as “artificial intelligence,”
Here, “artificial intelligence” means that the most frequently used coffee presets automatically arrange themselves at the highest point in the hierarchy within the touch screen’s “homepage.” This is normal for higher-end machines, by the way, but a strong selling point for the Jura E8 coffee maker.
Check out: Jura ENA 8 Review 2022
Jura ENA 4
The Jura ENA 4 sells for $898.95. Wait! Why so cheap? Well, because this automatic espresso machine doesn’t have a milk frothing feature. It’s meant for people who love black coffee and either want nothing to do with milk or cannot tolerate it. I almost named this Jura coffee maker “best for the lactose intolerant,” but decided that would be insensitive.
Like one would expect, there’s only one Thermoblock heating system. After all, there’s no need to froth milk if you don’t drink it, right? Actually, I kinda disagree on this point. I love the taste and feel of black coffees and sometimes indulge in delicious milk-based drinks as well.
But even if I only drank my coffees black, surely my friends and family would enjoy being able to make a cappuccino or latte at will. For this reason, I think you’re always better to buy a multipurpose automatic coffee machine … unless you have a medical need that requires you to stay far away from dairy.
Pros:
- Ideal for black coffee lovers
- Affordable price
- Easy to clean
- Weighs only 18.5 lbs
Cons:
- No milk frothing system
- Symbol display
A Comparison of Jura ENA-Series Machines
| Jura ENA 8 | Jura ENA 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Super-Automatic Espresso Machine | Super-Automatic Espresso Machine |
| Removable brew group | No | No |
| Casing material | Plastic / aluminum | Plastic / aluminum |
| Milk frothing system | Automatic, cappuccinatore | No |
| Display | TFT color display | Symbol display |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| User profiles | Yes | Yes |
| Water reservoir capacity | 63.6 oz / 1 l | 63.6 oz / 1 l |
| Minimum cup height | 2.7 in / 6.9 cm | 3.0 in / 7.62 cm |
| Maximum cup height | 5.4 in / 13.7 cm | 4.1 in / 10.4 cm |
| Grinder | Stainless steel cone grinder | Stainless steel cone grinder |
| Bean container capacity | 4.4 oz / 125 g | 4.4 oz / 125 g |
| Grounds container capacity | Approximately 10 servings | Approximately 10 servings |
| Coffee drinks prepared at the touch of a button | 10 | 4 |
| Adjustable coffee temperature | Yes | No |
| Adjustable milk foam temperature | No | No |
| 2-cup function | Yes | Yes |
| Hot water function | Yes | Yes |
| Hot milk function | Yes | No |
| Milk foam only option | Yes | No |
| Water filter | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs / 9.3 kgs | 18.5 lbs / 8.39 kgs |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 12.7 x 10.7 x 17.5 in / 32.25 x 27.2 x 44.5 cm | 12.7 x 10.7 x 17.5 in / 32.25 x 27.2 x 44.5 cm |
| Current price on Amazon | $1,895.00 | $898.95 |
Jura A1: Pretentious Purism for Those Who Live Alone
Jura A1
Sleek design and geek-out coffee!
Sleekly designed, high-quality machine
Very easy to operate
Delicious espresso
Fixed brew group
High price
No one scratches their head anymore when a super automatic coffee maker without a milk frother competes against other machines in the category. That’s why the $798.95 Jura A1 is a good choice if you don’t need a milk frothing system and want to spend less money than on a “real” automatic espresso machine.
In my test, the Jura A1 made a good impression on me with its noble purism. Available in either Piano Black or Piano White, the high-quality artisanship, intuitive operation and aroma of the espresso are all top-notch. The grinding results, coffee quantity, extraction time and pump pressure are also spot-on.
The Professional Aroma Grinder is continuously adjustable, which means you can influence the extraction process to get the results you’re looking for in the cup.
Because it lacks a vessel for milk, the Jura A1 is small and slim, yet impressive. Like the Jura ENA Micro 90, the Jura A1 has a strong minimalistic design.
The Jura A1 strikes me as best suited for those who live alone. Hence, the award “Best for Living Solo.”
Check out my Jura A1 review for further details.
Jura A1 Specs
| Jura A1 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Super-automatic espresso machine |
| Removable brew group | No |
| Casing material | Plastic |
| Milk frothing system | No |
| Display | Symbol display |
| App | No |
| User profiles | No |
| Water tank | 36.8 oz / 1.1 l |
| Minimum cup height | 2.3 in / 5.8 cm |
| Maximum cup height | 5.6 in / 14.2 cm |
| Grinder | Stainless-steel conical burr grinder |
| Bean hopper | 4.4 oz / 125 g |
| Grind settings | Stepless |
| Pot function | No |
| Coffee drinks prepared at the touch of a button | 3 |
| Adjustable coffee temperature | Yes |
| 2-cup function | No |
| Hot water function | No |
| Water filter | Yes |
| Weight | 20.3 lbs / 9.2 kg |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 12.7 x 9.4 x 17.5 in / 32.3 x 23.9 x 44.5 cm |
| Current price on Amazon | $798.95 |
Other Jura Coffee Machines: Should We Even Compare Them?
Just because a Jura cappuccino machine is in this section doesn’t mean that I might not give it a chance in the future. I just don’t see any reason to test these models at this juncture.
Jura D6
JURA ON A BUDGET
Jura D6
An affordable entry level Jura coffee maker!
Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.)
App compatible with optional Smart Connect
Unbelievable milk foam
Easy to clean
No bypass for ground coffee
A little loud
Take the Jura D6, for example. It just hasn’t made much of an impression on me so far. If we leave out the A1, this is technically the entry-level Jura machine. You only get a digital plain text display and a cappuccinatore system, and you control it via rotary knobs. If you buy this Jura espresso machine, just tell your friends you went retro!
A Jura D6 coffee machine will run you $995.00, which is certainly OK since it offers pre-programmed beverages and surface design. However, in this area, there’s no question between the Jura or DeLonghi: the Italians deliver you a lot more machine for the same amount of money. Check out my DeLonghi Dinamic review for more information.
Check Out: Jura D6 Review 2022
Jura S8
The Jura S8 coffee machine stands between the E-series and Z-series in the lineup, while the Jura X8 has disappeared from the manufacturer’s site altogether. However, you can still purchase it through a third-party site such as Amazon, at least at the time of writing.
If you come across older Jura coffee machines, such as those in the C-series or J-series, I recommend you steer clear of them. Jura has gone through many product cycles since making those. They are nowhere near what Jura coffee machines are today.
On the flip side, the Jura S8 coffee maker was released in 2018 and is still very relevant. Featuring an impressive touchscreen display and a lever for fine-tuning milk foam, the Jura S8 is loaded with premium features, but costs much less than a Z-series machine.
Check Out: Jura S8 Review 2022
PROS
- Pulse Extraction Process (PEP)
- Touchscreen
- Useful app
- Weighs only 19.2 lbs
- Easy to clean
CONS
- Still expensive
- Only one Thermoblock heating system
Jura WE8
Jura seems to have lost interest in the Jura WE6 and Jura WE8, so I’m going to follow suit.
I’m not sure if the lack of focus on the Jura WE-series is due to the pandemic-driven international microchip shortage, or if Jura has just moved on.
It could be that any other Jura coffee machine is selling better. Whatever the case may be, I cannot recommend buying a WE-series machine at this time. Clearly, something’s up.
From the Follower to the Leader in Innovation? Jura Coffee Machines & the Competition
While I do favor Jura coffee machines, that still doesn’t mean I like the overall price-performance ratio. There are simply no bargains to be had here, even during a Jura coffee machines sale.
On top of that, the jury is still out on whether I can get on board with Jura’s approach to espresso machine cleaning. Call me old school, but I want to be able to remove the brew group so I can clean it by hand.
Nonetheless, there are several Jura coffee machines mentioned here today that I have given a clear buy recommendation.
Increasingly forging their own path, in the past, Jura was mainly about appearances, a chic look with platinum or chrome and a snobby attitude to boot. In my opinion, consumer review organizations have always been blinded by these things.
Nowadays, everything with Jura coffee machines revolves around perfect coffee from every type of coffee bean, as well as perfect consistency of the milk. The lifespan of Jura coffee machines is certainly not without mention, either. They last for the long haul.
Admittedly, you do have to shell out more money for this top performance and excellent user experience in comparison. Seriously, what could be more important to automatic coffee machine owners than coffee quality?
These changes are exciting because Jura’s competitor Miele, for example, is just as snooty, offers a super design and yet is not quite as expensive. Of course, Miele has yet to saturate the market like Jura coffee machines have, which says something.
Jura coffee machines rely more on the luxury aspect, especially at price points ranging between $800 and $6,000. On top of that, with nearly every test, I become more and more convinced that Jura’s cup results have winning potential.
While I tend to use a strategic approach in my comparative reviews — evaluating devices on multiple benchmarks from the user experience to the cleaning — it can pigeonhole some machines. Just like it would not be practical to compare a Ferrari to a Honda, it’s not exactly reasonable to compare Jura coffee machines to the rest.
What are your thoughts about Jura coffee machines? Do you own a Jura automatic coffee machine? Join the discussion in the comments section below.