It wasn't that long ago that I'd roll my eyes when I overheard someone talking about a Jura coffee machine. You see, I had a bit of a chip on my shoulder about the Swiss, who in my mind overpriced their Jura coffee machines – aka super automatic espresso machines. I just couldn't understand why an automatic coffee maker needed to cost what Jura charges.
It wasn’t that long ago that I’d roll my eyes when I overheard someone talking about a Jura coffee machine. You see, I had a bit of a chip on my shoulder about the Swiss, who in my mind overpriced their Jura coffee machines – aka super automatic espresso machines. I just couldn’t understand why an automatic coffee maker 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 milk foam of any super automatic. That’s saying a lot considering how much coffee I drink in a given week.
With that in mind, I’ve gathered together what I consider to be the 8 best Jura coffee machines out there. I’m excited to share my curated list with you, so let’s get to it!
The 8 Best Jura Coffee Machines at a Glance
Here’s a sneak peek at the Jura coffee machines I’ll be discussing today:
What Is the Difference Between Jura Models?
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 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.
At Jura, product lines are numbered in a more straightforward way than other manufacturers. I’m looking at you, DeLonghi!
For the most part, each Jura coffee machine has a letter and a number in its name. And the further you get into the alphabet, the more you can expect both size- and quality-wise. It used to be that the entry-level models were the A and D line, but those have now been discontinued. To be honest, that’s no great loss. Currently, the entry-level machines are in the ENA line, and the most expensive and sophisticated models are in the GIGA line.
Incidentally, the number in the machine’s name also hints at the features you can expect. Again, the higher the number, the fancier the Jura machine.
The price of any 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!
A Note on Fixed Brew Groups
When I first started reviewing Jura coffee machines, I spent a lot of time railing against the manufacturer’s insistence on installing fixed brew groups. From where I was sitting, this was simply too risky.
Sure, the manufacturer assured us that everything would be fine if we let the machine clean itself. However, I couldn’t escape the nagging feeling that being able to take the brew group out and clean it by hand would be safer.
Well, allow me to take a moment to eat my words.
Determined to settle the issue once and for all, I performed a year-long experiment on a Jura A1. I made sure to clean the machine on a regular basis, and followed all instructions for automatic brew group maintenance.
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
The high-end look of Jura coffee machines is accentuated by tasteful colors like Platinum or Moonlight Silver.
Jura coffee machines are durable and well built.
The manufacturer constantly strives to improve its conical burr grinders, which are fast, quiet and consistent.
Proprietary processes such as Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.) brewing technology and the Intelligent Water System (I.W.S.) optimize drink preparation.
Customer favorites like individual coffee profiles, one-touch function and extra-shot function are often standard.
The most important factors — temperature, grind size, shot volume and coffee strength — are always adjustable, even in entry-level Jura coffee machines.
Ideas like “fine foam technology” aren’t just marketing lingo at Jura — they actually work!
The operation is almost always simple and intuitive — whether via buttons, touch screen or smartphone.
All machines employ an automatic milk frothing system — a cappuccinatore — except for the dairy-free ENA 4 and E4. Manual steam wands aren’t Jura’s thing.
The descaling program and cleaning functions are well conceived — they have to be.
A Jura coffee machine’s service life is long, even with intensive use.
Disadvantages of Jura Coffee Machines
Jura machines are expensive. There’s just no getting around it.
There’s not a basic container for milk included with the machine. Instead, Jura wants to upsell you on a separate Jura branded container. I’d probably balk less if it was included with your purchase. 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.
The 8 Best Jura Coffee Machines in Detail
Jura GIGA 6: Best Performing
Best for Office
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 $4,459.00 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’m very enthusiastic about this goliath Jura coffee maker to say the least. 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 goes, I’ve got no complaints — especially about the touchscreen display, which I prefer over the app. However, the coffee spout could use a height and width adjustment. Then again, that’s kind of like criticizing the limited legroom in a Ferrari!
Incidentally, there are two – yes two – independent, electronically controllable grinders on board. Plus, what this thing pumps out 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 gushing adjectives you’d use to describe a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. That’s why I’ve named it the “Best Performing” Jura coffee maker.
See Also: Jura GIGA 6 Hands-On Review 2023
Jura Z10: Best Overall
Great innovation
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 Jura Z10 made a big splash upon its release in late 2021, and for good reason. Personally, I absolutely love this machine, and it was a no-brainer to award it the title of “Best Overall” Jura coffee maker.
The Jura Z10 has a very high-quality design that will even satisfy the pickiest of users. I should know; it impressed me!
The Z10 resembles the Jura GIGA 6 in many ways. The main differences are that the Jura Z10 has 32 specialty drinks on the menu instead of the GIGA 6’s “piddly” 28. Oh, and the Z10 offers an awesome cold brew function wherein the machine slowly brews using cold water under low pressure.
The Jura Z10 only has one thermoblock for heating, 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.
I should also mention the Jura Z10’s Product Recognizing Grinder (P.R.G.), which is a technological marvel. Seriously, it’s the best grinder I’ve seen on a super automatic.
See Also: Jura Z10 Hands-On Review 2023
Jura ENA 4: Best for Espresso Purists
Ideal for espresso purists
Jura ENA 4
What a beauty!
Beautiful and compact machine
High quality grinder
Easy to operate
Makes great espresso
Expensive for what you get
No milk frothing capabilities
The Jura ENA 4 sells for $979.00. Wait! Why so (relatively) affordable? 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 just can’t tolerate it.
I almost named this Jura coffee maker “best for the lactose intolerant,” but decided that would be insensitive. Anyway, there are plenty of stellar non-dairy milk options available these days.
As you’d expect, there’s only one thermoblock installed in the Jura ENA 4. 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 coffee 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 condition that requires you to stay far away from dairy.
See Also: Jura ENA 4 Review 2023
Jura ENA 8: Best for Small Kitchens
Compact and powerful machine
Jura ENA 8
High Quality With A Small Footprint
Small footprint
Easy to use
Makes excellent espresso
Beautiful design
Quite expensive
Small water reservoir
Costing $1,579.99, the Jura ENA 8 is one of the manufacturer’s lowest price machines. Still, you can’t exactly say that makes it affordable – we’re talking about a serious chunk of change.
I’m actually a big fan of this compact machine. Everything is smaller on the ENA 8, including the water tank and bean hopper. In my mind, that just means you’ll be making coffee with the freshest ingredients possible.
Speaking of the water tank, its artsy and cylindrical design lends the ENA 8 a classy, sophisticated vibe. However, what’s most important is that the Jura ENA 8 really delivers on the espresso and milk foam front.
While it may be small, this Jura coffee machine packs a punch with its Aroma G3 grinder, P.E.P. and awesome milk frother. Plus, with a full menu of specialty drinks, the ENA 8 has you covered whether you fancy a ristretto or a flat white.
In short, the ENA 8 is far from the ultimate Jura coffee maker. However, if space is tight in your kitchen, it’ll fit in nicely.
See Also: Jura ENA 8 Review 2023
Jura E6: Best Value
Affordable Jura classic
Jura E6 Coffee Maker
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 Jura E6 was released way back in 2017, making it almost vintage by automatic coffee maker standards. One of the first Jura machines to feature P.E.P. brewing technology, the E6 also comes with the powerful Aroma G3 grinder. Even so, the Jura E6 is showing its age a little, which is probably why it costs just $1,599.00.
In terms of performance, the Jura E6 delivers excellent espresso and sumptuous milk foam. However, the specialty drink menu is definitely pretty limited. If you’re dreaming of a machine that’ll make a latte macchiato, flat white and cortado you’ll be sorely disappointed.
Listen, if you’re determined to own a Jura coffee machine but don’t want to spend too much, the E6 is worth considering. At the same time, other manufacturers offer machines at this price-point that outperform the Jura E6. I’m thinking of the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus for one.
See Also: Jura E6 Review 2023
Jura E8: Best Mid-Range
Worth the investment
Jura E8
A smart, successful machine with a clever cleaning system.
Good value for money
Easy to use
Good cleaning system
Excellent espresso & milk froth
Plastic housing
Fixed brew group
I recently updated my review of the Jura E8, which gave me a chance to fall in love all over again. Seriously, in terms of price-performance ratio, the E8 might just be the ultimate Jura coffee machine.
Sure, there are bigger and more powerful Jura machines, some with cold brew functions and others with multiple grinders. However, for just $2,399.00, the Jura E8 has all the important stuff covered. I’m talking about an updated Aroma G3 grinder, P.E.P. brewing technology and a full range of specialty drink options. Plus, you can use Jura’s awesome app with this machine if you like making coffee from your phone.
One of my favorite things about the Jura E8 is its automatic milk system. There’s a switch on the dispensing spout that allows you to control milk texture, so you can create wonderful microfoam. What’s more, there’s an additional coffee spout by the milk dispenser for authentic one-touch specialties.
As you’d expect from a Jura coffee maker, the E8 is solid and well-built. Plus, it’s a real statement piece that’ll look great in your kitchen. See, I told you I was in love with this thing!
See Also: Jura E8 Hands-On Review 2023
Jura S8: Best for Microfoam Lovers
Premium features for a mid-range price
Jura S8
Loaded with great features!
High quality design and build
Adjustable microfoam
Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.)
Touchscreen display
Smart water filter option
Expensive
Touchscreen could be improved
The Jura S8 is quite similar to the aforementioned E8 in a lot of ways. However, this machine is bigger, bolder and more in-your-face than its sibling.
It used to be the case that you’d pay a whole lot more for the Jura S8, but that’s not always the case now. Depending on which color you choose, you might find a better deal on the S8 than the E8, so make sure to shop around.
Of course, bigger doesn’t always mean better, but we are talking about Jura machines here – you know the S8 is gonna be awesome.
Perhaps the most striking feature of the Jura S8 is its huge color touchscreen display. This makes using the thing really intuitive and enjoyable, in my experience. Another standout feature is the customizable milk froth lever. Located on the milk dispenser, it allows you to fine-tune your milk foam to perfection.
You can make real time adjustments as your drink is being prepared, which is pretty special. No wonder I awarded the Jura S8 the title of “Best for Microfoam Lovers!”
See Also: Jura S8 Review 2023
Jura X8: Best for Offices
Will bring people back to the office
Jura X8
Perfect for office environments!
High capacity brewing
A perk that will bring people back to the office!
Perfect for hosting office guests!
User friendly app
Excellent milk froth
Lots of customization
Takes up a lot of space
Jura produces a few mega-machines as part of its “Professional” line of products, but most of them are too outrageous for home use. However, I’d say the is a notable exception. Plus, its $3,489.95 price tag isn’t that crazy, considering what you get.
I’ve named the Jura X8 “Best for Offices” because it’s been designed for that kind of environment. However, I could see the X8 being ideal for large families or those who entertain guests on a regular basis.
For starters, the Jura X8 comes with an enormous 167-ounce (5-liter) water tank and an 18-ounce (500-gram) bean container. And thanks to the inclusion of two thermoblock heating systems, the X8 can prepare coffee and milk foam at the same time.
As you’d imagine, the X8 includes all the Jura bells and whistles, including advanced brewing technology, a powerful Aroma G3 grinder and an Intelligent Water System (I.W.S.). There are also dozens of customizable specialty drinks on board.
Interestingly enough, Jura has gone for a TFT display with buttons rather than a touchscreen. Still, when you consider this thing is meant for high volume use, the manufacturer has probably made the right call.
See Also: Jura X8 Review 2023
Final Thoughts
In the past, Jura was mainly about appearances; a chic look with platinum or chrome and a snobby attitude for good measure.
Nowadays, everything with Jura coffee machines revolves around perfect coffee from any type of coffee bean, as well as perfect milk foam consistency. The lifespan of Jura coffee machines is certainly not without mention, either. They last for the long haul.
Sure, you have to shell out more money than you would for a DeLonghi or Gaggia automatic espresso machine. However, the Swiss manufacturer’s dedication to quality and durability is second-to-none.
While I tend to use a strategic approach in my comparative reviews — evaluating devices on multiple levels, from the user experience to ease of cleaning — it can pigeonhole some machines. Just like it wouldn’t be practical to compare a Ferrari to a Honda, it’s not exactly reasonable to compare Jura coffee machines to the rest.
Ultimately, I’m willing to wager that if money were no object, you’d choose a Jura coffee maker every time!
What’s your experience with Jura coffee makers? Is a Jura really the ultimate fully automatic machine? I look forward to reading your comments on the subject!
Best Jura Coffee Machine: FAQ
Jura coffee machines are durable, well-built and beautiful. Plus, a Jura coffee machine includes advanced brewing technology, a sophisticated grinder and intuitive user experience.
A Jura coffee machine has an average service life of 6-10 years.
Jura coffee machines might be expensive, but they offer incredible value for money, considering their design, materials and features.
Jura coffee machines are developed in Switzerland.