Some things in life are just absolutes – like the sky being blue, the sun rising tomorrow and me drooling over Jura super automatic espresso machines.
Some things in life are just absolutes – like the sky being blue, the sun rising tomorrow and me drooling over Jura super automatic espresso machines.
I’ve got plenty to say about this savvy little machine, but you’ll have to stick around for the rest of my Jura E4 Coffee Maker review to find out what I think!
For Coffee & Espresso
Jura E4
Ideal for coffee purists
Sleek design
Awesome grinder
Makes great coffee
Large water reservoir
No milk system
Rather expensive
Table of Contents
- FeaturesColorsSize and WeightUser InterfaceGrinderPulse Extraction ProcessWater ReservoirWater FilterSpout HeightSpecialty CoffeesApp and WiFi ConnectivityWarranty
- How to UseBest Coffee for the Jura E4
- Cleaning
- Specifications
- Jura E4 vs Other Super Automaticsvs Jura ENA 4vs DeLonghi Dinamica PlusComparison Chart
- Verdict
- FAQ
If looking at the Jura E4 Coffee Maker feels like deja vu, there’s a good reason. Even I can admit that the E4 bears a striking resemblance to the Jura ENA 4, which I reviewed just a few months ago. In fact, I wouldn’t blame you if you had a little trouble separating these two in a lineup.
I’ll compare these machines later on in my Jura E4 coffee maker review. But for now, let’s just say they’re close enough to be siblings. And much like its compact twin sister, the Jura E4 coffee machine is missing a milk system.
Considering the $1,299.00 price tag on this machine, leaving out the milk system is a bold move from Jura. My cappuccino drinking readers may be closing this Jura E4 Coffee Maker review as we speak!
Still, nixing the milk system may not be a dealbreaker for everyone. For as many people who love their daily latte macchiato, there are just as many home baristas whose steam wands only collect dust.
If you fall into the latter category, opting for a machine without a milk system is just one less thing to worry about. Jura says the E4 is suitable for “black coffee specialties,” which is probably the best way to describe machines like this.
Plus, forsaking a milk frother is often easier on your wallet. I mean, I wouldn’t exactly call the Jura E4 budget friendly, but you get my drift. You’d be looking at a much steeper price tag if there was a milk frother involved.
What this machine does offer is an updated brewing unit, 3D Brewing Technology and Jura’s Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.), which I’ll touch on later.
So, if you’d consider yourself a devotee of “black coffee specialties,” I’ve got plenty more to say about this Jura coffee maker.
Jura E4 Coffee Machine Features
Without further ado, let’s get into the nitty gritty. Coming up in my Jura E4 Coffee Maker review I’ll look at the most important features of this awesome machine.
Colors
I love a colorful coffee maker as much as the next home barista, but there’s nothing wrong with sticking to the classics! That’s certainly what Jura has done with the E4, offering two color options. If you don’t like the classic Piano Black, you can also find it in Piano White.
Just don’t ask me what the difference between Piano Black and plain ol’ black is. I’m still figuring that one out. Besides, I guess neither Charcoal Black nor Volcanic Sand Black quite nailed it!
Size and Weight
When it comes to coffee makers, bigger is not always better. In fact, bigger can mean sacrificing more of your counter space than you’d like. While I’d consider the E4 a compact super automatic espresso machine, it’s not the smallest option in Jura’s lineup. At 25 pounds (11.3 kilograms), it’s not the most lightweight option either.
If you’re wondering how it measures up to the ENA 4, the E4 is taller as well as heavier. So, if you’re short on space, the ENA4 is going to be the better pick for studio apartments, dorm rooms and condo kitchens.
User Interface
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. A user interface can make or break a machine, whether it’s a fully automatic or a drip coffee maker. If the display on the Jura E4 looks simple, it’s because it is. I think the understated interface fits the minimalist approach Jura was going for. With that said, it’s not as intuitive as I would’ve liked.
Jura uses a symbol display, which means the user manual will function as your own personal translator. However, once they’ve interpreted what each symbol means, I think most home baristas will get the hang of this interface pretty quickly.
Oh, and if you’re wondering, the coffee bean button does not correlate to the grinder. That’s a little unusual, but I suppose there’s no universal language for espresso machine symbols. Or, if there is, I’m certainly not fluent.
Instead, the coffee bean button is for programming the strength of your espresso or coffee.You’ve got three intensity levels to pick from, so there’s limited variation.
You’ve also got buttons for a small cup and large cup of coffee, as well as a programming mode button. Keep in mind that you can also tinker with strength and volume settings through the app. However, that’s a discussion for later on in my Jura E4 coffee maker review.
Of course, you’ve also got indicator lights for descaling, filter changes and cleaning. That’s a plus in my book – I can appreciate a coffee maker that takes the guesswork out of maintenance.
Grinder
Equipped with a 10 ounce (283 gram) bean hopper, it’s no surprise that the E4 is packing a hefty integrated grinder too. The grinder is one area where the E4 definitely surpasses the ENA 4.
Instead of an Aroma G3 grinder, the E4 is equipped with a Professional Aroma grinder. The idea is to preserve more of your espresso beans’ delicate flavors and aromas through consistently high grind quality.
As for grind settings, you’ve got some room to maneuver with the Professional Aroma Grinder. Just make sure you only make adjustments while the grinder is in use. Otherwise, you might find yourself in need of a replacement much sooner than you’d like.
While I’m on the subject of the Professional Aroma Grinder, I might as well mention the pre ground coffee bypass. I’d expect nothing less from an espresso machine in this price range, so I won’t give Jura a ton of points here. For anyone that wants the taste of coffee after the sun has gone down, the bypass doser is ideal for ground decaf coffee beans.
Pulse Extraction Process
If you’ve read some of my other Jura reviews, then Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.) is probably a familiar term. And if not, I’m about to give you an updated lesson on the latest coffee lingo!
Essentially, P.E.P. is all about maintaining maximum flavor during the extraction process. I’d consider it one of Jura’s signature moves at this point, considering it’s a staple on so many Jura coffee machines.
How does it work, you ask? It’s simple. During extraction, the machine soaks the coffee grounds with short bursts of water instead of with a constant flow. It may not seem like a big deal, but I suspect you’ll change your tune when you’re drinking more flavorful espresso.
Not to mention, P.E.P. is a default setting. There’s no need for you don’t need to program it in – the machine does the legwork for you.
Water Reservoir
So, maybe the Jura E4’s water reservoir isn’t as pretty as the crystal water tank on the ENA 4, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less functional. In fact, it’s nearly double the size at 64 ounces (1.9 liters). Plus, the E4 tank isn’t sticking out the side of the machine like a sore thumb!
Jura E4 Filter
If you want my opinion, any espresso machine that costs more than triple digits should come with a water filter. Granted, nobody has asked my opinion on the topic, but this is my Jura E4 Coffee Maker review, so I’m telling you anyway.
Fortunately, Jura seems to agree, since the E4 comes with an included water filter. Not only do you get filtered water, it also means less frequent cleaning cycles. Not having to descale your espresso machine as often? I’m pretty sure most home baristas can unite in agreement on that being a positive.
Spout Height
As you’d expect, the E4’s coffee and hot water dispensing spout is fully adjustable. With that said, you aren’t going to be brewing into taller travel mugs. Unfortunately, the maximum spout height is a measly 4.4 inches (11.1 centimeters).
Still, espresso lovers won’t care a bit – you can move the spout down to 2.6 inches (6.5 centimeters). That means you’ll be able to preserve the rich crema that the P.E.P. brewing technology produces.
Specialty Coffees
Saying you can prepare specialty coffees with the Jura E4 is a bit of a stretch. There’s no preprogrammed cortado, americano or latte to be found. So, when Jura says you can make five black specialty coffee options with this machine, they really mean that you get to pick between single or double shots when you brew.
You can also choose between one or two cups of coffee as well as regular hot water … and that’s it! Those are your “specialty” coffee options. I’d argue these are specialty drink options in the same way that minivans are sports cars.
So, if specialty drinks or recipes are a big consideration, I’d turn away now. You’ll find plenty of automatic espresso machines with pre programmed drink recipes, but the Jura E4 coffee machine is not one of them.
If anything, I’d say this is an espresso machine for home baristas that don’t want the specialty options. If you could go the rest of your life without craving a latte or flat white, this might be the Jura coffee maker for you.
Pro tip: If you connect the E4 to the Jura app on your smartphone, you’ll be able to access two additional specialty coffees – the lungo Barista and caffè Barista.
App and WiFi Connectivity
If the symbol display on the user interface looks like hieroglyphics, you can always adjust settings through Jura’s J.O.E. app.
Now, here’s where things get a little dicey. Despite advertising WiFi connectivity as an “optional” feature, you can only find the additional drink recipes through the app. It’s also easier to program volume and strength settings as well as use the shutoff feature.
Maybe that seems optional to Jura … or at least optional enough to make the WiFi Connect a separate purchase. Am I crazy for thinking that an espresso machine costing over $1,000 should at least come with everything it promises – optional or otherwise?
Still, perhaps this is the trade-off since you won’t need to invest in an espresso tamper or a coffee scale.
Warranty
Let’s face it, a limited safety net is better than no safety net. That’s why you won’t find me complaining about the two year limited warranty that comes with this Jura machine.
It’s unlikely you’ll have to take advantage of the warranty. Still, if you’re unlucky enough to experience a manufacturer defect, Jura has you covered.
How to Use the Jura E4 Coffee Maker
You didn’t think I’d end my Jura E4 Coffee Maker review without telling you how to use this machine, did you? Once you can translate the symbol display, the Jura E4 is easier to use than it may seem.
Of course, setting up the coffee machine is the most time-consuming part. You’ll need to install the water filter and deal with setting the water hardness level. I’ll leave the details for the user manual to explain.
If that seems tedious, the extra work will pay off in the long run. You can use the included test strip to determine water hardness, which will affect the frequency of descaling cycles.
Once you’ve programmed that in, it’s all a breeze. You can add water to the reservoir and fill up the large hopper with fresh coffee beans.
If you’ve got your own personal aroma preferences, now is a good time to let the machine know. You can adjust intensity levels with the coffee bean button on the front panel, and the E4 will remember your selection for next time.
After you’ve set your preferences, it’s time to brew. Making black coffee specialties is as simple as pressing the right button on the front panel. Oh, and make sure you’ve got an espresso cup under the coffee spout first! Within seconds, you should have a finished coffee ready to enjoy!
Best Coffee for the Jura E4
Coffeeness Signature Espresso Blend
High-quality beans through direct trade
Notes of Chocolate & Hazelnut
Easy on the stomach
Freshly roasted right in Brooklyn
Medium roast
After 10 years reviewing super automatics and espresso machines, and over 15 years reviewing coffee beans, we’re proud to offer our own Coffeeness Espresso Blend. Comprising ethically farmed and sourced coffee beans, our Espresso Blend is expertly roasted in small batches to guarantee freshness.
This premium blend of direct trade Brazilian coffee beans produces rich, bold and complex espresso that’s ideal straight or paired with milk. Featuring notes of chocolate and hazelnut, our Espresso Blend is particularly low in acidity, making it easy on the stomach.
Here’s how we recommend setting up your Jura E4 for the perfect cup of coffee:
Grind setting: Finest level
Attention: Only adjust when the grinder is running!
Espresso volume: 1.4 ounces (40 milliliters)
Coffee volume: 4 ounces (120 milliliters)
Temperature: Not adjustable
Coffee strength: 2-3
Jura E4 Cleaning
One of my favorite parts about owning a super automatic? These espresso machines are vocal about when it’s time for cleaning and descaling. You just need to listen to the machine. Or, in this case, wait for the flashing red light to warn you about cleaning cycles.
While water hardness can play a role in the frequency of cleaning cycles, the E4 still has its own schedule. After the machine prepares 180 coffees, you should see the red descaling notification pop up on the front panel.
Fortunately, the cleaning cycle doesn’t require a lot of elbow grease, and it only takes twenty minutes from start to finish. With that said, you’ll need to get hold of some Jura descaling tablets first.
Descaling the machine isn’t the only maintenance you’ll need to keep up with. The E4 will also prompt you to empty the drip tray when it gets too full.
You won’t get any notifications when it’s time to wipe down the bean hopper or the water tank, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. Remember – the biggest enemies of great espresso are limescale deposits and coffee oil build up.
Fortunately, the regular maintenance I’ve mentioned in my Jura E4 Coffee Maker review is all you need to keep these foes at bay!
Jura E4 Automatic Coffee Machine Specifications
Jura E4 | |
Manufacturer | Jura |
---|---|
Model number | 15466 |
Product category | Super automatic espresso machine |
Removable brew group | |
Housing material | Plastic with stainless steel parts |
Color options | Piano Black, Piano White |
Milk frother | None |
User interface | Color TFT with buttons |
App | |
User profiles | Memo function only |
Removable water reservoir | |
Water reservoir capacity | 64.2 fl oz / 1.9 l |
Number of boilers | 1 |
Pump pressure | 15 bar |
Maximum cup height | 4.4 in / 11.2 cm |
Minimum cup height | 2.6 in / 6.6 cm |
Grinder | Ceramic conical burr grinder |
Grind adjustment levels | Infinitely variable |
Bean hopper capacity | 10.2 oz / 290.0 g |
Pre-ground coffee bypass | |
Grounds discard container capacity | 16 |
Specialty drinks | 2 |
Pre-infusion | |
Adjustable coffee temperature | |
Adjustable milk foam temperature | |
Adjustable milk temperature | |
2-cup function | Yes (non-milk drinks only) |
Pot function | |
Hot water function | |
Hot milk function | |
Milk foam only option | |
Water filter | |
Power consumption | 1450 W |
Weight | 22.0 lb / 10.0 kg |
Dimensions | 13.8 x 11.0 x 17.6 in |
Warranty | 2 years |
Notes | Included Accessories: Instruction manual. App compatible with WiFi Connect (sold separately). |
Current price on Amazon | $1,299.00 |
All specifications |
Jura E4 vs Other Super Automatics
I’ve covered the big stuff in my Jura E4 Coffee Maker review, but now it’s time to see how it measures up to the competition.
Jura E4 vs Jura ENA 4
I’ve already mentioned some of the differences between these two in my Jura E4 Coffee Maker review, but I’m not done yet. The Jura ENA 4 Coffee Maker may be more compact, but it’s missing the impressive eighth generation brewing unit installed in the E4.
The bean hopper on the ENA 4 is also smaller, and you’ll only get four specialty coffee options. Ultimately, the biggest advantage of the ENA 4 is its compact size. It’s still got a lot of the same base features as the E4, but it’s wrapped in a smaller package. Plus, it’s a little easier on your wallet at $979.00.
So, if you’re short on space and you’d like to save a few bucks, there aren’t a lot of reasons not to stick with the ENA 4.
See Also: Jura ENA 4 Review
Jura E4 vs DeLonghi Dinamica Plus
Well, here’s one thing I can say about the DeLonghi Dinamica Plus that I can’t say about the Jura E4: it’s a hit with Brad Pitt. Seriously, the guy was a brand ambassador for this super automatic, which you can find more about in my Dinamica Plus review.
Now, you’ll have to decide whether Brad Pitt’s opinion is worth $1,053.00, but I’ll still give you my thoughts. Really, the biggest difference between these two is the automatic milk frothing system on the Dinamica Plus. Plus, it comes with 16 specialty drink recipes, including lattes and cappuccinos.
It’s a far cry from the four black coffee specialty recipes you get with the E4. So, unless you’re a black coffee fanatic, I’d recommend upgrading to the Dinamica Plus or its predecessor, the Dinamica. It’s a steeper investment, but if you can afford the E4, this one won’t break the bank.
See Also: DeLonghi Dinamica Plus Review
Jura E4 vs Other Super Automatics Comparison Chart
Jura E4 | Jura ENA 4 | DeLonghi Dinamica Plus | |
Manufacturer | Jura | Jura | De’Longhi |
Model number | 15466 | 15374/15351 | ECAM37095TI |
Product category | Super automatic espresso machine | Super automatic espresso machine | Super automatic espresso machine |
Removable brew group | |||
Housing material | Plastic with stainless steel parts | Plastic with stainless steel parts | Plastic with stainless steel parts |
Color options | Piano Black, Piano White | Metropolitan Black, Nordic White | Titanium |
Milk frother | None | None | Integrated carafe |
User interface | Color TFT with buttons | Color TFT with buttons | Touchscreen |
App | |||
User profiles | Memo function only | Memo function only | 3 |
Removable water reservoir | |||
Water reservoir capacity | 64.2 fl oz / 1.9 l | 37.2 fl oz / 1.1 l | 60.9 fl oz / 1.8 l |
Number of boilers | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Pump pressure | 15 bar | 15 bar | 19 bar |
Maximum cup height | 4.4 in / 11.2 cm | 4.1 in / 10.4 cm | 5.5 in / 14.0 cm |
Minimum cup height | 2.6 in / 6.6 cm | 3.0 in / 7.6 cm | 3.5 in / 8.9 cm |
Grinder | Ceramic conical burr grinder | Stainless steel conical burr grinder | Stainless steel conical burr grinder |
Grind adjustment levels | Infinitely variable | Infinitely variable | 13 |
Bean hopper capacity | 10.2 oz / 290.0 g | 4.2 oz / 120.0 g | 10.6 oz / 300.0 g |
Pre-ground coffee bypass | |||
Grounds discard container capacity | 16 | 10 | 14 |
Specialty drinks | 2 | 2 | 16 |
Pre-infusion | |||
Adjustable coffee temperature | |||
Adjustable milk foam temperature | |||
Adjustable milk temperature | |||
2-cup function | Yes (non-milk drinks only) | Yes (non-milk drinks only) | Yes (non-milk drinks only) |
Pot function | |||
Hot water function | |||
Hot milk function | |||
Milk foam only option | |||
Water filter | |||
Power consumption | 1450 W | 1450 W | 1250 W |
Weight | 22.0 lb / 10.0 kg | 21.0 lb / 9.5 kg | 21.0 lb / 9.5 kg |
Dimensions | 13.8 x 11.0 x 17.6 in | 12.7 x 10.7 x 17.5 in | 13.7 x 9.3 x 16.8 in |
Warranty | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
Notes | Included Accessories: Instruction manual. App compatible with WiFi Connect (sold separately). | Included Accessories: Instruction Booklet. App connectivity with optional Jura Smart Connect (not included). | Included Accessories: Carbon active filter, measuring scoop, hardness test, cleaning brush, descaling solution, removable water spout, milk jug. TrueBrew Over Ice technology. |
Current price on Amazon | $1,299.00 | $979.00 | $1,053.00 |
Jura E4 | Jura ENA 4 | DeLonghi Dinamica Plus | |
Manufacturer | Jura | Jura | De’Longhi |
Model number | 15466 | 15374/15351 | ECAM37095TI |
Product category | Super automatic espresso machine | Super automatic espresso machine | Super automatic espresso machine |
Removable brew group | |||
Housing material | Plastic with stainless steel parts | Plastic with stainless steel parts | Plastic with stainless steel parts |
Color options | Piano Black, Piano White | Metropolitan Black, Nordic White | Titanium |
Milk frother | None | None | Integrated carafe |
User interface | Color TFT with buttons | Color TFT with buttons | Touchscreen |
App | |||
User profiles | Memo function only | Memo function only | 3 |
Removable water reservoir | |||
Water reservoir capacity | 64.2 fl oz / 1.9 l | 37.2 fl oz / 1.1 l | 60.9 fl oz / 1.8 l |
Number of boilers | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Pump pressure | 15 bar | 15 bar | 19 bar |
Maximum cup height | 4.4 in / 11.2 cm | 4.1 in / 10.4 cm | 5.5 in / 14.0 cm |
Minimum cup height | 2.6 in / 6.6 cm | 3.0 in / 7.6 cm | 3.5 in / 8.9 cm |
Grinder | Ceramic conical burr grinder | Stainless steel conical burr grinder | Stainless steel conical burr grinder |
Grind adjustment levels | Infinitely variable | Infinitely variable | 13 |
Bean hopper capacity | 10.2 oz / 290.0 g | 4.2 oz / 120.0 g | 10.6 oz / 300.0 g |
Pre-ground coffee bypass | |||
Grounds discard container capacity | 16 | 10 | 14 |
Specialty drinks | 2 | 2 | 16 |
Pre-infusion | |||
Adjustable coffee temperature | |||
Adjustable milk foam temperature | |||
Adjustable milk temperature | |||
2-cup function | Yes (non-milk drinks only) | Yes (non-milk drinks only) | Yes (non-milk drinks only) |
Pot function | |||
Hot water function | |||
Hot milk function | |||
Milk foam only option | |||
Water filter | |||
Power consumption | 1450 W | 1450 W | 1250 W |
Weight | 22.0 lb / 10.0 kg | 21.0 lb / 9.5 kg | 21.0 lb / 9.5 kg |
Dimensions | 13.8 x 11.0 x 17.6 in | 12.7 x 10.7 x 17.5 in | 13.7 x 9.3 x 16.8 in |
Warranty | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
Notes | Included Accessories: Instruction manual. App compatible with WiFi Connect (sold separately). | Included Accessories: Instruction Booklet. App connectivity with optional Jura Smart Connect (not included). | Included Accessories: Carbon active filter, measuring scoop, hardness test, cleaning brush, descaling solution, removable water spout, milk jug. TrueBrew Over Ice technology. |
Current price on Amazon | $1,299.00 | $979.00 | $1,053.00 |
Verdict: Jura E4 Coffee Maker
For Coffee & Espresso
Jura E4
Ideal for coffee purists
Sleek design
Awesome grinder
Makes great coffee
Large water reservoir
No milk system
Rather expensive
Some espresso machines are versatile enough to work for anyone, but I wouldn’t consider the Jura E4 coffee machine to be one of them. If my Jura E4 Coffee Maker review has proved anything, it’s that this machine is made for a specific type of home barista. If your dreams involve mountains of pillowy milk foam, this may not be the coffee machine for you.
However, if you regularly forget about the existence of milk based espresso drinks, the Jura E4 might be the right fit. It’s not the cheapest fully automatic around, but with an impressive brewing unit, sophisticated grinder and more, it’s capable of making great espresso.
That’s it for my Jura E4 Coffee maker review. Have any of you given up on a milk frother and gone with this sleek, modern beauty? Tell me all about it in the comments section!
Jura E4 Coffee Maker FAQ
The Jura E4 is designed in Switzerland but produced in Portugal.
As long as you download the Jura app on your Apple Watch, you’ll be able to brew coffee without picking up your smartphone.
You can use basic voice commands to control the Jura E4 with Siri.
You can use the buttons on the front of the machine to brew one or two cups of regular brewed coffee.
No, you cannot make cappuccino with the Jura E4 since it’s incapable of steaming milk.