Jura ENA 8 Review: Look at That Milk Foam!

Lately, I’ve found myself reflecting on all the Jura coffee makers I’ve overlooked. While I’ve been fawning over the Swiss manufacturer’s greatest hits, there are a few machines that have continued to fly under my radar.

That’s why I’ve decided to conduct an initial Jura ENA 8 review – I’m interested to see how it measures up to its high profile siblings. Who knows, maybe the ultimate Jura coffee maker has been hiding in plain sight all along!

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

	CHECK PRICE
	CHECK PRICE
	CHECK PRICE

Jura ENA 8 Coffee Machine Overview

The Jura ENA 8 first popped up on Coffeeness as part of my guide to the best Jura coffee makers. I talked up the machine’s space-saving design, but I wasn’t exactly blown away by its performance.

That’s probably because I was still pretty starstruck by the remarkable Jura Z10. However, on closer inspection, there’s a lot to like about this compact and attractive super automatic espresso machine.

For starters, the Jura ENA 8 offers 10 drinks at the touch of a button, with specialty espresso drinks utilizing the manufacturer’s revolutionary Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.) technology.

I really can’t say enough about how impressive P.E.P. is, although I imagine other super automatic manufacturers are sick of hearing about it. Suffice to say, Jura coffee makers with P.E.P. produce the most “espresso-like” espresso that I’ve experienced from an automatic machine.

Price – the Elephant in the Room

At this point, I should probably address the elephant that’s been fidgeting in the corner of the room, staring at its toes. The Jura ENA 8 in Full Nordic White costs $1,999.99 on Amazon.

Not even the evocative color choice can distract from the fact that this is a serious chunk of change for a super automatic coffee maker. What’s more, there are bigger and – potentially – better Jura machines that cost less.

Whether or not the Jura ENA 8 is worth your hard earned money isn’t for me to decide. However, I can tell you that you can expect high-quality materials, plenty of adjustable parameters and excellent espresso and milk foam. In my recent experience, all that is just par for the course with a Jura coffee maker.

With the Jura ENA 8, you’re also getting some features from the manufacturer’s more premium machines, including milk foam and coffee from the same assembly and a separate hot water spout. That means you’ll have authentic “one touch” lattes, americanos and more. You won’t have to move the cup even one inch. That’s got to be worth something, right?!

Jura ENA 8 Features

Let’s keep the ball rolling in this Jura ENA 8 review by looking at all the machine’s superb features.

Colors

Jura has never shied away from using understated colors, then dubbing them with ridiculous names. My theory is that they leave the whole color naming thing to the interns.

Anyway, aside from the aforementioned Full Nordic White ENA 8 for $1,999.99, you can purchase this Jura coffee machine with a silver face and different colors on the sides. There are three options:

Do note that these prices fluctuate drastically depending on availability.

Size and Design

As with all Jura coffee makers, you aren’t going to be asking yourself whether or not the Jura ENA 8 will look good in your kitchen. However, you might start fretting about your kitchen not looking good enough for the coffee maker!

No one could ever accuse the Swiss manufacturer of skimping in the design department – with its sleek, elegant looks and modern design, the Jura ENA 8 is a stunning machine.

Even so, I’m not entirely convinced by the protruding cylindrical water tank. The manufacturer is obviously very proud of this feature, talking it up as “inspired by premium crystal carafes.” Ah well, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I guess.

I already mentioned the Jura ENA 8’s compact dimensions, which just happen to be one of the machine’s major selling points. After all, not everyone has a palatial kitchen with space for a huge super automatic espresso machine.

I happen to love the limited dimensions of this Jura coffee maker. The small hopper encourages you to use fresh beans, the small water tank demands a regular supply of fresh water and you’ll need to empty the grounds bin every day. Win, win and win!

User Interface

The sophisticated design of this super automatic machine is heightened by its user interface. You might expect a touchscreen, but the Jura ENA 8 is actually equipped with a high definition TFT color display and clearly defined operating panels.

I don’t see this as a bad thing. Although we’re all addicted to prodding at screens, the ENA 8’s interface functions really well and eliminates the risk of smudges and stains.

The Jura ENA 8’s TFT color display is located front and center, offering an intuitive way to interact with the machine. Clearly defined operating panels sit at either side of the 2.8 inch (7.1 centimeter) screen.

The screen is on the small side, compared to other super automatics, but the information is clear and easy to understand. Jura has long since perfected its user interfaces, and the menu is super easy to navigate, allowing you to quickly adjust plenty of settings without the merest hint of a panic attack.

Aroma G3 Grinder

The Jura ENA 8 is equipped with an Aroma G3 grinder which is one of the best super automatic grinders I’ve had the pleasure of using. The Aroma G3 is fast, quiet and efficient, and produces really consistent ground coffee.

Changing the grind on the Jura ENA 8 is simply a case of adjusting the grind wheel that surrounds the bean hopper. Remember, though: only make changes to the grind settings when the grinder is running!

The bean hopper is accessed via an easily removable lid, which fits seamlessly to the top of the machine. It’s nice to see a freshness seal on the lid, but you won’t have to worry about stale beans in the Jura ENA 8 – the hopper only holds about a quarter pound of coffee.

That’s another positive, in my opinion. After all, it frees you up to experiment with a range of different beans without having to empty a large hopper, first.

Water Reservoir

Whether or not you enjoy the aesthetics of the Jura ENA 8’s cylindrical water reservoir, it’s an undeniably nifty piece of design work and fits seamlessly with the overall concept of the machine.

With a capacity of just 36.8 ounces (1 liter), this round water tank is on the smaller side. Still, it’s really easy to remove, so filling it with fresh water is a breeze.

Water Filter

Using clean, filtered water can be key to getting great tasting coffee, especially if your tap water is too hard or too soft. Although you can set the Jura ENA 8 to adjust itself to your water, you also have the option of using a CLEARYL Smart Mini Water Filter in the water reservoir.

This is a fantastic option to have, not only because you can brew coffee with filtered water, but also because it’ll reduce the frequency required to descale your Jura coffee maker.

Spout Height

Thanks to its elegant and efficient design, the Jura ENA 8 allows you to easily move the dispensing spout assembly up and down.

This means you’ll be able to fit a decent sized glass under the spout when preparing larger specialties, but it’s also important for espresso preparation. Moving the spout closer to the espresso cup means you’ll preserve that rich, luxurious crema when the machine makes espresso.

Specialty Coffees

I was actually surprised to see that the Jura ENA 8 offers a wide range of specialty coffee drinks. This coffee maker may be compact, but it packs quite a punch when it comes to barista style drinks. Thanks to Jura’s Pulse Extraction Process, the espresso from this machine is going to be pretty darn special.

What’s really cool is that you’re able to adjust settings for strength, temperature and volume “on the fly.” The machine then gives you the option to save any changes you’ve made.

As far as milk-based drinks go, you can select from cappuccino, latte, macchiato and flat white. Again, you’re able to easily access settings that allow you to adjust the amount of milk foam dispensed.

App

The machine isn’t fitted with WiFi Connect, so if you want to use the manufacturer’s app you’ll need to purchase the Smart Connect transmitter and plug it into the machine. The Jura Operating Experience (J.O.E.) has a terrible name, but it’s a really cool app.

You’re able to tweak settings, monitor water and bean levels and schedule cleaning tasks from your phone, as well as access useful information from Jura. The J.O.E. app is also available for the Apple Watch, which means you can operate the ENA 8 from the comfort of your own wrist!

If you like the idea of asking Siri to make you a quick coffee, the Jura app has you covered. You can assign Siri shortcuts to your favorite beverages, but you will have to get up off the couch and collect your espresso once it’s ready. At the time of writing, the J.O.E. app doesn’t offer delivery!

How to Use the Jura ENA 8 Coffee Machine

If you’re new to the world of super automatic espresso machines, you’d be forgiven for feeling a little intimidated by what seems like an incredibly complex piece of machinery. That’s why Jura coffee makers can be ideal for beginners – in my experience it’s really easy to start using a Jura machine without instructions.

That’s not to say there isn’t a lot going on under the hood, it’s just that the Jura ENA 8’s menu is very user friendly. You’ll find yourself making selections without having to think, and the machine helps you through every step of the process.

Before you start playing with your Jura super automatic espresso machine, you’ll need to add beans to the hopper and water to the removable tank. The Jura ENA 8 will ask you to set your water hardness before its first use, and the manufacturer even supplies test strips. If you’re using a CLEARYL Smart Filter, the machine will detect it automatically.

As I mentioned earlier, every time you make a beverage selection from the Jura menu, the machine offers you the option of changing settings on the fly. I love this feature because it frees you up to quickly experiment without digging through a menu.

That said, making more in-depth and permanent changes isn’t exactly rocket science. Once you’ve entered programming mode you can adjust the settings of all available drinks.

Best Coffee for the Jura ENA 8

We have developed a coffee blend for all super automatic espresso machines, including the Jura ENA 8. We tested espresso, black coffee and latte macchiato, all of which displayed tangy, chocolatey notes.

It all depends on the beans: if you put something good in at the top, something good will come out at the bottom!

Coffee for Fully Automatic Espresso Machines

Our famous coffee beans are finally available in the US!

Freshly roasted

Notes of Chocolate

Quick delivery

Low acidity

Get it on Amazon

Here are the ideal settings for our coffee with the Jura ENA 8:

• Grind setting: Second finest

• Attention: Only adjust when the grinder is running!

• Espresso volume: 1.4 ounces (40 milliliters)

• Coffee volume: 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

• Temperature: Factory setting

• Coffee strength: 4 for espresso, 2-3 for coffee

Jura ENA 8 Milk Foam

My reviews of Jura coffee makers always include a special mention for the milk foam quality you can get from these machines. If creamy, feather-light milk foam is your thing, you’ll be happy with the results you’ll get from the Jura ENA 8.

Setting up the milk system is easy: you simply connect the milk pipe to the dual spout, then place the other end in a milk container of your choice.

What’s important to know is that you can’t actually adjust the milk foam consistency – although you can choose from a flat white, cappuccino or latte macchiato, the milk foam is going to be the same across the board.

Still, you can adjust the volume of milk foam for each beverage, which gives you a lot of room to experiment. The Jura ENA 8 also passes the latte macchiato test; producing milk foam first, waiting for it to settle and then extracting espresso on top to create a multi-layered drink.

Jura ENA 8 Coffee Machine Cleaning

As with any super automatic machine, there’s a fair amount of daily maintenance involved in keeping the Jura ENA 8 in tip top condition.

I don’t want to freak you out, but there are just so many potential places for mold, bacteria and other nasties to take up residence in the machine that it really is worth going the extra mile.

The drip tray and grounds container should be emptied at least once a day, then rinsed with warm water. A little mild detergent won’t hurt, either. The same goes for the milk system. 

Even though the Jura ENA 8 auto-rinses the milk system after each use, you’ll still want to disassemble the whole thing and rinse it well at the end of the day. I’d also recommend replacing the milk hose every couple of months, or so.

My biggest gripe with Jura always used to be the fixed brew groups it insists on using. However, after having performed a year-long test on a Jura A1 then taking out the brew unit for inspection, I now fully trust the manufacturer. The thing was almost as good as new!

In any case, your Jura automatic espresso machine will let you know when the coffee system cleaning cycle needs to happen. Incidentally, you’ll need to use Jura cleaning tablets during this cycle.

If you aren’t using a water filter, you’ll need to descale the Jura ENA 8 every so often. Again, the machine will let you know when to perform this function, and will guide you through the process.

Personally, I recommend using the water filter. You’re pretty much guaranteed better tasting coffee and you won’t need to go through the hassle of a descaling program. Jura’s descaling tablets are what you’ll need for that.

Jura ENA 8 Coffee Maker Specifications

Jura ENA 8 vs Other Super Automatics

To get a better idea of what we’re dealing with here, let’s see how the Jura ENA 8 fares in comparison with a couple of other super automatics.

Jura ENA 8 vs Jura ENA 4

For coffee purists who turn their noses up at the mere mention of milk based specialties, the Jura ENA 4 is just the ticket. This coffee maker offers all the features of the ENA 8 with the glaring absence of a milk system.

Although you’ll pay much less for the Jura ENA 4 – it costs $999.00 on Amazon – I think you’re playing a dangerous game by purchasing such a limited machine.

Just picture the sad faces of friends or family members who ask for a latte from your fancy coffee maker, only to be told that black coffee is all that’s on the menu!

See Also: Jura ENA 4 Review 2024

Jura ENA 8 vs Jura E8

The Jura E8 has to be one of my favorite super automatics. In short, the Jura E8 offers everything you’d expect from the manufacturer, including top-notch espresso and world-class design features.

What really sets this machine apart is its milk system. Using a dial on the milk nozzle, you’re able to make micro adjustments to your foam, meaning you have total control over the texture of your espresso macchiato or flat white.

Of course, the Jura E8’s price tag is nothing to sniff at – you’ll pay $2,485.00 on Amazon for this machine.

See Also: Jura E8 Review 2024

Jura ENA 8 vs Others Comparison Chart

Verdict: Jura ENA 8 Coffee Machine

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

	CHECK PRICE
	CHECK PRICE
	CHECK PRICE

Jura coffee machines are expensive, and that’s just a fact of life. I know I said it wasn’t for me to decide whether or not the Jura ENA 8 is worth the investment, but having taken a closer look at this machine, I just have to weigh in. As long as you aren’t on a tight budget, I believe the Jura ENA 8 offers very good value for money.

This compact and stylish machine won’t take up much space in your kitchen, but the quality of its espresso and milk foam will make a big statement. I wouldn’t say this is the ultimate Jura coffee maker, but I’m having a hard time resisting the urge to break out my credit card and hit the Buy Now button!

Jura ENA 8 Coffee Machine FAQ