Jura J8 Review: Worth Waiting For?

Hi! My name is Arne. Having spent years working as a barista I'm now on a mission to bring more good coffee to the people. To that end, my team and I provide you with a broad knowledge base on the subject of coffee.

Our review process | Our team

In today's Jura J8 review, I'll be looking at one of the Swiss manufacturer's latest releases. In fact, the Jura J8 has only just been released in North America.

Jura J8

In today’s Jura J8 review, I’ll be looking at one of the Swiss manufacturer’s latest releases. In fact, the Jura J8 has only just been released in North America.

Still, I managed to get hold of one to test out and, I have to say, I had a lot of fun playing with it. In fact, I feel like a lot of my North American readers will feel like the J8 was worth waiting for!

So, without further ado, let’s get started with my Jura J8 review!

For syrup fans

Jura J8

Sweet milk foam at the touch of a button? Yes you can

Very aromatic espresso & coffee

First-class milk foam (even for Flat White)

Smart user guidance features

Pleasantly quiet preparation

Syrup function pushes price up unnecessarily

Somewhat confusing scaling for grind levels

Jura J8 Overview

Life as a manufacturer of super automatic espresso machines is pretty difficult. There’s constant pressure to come up with something new to get customers to buy your latest coffee machine. Even when nothing revolutionary is happening in terms of quality or drink preparation.

Jura has never been shy in this regard. A prime example is the Jura Z10, which arrived with a totally hyped-up cold brew function. Still, with the Jura J8, the Swiss manufacturer is really upping the innovation ante.

Thanks to a clip-on syrup cartridge that attaches to the milk foam system, you can now prepare a flavored cappuccino or flat white. Who needs this Sweet Foam function? Absolutely nobody. Who wants it? I’d say quite a lot of folks.

Either way, the Jura J8 isn’t just a pricey new vanilla latte machine. There’s a lot more going on, including an improved grinder, a wonderful color touchscreen display and something called Coffee Eye. If that last part sounds a little ominous, don’t worry – there’s no Lord of the Rings dark lord vibes going on. It’s just an intelligent cup sensor.

As for looks and build quality, most of you will know what to expect from a Jura coffee machine. The J8 is as sleek, streamlined and classy as any Jura machine. Plus, thoughtful touches like subtle cup illumination elevate your coffee experience. Ultimately, these guys really know what they’re doing when it comes to designing a stunning appliance.

Incidentally, I should probably point out that the Jura J8 is far from a budget coffee machine. In fact, this baby will set you back a whopping $2,999.00.

Jura J8 Features

Arne with the Jura J8 Coffee Machine.

This brand-new Jura coffee machine is packed with features worth discussing in detail. Let’s continue my Jura J8 review by taking a closer look at what we’re dealing with.

Sweet Foam Function

The J8 Coffee Machine sweet foam function.

Seeing as it’s the most hyped feature, let’s cut right to the chase and talk about the Sweet Foam function. The Jura J8 comes with a little cartridge that you can fill with the flavored syrup of your choice. You then click the cartridge onto the milk foam dispenser and select one of the Sweet Foam drinks from the menu.

The advantage of this system is that sweetness runs evenly through the milk foam and you won’t have to stir. That’s all well and good, but flavored syrup is for people who don’t like the taste of coffee. The rest of us are wondering why we’d mess up a beautifully crafted latte macchiato with sweet foam.

I’d say Jura is taking a gamble here – the J8 will either quickly become obsolete or prove a major hit with consumers. We’ll just have to wait and see!

Colors

Even though Jura uses subtle shades to enhance its gorgeous coffee machines, the manufacturer has a habit of employing ridiculous names to describe them. Anyway, the Jura J8 is currently available in three colors:

  • Piano Black

  • Piano White

  • Midnight Silver

All these colors sound very esoteric and sophisticated. I just wonder what differentiates Midnight Silver from Moonlight Silver, which is a color choice for the Jura S8. I guess that’ll remain one of the great unsolved mysteries of my lifetime!

User Interface

The Jura J8 Coffee Machine user interface.

I feel like I can always rely on Jura to deliver an impressive user interface. The J8 features a striking 4.3 inch (10.9 centimeter) touchscreen display with beautiful color drink icons.

As with other Jura machines, the user interface is remarkably easy to navigate, so the J8 passes the “no user manual needed” test with flying colors. Still, I felt like the touchscreen wasn’t quite as responsive as I’d like, and I had to press quite firmly from time to time.

Grinder and Bean Hopper

The Jura J8 Coffee Machine bean hopper.

The Jura J8’s Professional Aroma Grinder 2+ (P.A.G.2+) is another of the machine’s standout features. According to Jura, the grinder features sound design “inspired by Formula 1 technology.” Whatever that means. 

More importantly, the P.A.G.2+ grinder is super efficient and actually fairly quiet in operation. There’s also an aroma control function, which actively monitors the grind consistency and offers advice on when to adjust the grind. Speaking of adjusting the grind, you can do that via a dial on top of the machine.

The Jura J8 features a 10 ounce (280 gram) bean hopper with an aroma preservation cover. That means your beans will be kept safe in an airtight environment. Still, I always recommend storing your beans in a coffee canister to keep them fresh for longer.

Water Reservoir

Thanks to its 64 ounce (1.9 liter) capacity, you aren’t going to have to fill up the J8’s water tank on a regular basis. Located at the rear of the machine, the water reservoir has a convenient handle, making it easy to pull out and fill. 

Plus, the J8 is equipped with Jura’s Intelligent Water System (I.W.S.), which automatically detects the CLARIS Smart Water Filter and let’s you know when it needs to be changed. Using the water filter is optional, but I’d highly recommend it. Not only will your coffee taste better, you’ll hardly ever have to descale your machine.

Cup Height

Jura J8 spout height.

Both the coffee and the milk system spouts on the Jura J8 are height adjustable, which I’d expect to see. What’s pretty special here is the fact that the coffee spout is also width adjustable. That could be a real bonus if you’re making two drinks at the same time.

While the coffee spout offers a maximum height of 4.4 inches (11.1 centimeters), what’s more important is that you can lower it to 2.6 inches (5.5 centimeters). That means you’ll be able to preserve the crema when you’re brewing into espresso cups

As for the milk system spouts, you’ll get a maximum height of 6 inches (15.3 centimeters), so brewing into a travel mug shouldn’t be a problem.

Coffee Eye

Jura J8 Coffee Eye technology.

As unfriendly and invasive as Coffee Eye sounds, this intelligent cup sensor is pretty great. I mean, I’ll admit that I’ve messed up before and put my cup in the wrong place, resulting in an embarrassing amount of cleanup! 

The Coffee Eye elegantly solves this problem by sensing where you’ve put your cup. So, if it’s under the coffee and hot water dispenser, only black coffee and water drinks will be displayed. That way you won’t accidentally get a countertop cappuccino!

By the way, if you’d rather be in control of your own destiny, you can turn the Coffee Eye sensor off. Good luck with that!

Specialty Drinks

If you’re already familiar with fully automatic coffee machines, you’ll know manufacturers like to wow us with as many specialty drinks as possible. With that in mind, I wasn’t surprised in the least to see 31 drinks on the Jura J8 menu. 

Of course, many of these are simply repeat offerings with double shots or sweet syrup. Still, what’s more important is that you can adjust settings to really dial in your favorite drink. You can adjust volume, temperature and grind size as well as strength in 10 levels, then save your settings. 

Best of all, the J8 showcases Jura’s Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P) brewing technology. Although I may not understand exactly how it works, what I do know is that P.E.P. results in marvelous espresso with thick, aromatic crema. When paired with Jura’s legendary milk foam, coffee from the J8 can be about as good as it gets!

App

The Jura J8 Coffee Machine app.

I was pleased to see that the J8 comes with Jura’s WiFi Connect transmitter. You simply plug the thing into a slot on top of the machine and connect to your home network. I’m not always a fan of coffee maker apps, but I have to say Jura’s J.O.E. app is pretty awesome

You’re able to adjust settings, prepare drinks and monitor the machine’s status from the comfort of your couch, if that’s your thing. I just wish Jura had chosen a less cringe-worthy name! 

Incidentally, you can also use the J.O.E. app with Apple Watch. What could be better than impressing your friends by preparing coffee with a tap of your wrist?!

How to Use the Jura J8

How to yse the Jura J8 coffee machine.

As I mentioned earlier in my Jura J8 review, operating the machine won’t require you to spend hours with the user manual. Seriously, Jura has perfected its user interface to the point where getting started is about as easy as it gets. 

First things first. You’ll need to add coffee beans to the hopper and then plug in the machine. From there, the J8 will guide you through the steps for installing the water filter and setting your water hardness. 

Once you’ve filled the reservoir with cold water, you’re ready to go! Depending on where you place your cup, the Coffee Eye will do its thing and the menu will display available drinks. 

After that, you can press a drink icon for a couple of seconds to access Product Settings, where you can adjust parameters like strength, volume and temperature. Once you’re satisfied, you’re able to save the settings for next time.

Best Coffee for the Jura J8

Coffee for Fully Automatic Espresso Machines

Coffeeness Signature Espresso Blend

Perfectly suited for your Super Automatic Espresso Machine

Notes of Chocolate & Hazelnut

Easy on the stomach

Freshly roasted right in Brooklyn

Medium roast

Discover now

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 J8 for the perfect cup of coffee:

  • Grind setting: Rather fine

  • Attention: Only adjust when the grinder is running!

  • Espresso volume: 1.4 ounces (40 milliliters)

  • Coffee volume: 4 ounces (120 milliliters)

  • Temperature: Maximum for espresso, lower for coffee

  • Coffee strength: Adjust to taste

Jura J8 Milk Foam

Jura J8 making normal milk foam.
Jura J8 pink milk foam close.

The Jura J8 offers a wide selection of milk-based specialties, including cappuccino, latte macchiato and cortado coffee. Of course, there are also syrupy versions that can be made using the Sweet Foam attachment. 

In my experience, Jura coffee makers produce sublime milk foam, and the J8 is no exception. However, the manufacturer still hasn’t started including a complimentary milk flask with its machines. I mean, for the price you’re paying, I feel like that’s the least Jura could do! 

Anyway, the Jura J8’s fine foam frother is easy to set up. You just connect one end of the milk hose to the spout and put the other end in a container with milk. What’s great is that the milk dispensing spout also has a coffee outlet, so you can make one-touch specialty drinks without having to move your glass.

One thing to bear in mind is that Jura insists on using a time-based system for measuring milk volume. So, it might take a little trial and error before you find the ideal settings for your dream latte. Still, I felt like the milk froth from the Jura J8 was delivered at the ideal temperature, so we’ll call that a win!

Jura J8 Cleaning

Jura J8 coffee pucks.

While cleaning and descaling a super automatic machine involves more work than for a drip coffee maker, Jura always makes it pretty easy on you. I have to say that the J8’s automatic cleaning functions do a great job of keeping things spick and span. Still, you will have to take care of a few things to keep your Jura J8 in tip-top condition. 

For starters, empty and rinse the drip tray and used grounds collection container at the end of each day’s use. While you’re at it, disassemble the milk frother and rinse all the parts under warm water. 

As for deep cleaning, the Jura J8 will let you know when to perform the necessary tasks via messages on the display. Seeing as the brew group can’t be removed, you’ll need to use Jura cleaning tablets to flush the coffee circuit. 

The manufacturer claims that you won’t need to descale the machine if you have a water filter installed. Still, I’d take that with a grain of salt and use Jura descaling tablets once every three months or so. After all, you’re better safe than sorry!

Jura J8 Specifications

Jura J8
Manufacturer

Jura

Model number

15457/15471/15460

Product category

Super automatic espresso machine

Removable brew group

Housing material

Plastic with stainless steel parts

Color options

Midnight Silver, Piano Black, Piano White

Milk frother

Cappuccinatore

User interface

Touchscreen

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

2.0 in / 5.1 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

26

Pre-infusion

Adjustable coffee temperature

Adjustable milk foam temperature

Adjustable milk temperature

2-cup function

Yes

Pot function

Hot water function

Hot milk function

Milk foam only option

Water filter

Power consumption

1450 W

Weight

22.7 lb / 10.3 kg

Dimensions

13.7 x 12.5 x 17.5 in
34.8 x 31.8 x 44.5 cm

Warranty

2 years

Notes

Included Accessories: Milk system cleaning container, Ground coffee scoop, Syrup attachment, User manual.

Current price on Amazon

$2,999.00

All specifications

Jura J8 vs Other Super Automatics

Thus far, we’ve established that the Jura J8 has some innovative new features. However, is there enough to convince me that this machine is worth getting excited about? Let’s put things in perspective by taking a look at a couple of other Jura coffee makers. 

Jura J8 vs Jura S8

The Jura S8 is comparable in terms of features, so it’s no surprise the two machines are in the same price range.

Costing $2,443.84, the Jura S8 really impressed me during my review. I was particularly taken by its adjustable milk foam lever, which allows you to dial in microfoam in real-time. That said, if you’re willing to sacrifice a touchscreen, the Jura E8 costs a lot less and performs just as well.

See Also: Jura S8 Hands-On Review 2024

Jura J8 vs Jura ENA 8

If the whole idea of sweetened foam and cup sensors seems superfluous, the Jura ENA 8 might be right up your alley. Plus, with a $1,699.00 price tag, this attractive and compact machine represents great value. For a Jura, that is! 

Ultimately, the ENA 8 offers everything you’d expect from a Jura machine, including fantastic espresso and silky milk foam. There’s a powerful Aroma G3 grinder on board and a small touchscreen display. Plus, the ENA 8 just looks so cool!

See Also: Jura ENA 8 Hands-On Review 2024

Jura J8 vs Other Super Automatics Comparison Chart

Jura J8Jura S8Jura ENA 8 Coffee Maker
Manufacturer

Jura

Jura

Model number

15457/15471/15460

15212/15210/15358

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

Color options

Midnight Silver, Piano Black, Piano White

Chrome, Moonlight Silver, Piano Black

Milk frother

Cappuccinatore

Cappuccinatore

User interface

Touchscreen

Touchscreen

App

User profiles

Memo function only

Memo function only

Removable water reservoir

Water reservoir capacity

64.2 fl oz / 1.9 l

64.2 fl oz / 1.9 l

Number of boilers

1

1

Pump pressure

15 bar

15 bar

Maximum cup height

4.4 in / 11.2 cm

4.6 in / 11.7 cm

Minimum cup height

2.0 in / 5.1 cm

2.8 in / 7.1 cm

Grinder

Ceramic conical burr grinder

Stainless steel conical burr grinder

Grind adjustment levels

Infinitely variable

Infinitely variable

Bean hopper capacity

10.2 oz / 290.0 g

10.2 oz / 290.0 g

Pre-ground coffee bypass

Grounds discard container capacity

16

16

0

Specialty drinks

26

8

0

Pre-infusion

Adjustable coffee temperature

Adjustable milk foam temperature

Adjustable milk temperature

2-cup function

Yes

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

Weight

22.7 lb / 10.3 kg

22.0 lb / 10.0 kg

Dimensions

13.7 x 12.5 x 17.5 in
34.8 x 31.8 x 44.5 cm

13.8 x 11.0 x 17.3 in
35.1 x 27.9 x 43.9 cm

Warranty

2 years

2 years

Notes

Included Accessories: Milk system cleaning container, Ground coffee scoop, Syrup attachment, User manual.

Included Accessories: Instruction booklet, Container for milk system cleaning, Measuring spoon, Hot water nozzle. App connectivity with optional Jura Smart Connect (not included).

Current price on Amazon

$2,999.00

$2,443.84

$1,779.95

Jura J8Jura S8Jura ENA 8 Coffee Maker
Manufacturer

Jura

Jura

Model number

15457/15471/15460

15212/15210/15358

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

Color options

Midnight Silver, Piano Black, Piano White

Chrome, Moonlight Silver, Piano Black

Milk frother

Cappuccinatore

Cappuccinatore

User interface

Touchscreen

Touchscreen

App

User profiles

Memo function only

Memo function only

Removable water reservoir

Water reservoir capacity

64.2 fl oz / 1.9 l

64.2 fl oz / 1.9 l

Number of boilers

1

1

Pump pressure

15 bar

15 bar

Maximum cup height

4.4 in / 11.2 cm

4.6 in / 11.7 cm

Minimum cup height

2.0 in / 5.1 cm

2.8 in / 7.1 cm

Grinder

Ceramic conical burr grinder

Stainless steel conical burr grinder

Grind adjustment levels

Infinitely variable

Infinitely variable

Bean hopper capacity

10.2 oz / 290.0 g

10.2 oz / 290.0 g

Pre-ground coffee bypass

Grounds discard container capacity

16

16

0

Specialty drinks

26

8

0

Pre-infusion

Adjustable coffee temperature

Adjustable milk foam temperature

Adjustable milk temperature

2-cup function

Yes

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

Weight

22.7 lb / 10.3 kg

22.0 lb / 10.0 kg

Dimensions

13.7 x 12.5 x 17.5 in
34.8 x 31.8 x 44.5 cm

13.8 x 11.0 x 17.3 in
35.1 x 27.9 x 43.9 cm

Warranty

2 years

2 years

Notes

Included Accessories: Milk system cleaning container, Ground coffee scoop, Syrup attachment, User manual.

Included Accessories: Instruction booklet, Container for milk system cleaning, Measuring spoon, Hot water nozzle. App connectivity with optional Jura Smart Connect (not included).

Current price on Amazon

$2,999.00

$2,443.84

$1,779.95

Verdict: Jura J8 Review

For syrup fans

Jura J8

Sweet milk foam at the touch of a button? Yes you can

Very aromatic espresso & coffee

First-class milk foam (even for Flat White)

Smart user guidance features

Pleasantly quiet preparation

Syrup function pushes price up unnecessarily

Somewhat confusing scaling for grind levels

Before I knew how much this machine would cost in North America, it was difficult to establish whether or not it would represent good value for money. I have to say I’m quite relieved to see it priced quite competitively.

At the end of the day, this is a fantastic Jura machine with a quiet and efficient grinder, an intuitive user interface and a high-end milk system. Everything else is pretty unnecessary. Is the Sweet Foam function nice to have? Sure, why not. Does the Coffee Eye make my life better? Maybe just a wee bit.

I’m fairly sure my Jura J8 review will have persuaded some of you to buy this machine. As for the rest of you, you’ll just have to keep adding syrup to your glass before preparing a drink. I know it’s hard, but you can do it!

That’s it for my Jura J8 review. Have any of you bought this machine? was the Jura J8 worth waiting for? I look forward to hearing what you think in the comments section!

Jura J8 FAQ

If you take good care of your Jura coffee machine, it should last at least 10 years.

The Jura app can be used with Apple Watch to save three drink recipes.

You can assign Siri shortcuts to your saved coffee specialties. Then, prepare drinks with your Jura J8 using voice commands.

Jura sources some parts from China and Malaysia and then assembles its machines in Switzerland.

Jura is a good brand, known for producing high-quality coffee makers.

Coffeeness US Community Updates
Stay informed about the latest test reports, blog posts and products on Coffeeness.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Your coffee expert
Team Image
Arne Preuss

Hi! My name is Arne. Having spent years working as a barista I'm now on a mission to bring more good coffee to the people. To that end, my team and I provide you with a broad knowledge base on the subject of coffee.

More about Arne Preuss

Hi! My name is Arne. Having spent years working as a barista I'm now on a mission to bring more good coffee to the people. To that end, my team and I provide you with a broad knowledge base on the subject of coffee.

More about Arne Preuss

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

16 Comments
Newest
Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Table of Contents