Jura J8 Twin Review: Do You Need Two Grinders?

In today’s Jura J8 Twin review I’ll be looking at one of the Swiss brand’s newer machines. As it happens, Jura is quite clever: Take popular features and functions of another fully automatic espresso machine and dice them into a “new” model that is actually not so new.

The Jura J8 Twin encapsulates this Frankenstein attitude perfectly: the syrup attachment of the Jura J8 meets the display and the dual grinders of the Jura GIGA 10, but doesn’t rely on a fully electronic system.

Ultimately, this sounds like either a completely superfluous coffee machine or a clever way to close the gap. You can find out which side I choose in my Jura J8 Twin review.

Overview: Jura J8 Twin Review

In terms of price and functionality, both the J8 and the Jura J8 Twin sit between the highly popular Jura S8 and the equally successful Jura Z10.

However, in terms of design, operating concept and user friendliness, the J8 Twin is based on the Jura GIGA 10 – the most high-end of the manufacturer’s home machines.

Comparisons like Jura J8 Twin vs Jura J8 and Jura J8 Twin vs Jura GIGA 10 only work up to a certain point. Because the J8 Twin fully automatic coffee machine cannot decide which class or generation it really wants to belong to.

As the name suggests, the P.A.G.3+ grinder is more “modern” than the P.A.G.2 version. This is not necessarily noticeable in terms of flavor, but in a clever additional feature. More on that a little later.

Apart from the J8 Twin’s double grinders and the three-window touchscreen display, the two J line fully automatic coffee machines share all the same features. The design language also remains practically the same.

So, to justify the J8 Twin’s $3,499.00 asking price, you’ll have to really need two grinders.

I guess if you regularly drink decaf coffee in the afternoon, you might feel like the price is worth it. I love caffeine, but I often get the jitters, especially during my coffee machine tests. That said, I’m often still in the mood for the taste of coffee. The J8 Twin offers a great solution for this.

Jura J8 Twin Features

Let’s continue my Jura J8 Twin review by taking a closer look at its most notable features.

Size and Design

Anyone familiar with Jura coffee machines knows what to expect in terms of looks. The Swiss manufacturer has really dialed in a unique design language, involving sleek lines and classy touches. Suffice to say, the Jura J8 Twin is going to be the star of your kitchen.

I’m a particular fan of the subtle lighting that illuminates your cup as the machine prepares a drink. Seriously, little touches like that really set premium Jura machines apart from the competition!

As far as I can tell, the Jura J8 Twin is only currently available in Diamond Black. Still, I wouldn’t be surprised to see more interesting colors showing up soon. Anyway, a black espresso machine is going to look good in any kitchen, so that’s no big deal.

User Interface

The Jura J8 Twin has a huge color touchscreen display that looks very impressive at first.

However, I’m just not a fan of the Panorama Coffee Panel display. The three split screens provide very little intuitive menu navigation. That said, you will only notice this if, like me, you constantly switch between fully automatic machines and are used to the comfort of a seamless user interface.

In general, however, there are no major disadvantages.

If the display is actually too stupid for you at first, just pull out your smartphone. From there you can access all the basic settings via Jura’s J.O.E. app. For everyday operation, you quickly get used to the three-way display, and the push of a button on the machine itself is faster than using your phone.

Twin Grinders

As I mentioned earlier in this Jura J8 Twin review, the machine is equipped with a pair of P.A.G.3+ grinders, each with its own bean hopper.

If you use different types of coffee beans, you’ll have to choose different grind settings. Although six adjustment levels don’t give you much room to maneuver, they are still enough. Because they are different enough to provide different taste nuances in combination with the extraction time.

I’d recommend using the finest setting for my Coffeeness beans. However, when I was brewing decaf I used a slightly coarser grind setting. With all that said, you should feel free to experiment.

During my testing the grinders registered 68 decibels in operation, putting them in the auditory midfield. However, the noise produced is very subtle, which significantly lowers its impact on your ears.

After each grind cycle, the Jura conical burrs briefly rotate again. This clever feature extends the service life of the grinder: the burrs are briefly pulled apart to remove any bean residue or foreign objects.

I haven’t ever seen this feature before, but I find it super smart and absolutely useful. Way more than “3D Brewing Technology” or whatever else Jura likes to crow about.

Specialty Drinks

As with the original J8, the Jura J8 Twin has a fully loaded specialty drink menu. The manufacturer boasts of 31 different options, but many of these are simply repeat offerings with syrup.

Still, you can almost guarantee that your favorite coffee shop beverage will be available at the touch of a button. What’s more, you can tweak settings to your heart’s content. Seriously, there are 10 coffee strength levels as well as adjustable settings for milk foam, coffee and milk volume and temperature.

And once you’ve crafted your dream specialty, you’re able to save your settings for next time.

Milk Foam

Lots of milk, bubble-free froth at the perfect temperature: this is how we prefer our Jura milk foam. Over the years I’ve noticed that Jura always delivers, especially when a special frother promises “Fine Foam Technology.”

The Jura J8 Twin has a one-touch HP3 milk system, completely separate from the main coffee dispensing spouts. While it could be annoying if you regularly switch between cappuccino and straight coffee, at least you can get a milk-based drink at the touch of a button.

Once again, the Sweet Foam function for a flavored latte or milk foam with syrup works magnificently. The highlight of this is that the syrup is mixed directly with the milk, so that the flavor runs evenly through the entire latte or cappuccino.

Of course, this is going to appeal to syrup fans. But everyone else will just feel like it’s a gimmick. Then again, this is no longer important, given the price and overall quality of the machine.

Incidentally, Jura still insists on measuring milk foam in seconds. Why the Swiss do this is beyond me. To help you out, here are my guidelines, based on the milk-coffee drink ratio of my Coffeeness coffee glasses:

Coffee Eye

In my original Jura J8 review I poked fun at the ominously named Coffee Eye. However, this is actually a really intelligent and useful feature.

Seeing as the J8 Twin has dispensers for espresso and coffee as well as a separate dispenser for milk drinks, it would be easy to mess up and place your cup in the wrong place.

Have no fear, though – the Coffee Eye won’t let that happen! Rather, it senses where you’ve placed your cup or glass and won’t start making a drink if you’ve screwed up. Pretty cool, eh?

The Jura J8 Twin in Use

During the testing phase of my Jura J8 Twin review, I noticed one thing right away: the espresso temperature could be hotter. Even at the highest setting, with the machine preheated and everything running smoothly, I was left feeling slightly disappointed. The espresso is far from cold, but compared to other Jura fully automatic coffee machines, it falls short in terms of temperature.

The coffee, on the other hand, has no temperature problems and can be easily brewed at a lower level (1 or 2 of 3). However, the optimal volumes are absolutely standard, clocking in at 4 ounces (120 milliliters) for coffee and 1.4 ounces (40 milliliters) for espresso.

As always, I have oriented myself more in the direction of maximum coffee strength. However, I think you should follow your taste. For example, if you try different roasts or choose an extra shot, your strength preference will be different.

Apart from the espresso’s subpar temperature, the Jura J8 Twin scores top marks for flavor, as expected.

Both the espresso and coffee are very soft, well-rounded and full-bodied. As I already mentioned, the coffee is definitely nice and hot, and I like this beverage a lot more than the straight espresso.

Small side note: Jura should readjust the coffee dispensing spout. It sits a little too loosely on the rail for my taste. Then again, that could be an issue with the machine I bought.

Best Coffee for the Jura J8 Twin

Jura J8 Twin Cleaning

I no longer have to inform Jura fans about the advantages of a permanently installed brewing unit for hygiene. Nor about the requirements for a clean fully automatic coffee machine.

From the water tank to the two bean containers to the milk system, cleaning here is best done by hand. As always, the Jura J8 Twin will let you know in good time if there is anything that needs taking care of.

By the way, Jura is now pushing its Energy Saving Mode (E.S.M.) to promote sustainability. If you narrow the switch-off intervals, this is good not only for energy-saving reasons. After all, flushes when switching the machine on and off keep the J8 Twin extra clean.

However, don’t be overawed by the “Intelligent Water System” (I.W.S). The machine detects whether a water filter is installed. Nothing more. You still have to descale it!

Jura J8 Twin Specifications

Jura J8 Twin vs GIGA 10

I have a sneaking suspicion that the Jura GIGA 10 does not sell too well. For a fully automatic coffee machine with two electronic grinders, two separate brewing circuits and a $4,829.98 asking price, there are only a select few customers willing to step up.

In the international market, DeLonghi had the same problem with the Maestosa and therefore also launched the PrimaDonna Soul.

I’m fairly sure that’s why the Swiss J8 Twin also exists. In order to achieve a more affordable asking price, Jura dispenses with fully electronic control. You can complain about that or not. That said, you’ll still find all of Jura’s annoying abbreviations like P.E.P. and I.W.S.

It may be a bit frustrating that for a cappuccino or latte macchiato you always have to remember to put your coffee glasses under the extra milk system. The syrup attachment can probably not (so far) be mounted on the actual spout.

But overall, my rating is clear: The Jura GIGA 10 delivers too much of everything, the J8 Twin is far more “reasonable.” That said, I would just prefer a different display.

See Also: Jura GIGA 10 Review

Jura J8 Twin vs GIGA 10 Comparison Chart

Verdict: Jura J8 Twin Review

The most important feature of this fully automatic coffee machine is undoubtedly the double grinder system. So, I’d only recommend buying the Jura J8 Twin if you’re going to use both grinders.

Otherwise, the Jura J8 is completely sufficient. Or you can choose the Jura Z10. With that machine you’ll forgo the whole sweet milk thing, but enjoy the benefits of more sophisticated electronics.

Nevertheless, Jura has once again proven that they know the joy of playing with their target audience and can combine this with great results. This comes at a price – and there is no glossing over that.