If you’ve decided to buy a Jura coffee maker, you probably already know that this Swiss company exclusively makes high-quality, fully automatic espresso machines.
However, you might be surprised to learn just how many different Jura coffee makers are available. Which one of these machines is right for you?
Well, let’s take a look at two very similar models, the Jura Z6 vs S8, and see which of these luxury espresso makers deserves a place on your counter.
| Jura Z6 | Jura S8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 14.8 x 12.6 x 17.7 in | 13.8 x 11 x 17.3 in |
| Weight | 25.4 lb | 22 lb |
| # of Beverages | 13 | 15 |
| Water Reservoir | 81.2 oz | 63.6 oz |
| Bean Hopper | 10 oz | 10 oz |
| Ground Coffee Chute | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable Water Temperature | Yes (3 levels) | Yes (3 levels) |
| Adjustable Milk Foam Temperature | Yes (10 levels) | No |
| Adjustable Brew Strength | Yes (10 levels) | Yes (10 levels) |
| Grinder | Stainless Steel conical burr grinder | Stainless Steel conical burr grinder |
| Display | TFT Color Screen | Color Touch Screen |
Overview of the Jura Z6
The Jura Z6 is the first step into Jura’s Z Series, which is their premium line. One quality that makes this machine stand out from the pack is its huge 81-ounce water tank.
This model also features 10 levels of milk temperature programmability, which isn’t available on lower-tier models.
Brewing Options
Jura claims this machine makes 13 specialty beverages, which is a bit misleading. Milk foam, hot milk, and hot water make up three of the options.
Three more of the options (2 x ristretto, 2 x coffee, and 2 x espresso) simply produce a double serving of another item on the menu.
This coffee maker should still have enough options (including milk-based coffee beverages like a latte macchiato, flat white, cappuccino, and macchiato) to satisfy most coffee lovers.
The Jura Z6 allows for a lot of customization, with 10 brew strength levels, 10 milk foam temperatures, and 3 water temperatures. The volume of water and milk foam can also be adjusted.
While we all know that the best cups of coffee are made with freshly ground coffee beans, the Jura Z6 does have a bypass chute for pre-ground coffee. This can be nice for the occasional cup of decaf.
Grinder and Pulse Extraction Process
We coffee fans know that a good grind is important for the best brewing results. The Jura Z6 comes equipped with the AromaG3 grinder, which is a stainless steel conical burr grinder. This grinder supplies freshly ground coffee for each cup.
Another important feature of Jura super-automatic espresso machines is the Pulse Extraction Process. This process uses short bursts of water to extract the maximum aroma from your coffee grounds.
Display
The Jura Z6 is operated via a TFT color display with buttons, and you can also control this coffee machine through Jura’s app.
Cleaning and Maintenance
If you’ve chosen a super-automatic espresso machine, chances are you value convenience. The Jura Z6 delivers in this area, with integrated rinsing, cleaning, and descaling programs.
The machine rinses itself automatically when it’s turned on and shut off. When it’s time to clean or descale your Jura, you can follow the prompts on the display screen to complete those processes.
Who Is It For?
The Jura Z6 might be a good choice for you if you’re a coffee house regular and would like to begin making your specialty beverages at home.
The price of this machine is high, so it’s best for passionate coffee drinkers with a large budget who are confident that a fully-automatic coffee machine is what they want.
If you’re just dipping your toes in the world of coffee machines, you might want to start with something more entry-level.
Pros
- Flavorful coffee and espresso
- Many levels of programmability
- Adjustable milk foam temperature
Cons
- High price
Overview of the Jura S8
The Jura S8 is a part of Jura’s S-Series, which the company describes as a “mid-premium” segment.
While there are a few key differences between this coffee machine and a premium model, it bears a lot of similarities to the Z6.
Brewing Options
The Jura S8 has 15 brewing options. These are the same types of coffee that are available with the Jura Z6, with the addition of the caffe latte and hot water for green tea.
The additional brewing settings probably don’t make a difference for most users, but they still provide a small point in favor of the S8.
The S8 has plenty of customization options: the brewing temperature can be adjusted at 3 levels and the brew strength can be adjusted at 10 levels. Unlike the Z6, this machine’s milk foam temperature isn’t customizable.
The milk frother on the Jura S8 has an added feature that allows the user to customize the texture of the foam.
There is a chute for ground coffee, so decaf drinkers will be easily satisfied with this machine as well.
Grinder and P.E.P.
The Jura S8 comes equipped with the same AromaG3 grinder and Pulse Extraction Process technology as the Jura Z6. That means you can expect the same great-tasting, freshly ground coffee and espresso shots from both of these machines.
Display
The Jura S8 has a 4.3-inch color touchscreen display. Like the Z6, the Jura S8 can also be operated through Jura’s J.O.E. app, but you’ll have to buy a Bluetooth transmitter separately.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The Jura S8, just like the Z6 and all of Jura’s other coffee makers, has integrated cleaning programs. Daily maintenance should also include emptying and wiping out the drip tray.
Who Is It For?
The Jura S8 might be a good option for you if you want to prepare barista-quality specialties, but have no barista skills to speak of. The super-automatic nature of the S8 means you won’t have to do more than press a button.
Since the Jura S8 comes at a premium price, it’s best for people with a large budget who are confident that they want a fully automatic coffee machine with many features.
Pros
- High-quality coffee and espresso
- More brewing options than the Jura Z6
- Touchscreen
- An adjustable milk foam texture setting
Cons
- Expensive
- Milk foam temperature can’t be changed
Which Machine Is Right For You?
As a member of Jura’s premium line, the Jura Z6 will make a bigger dent in your wallet than the Jura S8.
The Jura Z6 has a larger water reservoir capacity and the ability to adjust the temperature of your milk foam, but we don’t think these features justify the difference in pricing. Both machines will produce specialty coffee drinks of equal quality.
It’s still a big investment, but we think Jura hits the nail on the head when dubbing the Jura S8 a “mid-premium” coffee maker. The S8 offers most of the impressive features of the premium Jura Z6 at a lower cost.
So, if you’re looking for something a little less expensive than the S8, consider the Jura E8. You can see our comparison between the two machines here, and we found a lot to like about the E8.
