You know that saying about how the Swiss do and make everything better?
Chocolate, “banking,” watches, trains, skiing…
You can add one more to that list: espresso machines.
This is where Jura Elektroapparate makes it’s grand entrance (cue perfectly choreographed snow flurries, the sound of alpine bells, oh and Roger Federer, smiling and sipping a cappuccino).
Jura has perfected the science of machine-made automated espresso and turned it into an art. And convinced Roger Federer to be their spokesman. Basically, world domination over there.
Contents
The Final Shot:
BUDGET: For espresso purists looking for a high-quality shot, with minimal bells and whistles, go with the streamlined and more wallet-friendly Ena Micro 1. This machine is super-automatic basics at it’s finest.
BEST VALUE: For cappuccino fans who prefer variety but within a reasonable price range, our pick is the Jura E6 with fine foam technology for basic cappuccino making and all the features of the lower models – it is the best value compared to some of the top-tier models that offer only small convenience upgrades at much higher price points.
LUXURY: For coffee lovers looking for some frills to enjoy a more luxury experience and a wide range of milk-based drinks, like lattes and machiatti, the full-featured Jura E8 is your best pick. It offers 15 different beverages, the option to save favorite drinks, and touch screen controls all in a more compact body than the Z series and the Giga.
SHOWSTOPPER: For the overall best of the best, the Jura Giga 5 is the one to look at (or drool over). Featuring every technology upgrade Jura offers along with double everything (grinder, spout, foaming, etc.), it is like having your own personal Barista at home. Nothing compares.
So who is Jura?
Jura Elektroapparate AG was founded in 1931 as a distributor of home appliances. The company’s headquarters are in Niederbuchsiten in northern Switzerland. It wasn’t until the early 1980s that the company began producing its largest sales product: automatic coffee and espresso machines.
Every feature on every Jura machine is fully automatic—from the first step where coffee beans are freshly ground, to the final step where the machine self-cleans. You will find yourself enjoying the highest quality espresso-based beverages in less than 60 seconds, and with little more than the touch of a button.
I think most of us can handle lifting a finger to tap a touchscreen, right? Isn’t this what our iphones have been training us for all along? Jura activation?
But what really sets the company apart is their passion for ease AND quality. Like everything else Swiss, you’re not buying a machine, you’re really making an investment in high performance, precision, and when it comes right down to it: beauty.
Their espresso machines are a thing of beauty. Both in terms of how the internal mechanisms function to produce a perfect shot of espresso and the aesthetics of the design and housing.
For most users looking into bringing home a Jura, the basics of what to look for are a little fuzzy. There isn’t as much general information on Jura espresso machines, but we’ve compiled our favorite key points to keep in mind for your search. Juras can add a professional quality espresso and sophisticated edge to your day, but they also need to be able to fit within the demands of your lifestyle and environment.
Here’s what we think you should keep in mind:
Jura does not make any budget-friendly machines, so you should come in expecting to make an investment. Prices range from $800 for a single cup machine, to above $5,000 for Jura’s top of the line model. You can always search for refurbished models, and Jura occasionally offers factory serviced machines that function like new, but have been returned to the company for unspecified reasons.
Jura machines all have self-cleaning technologies that prevent scaling, powder buildup, and other problems typical of the industry. That being said, you will need to become familiar with and regularly purchase self-cleaning fluids and tablets that the machine uses to maintain itself. These products are typically included on the page where you buy, but in the event that they are not, we have you covered in our reviews.
Jura machines differ greatly in size and weight. The smallest machines can be tucked into a corner inconspicuously, but the largest machines take up large amounts of space, and require some room to operate. We will be keeping track of the dimensions to make sure that you don’t end up with a 40-lb. tank for your streamlined, urban apartment. We know, everything looks smaller on the internet!
Any coffee-based beverage is only going to be as enjoyable as the beans that are used to make it. If you don’t already, you will need to source high-quality, whole coffee beans and drink enough coffee to make sure that those beans aren’t going stale. You can use any beans that you like, but small batch and single-origin coffee beans are going to make a world of difference over bulk and mass-produced coffee beans.
There are other factors to consider, such as color and material, but most Jura machines come with customizable aesthetics. We will cover more in-depth things to know in the next couple of sections, but for now, hold on to this list of general thoughts as we begin to browse the different Jura lines and examine what each different type of machine has to offer.
We will be taking a look at nine of the different model lines of Jura’s Super Fully Automatic coffee machines. They also offer a professional level line of machines, if you’re interested, but we will be reviewing the full line of Jura’s home espresso-machines. The machines are generally classified in accordance with their features and functionality, as well as their size and general purpose.
Jura designates a new line of coffee machines whenever a major technological breakthrough is achieved. We will review these technologies in-depth in the following section, and provide more specs when we cover each individual machine. If you see a term that you don’t immediately understand, don’t worry, just reference the glossary in the next section!
Here’s a quick overview to get you started:
ENA Line: These machines are designed to deliver the best possible espresso, while taking up the least amount of space possible. They are ultra-compact machines that can fit anywhere, and can add supreme quality coffee to any environment. This line also includes one higher end upgrade option with some upper end features.
A Line: Machines in this line are streamlined and minimalist, there are no displays and the purpose is for espresso only. You’ll need to check out one of the other lines for frothing capability.
D Line: The D series is considered a slight upgrade to the A line, a great option for cappuccino lovers who want to be able to enjoy milk-based drinks. Streamlined and no frills, this machine will deliver straight shots, or a perfectly frothy cappuccino, but don’t expect all the mid-range options like machiatti and lattes.
E Line: The E line introduces new screen and drink selection options, with programmed favorites like macchiati. It also incorporates a standard dual-spout and self-detecting water filtering technology, a largely technological upgrade from previous models.
S Line: The S line fuses some of the most loved features of the higher-end models with the compact size of some of the lower-end designs to create the ideal mid-range option for coffee connoisseurs. Most notably, it introduces an updated touch screen and some great custom drink options.
J Line: Options from this line incorporate a rotary switch that allows you to select and pre-program coffees into your daily routine. The current available model in this category incorporates Jura’s base technologies, and the focus here is also on design and style.
Z Line: The Z line machines are some of the biggest on the list after the GIGAs. They utilize RFID technology to filter and use only the purest water through an Intelligent Water System (I.W.S.). Depending on the Z model that you purchase, you could have any number of the Jura technologies currently offered, as well as a touch screen display and side mounted water reservoir.
GIGA Line: The Giga models have always been Jura’s top of the line machines. They include a massive range of drink options and dual everything, including bean hoppers, grinders, heating and fluid systems. All the bells and whistles are included here and the price tag tops out the list.
These machines and their respective technologies will serve you well, no matter what it is you are looking for. Keep in mind that with all their features and functionality, more expensive machines are almost always going to fall on the side of excessive for casual users. Because of this and their high cost, you may want to pick a few features that stand out to you and forgo the unnecessary frills.
Jura’s research and development team is always busy making coffee dreams happen (aka figuring out how to make the process smoother and tastier), and they have incorporated numerous technological advancements into their machines.
We’ve consolidated and explained some of Jura’s key features, so that you can know exactly what’s going on in the making of your beverage.
Aroma G3 Grinder: This is the grinder technology inside almost every Jura machine, designed to quickly but gently grind your whole beans into espresso grounds. The grinder has recently been upgraded on almost all models to the twice as fast G3, which runs with both highly efficient speed as well as finesse, for a perfect start to the brew process.
CLARIS Filter System: This anti-scaling technology is designed to filter out hard minerals and prevent calcium deposits from building up on the heating element. Instead of having to treat your machine with chemical additives, CLARIS softens your water and makes it easier on your machine.
CLEARYL Filters: These water filters are cartridges designed to filter impurities out of the water that you use in your machine, and there are three versions available for purchase. The most common filter is the CLEARYL Blue, but different machines occasionally call for different filters.
Energy Save Mode: Most Jura machines have customizable energy output settings, so that you can make sure to save energy during the parts of your day where you don’t need your machine. Machines equipped with E.S.M. technology are programmable to save up to 40% of energy output.
Fine Foam Technology: This technology froths milk twice in separate chambers, before slowly and evenly distributing the milk foam into your espresso-based beverage. The foam is compacted, hence the name “fine foam,” and has a creamy, sweet consistency.
Intelligent Water Systems: The I.W.S. is a detection technology that communicates with the machine and the owner on whether there is a water filter in the machine that is adequate for use. The technology determines the best course of action, and notifies the owner of when it is time to change filters.
P.E.P (Pulse Extraction Process): This technology optimizes the coffee extraction process by managing the hot water levels and pumping it through the coffee grounds according to the type of drink being prepared.
Rotary Switch: The rotary switch allows you to navigate through the programmable features of your Jura machine with ease. The rotary switch lets you customize water quantity, and other settings that you may wish to change in order to suit your taste.
TFT Display: This technology is paired with the rotary switch for an intuitive browsing experience. The machines equipped with this display allow you to select from all of the specialty drinks available on your machine, and with the press of a button, the machine will create it for you.
Smart Connect: This technology allows you to connect your phone to your espresso machine through Jura’s J.O.E. app. Most of the higher-end machines include Smart Connect built-in, but other models require an add-on if you wish to brew remotely from your smart phone.
As we review the individual Jura machines, we’ll make note of the different technologies so that you can be sure that you are investing in the highest quality machine that fits your lifestyle.
Now, onto the good stuff! Let’s dive into the nitty gritty of the beautiful machines Jura offers and break down what you can expect from each model.
The range of these machines is considerable, from one-touch single serving espresso, to nearly unlimited variations of espresso and coffee-based beverages. We’ll cover every machine on Jura’s home product line, highlighting the key advantages, disadvantages, and suggesting what kind of lifestyle or home the machine is best suited for.
Each of the machines carries a name that designates its line, so if there is any confusion, just reference the section dedicated to Jura lines specifically.
Model | ![]() Size | ![]() Milk Frothing Capability | ![]() # of Drinks Setting | ![]() Grinder Type | ![]() Water Tank Size | ![]() PEP included | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | ENA Micro 1 | medium | No | 3 | Multi level conical grinder | 36.8 oz | No | |
![]() | ENA Micro 5 | medium | No | 6 | Aroma plus grinder | 37.2 oz | No | |
![]() | ENA Micro 9 | medium | Yes | 4 | Aroma plus grinder | 36.8 oz | No | |
![]() | ENA Micro 90 | medium | Yes | 6 | Aroma G3 grinder | 37.2 oz | Yes | |
![]() | S9 Classic | medium | Yes | 9 | Aroma plus grinder | 90.3 oz | No | |
![]() | A9 | large | Yes | 12 | Aroma plus grinder | 36.8 oz | No | |
![]() | C60 | medium | Yes | 4 | Multi level conical grinder | 63.6 oz | No | |
![]() | C9 | medium | Yes | Conical burr grinder | 63.6 oz | No | ||
![]() | E6 | medium | Yes | 7 | Aroma G3 grinder | 64.25 oz | Yes | |
![]() | E8 | medium | Yes | 12 | Aroma G3 grinder | 64.25 oz | Yes | |
![]() | F7 | medium | Yes | 10 | Aroma plus grinder | 64.25 oz | No | |
![]() | F8 | medium | Yes | 12 | Aroma plus grinder | 64.25 oz | No | |
![]() | J9.3 | large | Yes | 11 | Integrated Conical burr grinder | 73 oz | No | |
![]() | J95 | medium | Yes | 11 | Aroma plus grinder | 71 oz | No | |
![]() | J90 | medium | Yes | 11 | Aroma plus grinder | 71 oz | No | |
![]() | Z9 | medium | Yes | 12 | Aroma plus grinder | 94.68 oz | No | |
![]() | Z6 | medium | Yes | 13 | Aroma G3 grinder | 81.15 oz | Yes | |
![]() | Giga5 | large | Yes | 17 | dual ceramic disc grinder | 87 oz | No |
The ENA Micro 1 is the simplest of all of Jura’s machines. It is the smallest machine on the list, the most affordable, and packed with the base technologies in Jura’s machines. Your beverage begins by grinding whole coffee beans in a multi-level grinder, which are then pushed through a micro brewing unit. The machine delivers a rich espresso, with a soft layer of crema on top.
Best Suited For: The ENA Micro 1 will add to any space, and any lifestyle. It would only look strange in a gigantic kitchen, where its size would undersell its functionality. If you are looking for a machine that only does espresso, and does it fast and well, this would be an excellent model for your consideration.
The ENA Micro 5 is the next level of technology in the ENA Micro line. It is also one of the smallest machines on the list, fairly priced, and incorporates more functionality into the machine than the ENA Micro 1. This includes the option to brew two cups of espresso at the same time, with a dual and height-adjustable spout, as well as Aroma+ technology to keep your coffee beans fresh.
To see a full in-depth review check out my individual ENA Micro 5 review here.
Best Suited For: Like the ENA Micro 1, the ENA Micro 5 easily fits into any space and lifestyle. It is particularly good for couples or roommates who live together and have similar morning routines, as one will not have to wait for the other to brew a cup of espresso.
The ENA Micro 90 is the only machine in the ENA Micro line to incorporate JURA’s P.E.P technology. That is the main draw to the machine, as much of the design and functionality (beyond the P.E.P. technology) is largely the same.
Best Suited For: The ENA Micro 9 is the best machine for your sophisticated, urban apartment, or for any office space where functionality and professionalism is valued. As with the other ENA Micro machines, it could fit in anywhere.
Best Suited For: The ENA 8 is ideal for minimalists with a larger household and a more diverse coffee palette looking to enjoy milk-based drinks from home. The relatively slim profile on the 8, despite the side mounted water tank, still makes it ideal for countertop use. Tech fans will also enjoy the color screen which is new to this series.
The A1 model is one of Jura’s entry-level machines and is a nice incremental upgrade over the base models, ENA Micro 1 and 5. You’ll find the A1 offers all the same features as the lower-end ENA models, with a few small tweaks: the inclusion of P.E.P. technology for ideal extraction, the Aroma G3 grinder instead of the Aroma+, programmable coffee strength and a monitored drip tray. It is beautifully simple and compact.
Best Suited For: The A1 is perfect for small spaces and small households. This isn’t going to churn out lattes, but it will serve up beautifully made espresso shots using some of the core technologies Jura is known for.
The D6 model is a compromise option for those who want some simple milk foam capability but without Jura’s top tier, G3 grinder and a single spout. It also does away with some of the other non-essential frills like cup illumination, spout height adjustability and intelligent pre-heating. This is a larger model so the sleek and slim design of the A series is not carried through in the D6.
Best Suited For: The Jura D6 is a solid choice for home use and users with a simpler set of needs. It doesn’t have some of the ease of use and high-end options, this is a budget-minded choice for buyers who aren’t as picky about grind and range of beverages offered.
The E6 is the first machine in the lower cost bracket to fully incorporate the P.E.P. extraction technology. It also incorporates an Intelligent Water System, and a new line of CLEARYL filters that makes water even gentler on the working mechanisms of the machine. This is an especially technologically adept machine, showcasing many of JURA’s recent advancements but without the cost-hiking frills of the S and J line machines. It also features an extra large water tank, doubling capacity over the ENA and A lines for less frequent refills.
The E8 model automatically incorporates the professional fine milk frother into the E6’s Connector System. This is the only significant upgrade to the E8 model, and all other technologies in the E8 are the same as the technologies found in the E6.
Best Suited For: The E8 is ideal in a modern, sophisticated home, where technology is the dominant culture. It would be perfect in a modern kitchen, or any space where the focus is on features and a technologically proficient user base.
The S8 is one of Jura’s newer offerings and integrates some seriously high-end improvements over the E series for a reasonable price increase. One of our favorites is the full color touch screen with options to save and personalize favorite drink selections for multiple users. This model integrates all of our favorite high-end features like active bean monitoring, but with a slimmer, more manageable presence than the Z series and the GIGA, making it one of our top picks.
Best Suited For: The Jura S8 is a luxury model with frills for days. This is a top-tier selection if you are ready to upgrade to a dream machine with a huge range of capabilities and options. Perfect for both home and the office.
The J6 model is very similar to the S8 but without the upgraded touchscreen display for drink browsing and selection. It also includes a monitored drip tray, dedicated hot water spout and the integrated system for cleaning after using the milk frother, much like the S8. The dedicated spout for Americano is another nice bonus feature.
Best Suited For: The J6 would be an excellent machine in a fast-paced business office, or in the home of a sophisticated and on-the-go coffee lover. This is the machine for superior quality, and minimal effort, with many of JURA’s technologies packed into the award-winning and aesthetically driven design.
The Z6 is a showcase of every JURA technology available. It features the Pulse Extraction Process, and merges the combined advancements of the AromaG3 grinder, and CLEARYL Smart filter system, for perfect water, perfect coffee grounds, and P.E.P. to bring them together into the perfect beverage. I also love the ability to save and personalize favorite drinks and control over both milk and milk foam temp.
Best Suited For: If you live in a style-conscious, modern space and have more than one coffee drinker at home, then the Z6 will fit right in. It is the perfect addition to any home with a large kitchen space, and would add a professional touch to any workplace.
If Jura had a favorite child that was an over-achiever in every way, it would be the Z8. This machine is designed to meet every need you didn’t even know you had. Unless you need double of everything (the Giga gives you that), the Z8 is the ultimate purchase. It offers 21 drink options (including the ability to brew a whole jug of coffee), standard SmartConnect so you can sync it up with your phone, the HP3 milk system and power heating, 10 levels of milk temp programming and a beautiful color touch screen.
Best Suited For: The Jura Z8 is the ultimate for the true home espresso connoisseur. If you are looking for the best money can buy, the Z8 will check every box. If you entertain and like to be able to brew for a crowd, the Z8 meets that need too. This is also a great pick for a small shop or high-end office setting.
The GIGA 6 is the largest and most expensive machine on this list (not inclusive of Jura’s commercial machines we aren’t adding here). It is the crown jewel of the JURA home products, and is essentially double everything. With two ceramic disc grinders, two Thermoblock heating systems, two fluid systems, and two bean containers, this machine is everything you need—times two. It also offers an impressive 28 drink options, with simultaneous preparation for coffee and milk frothing.
Best Suited For: You are going to need a lot of space for wherever you decide to park the GIGA 6. Best suited for larger spaces with roomy countertops and espresso lovers who enjoy entertaining or have an office to keep caffeinated, this is a beautiful high-end machine if you want the works.
Jura offers a few accessories for their machines to augment the coffee-making experience. Note that you will not have to purchase any of these accessories if you choose a machine that comes with the function of the accessory built in.
Here’s a brief list of accessories that Jura offers:
Milk Frother: For machines that do not incorporate milk based options, this milk frother can prepare cold, warm, or hot milk foam for different espresso-based beverages. It has a simple one-touch operation, and is designed with Jura’s signature style to match any machine that you pair it with.
Cool Control Basic: These storage containers for milk come in 34 oz. and 20 oz. sizes. They are designed to keep milk stored at an optimal 39.2 °F before use, to give you the best tasting milk foam for your specialty and espresso-based beverages.
Stainless Steel Vacuum Milk Container: These portable containers come in 20 oz. and 14 oz. sizes. They can keep your milk-based beverages cool for the entire day, preventing your latte or cappuccino from spoiling when you are away from home.
Cup Warmer: Most of your coffee’s heat is lost when you pour it into a cold cup. Jura’s cup warmer keeps your cups at about 131 °F, which is the ideal temperature to pour an espresso or cappuccino into. The warmer itself is ergonomic and slim, and allows you to program the times that you would like your cups to be warmed.
Professional Fine Foam Frother: This is an add-on feature that can be used with any Jura machine with a Connector System, which some machines will have solely for the purpose of adding on a milk frother. By utilizing a two-stage milk frothing process, the professional fine foam frother can prepare barista-quality milk and milk foam.
The Fine Foam Frother: This is another add-on feature that performs the same function as the professional model, and requires a Connector System to attach. It does not offer the same control as the professional model, but is naturally less costly.
Just as a reminder, you won’t not need to purchase any of these accessories if they come built-in on the machine that you select.
These machines are without a doubt some of the highest quality automatic coffee machines on the market.
The Swiss designs and engineering are extremely focused on precision, performance, and perfection in every cup. They’re serving up an experience and creating an enjoyable ritual instead of just another mindless task.
While Jura may not be the best option for the first-time user, or worth the investment to someone who doesn’t often drink coffee, these machines can be the last machine that you ever buy if you take the plunge. The Jura espresso machines are built to last for as long as there are coffee beans to fill them.
Chatting about coffee is my passion! Leave me a question in the comments, I answer each and every one and would love to get to know you better.
Week 1 - Home Espresso Machines
Week 2 - Coffee Beans
Week 3 - Types of Drinks
Week 4 - Advanced Brewing
Join Mike (me) and learn all the basics of making great tasting espresso!
Week 1 - Home Espresso Machines
Week 2 - Coffee Beans
Week 3 - Types of Drinks
Week 4 - Advanced Brewing
Join Mike (me) and learn all the basics of making great tasting espresso!
I am a die-hard espresso fan. I love every form of the drink from straight espresso shots to lattes and cappuccinos. I currently use a Breville BES870XL Barista, it is an awesome machine. BUT, my dream machine is definitely an Italian Quickmill Andreja. Those bad boys make badass espresso. I love answering your questions, leave a comment or question below!