Gaggia Babila vs Jura S8: Which Espresso Machine Is Better Automated?

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Gaggia Babila vs Jura S8 is the next espresso machines debate that I debunk. After a long and hard consideration regarding the price tags and the actual values of both devices, I decided to go with Gaggia Babila.

The winner Gaggia Babila boasts consistent espresso extraction and a powerful ceramic grinder that grinds whole beans to perfection. If you are a fan of bold coffee like me, you will love the espresso flavor that Babila can deliver. In addition, its latte macchiato is an absolute dream. Above all, this machine is more affordable and has better value for the price. Doesn’t that sound amazing?

As for Jura S8, its one-touch presets are to die for. You will have access to such a large collection of beverages like caffe latte, cappuccino, flat white, and other classic drinks. Its biggest minus point is the lack of potency in the milk temperature and its high price.

Gaggia Babila vs Jura S8: Comparison Chart

Image
THE WINNER (#1)
Gaggia Babila RI9700/64 espresso Machine, Stainless Steel, Medium
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Jura S8 15212 Automatic Coffee Machine w/PEP 64oz Capacity Programmable
Model
Gaggia Babila
Jura S8
Dimensions (LxWxH)
16.53 x 9.64 x 14.17 inches
12.7 x 20.1 x 16.7 inches
Color / Material
Silver/ Stainless Steel
Moonlight Silver / Plastic With Chrome Accents
Weight
28.7 Pounds
20 Pounds
Power / Voltage
1400W/ 110-120V
1450W/ 230V
Water Tank Capacity
50.7 oz
66.8 oz
Milk System
Automatic Carafe & Commercial Steam Wand
Milk carafe
Grinder
Ceramic conical burr grinder
Steel conical burr grinder
Grinding Settings
15 settings
6 settings
Stand-by mode
Dual milk system
Interface
Button
Touchscreen
Heating System
Dual boiler
Single Thermoblock
Customizable Drinks
100% hands-free experience
Adjustable Coffee Strength
What I Like
Price
$1,899.00
$2,799.00
THE WINNER (#1)
Image
Gaggia Babila RI9700/64 espresso Machine, Stainless Steel, Medium
Model
Gaggia Babila
Dimensions (LxWxH)
16.53 x 9.64 x 14.17 inches
Color / Material
Silver/ Stainless Steel
Weight
28.7 Pounds
Power / Voltage
1400W/ 110-120V
Water Tank Capacity
50.7 oz
Milk System
Automatic Carafe & Commercial Steam Wand
Grinder
Ceramic conical burr grinder
Grinding Settings
15 settings
Stand-by mode
Dual milk system
Interface
Button
Heating System
Dual boiler
Customizable Drinks
100% hands-free experience
Adjustable Coffee Strength
What I Like
Price
$1,899.00
More Info
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Image
Jura S8 15212 Automatic Coffee Machine w/PEP 64oz Capacity Programmable
Model
Jura S8
Dimensions (LxWxH)
12.7 x 20.1 x 16.7 inches
Color / Material
Moonlight Silver / Plastic With Chrome Accents
Weight
20 Pounds
Power / Voltage
1450W/ 230V
Water Tank Capacity
66.8 oz
Milk System
Milk carafe
Grinder
Steel conical burr grinder
Grinding Settings
6 settings
Stand-by mode
Dual milk system
Interface
Touchscreen
Heating System
Single Thermoblock
Customizable Drinks
100% hands-free experience
Adjustable Coffee Strength
What I Like
Price
$2,799.00
More Info

Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Gaggia Babila vs Jura S8: Differences

It wasn’t easy for me to come up with the number, but Gaggia Babila wins 4-0 against Jura S8 at the end of the debate. The machine is better priced, its espresso tastes better, and it’s equipped with two different milk frothers. And how do they perform? I will give you a complete insight below!

Espresso flavor

Winner: Gaggia Babila

Gaggia Babila brews a stronger and more authentic espresso flavor than what Jura S8 can offer. I notice a strong burst of all flavor notes with Gaggia Babila. Meanwhile, Jura S8 tends to brew mellower espresso with a balanced taste, but delicious it still is.

My suggestion is that if you want strong espresso that keeps your battery full all day for the best performance at school or work, Gaggia Babila will suit you better. And if you want a soft and smooth cup of Joe with just enough kick of caffeine every morning, Jura S8 is the better model for you.

Gaggia Babila also extracts rich espresso
Gaggia Babila also extracts rich espresso

Grinder

Winner: Gaggia Babila

Both of these automated devices have grinders already incorporated into them. The Jura S8 is outfitted with the Aroma G3 grinder, whilst the Babila is outfitted with a ceramic burr grinder. Like the Babila, the Aroma G3 grinder has a conical burr. The substance, however, is different.

While the Babila is composed of ceramic, the Aroma G3 blades are made of stainless steel. Ceramic is the chosen material for espresso makers and automated devices. Of course, each has its own strengths and flaws. For example, stainless steel is less prone to damage. Thus, it will last longer. As for ceramic, the material doesn’t conduct heat well, so it doesn’t roast the beans while grinding, thus maintaining the original flavor of the roast.

I personally prefer the ceramic grinder on Babila, as opposed to the steel grinder on Jura S8. Ceramic grinders are durable enough for good longevity and keep the drinks’ authentic flavor notes perfectly.

Milk System

Winner: Gaggia Babila

The milk systems between these two devices are another significant distinction. The HP3 milk system is equipped in the S8. For coffees with milk and milk foam, use this frother. This frother produces a consistently impressive, creamy, and fine-textured foam for your latte or macchiato.

The milk is fed by a tube from the S8 to the foaming appliance within the spout. You have two options: place the milk spout in a container or purchase a milk-specific Jura accessory. A second coffee spout is located next to the milk spout, so you won’t have to relocate your cup while creating milk-based beverages.

As for Gaggia Babila, it’s equipped with 2 milk frothers: one steam wand and one milk carafe. The benefit of this feature is that users can easily choose different frothing methods and decide for themselves the final texture of milk foam. I have tested the carafe’s results and the wand’s performance. Each delivers a distinctive kind of foam. The steam wand is made for creamy steamed milk, while the carafe excels in frothing microfoam.

Gaggia Babila has 2 milk systems
Gaggia Babila has 2 milk systems

Personally, I like Gaggia’s Babila milk system much more. Even though super-automatic features are nice, sometimes it takes away a lot of fun when we feel like brewing the old way: manually.

Utilities

Winner: Gaggia Babila

Babila gives you greater control over how your shot turns out. Unlike the S8, which merely lets you change the strength. Even though the machine has 10 different strength levels, which gives you a good degree of control, the Babila allows you to adjust a wider range of coffee strengths.

You may alter the coffee’s flow rate, temperature, and strength when using the Babila. Although there are fewer strength levels available than on the S8, there are more factors you may adjust.

In addition, Gaggia Babila boasts a stand-by mode that excels in energy saving. So if you are collecting energy-saving household appliances, this is the chance to add one to the group.

Gaggia Babila Vs Jura S8: Similarities

We can’t miss these important similarities between the powerful Gaggia Babila and the diverse Jura S8.

Super-automatic espresso machines for a hands-free experience

Both machines are super-automatic and can grind, dose, tamp, froth, and dispense all on their own without requiring users’ intervention. This is what I look for in expensive high-end machines. So if you are always busy with other activities and need a fresh cup to go without having to stand by the machine and activate features here and there, Gaggia Babila and Jura S8 are made for you.

But there is a catch here, though. Gaggia Babila takes about 1-2 minutes to heat up, and since it is equipped with a dual boiler heating element, it can switch the brewing process from espresso to milk without pending too long. As for Jura S8, I have to wait 15 minutes for it to complete the prep cycle. But, judging from the water tank size, it’s reasonable that Jura S8 takes longer to warm up. It can hold up to 66.8 oz of water, while Gaggia Babila has a 50.7 oz tank.

Intuitive design

Everything is programmable with modern machines. The good thing is that we can adjust the dose and temperature; in future brews, the devices will remember these adjustments and brew according to how you previously programmed them.

One-touch cappuccino and latte macchiato

I’m obsessed with machines that have numerous one-touch recipes that actually fix the drinks well. So that’s what I can expect with this pair. But, Jura S8 definitely has a wider range of presets.

Jura S8 has more one-touch recipes
Jura S8 has more one-touch recipes

The drinks are:

  • Jura S8: ristretto, espresso, coffee, macchiato, caffe latte, cappuccino, flat white, latte macchiato, portion of milk foam, portion of milk, hot water
  • Gaggia Babila: espresso, espresso lungo, coffee, cappuccino, latte macchiato, and special drink

Quick Rundown Of Gaggia Babila

Gaggia Babila RI9700/64 espresso Machine, Stainless Steel, Medium
  • One touch brewing and frothing: bean-to-cup feature. Milk carafe includes automatic milk frothing for cappuccinos, and milk froth. Manual steam wand doubles as a hot water dispenser
  • ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: 1 bottle of Gaggia Descaler, 1 AquaClean Water Filter, 1 Water Hardness Test Strip, 1 Tube of Brew Group Lubricant, 1 Brew Group Brush, 1 Coffee Scoop/Grinder Key
  • PROGRAMMABLE: 8 Programmable brewing options for espressos, espresso lungos, coffee, ristrettos, lattes, cappuccinos, macchiato, flat whites and milk foam
  • Easy access to water reservoir: features a top Loading removable 50.7oz water reservoir; Brew Boiler Wattage: 1400

Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Bean-to-cup brewing that is automatic and rapid
  • Simple and rapid replenishment of the bean hopper and water tank
  • Has an automated self-cleaning feature for the milk carafe and interior components
  • coffee maker with adjustable settings for various cup sizes
Cons
  • Faulty dreg drawer and drip tray cleaning indicators

Quick Rundown of Jura S8

Jura S8 15212 Automatic Coffee Machine w/PEP 64oz Capacity Programmable
  • ONE TOUCH: Prepare 15 barista quality specialties including espresso, coffee, cappuccino, flat white and latte macchiato at the touch of a button
  • PERFECT ESPRESSO: Ultimate coffee quality thanks to JURA's exclusive Pulse Extraction Process
  • CONICAL BURR GRINDER: Fast and precise AromaG3 grinder grinds whole beans to the optimum fineness
  • ECO FRIENDLY: JURA is always freshly ground, not capsuled - fresh taste with very limited waste - single serve machine
  • CAPACITY: 64 ounce water tank, 10 ounce bean container

Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • An easy-to-use machine
  • Modern and compact design
  • Includes a milk frother
  • Offers 15 pre-programmed coffee drinks
  • Has an integrated Aroma G3 grinder
Cons
  • Doesn’t offer much customization

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References

Rating 5/5 - (4 votes)