The result of the debate of Jura A1 vs Delonghi Magnifica is here! It’s not easy to pick an affordable espresso machine with most of the features that a normal mid-range device would have and has proper performance stability. Luckily, Delonghi Magnifica is all that, and it’s the winning model.
Delonghi Magnifica‘s heating system is Dual Thermoblock, and it’s impressive at delivering hot espresso efficiently. The espresso tastes great with the right sweet and bitter notes. And I really enjoy its alert system that tells users when to refill the water tank or when to descale. And if you want to froth creamy milk manually, it’s possible with this powerhouse too.
As for the runner-up Jura A1, it’s a very good choice for users who brew black coffee or simple espresso only but at a large volume. Its 37oz water tank can handle many espresso shots daily and deliciously. So if you are looking for a straightforward machine for mass espresso extraction, this is the one. But further than that, the machine isn’t very convenient in some aspects, like the lack of a milk system.
Jura A1 vs Delonghi Magnifica: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Jura A1 vs Delonghi Magnifica: Differences
Delonghi Magnifica wins 4-0 agaisnt Jura A1. There is no chance for the later device here. The Magnifica models boast better heating elements with little to no waiting time between brewing and steaming. Of course, it comes with a milk system to make it more convenient for users with no intention of ordering an extra milk frother. Check out more details below!
Heating element
Winner: Delonghi Magnifica
Delonghi Magnifica has a Dual Thermoblock, which is much more potent than Jura A1’s single Thermoblock. The pair heats up fairly quickly, with Magnifica taking an average of 75s and Jura A1 with over 1 minute. The Dual Thermoblock’s purpose is to allow users to switch from brewing to steaming, and vice versa, without sacrificing too much waiting time and temperature loss.
Regarding temperature performance, I’m satisfied with what I get from this pair. I have never had cups that are just warm instead of hot and steaming. So if you are looking for an affordable model with proper temperature, consider one of these devices.
As for the milk temperature, it’s just as nice as what I get from the espresso. It won’t be as hot, of course, due to the initial temperature of the milk is always cold or cool. But it doesn’t make the temp drop to lukewarm like what I have experienced with many espresso machines.
Grinder performance
Winner: Delonghi Magnifica
Delonghi Magnifica comes with a stainless steel conical burr grinder, and Jura A1 comes with an AromaG3 conical burr grinder, which is the same thing as what Magnifica offers but in different material (AromaG3 is made of ceramic).
For me, there is no difference in how they perform. Both are quiet when grinding beans, at least for espresso machines. And they grind pretty fast.
There is a difference in their design, though. Jura A1 only has 6 settings, like any other Jura machine with an AromaG3 grinder. As for Delonghi Magnifica, it has 13 settings, which is undoubtfully offers more precise adjustment. In addition, it allows you to adjust the grind size more precisely and according to your preference.
Also, remember that ceramic doesn’t heat beans, but stainless steel does. So if you use quite a dark roast and choose Jura A1, it will make your cup bitter.
Milk system
Winner: Delonghi Magnifica
Since Jura A1 doesn’t have a milk system, it isn’t as convenient as Delonghi Magnifica, which is a minus point. But, of course, it’s an easy-to-fix problem since products like Aeroccino 3 or 4 are reasonably priced. However, it still bothers me that the Jura A1 removes the possibility of not having to purchase one.
With Delonghi Magnifica’s steam wand, I have been able to froth from creamy to dry foam for lattes or cappuccinos. If you want to thicken the milk texture just a little bit for flat white and mocha, it’s possible as well.
As for the milk temperature, it comes out quite hot, thanks to the dedicate Thermoblock. I’m impressed!
Water tank size and removal
Winner: Delonghi Magnifica
Delonghi Magnifica comes with a 61oz water tank, while Jura A1 comes with a smaller 37oz one. So, refilling the Jura A1 is undoubtedly more frequent.
Also, I much prefer the water tank position of the Delonghi Magnifica since it’s front-loaded. Therefore, you don’t need to place the device in an open space for it to be convenient.
As for Jura A1, the tank is back-loaded, and I have to pull it out vertically. So, an open kitchen stand is inevitable unless you are willing to pull the entire machine (24.9 pounds) daily or every few days.
Jura A1 vs Delonghi Magnifica: Similarities
There are 2 simple similarities that I will discuss due to their importance regarding your home-barista experience. Check out how these machines’ alert system works and how well they perform in the flavor department.
Alert system
Both come with alerts to tell users about the machines’ condition in real-time. For example, you can check the descale, empty water tank, or error alert. When the error alert comes up, it can be a very general problem. Like when the drip tray or the dreg drawer is full or not in place.
Espresso extraction
The espresso flavor is pretty similar to these machines. They employ a pump with 15-bars pressure to extract the espresso, and the flavor notes are very balanced. Thanks to their integrated burr grinder, I can brew fresher cups instead of using pre-ground coffee. But remember that these devices aren’t meant for dark roasts or black beans. They fill the grinders with gunk and make the drinks taste very burnt.
Quick Rundown Of Delonghi Magnifica
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted
- FRESH ESPRESSO FOR EVERY CUP: The professional burr grinder with 13 adjustable settings grinds fresh beans every time to ensure maximum freshness. You can also use pre-ground in the second chamber. Your choice of regular, specialty or decaf.
- YOUR FOAM, YOUR WAY: A manual frother mixes steam and milk to create a rich, creamy froth for evenly textured drinks – just the way you like them.
- CONSISTENT BREWING EVERY TIME: Each cup is automatically brewed to the perfect temperature, richness and density. And you can customize the settings to ensure its always just the way you like it.
- EASY TO CLEAN AND HANDLE: The compact, extractable brew unit is not only easy to clean, it self-adjusts for one or two shots of espresso.
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Jura A1
- ONE TOUCH: Prepare 3 barista quality specialties including ristretto, espresso and coffee at the touch of a button - coffee only
- 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
- : JURA is always freshly ground, not capsuled - fresh taste with very limited waste - single serve machine
- CAPACITY: 37 ounce water tank, 4. 4 ounce bean container
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Product Video
Related Articles to Delonghi Magnifica
- Which Product Line To Choose Between Delonghi Magnifica vs Magnifica S ECAM23120SB?
- Philips 2200 vs Delonghi Magnifica: Which Is The True Beginner-friendly Machine?
- Delonghi Eletta vs Magnifica: A Comparison of the 2 Best Coffee Machines Convenience
- Delonghi La Specialista vs Magnifica: What Is The Best Option For You?
- Delonghi Magnifica XS vs Magnifica: Which Espresso Machine Will Be The Final Winner?
- Philips 3200 vs Delonghi Magnifica: Reviewing 2 Potent Entry-level Espresso Machines
Related Articles to Jura A1
- Jura A1 vs Ena Micro 90: One Clearly Is Better Than The Other!
- Gaggia Brera vs Jura A1: Which Brews Better Espesso And Has More Ergonomic Features?
- Jura A1 vs Ena Micro 5: The Ultimate Debate Of 2 Minimalistic Espresso Machines
- Jura A1 vs Ena Micro 1: The Major Differences Between These Minimalistic Espresso Machines
- Jura A1 vs Ena 8: Which Machine Is More Convenient And Brews More Delicious Espresso?
- Jura A1 vs Philips 3200: Check Out My Honest Comparison For These Potent Espresso Machines
- Jura A1 vs E6 – When Simplicity Thrives: How Should Users Choose A Minilistic Espresso Machine That Is Practical?
- Jura ENA 1 vs A1: Which Is The Better Choice For Coffee Drinkers? Pros, Cons, & Final Verdict Revealed!
- Top 10 Best Jura Coffee Machines: Reviews, Consumer Report, and FAQs
Related Articles to Delonghi Magnifica Esam3300
- Which Product Line To Choose Between Delonghi Magnifica vs Magnifica S ECAM23120SB?
- Delonghi ESAM3300 vs ESAM04110s: What Is The Best Espresso Maker For You?
- Delonghi Esam3300 vs Philips 3200 Lattego: A Unequal Battle Of 2 Affordable Mid-range Machines
- Gaggia Brera vs Delonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica: Which Is The Ultimate Affordable Espresso Maker For You?
References:
- Delonghi Magnifica: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/magnifica-automatic-espresso-machine-cappuccino-maker-esam-esam3300/p/ESAM-3300
- Jura A1: https://ca.jura.com/en/homeproducts/machines/A1-Piano-Black-NA-15148
I am Ralph Mason and I am a passionate coffee drinker. I worked as a barista for a few years and since 2012 I have been trying to convince as many people as possible of good coffee.
I started writing on the barista blog on RepublikCoffeeBar in 2018. It was a pure hobby site and I tested coffee products like coffee machines, beans, mug, and other accessories. After the first year, my blog is becoming a well-known coffee site with about 100 thousand visits per month.
In 2019 I decided to focus on RepublikCoffeeBar only. I became a full-time coffee blogger and was declared crazy by many.