After comparing the Jura A1 vs Ena 8, I found the Ena 8 to excel in every aspect mentioned. But in some cases, the Jura A1 may be a more suitable choice.
The Jura Ena 8 may not be one of the company’s coolest super-automatics, but it’s well worth it considering what it comes with and what it can bring to the table. It is equipped with the latest technologies to create delicious and full-bodied espresso (more on that later). In addition, it makes maintenance easier than ever. The best part? It doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
The Jura A1, on the other hand, is the choice for those interested only in black coffee. This model is compact, has an elegant appearance, and is wallet-friendly. The lack of a milk frothing system means it can’t make any milk-based drinks, but it also means that maintenance is a bit easier.
Jura A1 Vs Ena 8: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-09-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Jura A1 Vs Ena 8: Differences
The Jura Ena 8 completely defeats the Jura A1 with a score of 4-1. Let’s scroll down and read to the end to avoid missing out on valuable information!
Coffee Flavour
Winner: Jura Ena 8
Built-in Grinder
The Jura A1 and Ena 8 share a built-in Aroma G3 grinder, which is faster and quieter than older-generation grinders. This one is quoted to “bring 12% more aroma.” I can’t vouch for the precision of this assertion, but what I can confirm is that these machines certainly yield irresistibly flavorful espressos.
If you worry about noise levels, this type of grinder has your back. My tests indicated that these machines operate at a volume of just 55-60 dB, which is comparable to the decibel level of a standard conversation. Therefore, you can rest assured that your early morning coffee brewing routine won’t serve as an unintentional alarm clock for the entire household.
Another factor that also needs to be taken into account is the number of grind settings available. I didn’t initially expect the Jura Ena 8 to offer many grind levels. But guess what? Seven grind settings! I know that’s not an impressive number, but many expensive Jura super-automatics only offer six grind levels, such as the Jura Z6. On the flip side, the Jura A1 only has five grind settings, which is fairly reasonable for a super-automatic espresso machine at this price point.
Of course, the more grind settings your machine has, the more control you have over the coarseness and fineness of your coffee. I usually use coarser coffee powder for regular coffee and a finer one for espressos and milk-based beverages. The finer the coffee powder, the stronger the espresso.
It should be noted that you should only adjust the grinder by twisting a knob while the grinder is running to avoid any potential damage – just like we can only adjust gears on a bicycle while it is in motion.
Heating System
Another shared feature between these two machines is their single thermoblock boiler system. This setup implies that the Ena 8 is unable to simultaneously brew espresso and steam milk. Instead, it must sequentially carry out each task, with fresh water being heated for each individual process. This is theoretically somewhat inconvenient for the preparation of large batches of beverages.
But fortunately, it’s not the end of the world! This one is equipped with “thermoblock” technology, which heats only the precise quantity of water needed for brewing or milk steaming. This feature is touted as reducing the downtime between processes to just 10 seconds. Although my own tests clocked the delay at a slightly longer 14 seconds, the difference is minor and practically inconsequential.
Hence, a machine with a single boiler essentially allows for brewing from cup to cup with almost no delay. But if you need to find something suitable for crowded settings, a dual boiler-equipped machine will be your best friend.
Brewing System
If you’ve ever explored Jura’s intricate craftsmanship, you’d no doubt have stumbled across the term “pulse extraction process” (or P.E.P.). In fact, this technology is an industry-standard that their super-automatic machines proudly have, with the Jura A1 and Ena 8 being shining examples. So what is it?
The pulse extraction process sends tiny surges of hot water through the coffee grounds in quick intervals as opposed to using steady pressure. The payoff? It results in better-tasting and more nuanced-aroma coffee cups. Thus far, no other espresso brand I’ve seen can hold a candle to such a remarkable brewing system.
However, the Jura Ena 8 takes the lead with its intelligent pre-infusion system (commonly called IPBAS), another fancy and mysterious term. Still, it’s easier to understand than it seems! This feature basically means that the machine adds a small amount of hot water to wet the coffee powder before brewing to ensure optimum extraction.
Milk Frothing System
As mentioned above, the Jura A1 is not intended for the creation of milk-based beverages. It comes devoid of a milk frother, necessitating a separate purchase, or alternatively, you might want to turn your gaze to the Jura Ena 8.
On the flip side, the Jura Ena 8 is decked out with an automatic milk frothing system, effectively allowing you to play barista at home. From flat whites to latte macchiatos or cappuccinos, your favorite brew is now ready with just a button press. This system is the ideal option for beginners, as it doesn’t have a learning curve.
Setting up its milk system is a breeze: Just connect the spout and a milk container via a milk pipe. Sadly, the ENA 8 doesn’t come with a milk carafe, which is a shame, given its price. In theory, you could pop the milk tube into any milk container of your choice, even a glass. But I recommend using a Jura’s milk container or milk cooler to complete the look of your machine.
Then, just choose your favorite one, make customizations to your liking, and the machine will do the rest: The tube will suck up the quantity of milk needed and heat/froth it before extracting it directly into a waiting cup. And you? All you need to do is sit and admire the sweet white liquid coming out of the spout!
It’s worth noting that you can’t actually adjust the milk foam consistency! Although it allows for choosing from a cappuccino, latte macchiato, or flat white, the milk foam seems to be the same. If you want more control over this aspect, keep an eye out for the Jura S8.
However, you can adjust the volume of milk foam (according to secs) for each option, opening up a huge world for experimentation. In addition, it also allows adjusting the interval between producing the milk foam and extracting espresso, enabling the milk foam to settle – This results in a multi-layered latte macchiato.
Design & Usability
Winner: Jura Ena 8
Dimensions, Footprint, & Weight
| Jura A1 | Jura Ena 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 9 × 12.7 × 17.5 inches | 10.7 × 12.7 × 17.5 inches |
| Weight | 19.6 lbs | 24 lb |
If I had to describe the Jura A1 vs Ena 8 in three words, I guess it would be “small, stunning, and simple.” They have modern designs with sleek, elegant looks. Of course, as the old adage goes, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!” If you’re expecting to get a sci-fi-style machine, unfortunately, it won’t be the apple of your eye. Anyway, I still believe these box-shaped machines would look great in any kitchen. I was impressed with the Ena 8’s cylindrical round water reservoir, which is designed to emulate a crystal carafe.
I’m so used to Jura using understated colors for their machines and dubbing them with decidedly flamboyant names. The Jura A1 is very similar to the Jura ENA Micro 1 and is available in two colors: Piano Black and Piano White. Meanwhile, the Jura Ena 8 comes in three colors: Metropolitan Black, Massive Aluminum, and Sunset Red.
There is a slight variation in the price of color options, and black usually comes with the steepest price. This rule seems to apply to many other things, such as cars and phones, as well. This pricing trend is far from exclusive to coffee machines, and it’s a common thread running through diverse product categories, from automobiles to smartphones, where black is frequently the color of luxury.
These machines are on the lightweight end of the size spectrum, though they are not significantly lighter than some mammoth-sized Jura machines. If you’re looking for an espresso machine that doesn’t take up a lot of counter space, either of these is a good way to go. Of course, no one will carry these machines around on a daily basis, so their weight is not a deal-breaker!
Pre-Programmed Coffee Options
| Jura A1 | Jura Ena 8 |
|---|---|
| Coffee Espresso Ristretto | Ristretto Espresso Coffee Espresso doppio Macchiato Cappuccino Flat white Latte macchiato Portion of milk foam Hot water |
Sadly, the drink options are where the Jura A1 is most lacking. This one only offers three options, coffee, espresso, and ristretto, implying that it is geared only towards coffee purists. So if you opt for it and want to enjoy drinks like cappuccino, latte, or other specialty milk-based beverages from time to time, you must purchase a milk frother separately to make them.
But, honestly, who buys a coffee machine and then gets a milk frother separately? There’s an abundance of comprehensive, all-in-one solutions, like the Jura Ena 8 that offer a complete coffee experience in one efficient package! This model offers up to 10 one-touch beverage options, including milk-based drinks – not quite many, but very impressive considering its price point.
Better yet, each brew setting can be customized to your liking through a wide range of available settings. For example, the Ena 8 allows for customizing preset drinks according to 10 levels of coffee strength, coffee volume (oz), three hot water temperature settings, or milk foam quantity and interval time (for milk-based choices). Meanwhile, the Jura A1 is less versatile, with only two levels of coffee strength: normal and strong.
You also have the option to use pre-ground coffee with these marvels, thanks to the handy bypass chute. This allows for a seamless switch to decaf brews while still keeping your regular caffeinated beans loaded in the hopper for your morning cup of Joe the following day.
Spout & Cup Clearance
| Jura A1 | Jura Ena 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Spout Type | Single | Single |
| Cup Clearance | 2.5 – 5.5 inches | 2.2 – 5 inches |
The Jura A1’s coffee spout can be raised or lowered to give 2.5–5.5 inches of clearance, whereas the Jura Ena 8’s coffee spigot can be adjusted to leave a clearance of 2.5–5 inches. They generally fit most cup sizes, apart from some of my travel mugs. Their spouts can’t be raised up to 6 inches like the Jura Giga 5, but the important thing is that they can be lowered to 2.6 inches, preserving the luscious crema when brewing espresso cups.
The Ena 8 is also equipped with a separate milk spigot, which is co-located with the coffee spout. Given its price tag of more than one grand and a half, I expected this machine to include a dual coffee spout to facilitate the brewing of two espresso cups simultaneously.
One particularly striking feature is its “cup illumination,” which changes color depending on the drink you are making: a warm yellow-orange glow for coffee-based drinks and a vivid white radiance for milk-infused beverages. This feature not only enhances the visual appeal of the machine but also proves to be an invaluable ally for those midnight espresso cravings. I also found this feature on the Jura Z6. Love it!
Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper
| Jura A1 | Jura Ena 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Water Reservoir | 1.1 liter | 1.1 liter |
| Bean Hopper | 0.13 liter | 0.13 liter |
The Jura A1 vs Ena 8 share a 1.1-liter water reservoir, which, admittedly, leans towards the smaller side. So unless you’re a single guy who only requires one or two espressos daily, you may find yourself having to refill the tank a few times. If you need a brewer to serve your entire large family or office, you’ll need a mammoth-sized one, such as the Jura J6 with a 2.1-liter water tank.
As an espresso fanatic, you should know how important water quality is to a cup of coffee. Additionally, you don’t need to be a brilliant scientist to understand that water contains a certain amount of minerals and impurities (represented by the water’s hardness).
While the water is heated inside the machine, impurities can precipitate, leading to the formation of scale. Over time, this will lead to less-than-perfect espressos and even diminish the machine’s overall performance. Luckily, the water tanks of these models can accommodate certain special filters, which significantly mitigate this issue – We’ll delve more into this later.
Let’s talk about the bean hopper. Both have a 0.13-liter hopper, which is also small for commercial use. They are also equipped with an airtight top lid, which effectively safeguards the beans from air exposure – the key to maintaining the longevity and unspoiled freshness of the beans.
All in all, their water reservoirs and bean hoppers are small. But the question is, “Is this a deal-breaker?” Well, I think everyone will have their own perspective. From my perspective, however, this limited size carries with it certain unexpected benefits. The smaller bean hopper ensures daily usage of fresh coffee beans, and the compact water tank encourages frequent refilling, guaranteeing a cup of espresso as great as possible!
Cleaning & Maintenance
Winner: Jura Ena 8
I’m glad that the entire maintenance process for these machines, though still time-consuming, is almost automated. You, once again, will find yourself watching the machine do almost everything by itself.
Let’s start with cleaning the milk system. This should be done every time you create a milk-based beverage to remove any potential bacteria and mold. The things you need to prepare for this process are a milk cleaner system (a special solution) and a two-compartment cleaning container – both of which come bundled in the package. Then, you just need to press the button a few times, and the machine will automatically clean its milk system (for more detailed instructions, refer to your user manual or Jura’s tutorial video on YouTube).
Descaling the machine is equally simple, and you will need a cleaning tablet for this process. And as I mentioned when discussing the water reservoir, you can minimize descaling the machine by using a filter. The Jura A1 is compatible with a Clearyl Blue filter, while the Ena 8 works with a Clearyl Smart Plus one. The Ena 8 is ahead of the game here thanks to the Intelligent Water System (I.W.S.), which can detect the insertion of a filter, seamlessly transition into filter mode, and promptly initiate the rinsing cycle.
In addition, there are several manual tasks that need to be performed daily, including emptying the drip tray and the pulp basket. I highly recommend wiping the machine’s casing as well. After all, these appliances also contribute to the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen, so they deserve a little extra tender loving care, don’t they?
Utilities & Other Features
Winner: Jura Ena 8
User Interface
The Jura A1 has no sleek and fancy digital display. Instead, it just sports a minimalistic and intuitive touchpad with some classic old-style buttons. Its control panel is also equipped with various symbols that illuminate to signal when a task needs your attention, such as when it’s time to refill the water tank or descale the machine.
On the flip side, the Ena 8 is a bit more modern, with a high-definition TFT color display and clearly defined operating panels. I found its screen is a bit smaller than other super automatics, but all the information is still clear and straightforward to comprehend.
From their control panels, you can enable the “auto-shut off” feature, which automatically shuts down the machine after a preset period of time. If you are an absent-minded person who often leaves the house with some electronic devices turned on, this is for you.
App Connectivity
One thing that the Jura Ena 8 has in its favor is the ability to control it remotely via a J.O.E (Jura Operating Experience) app – a terrible name, but it is a really nifty app. But, to use it, you will need to buy the Smart Connect transmitter and plug it into your machine.
So is it worth it? My short answer is Yes, even though I don’t use the J.O.E. application because preparing drinks and performing maintenance is already very quick and easy. But I bet it’s interesting and useful for many users out there. It allows you to choose your favorite drinks, tweak settings, schedule cleaning tasks, and more right from your phone or even an Apple watch. Thus, you can indulge in a few extra precious minutes of slumber in the early morning while the machine effortlessly prepares your espresso.
Artificial Intelligence
Finally, the Jura Ena 8 can remember your drinking habits and display your most popular choices on its first screen through a self-learning algorithm, making it a great addition to your smart home.
Quick Rundown Of Jura Ena 8
- COMPACT ONE TOUCH: Prepare 10 barista quality specialties including espresso doppio, 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: 37 ounce cylindrical-shape, easy-grip water tank, 4.4 ounce bean container, optional pre-ground chute
Last update on 2023-09-21 / 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 2023-09-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References:
- Jura Ena 8: https://us.jura.com/en/homeproducts/machines/ENA-8-Metropolitan-Black-NA-15281
- Jura A1: https://sa.jura.com/en/homeproducts/machines/A1-Piano-Black-13794SA
I’m Floyd J. Alcock, an experienced barista with a deep love for coffee. I curate personalized coffee experiences, guiding customers through diverse flavor profiles and suggesting ideal brewing methods. My extensive knowledge of espresso machines enables me to recommend the best equipment to match specific needs and budgets. Sharing my expertise and passion with coffee enthusiasts brings immense satisfaction. I look forward to continuing my journey of coffee discovery with every customer I serve, fostering connections over a shared love for this magical beverage.