Jura, typically known for their top-tier super-automatics teeming with sophisticated features, also delivers some budget-friendly options, such as the Jura A1 vs Ena Micro 1. But it should be mentioned that they don’t have frothing milk, making them just ideal for pure coffee lovers.
They bear an uncanny resemblance to each other, from their external aesthetic to their size. But the Jura A1 edges out the competition with its Aroma G3 grinder and Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.), making it the overall top pick. Yet, if affordability is your priority, the Ena Micro 1 is the more budget-friendly choice.
Jura A1 Vs Ena Micro 1: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Jura A1 Vs Ena Micro 1: Differences
The Jura A1 wins 4-3 against the Ena Micro 1. Despite their striking similarities, which make it tough to distinguish one from the other, there are indeed a few discernible differences!
Coffee Flavour
Winner: Jura A1
Built-in Grinder
The Jura A1 features an upgraded Aroma G3 grinder, which grinds faster than the Ena Micro 1’s Aroma + grinder without losing quality and consistency. In addition, the former is also quoted as providing 12% more aroma – This is something that I have to trust the manufacturer with.
I was particularly pleased with how whisper-quiet the Jura A1’s grinder was. It produced noise levels only within the 54-58 decibel range, akin to a home-based conversation. So the peaceful hum of your morning brewing cycles will no longer serve as an unintended household alarm.
The grinding size is also an important factor to take into account. A super-automatic coffee machine should have multiple grinding settings so users can find the one that works best for their beverage. These machines provide just five grind settings, which is below the standard industry average of six. This is the first concession you’ll have to accept in exchange for the machine’s budget-friendly price tag.
It is worth noting that the grinding setting can only be changed while the grinder is in operation. It sounds counter-intuitive, but this precaution is intended to enhance the machine’s durability, or at least, that’s what Jura suggests. It’s always wise to play it safe!
Heating System
The Jura A1 vs Ena Micro 1 share a single aluminum boiler lined with stainless steel. Since they don’t have a milk system, I don’t consider the absence of a dual boiler system a con. Moreover, Thermoblock technology allows them to heat rapidly. So you don’t have to wait till the cow comes home to have your favorite caffeine drink that keeps you awake all day.
In reality, I discovered that the Thermoblock system takes just over 10 seconds to heat the water to the right temperature for brewing, a task that traditional boilers can take up to several minutes to achieve. There’s no hocus-pocus at work here! The Thermoblock boiler merely heats the exact amount of water required for brewing, thereby reducing the waiting time. Additional perks? It aids in minimizing electricity consumption, ultimately resulting in a reduction of your monthly electricity expenses – Both Mother Nature and your wallet are grateful for this.
Brewing System
Both the Jura A1 and Ena Micro 1 incorporate a pre-infusion process, which Jura refers to as the “Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System.” This process involves pre-soaking the coffee grounds with the proper amount of hot water to ensure optimal extraction. While this process has become standard in the industry, Jura’s fancy and mysterious acronym sets it apart, leaving users scratching their heads.
However, the Jura A1 stands out with the Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.), which involves forcing a small amount of heated water through the grounds in some short bursts. Alongside its 15 bars of pressure, Aroma G3 grinder, and rapid Thermoblock heating system, the Jura A1 delivers an espresso that exudes a captivating aroma and unrivaled flavor, which is achieved in less than 30 seconds of brewing time.
Milk Frothing System
As mentioned earlier, both the Jura A1 vs Ena Micro 1 don’t have a milk frothing system, so they can’t help make anything other than those few delicious black coffees. Therefore, if you occasionally find yourself yearning for the indulgence of a cappuccino adorned with velvety milk foam or an enticing cappuccino latte boasting captivating layers, it is essential to procure a separate milk frother and unleash your inner barista.
Or, if you have a generous budget, you can opt to indulge in the luxury of purchasing higher-end Jura models that come equipped with an integrated automated milk frothing system, such as the Jura E8.
Design & Usability
Winner: Tie
Dimensions, Footprint, & Weight
| Jura A1 | Jura Ena Micro 1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 9 × 12.7 × 17.5 inches | 9.0 × 12.7 × 17.5 inches |
| Weight | 19.6 lbs | 19.6 lbs |
When buying an espresso machine, performance undoubtedly takes precedence, but an appealing aesthetic is an undeniable bonus. For many individuals, the kitchen holds a special place as their sanctuary, and they certainly wouldn’t want to compromise its ambiance with an excessively large and ugly coffee machine that clashes with their kitchen decor.
Both the Jura A1 and Ena Micro 1 exhibit a refined and sophisticated. I firmly believe that their simple yet timeless design would complement any kitchen decor and even grace the living room with a touch of elegance. But these machines may not be the favorites of those who prefer a sci-fi aesthetic.
These models are also designed to have the smallest footprint on a kitchen countertop. In fact, they are among the most compact Jura machines. But be prepared, they are heavier than they appear.
Pre-programmed Coffee Options
| Jura A1 | Jura Ena Micro 1 |
|---|---|
| Coffee Espresso Ristretto | Coffee Espresso Ristretto |
No long list of one-touch drinks here, folks! All they bring to the table is a trio of black coffees, nothing more and nothing less. In addition, each drink preset can only be adjusted to two different strengths: normal (one bean) or normal (three beans). Everything is offered to the bare minimum to keep the price tag low.
Fortunately, a bypass dose chute is still available to serve decaf for those who are intolerant to caffeine or don’t want the entire “beans to brew” experience. It also becomes a game-changer when your stock of whole beans is exhausted, or you simply crave a beverage that won’t keep you up all night.
Spout & Cup Clearance
| Jura A1 | Jura Ena Micro 1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Spout Type | Single | Single |
| Cup Clearance | 2.5–5.5 inches | 2.5–5.5 inches |
Both the Jura A1 and Ena Micro 1 feature a single coffee dispensing spout with a clearance varying between 2.5 and 5.5 inches. It’s versatile enough for most cup sizes, and my cherished jumbo-sized cup is the only exception. The only drawback is they’re not designed to dispense two cups of espresso simultaneously. So remember – ladies first!
Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper
| Jura A1 | Jura Ena Micro 1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Water Reservoir | 1.1 liter | 1.1 liter |
| Bean Hopper | 0.13 liter | 0.13 liter |
Their 1.1-liter reservoirs only hold enough water for about 3-4 cups of coffee. So, unless you live in a large family of coffee connoisseurs, you won’t find yourself having to refill them as often. The reservoir is located at the back of the machine, which is seemingly a less-than-ideal position, but it turns out it can easily be taken out without moving the machine.
Their small water tank is compatible with a CLARIS filter. If you ask me, it uses active carbon and ion exchange to remove unwanted substances from the water. That way, it can maintain the purity of the espresso and minimize the descaling of the machine.
But this convenience does carry a price tag – a recurring monthly cost for filter replacement. Additionally, using it further constrains the already limited water capacity. There are some other ways to minimize your descaling, such as using distilled water or, if your water is already filtered at the kitchen sink, using a filter is superfluous.
Their bean receptacle, conveniently situated on the top of the machine, can hold as much as 125 grams of coffee beans. And you can relax knowing there’s no urgency to use all the beans within the day, as the clear lid features a gasket for a perfectly airtight seal – the key to preserving the aroma of coffee beans as long as possible.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Winner: Tie
Cleaning an espresso machine often spells trouble for coffee aficionados, but that’s not a problem you’ll face with the Jura A1 vs Ena Micro 1 – They are incredibly easy to take care of with automatic rinsing, cleaning, and descaling programs. What’s more, their smart touchpad will alert you when they need some extra attention.
The great thing about this is that you don’t need to clean the milk system (because they don’t have one), which makes your maintenance list a bit longer. Your responsibilities merely entail descaling the machine every couple of months (or less frequently with the filter) and conducting daily tasks like clearing the coffee grounds basket, emptying the pulp container, and more.
Jura recommends using only their descaling tablets. I understand that there are a multitude of less expensive descaling alternatives on the market, but saving a few dollars with the trade-off of your machine’s longevity isn’t a wise decision.
Utilities & Other Features
Winner: Tie
The Jura A1 vs Ena Micro 1 doesn’t have many bells and whistles. They have no fancy touchscreens, only a simple icon-based touchpad panel that is intuitive, simple, and easy to use, making brewing a good cup of coffee easy. The Energy Save Mode can also be activated to cut down on unnecessary power consumption.
Quick Rundown Of Jura A1
- Coffee, espresso or ristretto
- Pulse extraction process - P.E.P.
- Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System
- Aroma Grinder
- High-performance pump, 15 bar
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Jura Ena Micro 1
- ONE TOUCH: Prepare 3 Barista quality specialties including Ristretto, Espresso and coffee at the touch of a button - Coffee only
- COMPACT: Slim design, perfect for small spaces
- CONICAL BURR GRINDER: Multi-level grinder will perfectly grind 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 water tank, 7 ounce bean container
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References:
- Jura A1: https://sa.jura.com/en/homeproducts/machines/A1-Piano-Black-13794SA
- Jura ENA Micro 90: https://www.juracoffeeplus.co.nz/jura-ena-micro-90-one-touch/
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.