When it comes to Jura, I bet many people immediately think of exorbitantly priced machines with a futuristic look packed with high-tech features. But, I’d like to say that Jura also has offerings for the more budget-conscious among us, such as the Jura A1 vs Ena Micro 5 models. Of course, these more affordable options do entail some sacrifices, like a limited list of preset drinks and the lack of a milk frothing system.
Both machines have a lot of features in common: both are equipped with the Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System, the Pulse Extraction Process, the automatic descaling system, etc. But the Jura A1 has an Aroma G3 grinder, while the Jura Ena Micro 5 offers more convenience with its double spout, allowing two espresso cups to be brewed simultaneously.
Jura A1 Vs Ena Micro 5: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Jura A1 Vs Ena Micro 5: Differences
I call this battle a tie. They are almost identical twins, except for some aspects. So keep reading for more information.
Coffee Flavour
Winner: Jura A1
Built-in Grinder
The Ena Micro 5 comes fitted with an Aroma + grinder, while the Jura A1 outshines with its cutting-edge Aroma G3 grinder. The latter, no doubt, is superior – it is even touted to extract 12% more aroma from the coffee beans than its predecessor. I couldn’t validate this claim, but my tests affirmed its all-around preeminence.
One of the first things that caught my attention was the quiet operation of the Aroma G3 grinder. It produces a sound level of 55 dB, which resembles a quiet household chat or the hum from a refrigerator. On the other hand, the Aroma+ grinder registers a higher noise level at around 68 dB, which is comparable to the sound of a running vacuum. This implies that using the Jura A1 for a dawn coffee brewing session won’t lead to unintentional wake-up calls for your whole family.
The Aroma G3 grinder is also highly regarded for its rapid grinding speed and remarkable grinding consistency. It grinds faster but still ensures that the beans are ground evenly. So you can expect a more harmonious and tasty espresso delivered in a shorter time frame.
Both have five grind settings—a limited range indeed, but that’s what we have to accept. Toggling between grind settings is easy via a grind setting dial. Just flip a small lid on top of the machine, and you’ll spot it right away. A significant word of caution, however, is never to alter the grind settings when it is not in operation unless you’re willing to kiss your espresso machine goodbye soon.
Heating System
When considering the heating system, a model equipped with a double boiler, such as the Jura Giga 6, is invariably the superior choice, particularly in high-demand settings where large drinks need to be whipped up at lightning speed – it has the capacity to brew espresso and steam milk concurrently. Nevertheless, these models tend to carry hefty price tags, which isn’t the case with the Jura A1 vs Ena Micro 5 models.
Fortunately, the boilers of these machines are equipped with Thermoblock technology, which is often cited as capable of heating the water within a mere 10 seconds. My actual experience showed a slightly longer time of around 13-15 seconds, but the difference is relatively insignificant. That means almost no waiting time between drinks, ensuring you and your loved ones can swiftly get your favorite beverage before heading out the door.
So what makes the Thermoblock boiler different? The answer is simple: Thermoblock boiler only heats the required amount of water instead of a whole boiler filled with water. That way, it can heat water quickly and reduce power consumption. And since it only heats water on-demand, the machine doesn’t have to hold water in its boiler for extended periods, removing the risk of stale water and subpar espressos. But it can be more prone to scale build-up, which affects the taste of the coffee and potentially damages the machine if not descaled regularly (more on that later).
Brewing System
Remember when I said Jura had made certain compromises to these machines to make them more budget-friendly? Thankfully, their brewing systems aren’t part of that trade-off. They come equipped with the Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System (IPBAS) and the Pulse Extraction Process (PEP), representing Jura’s most sophisticated technologies. These features are apparently only exclusive to high-end models, so their presence here is truly a delight! Don’t worry about these complex terms making your mind whirl – I’m here to decipher them in the simplest terms.
The Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System is designed to take care of the pre-brew process, which develops the maximum aroma and flavor from the coffee beans. Once the grinder has done its job, the coffee grounds will be sent to a chamber. Here, the system will moisten the grounds with the right amount of hot water, called “pre-Infusion.” In fact, this procedure is common in most super-automatic espresso machines, yet it appears that only Jura has given it a unique name.
Then, the Pulse Extraction Process will force hot water through the coffee grounds in a few short bursts. Combined with 15 bars of pressure, this process yields espressos with a full-bodied aroma and rich flavor that optimize drinkers’ taste buds at rocket speed. This technology, no doubt, is one of the things that has contributed to the renowned reputation of Jura.
Milk Frothing System
These machines are not designed to serve milk-based beverages. They have no milk frothing system or steam wand at all. So if you want to enjoy those deliciously fatty cappuccinos or sweet flat whites, you’ll need to consider an alternative machine. On the bright side, the lack of a milk frothing system helps keep the overall cost of the machine more accessible and eliminates the need for cleaning an additional component.
Design & Usability
Winner: Ena Micro 5
Dimensions, Footprint, & Weight
| Jura A1 | Jura Ena Micro 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 9 × 12.7 × 17.5 inches | 9.0 × 12.7 × 17.5 inches |
| Weight | 19.6 lbs | 19.6 lb |
If you are looking for a big, heavy kitchen appliance with many advanced functions, both may not meet your expectations. These machines embrace a compact, box-shaped design with a sleek and minimalist appearance, with their primary focus on the espresso spout. The Ena Micro 5 stands out with its steel body, radiating a sense of durability and strength. On the other hand, the Jura A1, offering a more affordable option, incorporates plastic as its primary housing material. I believe this minimalist aesthetic can effortlessly enhance the sophistication of any modern kitchen
These units are very compact, allowing them to fit comfortably on most kitchen countertops and even cabinets. They’re not lightweight, but I could easily pick them up and carry them around without needing to mop my brow. But if your arms quake at the thought of heavy lifting, you might want to call in a favor for this task.
Pre-programmed Coffee Options
| Jura A1 | Jura Ena Micro 5 |
|---|---|
| Coffee Espresso Ristretto | Coffee Espresso Ristretto |
Ah, the preset drinks. They are probably the factor that most people care about when purchasing an espresso machine, don’t they? There is no Flat White, Cappuccino, Macchiato, or any other sweet white liquid included in their menu – You can use a milk frother if needed, but it will be a separate purchase.
They only offer a trio of drinks: Coffee, Espresso, and Ristretto—nothing more and nothing less, something any black coffee enthusiast would crave. Each drink on offer can only be finessed at two strength levels, controlled by some buttons on the control panel. Also, they don’t have a hot water option, leaving no chance for an Americano aficionado to quench their thirst by blending espresso with hot water – Of course, if you are one of them, you can use a kettle.
Seeking the comforting hug of a hot cup of Joe but don’t fancy dancing with insomnia? Decaf is the perfect alternative. It is also the ideal choice for expectant mothers and those who’ve put caffeine on their “do not admit” list. And, yes, these machines come equipped with a sneaky bypass grinder chute for pre-ground coffee, just like they’ve got a secret trapdoor that leads directly to the world of decaf. So you can have a caffeine-free drink without emptying the bean container.
Spout & Cup Clearance
| Jura A1 | Jura Ena Micro 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Spout Type | Single | Dual |
| Cup Clearance | 2.5–5.5 inches | 1.2–4.4 inches |
While the Jura A1 is equipped with a single spout, the Ena Micro 5 features a special double spout, which is a big selling point for this one. The Ena Micro 5’s spigot is rotatable, and the machine will brew one or two shots of a drink depending on how the spout is turned. It is truly a unique feature, and I had never seen anything quite like it before.
Their espresso spouts can move vertically, making for a cup clearance that is not bad at all! But it would be better if they could be raised a little more to fit some oversized cups, such as a travel mug.
I love that the Ena Micro 5 can effortlessly brew two cups simultaneously with a simple swivel motion. Have you ever found yourself engaged in a coffee machine priority duel with your spouse? It’s a risky game, my friend! With this one, you and your loved one can peacefully enjoy timely espressos in the morning.
Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper
| Jura A1 | Jura Ena Micro 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Water Reservoir | 1.1 liter | 1.1 liter |
| Bean Hopper | 0.13 liter | 0.13 liter |
The Jura A1 vs Ena Micro 5 share a 1.1-liter water reservoir, enough for about 5-6 cups of espresso. Jura Ena Micro 5 can make two shots at once, so it can run out of water very quickly. But unless you’re a caffeinated addict, you will only need to refill the tank at the end of the day to prepare for a new brew cycle the next morning.
Their Water Reservoir also has room for a built-in Clearyl blue filter cartridge, which is designed to keep espresso tasting great and prevent the machine from needing to be descaled frequently.
Opting for the filter does come with a monthly expense of approximately $25, but it’s worth it, considering its benefits! It removes impurities from the water before it goes inside the machine for heating, so it will help prevent calcium deposits from affecting the aroma and flavor of espresso as well as reducing the efficiency of the machine. Isn’t that a smart way to spend money?
Both also have a 0.13-liter bean container on top of the machine that can hold up to 125 grams of beans. Fear not about leaving your beans in for an extended period since their covers boast an airtight seal, ensuring the freshness remains locked in. These top lids are made of clear plastic, so you can monitor the current amount of beans at a glance.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Honestly, not many of us jump for joy at the thought of maintaining and cleaning a super-automatic espresso machine, do we? But it is essential to keep the machine in the best possible condition, and it will give you endless great espressos. Fortunately, both the Jura A1 vs Ena Micro 5 are built to make maintenance a piece of cake. And considering they are milk-free machines, your maintenance list is a bit shorter.
They will remind you whenever it needs descaling, and all you need to do is open the bypass dose chute, drop in a JURA cleaning tablet, and sit back and relax for about 20 minutes while the machine does its magic. As mentioned earlier, if you use the Clearyl filter, the occasions on which you’ll need to descale the machine throughout its life are as rare as a hen’s teeth.
However, there are some tasks that you need to complete yourself on a daily basis, including emptying the drip tray, emptying the coffee grounds basket, filling the water reservoir, and wiping the machine’s housing.
Utilities & Other Features
They have a simple and easy-to-use touch panel, and I think this is reasonable for machines with fewer bells and whistles like this. Just choose one of three preset drinks and two coffee strengths to brew the perfect espresso cup for yourself. They come with a Zero-Energy Switch, which disconnects the machine from the power source when not in use to cut power consumption to 0 watts per hour.
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 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Jura Ena Micro 5
- Unique rotating coffee spouts automatically control selection of one or two drinks
- Height adjustable coffee spout ranges from 1.2" to 4.4" high
- 4 oz. Bean Hopper has air tight aroma preservation cover to keep beans fresh
- Boiler Design - Stainless Steel ThermoBlock
- Powerful pump rated to produce 15 bars of pressure
Last update on 2023-09-23 / 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 5: https://www.manua.ls/jura/ena-micro-5/manual
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.