Jura E8 vs ENA Micro 90: the price gap between them is whopping! With that in mind, the question is, “Is the former worth it?” The short answer is Yes! You get what you pay for!
Undeniably, the Jura E8 is an excellent pick for those in the market for a mid-tier super-automatic espresso machine. My personal experience with this device has been both delightful and memorable, and I can confidently vouch that few models out there strike such an impressive balance between cost and performance. The best part? It is packed with the latest Jura tech found in Jura’s most expensive machines, such as Aroma G3 conical burr grinder, Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System, and Pulse Extraction Process.
On the other hand, the Jura ENA Micro 90 shines as the perfect pick for individuals or small families. This neatly designed, feature-rich machine is well-equipped to brew two to three cups of espresso – providing a sufficient caffeine kickstart for the more “casual” coffee aficionados in their morning routine. Of course, don’t expect to get a lot of bells and whistles from this budget-friendly model.
Jura E8 Vs ENA Micro 90: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Jura E8 Vs ENA Micro 90: Differences
The Jura E8 knocks out the ENA Micro 90 with a score of 4-1. The former is clearly the better choice, but which one works best for you is a completely different picture!
Coffee Flavour
Winner: Jura E8
Built-in Grinder
Both the Jura E8 vs ENA Micro 90 have an Aroma G3 conical ceramic burr grinder. If you’re an aficionado of this Swiss brand, or at least have researched them a bit, you’d know that this grinder is top-of-the-line. Compared to the Aroma G2 grinder or any other grinder, this one is a big step up in terms of both speed and consistency.
It operates at double the speed of its predecessor, the Aroma G2 grinder, and boasts burrs with an improved angle to yield a more consistent grind. There’s a claim that it brings 12% more aroma, but the accuracy of this claim is only known to insiders.
Furthermore, its operation is remarkably quiet. My measurements showed that both the Jura E8 vs ENA Micro 90 operate around 56–60 dB when their grinders are active, aligning them, which puts them on par with washing machines or dishwashers. Better yet, their grinders feature ceramic blades that effectively dissipate the heat generated during grinding, preventing over-extraction and producing a bitter-free espresso – This is something steel grinders can hardly achieve.
The Jura E8 delivers six grinder settings, so it doesn’t leave much room to experiment. I had no issue with this and easily found the best setting for me. But I’d like to say that I know many machines on the market that offer a more extensive range of grind settings.
On the other hand, the ENA Micro 90 offers only five different grind settings, which I believe may not be adequate to meet everyone’s preferences. However, given that it’s a more economically priced super-automatic machine, I understand that I can’t expect too much.
It is unnecessary to open the bean hopper to access the grinder, which is a widespread issue with almost all the super-automatic espresso machines from other brands. All you need to do to change the grind settings is twist a control dial near the bean hopper. I don’t claim to be an espresso guru – still, my recommendation would be to utilize a coarser grind for regular coffee and a finer one for espressos and beverages that incorporate milk.
Heating System
The Jura E8 vs ENA Micro 90 share a single thermoblock boiler. So, these models can’t theoretically brew espresso and steam milk at the same time. Instead, these processes must be undertaken one by one, and there is an inevitable hiatus in between.
A blessing in disguise is that they are equipped with thermoblock technology, allowing for water to be rapidly heated. Unlike traditional boilers that heat a large batch of water, this nifty thermoblock boiler only warms up the precise amount of water required for brewing or steaming. As a result, the delay time is measured in seconds (about 10 seconds), so the presence of a single boiler shouldn’t be a deal-breaker for home-based coffee aficionados.
Should you need an efficient machine to whip up copious amounts of beverages in rapid succession for a juice bar or a quaint coffee house with a swift production of beverages, a double boiler model like the Jura S8 could be your best bet!
Brewing System
Both the Jura E8 and ENA Micro 90 boast top-tier brewing tech, namely the Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.) and the Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System (IPBAS). Now, I understand these technical terms may seem like they’re lulling you into a slumber, but trust me, they’re less perplexing than they initially appear.
Once the Aroma G3 grinder has efficiently and seamlessly ground the beans, the resultant aromatic and delightful coffee powder is transported to a designated chamber. The machine then introduces a precise amount of hot water into this chamber to facilitate the “pre-infusion” of the ground coffee. This process is executed by the Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System (IPBAS) with the objective of maximizing the extraction of the aroma from the coffee beans.
Then, the pulse extraction process (PEP) will take place. Unlike traditional models, these Jura machines pulse small amounts of hot water through the grounds in brief intervals to enhance the overall flavor of the espresso shot. At the end of the day, you’ll be rewarded with a rich, velvety crema-topped espresso with unprecedented flavor clarity and depth, like a symphony in a cup.
Milk Frothing System
Imagine if I could journey back in time a couple of decades and inform my younger self that, in the future, coffee enthusiasts would be brewing cappuccinos with impeccable milk froth right in their homes – I’d be utterly astounded. Indeed, both the Jura E8 and the ENA Micro 90 boast an automatic milk frothing system. So no longer does crafting delightful milk-infused beverages require the expertise of a seasoned barista—it’s as easy as pressing a button.
Does that technology doom our beloved baristas? The answer is a big No! Even today, the most advanced super-automatic espresso machines fall short of replicating the artistry of milk foam you often witness in coffee shops. It is much like how, in spite of its prowess, ChatGPT remains a distance away from entirely superseding the nuanced craftsmanship of seasoned content writers. Despite all the technological advancements, there’s still no substitute for the human touch. That is also why baristas prefer wand-equipped espresso machines over super-automatic machines.
Returning to the central discussion, frothing milk is as simple as connecting the machine’s milk frother to a milk container using a tube. However, Jura’s decision to omit a milk carafe from the package was, to put it mildly, a bit of a disappointment—like leaving a sour taste in my mouth. So I had to buy one separately on Amazon. I’ve spent my hard-earned thousands of dollars on these machines, but Jura even didn’t give me a container under $50!! Of course, you can plug the tube directly into anything that can hold milk, even something as basic as your everyday milk carton.
As mentioned earlier, the machines provide the freedom to customize the milk or milk foam quantity to suit your preferences. Moreover, they offer a unique feature programming a delay after frothed milk is dispensed. This delay facilitates the separation of milk, creating the distinctive layered effect characteristic of latte macchiatos – an attribute that some top-tier models surprisingly lack. I recommend using glass since a masterpiece like this deserves to be viewed in all its glory from every angle!
What the Jura E8 has in its favor is that it allows for adjusting the microfoam’s texture or switching to hot milk via a selector switch (which replaces the old version’s dial on the auto-frother). That way, it given me more control over milk-based beverages.
Design & Usability
Winner: Jura ENA Micro 90
Dimensions, Footprint, & Weight
| Jura E8 | Jura ENA Micro 90 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 11 × 13.6 × 17.5 inches | 9 × 12.7 × 17.5 inches |
| Weight | 21.6 lbs | 20.7 lbs |
Any opinion of appearance and aesthetics is subjective. However, I firmly believe that the Jura E8 and the ENA Micro 90, each with their own design appeal, would bring an aesthetic edge to any kitchen setting.
If you like an Ironman-style machine, the Jura E8 will be a visual feast for you. This one comes in Piano White, Piano Black, and Chrome. And whatever it is, I think we can all agree that it will look pretty good in any kitchen, especially modern-styled ones. Its smooth and gracefully curved lines are simply irresistible, at least in my book! Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder!
Lovers of a minimalist aesthetic will find the Jura ENA Micro 90 to be a real treat. No sci-fi tech screens, no fancy bells and whistles, and confusing buttons – this one is just an elegant silver box-shaped machine that has a 1980s-style appearance. The ENA Micro 90’s exterior features a matte silver finish that is resistant to fingerprints, and the top is a seductive black plastic. It is made almost entirely of ABS plastic but doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy. Of course, it’s too early to confirm its durability, so let time tell.
These machines are neck and neck regarding dimensions and weight. They are neither the largest nor the most compact Jura super automatic I’ve tested. Either of these can comfortably fit into your kitchen, even if space is a bit tight. These beasts are a little heavier than they seem, but I’ve never considered the weight of a coffee maker a big deal. After all, it’s not like you’ll be moving your automatic espresso machine around often, right?
Pre-Programmed Coffee Options
| Jura E8 | Jura ENA Micro 90 |
|---|---|
| Espresso Coffee Caffè Barista Americano Espresso doppio Cortado Macchiato Cappuccino Cappuccino Extra Shot Flat white Flat white Extra Shot Latte macchiato Latte macchiato Extra Shot Portion of milk foam Hot water 2 × Espresso 2 × Coffee | Espresso Long Coffee Cappuccino Latte Macchiato |
Undeniably, the variety of one-touch drinks plays a crucial role in the pronounced price gap between the Jura E8 vs ENA Micro 90. Offering up to 17 preset drink choices, the Jura E8 can readily cater to the diverse caffeine preferences of an extended family or even more populous settings such as workplaces or bars.
On the flip side, with a limited drink list including four beverages, two coffee drinks & two milk-based ones, the ENA Micro 90 is ideal for a one or two-person household, no more and no less. It could even struggle to keep up with the demands of a small drinks party or small social gathering.
Should the preset options not meet your taste, you have the liberty to tweak various settings until you craft your ideal cup. The Jura E8, for instance, enables customization of each preset beverage with 10 strength levels, 3 brew temperature levels, and adjustments for both coffee and milk volumes. Similarly, the ENA Micro 90 allows for tailoring of its one-touch beverages with 10 strength levels, 2 brew temperature levels, and controls for milk foam volume and water amount.
Once you’ve discovered the formula that delights your palate, simply save them, and these settings will become your new defaults. Then you can easily get your new recipe drink with one touch without any more trial and error.
Also, if you want to enjoy an occasional glass of decaf, you can use pre-ground coffee with these machines via a bypass doser (which is also where you drop the cleaning pellet when the machine needs to be descaled). This nifty feature also becomes a lifesaver in those early mornings when you’re tight on time and can’t afford the time for the full-fledged “bean-to-cup” process.
Spout & Cup Clearance
| Jura E8 | Jura ENA Micro 90 | |
|---|---|---|
| Spout Type | Dual | Single |
| Cup Clearance | 2.6 – 4.4 inches | 2 – 5.4 inches |
The Jura E8 comes equipped with two spout systems: one dedicated to creating classic beverages like espresso, ristretto, and coffee, while the other caters to concocting milk-infused delights such as cappuccino, macchiato, and flat white. I’m glad they can be adjusted vertically to accommodate cups of different heights.
The dual coffee spigot facilitates the simultaneous brewing of two black coffees – a feature I find commendable. But it would be better if two spigots could be adjusted horizontally to fit some cups bearing thick rims or unusual shapes. Furthermore, the vertical adjustment leaves room to improve since it fails to accommodate some of my mammoth-sized cups.
Conversely, the ENA Micro 90 features a solitary coffee spout combined with a milk frother, facilitating the creation of milk-infused beverages from one convenient spot. It provides a greater cup clearance, hence accommodating a wider variety of cups. But of course, the ability to simultaneously produce two cups of espresso isn’t in its wheelhouse.
Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper
| Jura E8 | Jura ENA Micro 90 | |
|---|---|---|
| Water Reservoir | 1.9 liter | 1.1 liter |
| Bean Hopper | 0.29 liter | 0.13 liter |
The Jura E8 features a 1.9-liter water reservoir, which is nearly twice as large as the ENA Micro 90’s 1.1-liter tank. The former is generally more than enough for families of all sizes, needing a refill only as the day winds down. As for the ENA Micro, its tank is seemingly more fitting for an individual or a couple. For more demanding settings like offices or self-service bars, a larger machine such as the Jura Giga 6, equipped with a 2.57-liter water tank, would be the preferred choice.
What creates a lush, delectable espresso? Is it the coffee bean quality? Or the brewing system? Yes, you’re right! But I’m willing to bet that many of you neglect to consider one of the most crucial components – the quality of the water. The tap water usually in use has a certain mineral content, including calcium, which is denoted by the term “hardness.”
The greater the hardness, the more mineral-laden the water. When this water is heated within the machine, these minerals result in scale buildup, influencing both the espresso’s quality and the machine’s functionality over time. As a result, it becomes paramount to descale the coffee machine regularly.
Thankfully, the Jura E8 can be coupled with a Claris smart water filter, while the Jura ENA Micro 90 can be used with a Clearyl Blue filter cartridge, effectively reducing mineral accumulation and considerably prolonging the interval between descaling. However, this benefit comes with a recurring cost, as the filter requires regular replacement, noticeably driving up the overall cost of ownership.
On the other hand, the Jura E8’s bean hopper has a capacity of 0.29 liters and is capable of holding up to 280 g of coffee beans. Meanwhile, the ENA Micro 90’s 0.13-liter hopper holds only 125 g of beans. Both come with hopper lids equipped with silicone gaskets for an effective seal, thereby preserving the beans’ freshness – This seems to be a must-have for super-automatic Juras.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Winner: Tie
If you’ve ever owned an older-generation espresso machine, you know how difficult and time-consuming it can be to clean and maintain. Maintaining the Jura E8 vs ENA Micro 90 is still time-consuming, but it’s mostly hands-free, and you just have to sit back and wait for them to finish the job most of the time.
Descaling the machine should be done after about 200 drinks and last about 20 minutes. This task requires the included descaling tablets, which can also be purchased separately. You can reduce the number of descaling times over the machine’s life by using the Clearyl Blue filter cartridge.
Regarding cleaning the milk system, it should be done after each use. Everything is almost completely automated as well, with an included cleaning solution and a two-compartment cleaning container.
Furthermore, a few routine tasks need your attention daily or weekly, such as emptying the drip tray and the coffee grounds basket. Giving the machine a good wipe after each use is also advisable. After all, beautiful things like these deserve meticulous care and attention to ensure they continue to shine and function at their best!
Utilities & Other Features
Winner: Jura E8
User Interface
The ENA Micro 90 features a simple LED display, a control knob, and some selector buttons. This makes it look old-tech and a bit outdated, but I believe a high-tech display is overkill for this model.
On the flip side, the Jura E8 comes equipped with a modest 2.8-inch LED display. While some users might consider it somewhat undersized, I believe it integrates seamlessly with the machine’s overall dimensions. Its unassuming presence, along with a practical six-button layout, boosts the device’s user-friendliness, ensuring an uncomplicated coffee brewing journey. Furthermore, it thoughtfully notifies users when it’s time for routine maintenance, even guiding them through each necessary step, simplifying the upkeep process.
App Connectivity
Adding to the convenience of the Jura E8 is the ability to connect it to a smartphone via the J.O.E app. It allows you to schedule cleaning tasks and receive updates from Jura. The real gem is that it will enable you to initiate brewing from any corner of your home.
Artificial Intelligence
What truly endears us to our go-to barista? Is it their exceptional skill set? Certainly, but there’s more to it. It’s their understanding of our beverage preferences and their ability to anticipate our needs before we can say anything.
Interestingly enough, modern high-tech Jura machines, the Jura E8 included, can do the same thing thanks to the integration of artificial intelligence. Just as you’d be surprised to find your barista knows your order before you voice it, the Jura E8 can remember your drinking habits and display your most popular choices on the start screen.
Energy Save
The Jura E8 vs ENA Micro 90 both champion environmental sustainability and cost-effectiveness with their shared Energy Save Mode (ESM), designed to curtail needless power usage. This not only aids in preserving the environment but also helps lower your monthly electricity costs. In addition, both models come with an “Automatic Switch-Off” function, granting you the ability to preset your machine to power down automatically anytime between 15 minutes to 9 hours.
Quick Rundown Of Jura E8
- 17 Programmed Specialties: The new Jura E8 Automatic Coffee Center will now prepare 17 programmed specialties including Espresso, Coffee, Cappuccino, CaffF Barista, Americano, Espresso doppio, Macchiato, Cortado, Latte macchiato, Flat white, Portion of milk foam and Lungo at a touch
- Professional Aroma Grinder: The Professional Aroma Grinder ensures 12.2% more aroma and consistently high grind quality so that flavors unfold to perfection throughout the entire service life of the grinder
- Pulse Extraction Process: The Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.) ensures maximum flavor for short specialties, while intelligent preheating ensures the ideal temperature right from the first cup
- 2.8-Inch Display: A 2.8-inch color display, six buttons, and a completely new operating concept featuring artificial intelligence enable simple handling. Product settings and their positions on the screen can be adapted and product names can be displayed or hidden. All relevant information regarding the coffee machine as well as pending care instructions is presented clearly in the Cockpit via the display
- Harmonious Design: It features a clean and expressive characteristic design. High-quality materials and precise craftsmanship underline the premium quality of the modern E8. It's styling alone is evidence of its quality, functionality, and durability. Details such as the grooved water tank or the high-quality, chrome-plated cup grille perfectly complement the clean, harmonious design of the E8
Last update on 2023-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Jura ENA Micro 90
- ONE TOUCH: Prepare 6 barista quality specialties including espresso, coffee, cappuccino 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 water tank, 4.4 ounce bean container
Last update on 2023-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References:
- Jura E8: https://us.jura.com/en/homeproducts/machines/E8-Chrome-NAA-15371
- Jura ENA Micro 90: https://www.williams-sonoma.com/netstorage/pdf/Jura-ENA-Micro-90-Manual-99001.pdf
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.