Jura Giga 5 vs W3: Should your quest be for a modest, uncomplicated, and reasonably priced espresso machine, this comparison is not for you. This is an intense match-up between two commercial-grade powerhouses, each with a price that might make your wallet wince. When the dust settles, the second one emerges as the overall winner.
The Jura Giga W3 is a Lamborghini in the super-automatic espresso machine realm – potent, brimming with high-end features, and naturally, bearing a hefty price tag. With a whopping list of over 40 drinks and a wide range of bells and whistles, this one is a great addition to an office, a bar, a coffee house, or a large family with many coffee lovers.
The Jura Giga 5 is also a very expensive coffee machine but for good reasons. It has all the advanced technology that a coffee enthusiast could ask for, most notably the ability to blend two varieties of coffee beans to craft distinctive recipes. It also presents a reliable choice for a large household with many coffee drinkers or any bustling setting out there.
Jura Giga 5 Vs W3: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Jura Giga 5 Vs W3: Differences
There’s no absolute winner here! Each has its own merits and demerits, and I will shed light on them in the ensuing detailed comparison.
Coffee Flavour
Winner: Jura Giga 5
Built-in Grinder
The Jura Giga 5 sports two electronic ceramic grinders, while the Jura Giga W3 has a wear-resistant technical ceramic grinder. There are many pros to these ceramic-made grinders, the most notable of which is their inferior thermal conductivity – Unlike their stainless steel counterparts, they don’t heat up when they’re used. That means they won’t burn the coffee ground, thereby maintaining the optimal taste of the espressos.
Ceramic grinders also have a reputation for durability and quieter operation. No, I don’t mean they don’t make any noise at all, but they are quiet enough not to become an unwelcome alarm clock for your family in the early morning.
Each grinder of the Jura Giga 5 has five grind settings, and so does the Jura Giga W3. Both are adjusted electronically, meaning you will need to change the grind size via their digital display instead of turning a knob manually. Five is a reasonable number, but I initially expected these commercial-grade machines would provide a wider spectrum of grind settings. The standard is six, and I’ve experienced less expensive models offering up to 10 or even 15 different grind options, such as the Gaggia Babila.
Heating System
Both the Jura Giga 5 vs W3 are dual boiler machines, with speed being the primary benefit. Both boilers work simultaneously: while one boiler heats the water for brewing coffee, the other heats the water for steaming milk.
So these machines can make milk-based drinks much faster than single-boiler models, which can only handle one task at a time and require an interval in between to heat the water to the appropriate temperature. If you’re just a casual drinker, that’s not a huge concern, but if you are looking for an espresso machine for large settings, such as restaurants, coffee houses, or offices where you need to make a large batch of drinks throughout the day, it’s definitely something worth considering.
Better yet, they are also equipped with Thermoblock technology, which takes just over 10 seconds to reach operating temperature. Of course, there is no magic here – the Thermoblock boiler heats only the amount of water required for each process. This not only trims down the waiting times but also brings down power usage and ensures your espresso is always brewed with fresh water as well.
Brewing System
Much like Jura’s other super-automatic espresso machines, the Jura Giga 5 vs W3 share an Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System (or I.P.B.A.S.). Simply put, it pre-soaks the coffee grounds with the appropriate amount of hot water before the actual extraction commences, optimizing the extraction of aroma and flavor from the grounds. Yes, it is essentially a pre-infusion process that is standard in most super-automatics, but Jura, as always, strives to stand out with its unnecessarily complex terms and acronyms.
Their brew units feature a 15-bar-rated pump, which is also great. In case you don’t know, unlike drip-brew machines, which rely on gravity to get espresso from the brew chamber to a waiting cup, super-automatic machines use pressure that is measured in bars. A good espresso shot necessitates a minimum pressure of 9 bars.
However, the Jura Giga 5 comes with the Pulse Extraction Process (or P.E.P.), while the Giga W3 doesn’t. It was surprising and disappointing! While this proprietary technology is applied to most of the company’s super-automatics, including those at the lower end of the price spectrum like the Jura A1, this 7,000-priced model lacks it.
But wait, what is the Pulse Extraction Process? It involves pushing hot water through the coffee grounds in short intervals (or pulses, as Jura calls them). The main idea behind it is to ensure that the coffee grounds are fully saturated and that the water extracts the maximum flavor from the grounds in a shorter brewing time.
Milk Frothing System
Frothing milk is also one of the things that is automated on these machines. Instead of using a steam wand, they are equipped with an advanced auto-frother, allowing you to create a barista-standard cappuccino or flat white without going through any training. Simply select your preferred beverage from an extensive list of one-touch options, make any desired tweaks, press a button, and voila! You have it-your ideal coffee with minimal effort!
Wand-equipped machines typically score some brownie points with coffee purists since ones with automatic milk systems offer less control over the froth-produced process, but this is not the case with the Giga 5 or the Giga W3. They give you the option to adjust the volume of foam and milk during the preparation of a milk-based beverage, which you’d be hard-pressed to find in entry-level models. So they basically offer as much control over the milk frothing process as using a steam wand would.
Interestingly, the volume of foam and milk is determined in seconds, not in ounces or milliliters. This might necessitate a little trial and error to get the hang of it, but if you seek my advice, here are my estimates:
| 1 Second of Hot Milk | 0.2 Oz |
| 1 Second of Froth Milk | 0.14 to 0.18 Oz |
I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve voiced my complaint about Jura’s omission of a milk pitcher, and I won’t hesitate to do so again. For a model that bears a price tag of over $7000, like the Giga W3, the absence of a container in the package is, in my opinion, a letdown.
Of course, you can keep your milk in your own container, but it’s worth noting that Jura also offers several milk pitcher options to complete the aesthetic of the machine, including a simple glass container (cheapest), an insulated pitcher, and a cool controller (most expensive). I highly recommend the cool controller if you can afford it – this unit can keep your milk cold and ready to froth without having to get it from your fridge whenever you want to brew a milk-based drink.
Setting this shortcoming aside, I must admit that the Jura Giga 5 and W3 produced fantastic hot milk and foam, and the results were truly impressive. I could make a supremely good cappuccino with ideal foam consistency and a latte macchiato with some enchanting layers, which are gorgeous when viewed through transparent glass. Who would believe these masterpieces were made by an inanimate machine?
Design & Usability
Winner: Jura Giga W3
Dimensions, Footprint, & Weight
| Jura Giga 5 | Jura Giga W3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.6 × 16.3 × 18.9 inches | 14.6 × 21.7 × 19.6 inches |
| Weight | 39.7 lbs | 40.1 lbs |
Yeah, I know beauty is a matter of personal taste, but I would still say they are good-looking espresso machines. Like most commercial machines, they have an aluminum front and black plastic sides. This classic and simple combination is great and can pair perfectly with any upscale kitchen. After all, isn’t it wonderful to own something that marries function and aesthetics in harmony? Would you not agree?
Instead of being equipped with a touch screen, they have a large full-color TFT display and a rotary switch on top. It was a breeze to choose my desired drink and customize it to my liking. Truth be told, I lean towards this style over some touch screens, which, in my opinion, are too responsive. Interestingly, the rotary dial lights up red when in use.
They are notably large and significantly heavy, but that’s a necessary concession for a high-capacity espresso machine. This means you need to arrange a substantial space for its setup, a task that’s generally hassle-free for a coffee shop or bar. Additionally, as the process of removing the machine from the box and situating it is a one-off task, its heavy weight doesn’t pose a significant issue.
Pre-programmed Coffee Options
| Jura Giga 5 | Jura Giga W3 |
|---|---|
| Ristretto Espresso Coffee Cappuccino Caffè latte Macchiato Latte macchiato Portion of milk foam Portion of milk Hot water 2 x Ristretto 2 x Espresso 2 x Coffee 2 x Cappuccino 2 x Caffè latte 2 x Macchiato 2 x Latte macchiato 2 x Portion of milk foam 2 x Portion of milk | Ristretto Espresso Coffee Caffè Barista Lungo Barista Special coffee Espresso doppio Pot of coffee Espresso Macchiato Caffè latte Cappuccino Flat white Latte macchiato Portion of milk foam Portion of milk Hot water Hot water for green tea Hot water for black tea 2 × Ristretto 2 × Espresso 2 × Coffee 2 × Caffè Barista 2 × Lungo Barista 2 × Special coffee 2 × Macchiato 2 × Caffè latte 2 × Cappuccino 2 × Flat white 2 × Latte macchiato 2 × Portion of milk foam 2 × Portion of milk |
One of the distinctive qualities that elevate super-automatic espresso machines above their manual or semi-automatic counterparts is the provision of one-touch drinks. As inferred from the name, crafting a pre-programmed delectable beverage is as easy as a single button push – no frills, no fuss. While the Jura Giga 5 is great with 19 preset beverages, the Jura Giga W3 truly swept me off my feet with a staggering roster of 31 pre-programmed beverage selections.
Moreover, both allowed you to adjust each option via some adjustable settings, including coffee strength (5 levels), the brewing temperature (3 levels), and the amount of milk foam/milk/coffee. I could even customize the name of a pre-programmed drink to my liking. That is great, but I wish there were also a user profile feature to save the preferred recipes of different drinkers. Also, it would be better if they offered more coffee strengths (most cheaper models offer up to 10 levels).
In addition, they also offer 12 extra barista-inspired recipes that fuel your creativity with some exotic beverages, such as Pepresso, Red Cool, Shakerato, Mango Lassi, and Winter Magic, among others. I was particularly taken with Pepresso, an audacious blend of espresso, chocolate, and black pepper – it might sound peculiar, but it’s indeed delightful.
What’s interesting is that the machine doesn’t make these drinks per se. Instead, it leads you through the necessary steps using graphic images and text directions. So are you ready to unleash your inner barista and make some do-it-yourself drinks?
Oh, right, decaf. They also allow for using pre-ground coffee through a bypass dose chute. It’s a lifesaver for anyone in your household who has a caffeine intolerance or even for those occasions when you’ve run out of coffee beans.
Spout & Cup Clearance
| Jura Giga 5 | Jura Giga W3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Spout Type | Dual | Dual |
| Cup Clearance | 2.7 – 6.2 inches | 2.8–6.3 inches |
The Jura Giga 5 vs W3 share a butterfly coffee and milk spout assembly, which can be lifted more than 6 inches to fit oversized mugs like travel ones. There’s the possibility of adjusting the spacing between the spouts as well. The Jura Giga 5 comes with a plastic splashguard to protect the machine’s casing from splashing espresso drops while dispensing – a small but welcome addition.
Having dual coffee and milk spouts means they can prepare two cups of drinks at the same time, including milk-based drinks, which few machines can do. This noteworthy capability is particularly beneficial when you need to rapidly cater to your loved ones and friends with a large amount of drinks. There is a light here for added convenience.
Additionally, they feature a hot water dispensing spout that can also be vertically adjusted. This comes in handy whenever you fancy an Americano (by diluting espresso with hot water), want to brew tea, or are in the mood for hot chocolate.
Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper
| Jura Giga 5 | Jura Giga W3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Water Reservoir | 2.6 liters | 5 liters |
| Bean Hopper | 2 x 0.29 liters | 1.03 liters |
The Giga W3’s water reservoir is basically almost twice the size of the Giga 5’s tank, so it can serve a plethora of espressos before requiring a refill. For the best-tasting brew, I recommend changing the water daily, ensuring you begin each day’s brewing cycle with fresh water.
Their water reservoirs are designed to integrate with a Clearyl Blue filter cartridge, which can remove impurities in the water. These impurities can ruin the flavor of the espresso and cause scale buildup inside the machine over time. So unless you use distilled water, I highly recommend using a filter. This will add a monthly expense, but the improved taste of espresso makes it a worthy trade-off.
The Jura Giga 5’s double bean hoppers can hold 560g of beans, while the Giga W3’s container houses 990g. It’s worth noting that the Giga 5 allows you to use two types of coffee beans and mix them in increments of 25%, thus enabling you to experiment with a wide range of recipes and discover exciting new flavor profiles. Wow, that means your creativity is only limited by the sky!
One more thing. Their hoppers can contain a lot of beans, and if you can’t drink fast enough, you can leave them there without worrying about them degrading or getting stale. The key is that both have an aroma preservation lid that helps lock in the bean’s freshness, ensuring they remain fresh for a longer period of time.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Winner: Tie
Who wants to be cleaning their espresso machine all day? No, not me. This task is boring, but it is paramount to keeping it running in top condition. The good news is that these super-automatic machines are loaded with multiple automated cleaning and rinsing cycles, making maintenance less of a chore. Everything is almost hands-free, and you don’t have to remove any parts.
You don’t even have to remember when you need to descale the machine or clean the milk system – the machine will prompt you and lead you through all the needed steps. As mentioned above, if you use the water filter, the descaling can be performed less frequently.
Emptying and rinsing the drip tray and dregs box won’t be a regular task, but it’s advisable to do it daily. Similarly, I encourage a daily routine of wiping down the machine’s casing to remove all splatters.
Utilities & Other Features
Winner: Tie
Remote Control
These machines are compatible with the J.O.E (JURA Operating Experience) app, providing the convenience of initiating the brewing cycle remotely through your smartphone. Further enhancing its functionality, the app can pair with your iWatch, allowing your favorite drink to be created with the simple touch of a wrist.
Energy-Saving Mode
Both Jura Giga 5 vs W3 have the Energy Save Mode to cut down on power consumption, reduce your monthly electricity bill, and protect the environment. They can also be programmed to automatically turn off after an adjustable interval thanks to the automatic switch-off feature. Furthermore, the timer feature allows for setting a switch-on and -off time for every day of the week. It appears Jura has taken every detail into account.
Quick Rundown Of Jura Giga 5
- Fast and quiet as a whisper thanks to two ceramic disc grinder | Pure, clean lines for a unique, sovereign character
- Product dimensions – 12.6” W x 16.3” H x 18.9” D | Weight – 39.7 lbs. | Water capacity – 91.5 oz. | Bean container capacity (x2) – 9.88 oz. | Coffee grounds container capacity – 20 portions Max | Cord length – 59” | Voltage – 120V, 60 Hz
- Create your specialty Coffee in no time thanks to a TFT display with rotary selection
- Now you can become a professional Barista in a flash, with 12 imaginative Barista specialties selected with a turn of the rotary switch
- The epitome of quality – doubled with the combined power of two grinders and two heating systems, the machine prepares every specialty Coffee to perfection
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Jura Giga W3
- The ingenious, self-explanatory operating concept includes a ball bearing-mounted rotary switch and TFT display for maximum speed and efficiency
- The integrated rinsing, cleaning and descaling programs reduce the effort involved to a minimum. Active bean monitor is available
- with accessories such as cup warmers and milk coolers, it is possible to design an optimum complete Coffee solution for any requirement
- The GIGA W3 is also capable of producing the internationally popular flat white
- Elegant and professional, the automatic Coffee machine provides everything that counts in a modern working environment for customers, visitors and employees
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Product Videos
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References
- Jura Giga 5: https://sa.jura.com/en/homeproducts/machines/GIGA-5-Alu-13717SA
- Jura Giga W3: https://ca.jura.com/en/professional/machines/GIGA-W3-Professional-UL-15089
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.