Are you searching for an espresso machine that epitomizes convenience by seamlessly handling everything from brewing and milk frothing to maintenance? If so, a super-automatic machine from Jura is your perfect match. Today, I’ll compare the Jura J6 vs S8, two of the premier models from this renowned Swiss manufacturer.
The Jura S8 is ideal for both home and commercial use with its 15 barista-standard beverage options. It’s also packed with many features that make my heart flutter, including the Pre-Brew Aroma System and Pulse Extraction Process technologies and the incredibly automatic milk frothing system. Not to mention, this one embodies the exquisite design expected from the Swiss manufacturer’s team.
The Jura J6 is also one of the best models in its price range and shares some bells and whistles with the winner. Overall, I have no complaints about this model, except that it is only equipped with a single boiler, which makes it less appealing to fans of milk-based drinks.
Jura J6 Vs S8: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Jura J6 Vs S8: Differences
The Jura S8 wins 2-1 and has one draw against the J6. Keep scrolling down to delve deeper into my review and comparison.
Coffee Flavour
Winner: Jura S8
Built-in Grinder
Within the realm of coffee machines, I hold conical burr grinders in high regard since they can crush the beans very gently. One notable advantage they have over their flat grinder counterparts is the ability to grind without generating excessive heat, ensuring that the beans aren’t scorched during the grinding process and preserving their full, rich flavor profile.
The Jura J6 vs S8 both feature the advanced Aroma G3 conical burr grinder, renowned for its ability to deliver consistently high-quality grinds throughout its lifespan. This upgraded generation grinder has the edge over its predecessor, the G2, seen in older models like the Jura D6, by offering a grinding speed that’s twice as fast. In addition, it is also claimed to give 12.2% more aroma – I call this “killing two birds with one stone.”
In addition to the type of grinder, I am also interested in grinding levels since adjusting the grind has a flavor impact – the finer the coffee powder, the more robust the flavor profile. The Jura J6 provides 6 grinding settings, while the Jura S8 has 7. This is not bad, but I want to say I tested some cheaper models with more grind settings.
Changing the grind settings is easy by rotating a knob tucked away under the bean hopper lid. Jura recommends making the grinder-related tweaks only while it’s running. This may sound counterintuitive, but it really helps prolong the life of the grinder.
Heating System
Regarding the heating system, despite its premium price point, the Jura J6 is outfitted with a single-boiler system, which is somewhat disappointing for a model in this price range. With a single boiler, this one cannot brew and steam at once, unlike models with dual boilers like the S8.
Thankfully, the Jura J6 has been designed with “thermoblock” technology. The thermoblock boiler, unlike the traditional one, only heats a sufficient amount of water for milk steaming instead of the whole water tank. That way, it ensures the machine quickly attains the ideal steaming temperature immediately after the brewing process concludes.
This technology is touted to transition to steaming in a mere ten seconds post-brewing. I found my Jura J6 took a few seconds longer, but this is just a slight discrepancy. The Jura J6 remains a commendable choice for home use, where the need for milk-based drinks is usually one or two cups per day. But if you’re seeking a machine capable of quickly serving larger quantities, the Jura S8 is what I would highly recommend.
Brewing System
Both the Jura J6 and S8 incorporate the Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System (IPBAS) and Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.), so they all create a similar (super high) standard of espresso. These innovative features were born out of the relentless quest for coffee perfection of Jura’s brilliant minds. To this day, I still believe that this combination is one of the best brewing systems. These features sound complicated, but in reality, they are unbelievably simple.
As its name implies, IPBAS occurs before brewing and is basically a pre-infusion process where a small amount of water is preheated and sent into the brewing unit to wet the coffee grounds before they are fully extracted. This function aims to produce an even extraction and maximize the flavor and aroma drawn from the coffee grounds.
Now, let’s delve into the Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.) – the heart of the brewing process. Eschewing the traditional method of steeping coffee grounds in water to extract flavor, this technique employs short, robust bursts of hot water, known as pulses, delivered to the brewing unit. That way, these machines can not only retain the original aroma of the coffee beans but also yield espressos with a rich, balanced flavor that outshines many of their competitors.
Milk Frothing System
Beyond the brewing process, these super-automatic machines bring automation to milk frothing as well, which signifies a departure from the days of manually creating foamed milk with a steam wand. They can pick up milk from a milk carafe via a tube and send it into the built-in automatic milk-frothing system. Then, they can make foamed milk and add it straight to your cup via a tube system. I’d like to emphasize again – the whole process is fully automated.
These machines only come with a rubber tube that is used to connect the machine to a milk container, but the container needs to be purchased separately. Considering the substantial investment I’ve made in each machine, I wonder why Jura didn’t include a milk jug in the package.
Jura sells two types of milk carafes separately: a glass milk jug that can be stored in the fridge and a refracted milk jug that can keep the milk cool (but is more expensive, of course). And if buying this exorbitantly expensive machine makes you break the bank, rest assured that any milk-holding container at hand can be used, avoiding any further expenditure.
It is clear that these super-automatic machines are more amateur-friendly than wand-equipped ones since all you have to do is choose your desired drink and press buttons. However, I firmly believe that skilled baristas will go with a machine with a wand to get more control over the whole process.
These beasts also allow you to adjust the type of milk foam according to the drink, so they excel at crafting milk-based coffee drinks compared to most of their siblings. For example, they make a more airy froth for a cappuccino, whereas they can produce a fine foam for a latte.
Finally, the S8 takes the lead because it allows you to adjust the pause time after frothing, letting the milk separate. That way, you can get three perfect layers of latte macchiato.
Design & Usability
Winner: Jura S8
Dimensions, Footprint, & Weight
| Jura J6 | Jura S8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 11.2 x 13.5 x 17 inches | 11.0 x 13.8 x 17.3 inches |
| Weight | 24 pounds | 22.1 pounds |
These remarkable machines are skillfully crafted by the creative geniuses at Jura with the main purpose – producing heavenly espresso shots, but I’m glad they look so elegant and eye-catching. Showcasing designs that harmoniously blend timeless elegance with contemporary minimalism, devoid of any fussiness, I’m convinced they’d elevate the aesthetic of any kitchen.
The Jura J6 boasts a sleek silver or an elegant piano white finish, whereas the Jura S8 comes in three hues: the mystique moonlight silver, the timeless chrome, and the sophisticated piano black. Astonishingly, I’d say that the color of an espresso machine remains an aesthetic factor with no bearing on its functionality, but it mysteriously influences the price tag. In fact, a marginal price difference does exist among these color options. Who can say? It could be an industry joke known only to insiders!
These gadgets possess substantial dimensions and considerable weight, which are common attributes of most super-automatic machines. They are ideally suited for office environments and shared workspaces and can make it difficult for those with limited counter widths to find the right place to put them. But I believe that with a strategic reorganization of your kitchen, you will be fine!
Pre-Programmed Coffee Options
| Jura J6 | Jura S8 |
|---|---|
| 13 | 15 |
One of the hallmarks of super-automatic espresso machines is their impressive array of preset beverage options. The Jura J6 boasts 13 one-touch choices, while the Jura S8 steps up the game with 15, making them seem a bit overkill for home use but are quite a boon in office settings. With everything automated, your most arduous task is just picking your preferred drink from the cornucopia of choices on offer.
Each drink preset presents an opportunity for customization, with three brewing temperatures and ten coffee strengths at your fingertips. Consequently, the permutations of personalized beverages you can make appear virtually limitless. Better yet, these machines also let you save your tailor-made recipes, ensuring your perfect brew will be ready with just a button press in the future – this is a rare feature I typically see on high-priced models.
I found the Jura S8 allows the creation of two different presets for one drink, which is useful when you share the machine with another coffee aficionado who shares your favorite drink but with different settings. This one also allows you to rename drinks to your liking, further enhancing the user experience.
Spout & Cup Clearance
| Jura J6 | Jura S8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Spout Type | Double | Double |
| Cup Clearance | 2.6 – 5.3 inches | 2.8 – 4.6 inches |
Both machines come equipped with double spouts, a common feature in most super-automatic espresso machines that allows the brewing of two cups of coffee simultaneously. So you and your loved one can enjoy your favorite beverages without the hassle of taking turns.
These spouts can be raised to accommodate taller glasses or lowered to maintain the luscious, velvety crema while avoiding messy splashes that would require additional cleanup.
The Jura J6’s cup clearance is wider, allowing it to be compatible with all my cups and mugs, including travel-sized ones. Two spouts of the Jura J6 can also be adjusted in and out. I found they were closer together than many other Jura machines, but they offer remarkable flexibility that surpasses the fixed distance of the S8’s double spouts.
Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper
| Jura J6 | Jura S8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Water Reservoir | 2.1 liter | 1.9 liter |
| Bean Hopper | 0.26 liter | 0.3 liter |
Unless your coffee machine can connect to the water line, you must refill it to supply the water inlet for brewing. So if its water tank is small, you will have to refill it often, which is quite tedious and annoying, particularly in the brisk mornings when every minute is a treasure.
Luckily, the water tanks of these machines are quite substantial for domestic use, typically requiring just a single refill daily unless, of course, you play host to a coffee gala. However, in more bustling settings like offices or bars, these tanks might prove insufficient. In these cases, I often recommend models with more generous capacity, such as the Jura Giga 6, which has an impressive 2.57-liter tank.
Moreover, the quality of your water undoubtedly plays a pivotal role in the final taste of your espresso. To improve water quality and prevent scaling inside the machine that affects the taste of coffee, you can place a Claris Smart filter inside these reservoirs (I’ll delve deeper into this in the “Cleaning & Maintenance” section).
On the other hand, their bean hoppers, while ample for the average home user, may seem a bit undersized for commercial usage. It’s a well-known fact that coffee beans when exposed to oxygen, lose their freshness rapidly. Thankfully, these machines come equipped with airtight-seal metal lids on their hoppers, enabling you to store your beans in the hopper longer without compromising their rich aroma or robust flavor. As a result, you won’t have to put up with espresso made from stale beans.
The bean container lids on these machines are crafted from chrome, maintaining their meticulous design aesthetic, which, in my view, outperforms plastic ones. However, there is a minor trade-off: due to their non-transparent nature, you can’t quickly check out the remaining beans in the hopper with a mere glance.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Winner: Tie
The Jura J6 and S8 both incorporate an Intelligent Water System (featuring a Claris smart water filter and RFID technology), which can remove impurities from the water to prevent internal deposits and guarantee the optimal flavor for your coffee. The use of this water filter is optional and would cost extra bucks, but I highly recommend it to minimize the burden of descaling the machine and keep the espressos as delicious as possible. The machine will tell you when to change the filter.
In addition, through their built-in digital displays, these machines will also let you know when they need to be maintained. This process may include emptying and rinsing the dip tray and the dregs basket, emptying the machine, and cleaning the automatic milk-frothing system. It sounds like something for professionals, but don’t fret! Much of this process is automated, and the step-by-step instructions on the display ensure it’s beginner-friendly.
Maintenance of your coffee machine does not have to happen daily, but I recommend wiping down its housing with a damp cloth. Anyway, this is an expensive kitchen gadget, and it is wise to keep it looking sleek and snazzy all the time!
Descaling the machine and cleaning the milk system requires cleaning tablets, a dedicated solution, and a multi-compartment milk system container.
Utilities & Other Features
Winner: Jura J6
On-Board Storage
The Jura J6 has an onboard storage slot for a dosing spoon and a rubber tube (used to connect the machine to a milk container). This is a cool feature, but it doesn’t seem to be universally applicable.
Digital Display
The Jura J6 features a TFT color screen, which, despite being non-touch, is completely satisfactory, in my opinion. With the addition of a rotary dial and two push buttons, it’s incredibly straightforward to select a beverage option, make customizations, activate the water filter, initiate cleaning/descaling cycles, and perform other tasks.
On the other hand, the Jura S8 stands out with a 4.3-inch color touchscreen display, which shows up to eight of the most common coffee drinks. However, this high-end feature appears to be a key factor contributing to its substantially higher price point than the Jura E8, which offers a similar range of features and even an expanded drink selection.
Artificial Intelligence
One notable advantage of the Jura J6 over its competitor is its ability to learn and memorize your personal beverage preferences. Once this one is familiar with your favorite drinks, it will conveniently display them on the start screen for quick and effortless access.
Bypass Dose
If you suddenly want a cup of decaf or temporarily run out of coffee beans, you can use pre-ground coffee with either of these machines. I couldn’t see myself ever using this feature, but it will surely come in handy for many people out there.
App
Finally, both can pair with your smartphone/tablet via the J.O.E app. As a result, you can do the entire brewing process without having to be present in front of the machine. Just remember to put a cup underneath its dual spouts before that.
Quick Rundown Of Jura S8
- ONE TOUCH: Prepare 15 barista quality specialties including espresso, coffee, cappuccino, flat white and latte macchiato at the touch of a button.Filter type:Reusable
- 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: 64 ounce water tank, 10 ounce bean container
Last update on 2023-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Jura J6
- Fine foam technology. Frequency is 60 hz
- Tft display and the rotary selection
- Jura Coffee app compatible
- Optional cool control milk Cooler (Extra cost)
- CLEARYL smart I.W.S. Filter cartridge
Last update on 2023-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References:
- Jura S8: https://us.jura.com/en/homeproducts/machines/S8-Chrome-NA-15212-v19/Specifications
- Jura J6: https://bg.jura.com/en/homeproducts/machines/J6-Piano-White-EU-15165/Specifications
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.