If you’re uncertain whether a super-automatic espresso machine is a right choice, I suggest checking out the Jura S8 vs X8 duo. This article contains my personal experiences with both machines. For a quick review, the winner is Jura S8.
The Jura S8 is cheaper than Jura’s high-end model but delivers the same quality build and many features. It allows brew delicious expose with just a press of a button. It is extremely easy to use, and every coffee drink aspect is automated. The large and convenient touch screen makes it look modern and elegant. It will be a perfect option for your home.
The Jura X8 features a larger water capacity and a huge bean hopper, making it ideal for commercial use. It is also incredibly easy to use and can make two delicious espressos simultaneously. In my opinion, this is a really great choice for your office.
Jura S8 vs X8: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Jura S8 vs X8: Differences
After reviewing and testing both machines, I conclude that the Jura S8 wins 2:1 against Jura X8. Since they share many common core technologies, their coffee flavor is not much different. The main differences are pointed out in their design and some extra features. Read the analysis below to know which machine to choose for yourself.
Coffee flavor and brewing system
The winner: Jura X8
Grinder
Both the Jura S8 and X8 use the AromaG3 grinder, which is more precise and twice as fast as the previous version while still preserving the original flavor of the coffee.
The Aroma G3 grinder has six levels to adjust the fineness of the coffee ground. The finer the ground coffee, the stronger the flavor. Finer grounds take longer for the water to filter through, resulting in higher aroma compound extraction. The grinding cone of the AromaG3 grinder has undergone improvements in its cutting angles, resulting in increased stability and uniformity in the ground product compared to its previous version.
If you prefer decaf coffee, the Jura S8 has a designated spot for you to add pre-ground coffee and comes with a scoop as well. Meanwhile, with the Jura X8, you can only use whole coffee beans.
Heating system
Both of these espresso machines utilize thermoblock heating systems. The difference is that Jura S8’s system is a single thermoblock, while Jura X8’s is a dual thermoblock.
Basically, a thermoblock heating system operates by passing water through a thin pipe within a metal block to heat the water to the desired temperature before it is directed to its intended use.
The Jura X8 boasts a dual thermoblock system that allows for simultaneous coffee brewing and milk steaming, eliminating any waiting time between the two stages. This advanced heating system also enables the Jura X8 to prepare coffee faster than the Jura S8.
In addition, these Jura machines all feature an exclusive technology called Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.). With this technology, you can enjoy brewing short, special coffees such as espresso, ristretto, and macchiato with full flavor and more aroma. The water is pressed through the coffee grounds in short bursts, optimizing the extraction time. The ideal pressure ensures that the water flows around each granule of coffee, resulting in a perfectly balanced flavor and a beautiful crema topping.
Espresso flavor
In my personal experience, the espresso shots extracted from these two machines both taste great. The coffee has a well-balanced taste with a thick and beautiful crema. After using the same beans in both machines, I discovered that there was no noticeable difference in the flavor of the coffee they produced. This is probably because they all share the same grinder design, heating system, and brewing technique. The utilization of Pulse Extraction Process (PEP) technology significantly enhances the crema on the shot.
Milk system
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These espresso machines share the same milk-frothing system. This system consists of a milk container and a long tube to guide milk from the container to the machine. The process of steaming milk will take place inside the espresso machine. In addition to using the Jura milk container, you can place the milk pick-up tube in any container of your choice. The milk container can be conveniently stored in the refrigerator when unused.
These Jura machines produce high-quality milk foam, perfect for a range of milk-based drinks, including latte, cappuccino, macchiato, and flat white. The texture of the milk these machines produce is comparable to that made by the steam wand of certain semi-automatic machines I’ve used. I use almond milk alongside regular cow’s milk and find it a great alternative.
One major distinction between the milk-frothing systems of the Jura S8 and X8 is that the X8 has two milk spouts, whereas the S8 only has one. With the Jura X8, you can create two milk-based beverages simultaneously. Additionally, while the S8 can be only programmed for the amount of milk/milk foam, the X8 even allows you to adjust the milk/milk foam temperature. Although the programmable milk temperature feature is available, I haven’t noticed a significant difference when using the X8. Besides, the Jura S8’s milk-based beverage temperature is satisfactory to my liking.
The Jura S8 has its milk spout on the left side of the device. Above the spout, there’s a dial that can be used to modify the texture of the milk. When the dial is vertical, it produces a smooth and long-lasting milk foam that is perfect for classic cappuccinos, flat whites, and latte macchiatos. If you turn the dial horizontally, you’ll get steamed milk that works well with latte macchiatos and lattes.
Design and convenience
The winner: Jura S8
Build quality
When it comes to design, the Jura X8 is a really big machine that requires a significant amount of counter space and weighs up to 30.9 pounds. On the other hand, the Jura S8 has a smaller footprint, which makes it more convenient for storage, and it’s also eight pounds lighter than the X8. It’s worth noting that the X8 is larger and heavier than the S8 because it has a greater capacity than the S8.
Regarding build quality, these machines are designed with durability in mind. The outer shell is mainly made of metal except for some parts, such as the water tank and the drip tray. Jura espresso machines have a modern and clean appearance and add a touch of luxury to your kitchen.
The Jura X8 has a centrally located spout that can be height adjusted for making coffee and milk-based drinks. However, the spout on the right side of the machine, which is designed specifically for dispensing hot water for tea, is fixed. This coffee machine also features a large drip tray and coffee grounds container, so you do not need to empty them frequently.
On the other hand, all Jura S8 spouts are height adjustable. However, when you change the height of one spout group, the height of the other group also changes. You can refer to the table below to see how the spout height of these machines can be adjusted.
| Height-adjustable dual spout | Height-adjustable coffee spout | Height-adjustable cappuccino spout | Height-adjustable water spout | |
| Jura X8 | 65 – 153 mm | – | – | – |
| Jura S8 | – | 72 – 118 mm | 111 – 157 mm | 111 – 157 mm |
Capacity
The Jura X8 boasts a significantly larger capacity compared to the Jura S8. Specifically, the water tank of the Jura S8 can hold 1.9 liters of water, whereas the Jura X8 can hold up to 5 liters. Similarly, the bean hopper of the S8 can accommodate around 280 grams of coffee beans, while the X8’s hopper can hold up to 500 grams.
As per my research, the Jura S8 can produce approximately 50 cups of coffee daily. However, the Jura X8 model was rated to produce between 80 to 120 cups a day. Of course, you can make more or less coffee than this, but 80 cups should be standard to guarantee the machine’s life span.
Thus, the Jura S8 is better suited for home use, while the Jura X8 would be a great option for an office setting.
Ease of use
You can learn how to use the machines through the videos on the official Jura youtube channel or by studying the user manual. Rest assured that getting used to the machine won’t take long.
With these machines, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips. They’ll remind you to refill the water tank, empty the drip tray, and replenish the coffee beans. Additionally, you can fine-tune various factors to customize your drink, such as the amount of water, coffee strength, milk/milk foam quantity, and brewing temperature.
If you’re short on time, these machines offer a convenient one-touch feature for a quick cup of hot coffee without any hassle. Additionally, they can be linked and managed through a phone app, enabling remote operation.
Besides, the Jura X8 is equipped with a convenient locking pin that allows you to secure both the bean and water containers. This feature provides added security and peace of mind.
Cleaning and maintenance
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Both of them will tell you when it’s time to clean them. Once it’s time, you will receive a notification to place a cleaning tablet into the chute located behind the bean hopper. After that, the machine takes over and utilizes the tablet to thoroughly clean the coffee brewer’s internal components. They also automatically rinse the coffee circuit when the machine is on and off.
These machines all come with a water filter, which has an RFID chip in it. It is not required, but I recommend using the Jura water filter. By using these filters, you can remove chlorine and other contaminants from your water, leading to a better taste in your coffee. Additionally, the filters eliminate the need for descaling the machine. With the help of RFID technology, the filter can indicate when it is time to replace it, ensuring that you always use clean and fresh water.
To thoroughly clean your milk system, use the provided milk system cleaner by adding a capful to the cavity cleaning cartridge. Next, insert the milk dispenser and initiate the cleaning cycle from the menu. Besides, ensure that you rinse the frothing components in the spout daily to maintain their cleanliness.
Value for money
Based on my assessment, I consider the Jura S8 a great investment for its price. This machine has all the features and functions required in a super-automatic espresso machine, such as an integrated grinder, automatic milk frothing system, water filter, automatic cleaning system, and more. I especially love the touch screen and its compatibility with the J.O.E app, which is pretty convenient. Its design is also very eye-catching and luxurious but not too bulky.
Besides, I notice almost no difference between the Jura S8 and X8 when it comes to the taste of coffee and milk-based drinks. Despite having only one heating element, the S8 heats quickly and remains stable. As a home user, I believe the Jura S8 would be a good choice for your family.
The Jura X8 costs $500 more than the S8. So, what additional features does the Jura X8 offer for that extra cost? The most prominent features are its dual thermoblock heating system and huge capacity. As for the other additional features, they don’t have a significant impact and don’t bring me much personal satisfaction. Furthermore, this device lacks the touch screen found on the Jura S8 and instead utilizes traditional control buttons.
In my view, the X8 machine is too large for a household and takes up unnecessary space on the kitchen counter. It would be more appropriate for small offices.
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 X8
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-Moonlight-Silver-NA-15210-v19/Specifications
- Jura X8: https://www.amazon.com/Jura-Automatic-Machine-Capacity-Programmable/dp/B07N79GH2X
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.