It is not difficult to choose the winner when comparing Jura S8 vs X8. The S8, one of Jura’s luxurious coffee machines, is my recommended pick.
The 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 aspect of making a coffee drink is automated. The large and convenient touch screen makes it look modern and elegant.
The X8 features a larger water capacity, making it ideal for commercial use. It is also incredibly easy to use and can make two delicious espressos simultaneously. But less stability has caused it to lose in this comparison.
Jura S8 vs X8: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Jura S8 vs X8: Key Differences
The S8 wins 3:1 against the X8 thanks to its better coffee flavor and much more stable operation. It is a very well-rounded machine but won’t make you break the bank like Jura’s premium models. The X8 also has its own pros that might catch your attention.
Coffee Flavor
Winner: Jura S8
Grinder
Both gadgets share the same grinder: Stainless steel conical burr grinder (Aroma G3). I’m a fan of this grinder since it can crush the beans gently and preserve the flavor.
I’m also impressed with how quiet and fast it is, which I appreciated in the morning. Add to its pros is it produces consistent coffee grounds. I’ve never encountered jams with these machines, but I can’t say it never happens. Up to now, everything is fine.
Heating System
Jura S8 comes with a single Thermoblock, whereas Jura X8 features 2. However, I don’t see a significant difference in coffee temperature.
Both S8 and X8 can make hot drinks quickly, usually in five to ten minutes. I believe that’s one of the things that any coffee enthusiast should expect from their machine.
Dosing And Tamping
These gadgets share 16-gram automatic dosing and tamping, meaning they tend to deliver the same coffee flavor.
When testing, I noticed that these babies brew almost the same coffee with the same flavor. But it looks like the Jura S8 delivers a smoother texture with a sweeter tinge. It’s not too obvious, but enough for you to know it´s there.
The X8 can also produce good crema, but the S8 is clearly superior. You will have thick, creamy, nutty layers that give you an ecstatic feeling when enjoying your espressos.
Milk System
Winner: Jura S8
With prices between $2000 and $3000, I expected these machines to froth microfoam milk automatically and flawlessly. But the X8 has let me down a bit as it is not as stable as advertised. With such a high price, this is unacceptable for fastidious users.
Aside from the milk system occasionally breaking down, the milk frothing step is also typically faulty. So if you go for this model, don’t be too surprised if you get a mixture of water and milk instead of milk foam or steamed milk. This doesn’t happen often but is unacceptable for an expensive machine like the X8.
On the flip side, the Jura S8 offers a flawless milk system, which is hard to find in machines in the same price range. It works velvety and can froth dry and airy foam for macchiatos, cappuccinos, and more. The system can switch from steamed milk to milk foam with ease. Generally, I am satisfied with everything about it and give it a 5-star rating!
Utilities
Winner: Jura X8
Preset Drinks
Drink presets are one of the factors that put the X8 ahead of its competition. It delivers up to 21 specialties, while the S8 offers 15.
You can invest in the X8 for more options, but we recommend not wasting your money if you know you never use all these types. The S8’s 15 coffee specialties are sufficient for home use, while the X8’s longer menu is ideal for commercial use.
Control panel
The S8 has a convenient touch screen, while the X8 comes with an easy-to-use TFT color display. You already know I’ve always favored touch screens if you’ve read some of my posts. So, in this round, I will give the winning ticket to the S8.
But that doesn’t mean the X8’s TFT display is bad. It is just a matter of personal preference. Ask yourself this: Do you want a touchscreen, or do you prefer buttons?
Wattages & Capacity
Both Jura E8 and X8 feature a 1450-watt engine, boosting the coffee brewing process smoother and faster. We all want to get our espresso in the morning quickly and perfectly, right? The good news is that both of these models are the best shots.
However, they have a significant difference in water tank capacity. The X8 can store up to 167.3 oz, allowing you to brew up to 35 cups before running out of water. Meanwhile, the Jura S8’s water tank capacity is 63.6 ounces, less than half of its competitor. The same goes for their coffee bean and drip tray capacities.
So, the question is, “Is a bigger capacity machine always better?” The short answer is “Yes.” Whether you are keen on a coffee machine for commercial use or home use, you can spend less time and effort in refilling, cleaning, and maintenance by choosing a larger capacity machine.
The bigger is always better, so the X8 wins this round.
Design & Convenience
Winner: Jura S8
Regarding size, the Jura X8 looks bulkier with dimensions of 14.7″ x 18.5″ x 18.2″. This is because of an external water tank and the high drip tray, making it 1,8 inches taller than its competitor. Not to mention the weight of the Jura X8, which is also 30.9 pounds, heavy and not convenient for portability.
In contrast, the S8 looks more compact at 12.7 x 20.1 x 16.7 Inches and weighs 20 pounds. So, in terms of convenience, the S8 is the winner.
Jura S8 vs X8: Similarities
Cleaning & Maintain
I’m pretty lazy, and cleaning cumbersome machines like coffee makers is a real nightmare for me. If you’re like me, these two units will save your life.
Both are equipped with an auto-purge system that will rinse the dispensers with hot water when they turn on or shut off. It will help keep the brewing path clean and free from mold, affecting the espresso flavor.
You also don’t need to take a note to know when to clean them. Instead, their screens will tell you when you must clean them. Just follow the instruction, and the cleaning task will be a piece of cake.
Side Water Tank
Both Jura S8 and X8 feature side water tanks, which are extremely convenient to refill. It is unnecessary to take them apart to refill, and they don’t take up too much space.
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
- 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: 64 ounce water tank, 10 ounce bean container
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Jura X8
- Platinum
- Swiss made
- 21 different drink options
- TFT color display
- Three level hot water function
Last update on 2023-05-28 / 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://us.jura.com/en/professional/machines/X8-Platin-NA-15177/Specifications#tabs
I am Ralph Mason and I am a passionate coffee drinker. I worked as a barista for a few years and since 2012 I have been trying to convince as many people as possible of good coffee.
I started writing on the barista blog on RepublikCoffeeBar in 2018. It was a pure hobby site and I tested coffee products like coffee machines, beans, mug, and other accessories. After the first year, my blog is becoming a well-known coffee site with about 100 thousand visits per month.
In 2019 I decided to focus on RepublikCoffeeBar only. I became a full-time coffee blogger and was declared crazy by many.