Jura S8 vs Z8: An Intense Confrontation Between 2 Expensive High-end Machines

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In the Jura S8 vs Z8 comparison, I believe the Z8 is the clear winner as the best espresso maker for families. Check out my review of one below if you’re searching for one, written from my perspective as a former barista and coffee enthusiast.

The type Jura Z8 is highly reliable and silent. It features a typical 81.3 oz water tank suitable for strong coffee with milk recipes. Its coffee grinder performs a wonderful job of producing evenly ground coffee with the least amount of noise. With this model, you may produce smooth, creamy milk-based drinks. For fans of lattes and flat whites, highly recommended!

We receive smooth coffee with dry microfoam from the Jura S8, which is great for cappuccinos. Additionally, its grinder is reliable. However, this model will make some noise while grinding and brewing.

Jura S8 vs Z8: Comparison Chart

Image
THE WINNER (#1)
Jura Z8 Aluminum Automatic Espresso & Cappuccino Machine with Touch screen
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Jura S8 15212 Automatic Coffee Machine w/PEP 64oz Capacity Programmable
Model
Jura Z8
Jura S8
Dimensions (LxWxH)
15 x 12.6 x 17.7 inches
12.7 x 20.1 x 16.7 inches
Color / Material
Aluminium / Stainless Steel
Moonlight Silver / Plastic With Chrome Accents
Weight
29.5 Pounds
20 Pounds
Power / Voltage
1450W/ 120V
1450W/ 230V
Water Tank Capacity
81.3 oz
66.8 oz
Milk System
Milk carafe
Milk carafe
Grinder
AromaG3 steel conical burr grinder
AromaG3 steel conical burr grinder
Grinding Settings
6 settings
6 settings
Visible water tank
Water tank illumination
Interface
Touchscreen
Touchscreen
Heating System
Dual Thermoblock
Single Thermoblock
Customizable Drinks
100% hands-free experience
Adjustable Coffee Strength
What I Like
Price
$4,999.99
$2,407.14
THE WINNER (#1)
Image
Jura Z8 Aluminum Automatic Espresso & Cappuccino Machine with Touch screen
Model
Jura Z8
Dimensions (LxWxH)
15 x 12.6 x 17.7 inches
Color / Material
Aluminium / Stainless Steel
Weight
29.5 Pounds
Power / Voltage
1450W/ 120V
Water Tank Capacity
81.3 oz
Milk System
Milk carafe
Grinder
AromaG3 steel conical burr grinder
Grinding Settings
6 settings
Visible water tank
Water tank illumination
Interface
Touchscreen
Heating System
Dual Thermoblock
Customizable Drinks
100% hands-free experience
Adjustable Coffee Strength
What I Like
Price
$4,999.99
More Info
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Image
Jura S8 15212 Automatic Coffee Machine w/PEP 64oz Capacity Programmable
Model
Jura S8
Dimensions (LxWxH)
12.7 x 20.1 x 16.7 inches
Color / Material
Moonlight Silver / Plastic With Chrome Accents
Weight
20 Pounds
Power / Voltage
1450W/ 230V
Water Tank Capacity
66.8 oz
Milk System
Milk carafe
Grinder
AromaG3 steel conical burr grinder
Grinding Settings
6 settings
Visible water tank
Water tank illumination
Interface
Touchscreen
Heating System
Single Thermoblock
Customizable Drinks
100% hands-free experience
Adjustable Coffee Strength
What I Like
Price
$2,407.14
More Info

Last update on 2024-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Jura S8 vs Z8: Differences

Jura Z8 wins 4-0 and ties once with Jura S8. It’s clear that this has been a tough battle for Jura S8 because, despite its amazing operation and practical design, it still falls behind when competing with Jura Z8. I will give you the full insight below.

Grinder

Winner: Jura Z8

The Jura Z8 and Jura S8 utilize the Aroma G3 conical burr grinder. The grinder may be adjusted using this technology in 6 levels, from fine to coarse. You may grind coffee more finely for a stronger flavor or vice versa, depending on your preferences. Both operate rather well in terms of producing level ground, and thus far, I haven’t seen any jams.

But I like it more when I grind quietly with the Jura Z8. When it comes to the grinding process, this machine keeps things low-key. We can’t help but hear the noise that coffee grinders create, but the Z8 doesn’t emit the same screaming noise as many other models. S8, however, sounds a little loud as it grinds.

Jura Z8 has a quiet grinder
Jura Z8 has a quiet grinder

Heating system

Winner: Jura Z8

The Jura Z8 has two Thermoblock heating systems, whereas the Jura S8 only has one to brew coffee. This is a key detail that you need to keep in mind because a dual boiler is a heating system that people design to entertain a larger crowd of coffee drinkers that ensures a good steam and water temperature.

With Z8, coffee heats up quickly, and the steamed milk is delivered at the perfect temperature. I always count on Jura Z8 to provide a hot cup of latte in the morning.

The temperature is generally excellent with S8, but occasionally it doesn’t get as hot as I would want it to, especially regarding milk temperature. Many coffee consumers prefer their milk between 120 and 125 degrees Fahrenheit. But since I like hot steamed milk or milk foam, I find that the perfect temperature ranges between 140 and 145°F.

Brewing technique

Winner: Jura Z8

Both use the Pulse Extraction Process, which is essentially pre-infusion, to make their drinks. You can extract flavor and fragrance from every single coffee grain this way.

Do these espresso makers, however, live up to their marketing claims? Do their coffees taste the same since they use the same brewing technology? No, is the response.

Here is what I think: While the Jura S8 produces mild coffee, the Jura Z8 is superior at making medium to strong coffee. Although I don’t want to imply that the Jura S8 can’t produce strong coffee, its espresso certainly isn’t as potent as what I get with Jura Z8.

Jura Z8 is superior at making medium to strong coffee
Jura Z8 is superior at making medium to strong coffee

Water tank capacity

Winner: Jura Z8

Jura Z8 boasts a giant 81.3 oz water reservoir, while S8 comes with a standard 66.8 oz water tank size. Therefore, of course, it will be more convenient to use Jura Z8 daily, especially when you need a model that can serve a larger volume of coffee daily.

Nevertheless, these machines aren’t commercial-graded. So I heavily suggest that you don’t put them to work more than 15-20 cups per day. This detail brings us to another point of consideration: the price point. Both are expensive high-end espresso machines, but Jura Z8’s price is much heftier. So consider well the price and value aspect and how much you are willing to invest in your next espresso machine.

Milk system

It’s a tie!

With machines so expensive, I expect to get microfoam with every cappuccino and latte macchiato that I brew. And both Z8 and S8 meet my expectation. These models are equipped with a superior milk frothing system that involves a 100% automatic milk carafe circuit. These models are programmed to brew and froth in the same order the barista would work with each recipe.

For me, the latte macchiato is the one that S8 and Z8 are the smartest at. Surely, the beautiful layers of ingredients perfectly separated will amaze you the same way they did for me.

Overall, the milk foam quality is much better than I have seen in many restaurants and coffee bars. Not every trendy spot invests enough in their espresso machine and milk system to get microfoam for their beverages. So I’m impressed by these home-use machines.

Jura S8 vs Z8: Similarities

Check out these similarities between Jura S8 and Z8!

6 grinder settings

With 6 grind settings, users can control the final texture of the coffee ground from fine to coarse, according to their preference for coffee flavor. A finer ground will produce a more potent espresso flavor and vice versa. Are 6 settings enough? Yes! You don’t need more to make a fine adjustment of coffee grounds.

Touchscreen control

The touchscreen control is great when we are all so used to the same technology. And both S8 and Z8 have it. However, I noticed that the touchscreen on Jura Z8 is a bit unstable and requires me to press harder than S8.

Jura S8 has a more stable touchscreen
Jura S8 has a more stable touchscreen

Quick Rundown Of Jura Z8

Jura Z8 Aluminum Automatic Espresso & Cappuccino Machine with Touch screen
  • RANGE OF BEVERAGES: 21 Specialty drink options
  • SIMPLE TO USE: Intuitive operation using 4.3" Touchscreen or App
  • CONVENIENT: One-Touch, Americano function for long coffees
  • TECHNOLOGY: Flavorful ristretto and espresso with P.E.P technology
  • GRINDER: AromaG3 grinder is 2X faster than previous models

Last update on 2024-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • A fantastic 16 preprogrammed drinks
  • Jug for 40 ounces of coffee with one-touch
  • Temperatures of steam and water that are stable
  • Milk-steaming and milk-frothing system that follows your recipes
  • Aromatic and balanced coffee flavor
Cons
  • Unstable touchscreen

Quick Rundown Of Jura S8

Sale
Jura S8 15212 Automatic Coffee Machine w/PEP 64oz Capacity Programmable
  • 15 Different Specialties: S8 Coffee Machine creates full range of specialties from espresso to latte macchiato to a masterful standard of quality
  • Pulse Extraction Process (PEP): This process ensures the optimum extraction time for short specialties and delivers a taste explosion for espresso and ristretto
  • 4.3" Color Touchscreen Display: The integrated 4.3" high-resolution color touchscreen display makes the machine incredibly simple to operate
  • Built-In Grinder: The built-in AromaG3 grinder is now even more precise and twice as fast, yet preserves all the delicious aroma of the coffee beans
  • Easily Programmable: Individual preferences can be programmed in a few easy steps, allowing you to rename, move, copy or duplicate products in no time

Last update on 2024-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • An easy-to-use machine
  • Modern and compact design
  • Includes a milk frother
  • Offers 15 pre-programmed coffee drinks
  • Has an integrated Aroma G3 grinder
Cons
  • Doesn’t offer much customization
  • Not visible water tank

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Rating 5/5 - (1 vote)