In the ever-expanding world of coffee machines, two contenders have emerged to captivate the taste buds of coffee enthusiasts everywhere: the Jura Z8 vs ENA 8. One is entry-level, and one is more premium. Which one should you choose? Based on my experience, the Jura Z8 deserves the crown.
Jura Z8 has a dual spout for simultaneous brewing, a larger water tank capacity, a wide drink variety, and an advanced user interface, delivering unparalleled convenience and versatility. Add to that its superior grinding capabilities, customizable milk temperature, and exquisite design, and you have a coffee machine that exceeds expectations. The Jura Z8 truly takes the coffee experience to new heights, making it a clear winner over the Jura ENA 8.
As a runner-up, Jura ENA 8 is also worth considering. It shares cutting-edge brewing techniques similar to the Z8, such as the Aroma G3 grinder and PEP. Its milk steamer works automatically that can make an impressive cappuccino. Coffee connoisseurs on a tighter budget may find this an enticing alternative.
Jura Z8 vs ENA 8: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Jura Z8 vs ENA 8: Differences
The Jura Z8 reigns supreme, overpowering the ENA 8 with an impressive score of 4-1. Prepare to be fully engrossed in my comprehensive analysis, unraveling every aspect and uncovering the ultimate choice that harmonizes flawlessly with your individual preferences!
Coffee Flavor & Brewing System
The Winner: Jura Z8
Both the Jura ENA 8 and the Jura Z6 share some commonalities regarding advanced technologies and performance.
They both utilize the Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.) for optimal extraction, ensuring that every drop of coffee is infused with intense flavor and aroma. Additionally, the Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System (I.P.B.A.S.) is incorporated in both machines, providing a pre-infusion step that enhances the overall flavor profile of the coffee. With 15 bars of pressure, these machines deliver the ideal amount of pressure required for producing excellent espresso shots.
Still, a couple of differences actually make a big impact on the quality of coffee they can whip up. And when it comes to flavor, the Jura Z8 takes the cake.
Grinder
One thing sets the Jura ENA 8 and the Z8 on the same page – their Aroma G3 grinders. They’re designed to be quick, efficient, and super quiet. No more waking up the whole house with loud grinding noises in the morning.
The best part is these grinders won’t overheat, so you don’t have to worry about your coffee grounds getting burnt and losing their delicious aroma. The Aroma G3 grinders in both machines are all about preserving the coffee beans’ rich, full-bodied flavor.
Grind Settings
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of coffee brewing. No matter how fancy and advanced those Jura machines are, one thing truly holds the key to unlocking the perfect cup of joe – the grind level. It’s all about that fineness or coarseness of your coffee grounds. This little factor ultimately determines the strength and flavor of your precious cup of coffee.
The ENA 8 gives you 7 grind settings, while the Z8 has 6. I must experiment with different grind levels to find the sweet spot that satisfies my taste buds. If you want that intense and bold flavor, go for a finer grind. You’ll get that strong aroma with a hint of bitterness. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and milder brew, opt for a coarser grind. It’ll still be tasty but with a more subtle aroma. It’s all about discovering the grind that you love best.
The Jura Z8 offers a convenient way to adjust the fineness of your coffee grind by turning the graded dial located next to the bean hopper to your desired grind level. On the other hand, the Jura ENA 8 takes a different approach. With this machine, you adjust the grind by twisting the grinding wheel surrounding the bean hopper.
The reason is that the degrees of fineness are clearly denoted from fine to coarse, making it instantly understandable even at first glance. Meanwhile, the Jura ENA 8 has markings that look identical for the different levels of fineness. It took me a bit of time and careful reading of the manual to realize that the coarser grind is indicated on the left and the finer grind on the right. While this initially caused some confusion, once I became familiar with the orientation, I was able to adjust the grind with ease.
Heating system
The Jura Z8 easily wins this match with its two Thermoblock boilers. Thanks to its dual boiler system, the Z8 heats up super fast and controls the brewing and steaming processes simultaneously. As a result, I found my coffee always served at the perfect temperature. It consistently reaches the right temperature and remains hot for quite a while.
There’s no waiting time when making milk-based drinks. If you have to make many cappuccinos or lattes, you’ll experience much quicker turnaround time and minimal delays between each drink. It’s super convenient!
Jura ENA 8 only has one Thermoblock, but don’t underestimate its speed. The thermoblock system heats up like a pro and prepares your coffee in a jiffy. But making a milk-based drink with the ENA 8 takes a bit longer than with the Z8 since it can’t brew coffee and steam milk simultaneously. It pours out warm coffee at around 180 degrees Fahrenheit, so don’t expect scorching hot sips.
The Jura ENA 8 still provides a nice hot cup of joe if you drink it right away. However, if you’re craving a steaming hot cup to savor slowly, the Z8 is ideal.
Intelligent preheating
The Z8 has this awesome feature, but unfortunately, the ENA 8 doesn’t make the cut.
Preheating is a step that’s often overlooked by home coffee brewers, but let me tell you, it’s a game-changer if you want that barista-quality coffee experience. The Jura Z8 takes preheating seriously, making it feel like you’re using a professional-grade machine right in your own kitchen.
When you preheat your machine, it’s like giving it a warm-up session before the main event. The entire machine is brought up to temperature, ensuring that the water maintains its optimum heat as it makes its way from the reservoir to the pump. This magical function guarantees that every cup of coffee is brewed at the perfect temperature right from the first cup.
With the Jura Z8 and its preheating prowess, you can say goodbye to lukewarm or subpar brews.
Dosage
The Z8 takes the crown with its impressive dosage range, allowing you to play around with 5 to 16 grams doses. The Jura ENA 8 offers a dosage range of 6 to 10 grams of ground coffee. You can fine-tune your coffee dosage by adjusting the levels of coffee strength to match your taste preferences.
I can totally relate to wanting a strong cup of coffee to kickstart the morning. That’s where the Jura Z8 shines with its maximum dosage of 16 grams. When I brew a cup with the Z8 using its maximum dosage, it really helps me get that bold and invigorating flavor that gets me going in the mornings.
Milk System
Both machines use an auto-frothing system instead of a frothing wand or steam wand. Now, for all you coffee purists out there, this might be a bit of a downside because they prefer direct control. The creamy goodness that these machines can whip up will astound you. So go ahead and let your worries melt away because the quality of their Fine Foam technology will surely leave you satisfied and foam-tactic!
On the plus side, the auto-frothing system is pretty easy to use and effective. All you have to do is connect one end of the milk pile to the machine and the other to your milk container.
Unlike other machines that require manual adjustments or can only steam or foam milk, the Z8 takes it to a whole new level. Its automatic milk system does all the work for you! When you’re ready to make your perfect milk drink, it switches between steaming and frothing milk on its own. There’s no need to fuss around with dials or switches. Just sit back, relax, and let the Z8 work its magic to deliver the velvety smooth or hot milk you crave.
Design & Convenience
The Winner: Jura Z8
Dimensions, Weight
| Jura Z8 | Jura ENA 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 12.6 in × 15.0 in x 17.7 in | 10.7 in × 12.7 in × 17.5 in |
| Weight | 29.5 pounds | 20.7 pounds |
Jura ENA 8’s dimensions make it a more compact option. It takes up less space on the countertop, which is great for those with limited kitchen space. The ENA 8’s smaller size doesn’t compromise its functionality or performance in any way.
When it comes to the size of the Jura Z8, it’s not much bigger than the Jura ENA 8, but it’s still something to consider if you have limited counter space in your kitchen. So, before you go ahead and buy it, grab a ruler and measure your counters to make sure it will fit.
Jura Z8 is on the heavier side compared to the ENA 8. But that extra weight serves a purpose: to provide you with a higher capacity. So, don’t let the weight deter you because it’s all about delivering that extra convenience and efficiency in your coffee brewing experience.
Let’s talk about the looks of these machines for a moment. I must say, the Jura ENA 8 and the Jura Z8 have a sleek and modern vibe. When you see them sitting on your counter, they just exude this cool and classy aura. And they’re not just all about looks. These babies are built to last, with a solid and sturdy construction that gives you that extra peace of mind.
Water Tank & Bean Hopper
| Jura Z8 | Jura ENA 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Water tank capacity | 2.3L | 1L |
| Bean hopper capacity | 9.9 Ounces | 4.4 Ounces |
| Coffee grounds container capacity | 20 pucks | 10 pucks |
Water Tank
Jura ENA 8 has a 1-liter water tank, which I find pretty reasonable for home use. It may not be the largest tank out there, but it gets the job done, especially for a household with a couple of coffee lovers. If you’re entertaining large groups, you might refill more often. But hey, there’s a silver lining to the smaller tank – it means you’re always working with fresh water. So, that’s something to look on the bright side about!
Meanwhile, the Jura Z8 has a massive 2.3-liter water tank that can brew so many cups for days on end without needing a refill. But hold up, you don’t want to leave that water sitting for too long because bacteria gonna start throwing a party. So, if you find a machine for more than a couple of coffee addicts at home or an office, the Z8 could be the move.
You can use the CLEARYL Pro Smart filter to ensure water quality. They also have an Intelligent Water System (I.W.S.) that automatically detects the filter and tells us when it’s time to change it, thanks to modern RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification Device) technology.
When you buy these coffee machines, they gonna come with a filter in the package. But the filter ain’t gonna last you forever. Sooner or later, you must get a new CLERYL Smart filter to replace the old one. I drink coffee daily, and after about 2 months, I have to change the filter.
Replacing filters can get pretty pricey. But it’s worth the investment in the long run. Well, first off, it ensures you’re brewing your coffee with high-quality water. Ain’t nothing better than that. And here’s the kicker – if you’re using the CLEARYL Smart filter, you can say goodbye to all the descaling time consumed.
Bean Hopper
Next, let’s talk bean hoppers. The Jura Z8 has a bean hopper that’s twice as big as the ENA 8. That means less frequency refilling.
In addition, they all have an aroma preservation cover lid. It has a silicone gasket that seals it up tight, preventing any air and moisture from entering. That’s how they lock in the fresh bean goodness for the long haul.
Think about how many coffee drinkers you are serving. Because here’s the thing, if you leave those coffee beans in the hopper for too long, the freshness will not stick around, even if it’s sealed up real tight.
Spout & Cup Clearance
| Jura ENA 8 | Jura Z8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Spout Type | Single | Dual |
| Width-adjustable coffee spout | – | 21 – 50 mm |
| Height-adjustable dual spout (Cappuccino/Coffee) | 55 – 138 mm | 80 – 153 mm |
| Height-adjustable hot water spout | 55 – 138 mm | 80 – 153 mm |
Imagine the convenience of using the Jura Z8 to brew coffee for your office employees. No more long queues and waiting times! I don’t mean its top-notch brew technology here, but its dual coffee spout. This espresso machine can effortlessly whip up two cups of delicious joe at the same time. Your employees will be treated to a quick and efficient coffee experience.
Meanwhile, the ENA 8 only has a single coffee spout.
Moreover, both the Jura Z8 and the Jura ENA 8 offer a separate hot water spout alongside the coffee dispenser. This handy feature allows you to easily make tea or prepare an Americano by dispensing hot water directly into your cup.
Speaking of Americanos, it’s worth noting that the Jura Z8 takes it up a notch with its one-touch Americano option. This means you can enjoy a perfectly brewed Americano with just a simple touch of a button. Unfortunately, the Jura ENA 8 doesn’t have this specific feature. You’ll need to take a small step to pour water into the espresso cup. While it may require a small effort on your part, it’s a straightforward and easy step to complete.
The cool thing about these spouts is that you can adjust them taller to fit tall or shorter glasses and to the creamy crema intact without messy splashes.
With the Jura Z8, the cup clearance is taller, so I can handle all my cups and mugs, even the travel-sized ones. Plus, the two spouts on the Z8 can be adjusted horizontally too. It’s a nice touch because I’ve used other Jura machines with dual spouts, but they were fixed in place and way too close together. That made it a real challenge to pick the right cup for my coffee. But with the Z8, that problem is solved!
Drink Options & Programmability
The Winner: Jura Z8
Pre-programmed Coffee Options
| Jura Z8 | Jura ENA 8 |
|---|---|
| 21 presets: Ristretto 2 x Ristretto Espresso 2 x Espresso Coffee 2 x Coffee Americano 2 x Americano Caffè Barista Caffè latte Macchiato Cappuccino Latte macchiato Jug of coffee Flat White Hot water Hot water for black tea Hot water for green tea Portion milk Portion milk foam | 10 presets: Ristretto Espresso Coffee Cappuccino Flat white Latte macchiato Espresso macchiato Espresso doppio (2 brewing operations) Milk foam Hot water |
If you’ve made it this far, you’ve probably noticed that the Jura Z8 is all about being a jack of all trades when it can serve the needs of families or even offices. And to live up to that mission, Jura packed it with a whole bunch of pre-programmed coffee options to cater to everyone’s different tastes. The Z8 has 21 different specialties.
Honestly, it doesn’t really make me go “Wow.” Don’t get me wrong, that’s a pretty impressive number. But some of those “specialties” are just double shots or water with different temperatures. So it’s not like they’re all completely unique. Still, when you compare it to the Jura ENA 8, the Z8 definitely offers more drink options to choose from.
The Jura ENA 8 may not have as many fancy options as the Z8, but for its price, it still gives you a good range of 10 choices. And honestly, when it comes to using it at home, that’s more than plenty. The drinks that only Jura Z8 offers between the two is Americano, Caffè latte, Caffè Barista.
Do you know what’s cool about the Jura Z8? It has a cool preset called “Jug of Coffee” for brewing a whole pot of coffee, just like magic. You can make enough coffee to satisfy a whole gang of people with just one touch. It’s super convenient, no doubt about it.
But here’s the thing: I have to be honest when it comes to taste. I find that brewing coffee cup by cup gives you a stronger, bolder flavor. Somehow, the coffee from the pot seems a bit weak in comparison. It’s not like I expected a super-automatic machine to deliver both quantity and mind-blowing flavor for a whole coffee pot. Oh, and don’t forget about the crema lovers out there. When you brew a whole pot of coffee, that delicious layer of crema seems to disappear.
Programmability
| Jura ENA 8 | Jura Z8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Programmable coffee strength | 10 levels | 10 levels |
| Programmable milk temperature | – | 10 levels |
| Programmable milk foam temperature | – | 10 levels |
| Programmable brewing temperature | 3 levels | 3 levels |
| Programmable hot water temperature | 3 levels | 3 levels |
| Product name, delete/replace/copy/double product | No | Yes |
Both machines let us customize the coffee drinks above just how we like. We can tweak the brewing temperature, coffee strength, volume, and water temperature to match our preferences. And then, we can save our own recipe for quick access later.
But hold on, the Jura Z8 takes it a step further. It gives us the power to adjust the milk and milk foam temperature too. Now, that’s something the Jura ENA 8 users have been dreaming of. See, the ENA 8 doesn’t let us play around with the milk temperature, so sometimes the milk foam just wasn’t hot enough. But with the Z8, we’ve got 10 levels of control over both the milk and milk foam temperature.
If you’re like me and enjoy slowly savoring a piping hot milk-based drink, let me drop some experience on you. I’ve discovered that setting the milk temperature to 8 on the Jura Z8 is perfect. Trust me, you don’t want to go higher than 8. If you crank up the heat too much, it can mess with the flavor of your espresso.
Utilities
The Winner: Jura Z8
User Interface
The ENA 8 boasts a 2.8″ TFT color display, which provides a simple and straightforward interface. The Z8 takes things up a notch with its color touchscreen display. This interactive display offers a more advanced and modern user experience. The screens on these machines are super user-friendly, and anyone in the house, the little ones or the older folks, can easily figure them out.
As for me, I’m all about that touchscreen action. The Z8 wins my heart with its larger display area, giving me more space to interact with and select my favorite coffee options. But hey, if you’re more into the classic vibes, the ENA 8 will still do the job perfectly.
Active Bean Monitoring
One of the worst coffee-related nightmares: running out of beans while brewing a fresh cup. Jura Z8 has got your back with its amazing Active Bean Monitoring sensor. This genius little feature keeps a close eye on your bean supply and sends a helpful alert when it’s time to restock. Say goodbye to those frustrating moments of realizing you’re all out of beans halfway through brewing.
Now, the Jura ENA 8 may not have this fancy sensor but don’t sweat it. It’s not a dealbreaker by any means. The ENA 8’s bean hopper has a clear lid that lets you keep tabs on your bean levels. All you need to do is give it a quick glance every now and then, and you’ll know exactly when it’s time to grab a fresh bag of beans.
Blue Water Tank Illumination
Picture this: it’s early morning, and the world is still wrapped in gentle darkness. As you stumble to the kitchen, half-awake and craving that perfect cup of joe, something catches your eye. It’s the mesmerizing glow of the Jura Z8’s water tank bathing your countertop in a soft blue light.
It’s like a beacon of convenience, guiding you through the sleepy haze. Not only does it make it super easy to see the water level, even in the darkest of corners, but it adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen. Who knew a simple blue light could make such a difference? It’s the little things that bring joy to my morning routine.
Price & Value For Money
The Winner: Jura ENA 8
The Jura Z8 and ENA 8 are in totally different price ranges. The ENA 8 is more of an entry-level option, while the Z8 falls into the high-end category. So, it’s no surprise that the ENA is cheaper. I can’t just conclude that Jura ENA 8 is the winner. I think about whether they’re actually worth the price or not.
After considering all the information I’ve provided, I can say that both of these machines are definitely worth buying. Sure, they may come with a higher price tag than other brands, but this Swiss brand knows how to deliver top-notch quality. When you invest in either of these machines, you’re investing in a reliable and trustworthy coffee experience that will make your taste buds sing.
Undoubtedly, the Jura Z8 comes with a heftier price tag, but guy, it delivers superior features and top-notch coffee quality. Compared to its more affordable counterpart, the Jura ENA 8, the Z8 stands out with its advanced technology and brewing techniques.
However, I must say that the ENA 8, despite being an entry-level option, is impressively equipped. It boasts brewing capabilities that can rival even higher-end models and offers a decent selection of preset drinks to cater to various tastes. So, even though it may not have all the bells and whistles of the Z8, the ENA 8 is no slouch when it comes to performance and versatility.
Quick Rundown of Jura Z8
- 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 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown of Jura ENA 8
- Design: A particular highlight of the design is the round water tank. Its pattern combined with its cylindrical shape is inspired by premium crystal carafes
- Simple and Easy to Use: The Jura ENA 8 features a 2.8-inch TFT display and the clearly defined operating panels make it extremely easy to use
- Freshly Ground, Not Capsuled: Ten different specialities are available at the touch of a button. The first VC compact brewing unit ensures that the coffee always flows into the cup under ideal conditions. The Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.) optimises the aroma of a short ristretto or espresso
- Technology: Fine foam technology creates airy, feather-light milk foam for cappuccino or other specialities
- Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.): Optimises the aroma of a short ristretto or espresso
Last update on 2024-04-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References
- Jura ENA 8 15281 from Jura https://us.jura.com/en/homeproducts/machines/ENA-8-Metropolitan-Black-NA-15281
- Jura Z8 15192 https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/jura-z8-fully-automatic-espresso-machine/
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.