In the realm of automatic espresso machines, Jura is hailed as among the best brands, and the Jura Z8 vs Z6 are among their top-notch models. These luxurious leviathans pleasantly surprised me with their array of sophisticated features, but their hefty price tag might prove a challenging hurdle for many to overcome.
They are quite similar in appearance, except that the Jura Z8 is equipped with a touch screen while the Jura Z6 has a TFT display. The former boasts a double boiler system for faster brewing of milk-based beverages, while what the latter has in its favor is its lighter weight (but it is still on the heavy side).
Jura Z8 vs Z6: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2025-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Jura Z8 Vs Z6: Differences
No one wins here, and the only question is, “Which one is more suitable for you?” Keep reading to see more!
Coffee Flavour
Winner: Jura Z8
Built-in Grinder
Both the Jura Z8 vs Z6 come equipped with the exceptional “Aroma G3” grinder, a marked improvement over its predecessor, the Aroma G2. This newer version not only operates more quietly and swiftly, but it also delivers more evenly ground coffee and reportedly enhances the aroma by an impressive 12.2%.
The stainless steel grinder is super sharp, but it is prone to heat up the beans or even burn them as it operates, which can alter the espresso flavor. To deal with this, many models are equipped with ceramic grinders that maintain a consistently cool temperature.
Regarding grind settings, the more options, the merrier. Both have six settings, which will be a bit inconvenient for families with multiple coffee lovers. Considering their price bracket, they should obviously offer more grind sizes. Don’t believe this? Look for some cheaper models, such as the Gaggia Babila with 15 grind settings or the Breville Barista Touch with up to 30 settings.
I was also glad that it was a breeze to change the grind settings on these models. All you have to do is turn a dial on top of the machine instead of using a grind wrench as you would with others. As a golden rule, it’s essential to change the grind size only when the grinder is working—doing otherwise might be a fast track to acquiring a new machine.
Heating System
The Jura Z8 is a dual-boiler espresso machine, whereas the Z6 only has one boiler. So what the former has over its competitor is the ability to brew and steam at the same time – while one boiler heats the water for brewing espresso, the other boiler heats the water for steaming milk. Both boilers work simultaneously, so there is no idle time between brewing and steaming sessions.
But the Jura Z6 won’t make you wait till you are blue in the face to get your favorite caffeinated drink. Like the Jura Z8, this one is equipped with Thermoblock technology, which heats and adjusts temperature quickly. Specifically, it takes about 20 seconds to swiftly move from one process to another by heating only a sufficient amount of water.
So, the absence of a double boiler system in the Jura Z8 is definitely not a big con, especially considering it is designed with home use in mind. You may consider purchasing a cup warmer separately to avoid heat loss while the machine heats up for milk steam.
Brewing System
Both the Jura Z8 vs Z6 share the Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System (or I.P.B.A.S.) and Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.). All right, I get it – they are confusing scientific terms. But you don’t need to turn to a dictionary or call for a translator—I’m here to simplify and elucidate them for you.
Many automatic espresso machines, including Jura’s, use a pre-infusion process that Jura calls the Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System. This pre-infusion stage is a key component in optimizing the flavor extraction from the coffee grounds and can greatly enhance the final result.
This pre-infusion step aims to ensure the coffee grounds are fully saturated and prepared for the high-pressure extraction, allowing for a more even and thorough extraction of flavors. Many of the models I’ve tested even allow the interval of this process to be toggled on/off or adjusted, but it is an unchanged default on both the Jura Z8 vs Z6.
Then, their one-of-a-kind extraction takes place at a pressure of 15 bars. But hold on, what is a “bar?” Unlike drip coffee makers, super-automatic machines force hot water through the coffee grounds under high pressure, typically between 9 and 15 bars.
I call their extraction process “one of a kind” since it forces hot water through the grounds in short bursts instead of maintaining a steady flow and pressure. This is Jura’s patented Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.), which results in an espresso with as much of the aroma from the beans as possible.
Milk Frothing System
Instead of coming with a manual frothing wand, the Jura Z8 vs Z6 features an HP3 auto-frothing system that is external to the machine. Right off the bat, this advanced system has a surprising amount of control and enables a beginner to froth milk with zero knowledge and skill.
All you need to do is select your favorite milky drink and make necessary adjustments, such as the volume of milk and milk foam (quantified in secs), their temperature (10 levels), or the interval (0–60 secs) for a latte macchiato that allows the milk froth to settle and form a visually captivating, multi-layered drink. The only thing that can’t be tweaked is the foam’s consistency, but I found these espresso machines produced a fine and homogeneous frothed milk that was equally great for both cappuccinos and lattes.
Nevertheless, there were certain elements of their milk-frothing system that left me underwhelmed or even disenchanted. Firstly, it includes a tube/hose to connect a milk jug and the milk frother, which adds unnecessary complexity to the process. In comparison, some models, like the Gaggia Babila or the Philips 3200, simplify the design by incorporating a milk container that’s discreetly nestled in the front. It also needs regular deep cleaning to remove potential mold/microbes and should be replaced every few months, depending on how often you use the machine.
For another, these dudes cost an arm and a leg, but Jura, where is my milk carafe? Instead of providing all the necessary accessories, this Swiss brand opts to sell the milk container separately, and from my perspective, this is a letdown. So I’ll let you decide if you’ll use one of yours or splurge on their milk glass or cool control unit.
Design & Usability
Winner: Jura Z6
Dimensions, Footprint, & Weight
| Jura Z8 | Jura Z6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.6 x 15 x 17.7 inches | 12.6 x 14.8 x 17.7 inches |
| Weight | 29.5 lbs | 26 lbs |
Both the Jura Z8 vs Z6 are box-like espresso machines with the sleek, sophisticated look that Jura is known for. They are nearly identical in appearance, except that the Z8 is equipped with a 4.3-inch Touchscreen Color Display, whereas the Z6 features a 3.5-inch TFT display. While I do like the modern touch the touchscreen brings, its hypersensitivity and tendency to collect fingerprints are off-putting.
These feature-rich machines are constructed largely from ABS plastic, fortified by sturdy aluminum front and top panels, and accented with some metal elements. Aluminum may not rival the durability of stainless steel, but it does contribute to a lighter weight and a more cost-effective machine. They’re not necessarily lightweight, though, and you might work up a bit of a sweat while putting them in place unless you happen to possess the superhuman strength of the Hulk or the Mighty Thor, Marvel’s characters that I’m a big fan of.
These commercial-grade appliances are sizeable. So, if you have a smaller kitchen with limited workspace on the countertops and a narrow gap between countertops and cabinets, allocating a