The Saeco Xelsis vs Jura S8 are two of the market’s most popular mid-range super-automatic espresso machines. Both machines offer a high level of convenience and delicious espresso, but there are some key differences between them.
The Saeco Xelsis machine stands out for its enhanced user-friendliness. It boasts a spacious touchscreen interface that facilitates effortless navigation. In addition, the Xelsis offers a wide range of customization options and comes with a milk container that enhances the quality of the espresso produced.
The Jura S8 represents a high-tier appliance, displaying a refined aesthetic appeal. Additionally, it incorporates several functionalities not present in Xelsis, such as app connectivity and automatic shutdown. Nevertheless, the Jura S8 might possess certain restrictions that could greatly influence its overall score. Read on to find out!
Saeco Xelsis vs Jura S8: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-09-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Saeco Xelsis vs Jura S8: Differences
In general, Saeco Xelsis is the better option when compared to Jura S8, with a score of 4-2. It offers more settings, such as the Latteduo system and a user-friendly touch display. Let’s scroll down to find out in detail!
Coffee flavor & brewing system
The winner: Saeco Xelsis
Grind
The grinder is one of the most important components of an espresso machine, as it determines the quality and consistency of the coffee grounds. The finer the grind, the more flavor and aroma extraction you can get from your beans. The coarser the grind, the less extraction and more water flow you can get. The ideal grind size for espresso is fine, but not too fine that it clogs the machine or creates too much pressure.
The Saeco Xelsis has a ceramic burr grinder with 12 settings, while the Jura S8 has an Aroma G3 stainless steel conical burr grinder with 7 levels.
Well, ceramic offers reduced heat and a more accurate grind when compared to stainless steel. This results in fewer fine particles and large chunks, ensuring a consistent grind size that promotes balanced extraction of your coffee beans.
If you love experimenting with different types of coffee beans and roasts, you might prefer the Saeco Xelsis over the Jura S8. The Saeco Xelsis lets you choose from a wider range of grind settings, so you can fine-tune the grind size to suit your beans and roasts perfectly.
Brewing technique
The Saeco Xelsis has a pre-infusion feature that briefly wets the coffee grounds before brewing begins. The pre-soak time can be changed through the taste settings. This function saturates the grounds evenly, allowing maximum flavor extraction.
On the other hand, the Jura S8 takes a slightly different approach to brewing. It features the Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System (IPBAS), which is a concept similar to pre-infusion. The IPBAS initiates a pre-brewing process that moistens the coffee grounds, allowing for a brief pause to allow the flavors to develop before extraction. During this process, the aroma and taste of espresso are enhanced.
In addition to the IPBAS, the Jura S8 uses the Pulse Extraction Process (PEP). PEP is a technology unique to Jura machines and involves pulsating the water through the coffee grounds in short intervals. This pulsating motion optimizes the extraction process, extracting the full range of flavors from the coffee beans.
Both machines operate at a standard 15-bar pressure, which ensures the necessary pressure for proper extraction. High pressure is crucial to force water through tightly packed coffee grounds.
Design and convenience
The winner: Jura S8
Weight and dimension
First up is the Saeco Xelsis. This machine measures 11.2 x 15.5 x 19.3 inches and weighs 25.8 pounds. It’s a relatively large and heavy machine, but this can help keep it stable and prevent unwanted movement during brewing.
Moving on to the Jura S8, we have a slightly smaller and lighter machine. It measures 11 x 13.8 x 17.5 inches and weighs 22.1 pounds. While it may be smaller and lighter than the Saeco Xelsis, don’t let that fool you – the Jura S8 is a powerful machine that can produce some seriously delicious espresso. It may actually make it a better choice if you have limited counter space in your kitchen.
Capacity
| Saeco Xelsis | Jura S8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Bean hopper | 12 ounces | 10 ounces |
| Puck container | 14 pucks | 16 pucks |
| Water tank | 57 ounces | 64 ounces |
The table shows that the Saeco Xelsis excels in coffee bean storage with a larger bean hopper, reducing refill frequency for avid coffee drinkers. In contrast, the Jura S8 has a larger water tank and puck container, enabling more brew cycles and less frequent maintenance, suitable for heavy coffee consumption or larger households.
Both machines are equipped with an airtight lid. It works by sealing the coffee bean container tightly, preventing air from getting in and causing the coffee beans to lose their aroma. Hence, you can get a fresh and delicious cup of coffee every time.
Milk system
The winner: Saeco Xelsis
Saeco Xelsis and Jura S8 espresso machines use a milk container that can be disconnected from the machine and stored in the refrigerator when not in use. These machines have milk tubes that connect the container to a frothing unit, where the milk is heated and frothed. The frothed milk is then dispensed into the cup.
With Saeco Xelsis, the unique feature here is the LatteDuo system, which is quite a game-changer. You see, it means you can make two milk-based drinks simultaneously. Imagine serving your guests fresh cappuccinos, two at a time – it’s a real time-saver!
The LattePerfetto technology is another great attribute. This technology minutely alters the structure of milk foam by reducing the size of the froth pores, leading to a dense, fine-textured foam that is simply perfect for your lattes and cappuccinos.
But it doesn’t end there. The Xelsis offers adjustable milk foam levels. By altering parameters on display, you can choose high, low, or even no foam – ideal for customizing your drink to your taste. You can also set the volume of milk and the order of brewing coffee and milk.
The machine comes with a milk jug – no extra purchases are required, which is a plus in my book. And the best part? After dispensing the milk, the machine performs an ‘Auto Steam Shoot’ to quickly rinse the internal milk system with steam. Personally, I find this feature a tad too quick as it sometimes doesn’t leave enough time to move my coffee away, but it’s a minor trade-off for the convenience of an automatic rinse.
It’s time for the Jura S8. Here, the milk-based drinks are prepared through a single separate spout. So, unlike the Xelsis, you can only make one milk-based drink at a time.
What caught my attention was JURA’s Professional Fine Foam FrotherG2. This technology offers complete control over the type of milk foam you prefer. I adore the real-time adjustment feature, where you can tweak the texture of the foam while it’s being prepared. You just use the dial to vary between a fine froth for a latte and an airy froth for a cappuccino.
An exciting thing about the S8 is the ability to adjust the pause time after frothing. After the milk is frothed, you can pause for a moment to let the milk settle. If you like to play around with textures, this creates three distinct layers in a latte macchiato.
However, unlike the Xelsis, you would need to purchase a separate milk container, something to consider in terms of cost and storage. Lastly, the milk system on the Jura S8 is automatically rinsed 15 minutes after milk preparation. This is more convenient because it allows plenty of time to move the cup away.
Drink options & programmability
The winner: Saeco Xelsis
If you are looking for a variety of coffee options, both the Saeco Xelsis and Jura S8 can satisfy your taste buds. They have 15 preset drinks ranging from espresso to latte macchiato, and you can customize each drink to your liking.
You can adjust the coffee strength, the amount of coffee in each cup, and the temperature settings to suit your preferences. Whether you’re craving a bold espresso or a velvety cappuccino, these machines have got you covered.
A distinctive feature of Saeco Xelsis is that it offers coffee taste settings. Choose between delicate and full-body coffees. This option likely influences the pre-infusion time, resulting in varied extractions catering to different tastes.
Cleaning & maintenance
The winner: Saeco Xelsis
Filter
Preventing scale buildup in the water system through filtering is one of the most important aspects of maintaining an espresso machine. Scale can affect coffee’s taste and quality while potentially damaging the machine over time.
The Saeco Xelsis uses the AquaClean filter, which can filter up to 5000 cups of water before needing replacement. The filter features a microchip communicating with the machine to indicate when replacement is required. Similarly, the Jura S8 utilizes the CLEARYL Smart water filter with an RFID chip performing the same functionality.
Descale
Saeco Xelsis and Jura S8 have automatic descaling cycles that guide you through the steps. You need a descaling solution or tablet and a container for the water.
On the one hand, the Saeco Xelsis sports a detachable brew group, offering an advantage in maintenance. You can conveniently remove it for a thorough rinse under water, ensuring no residue is left behind.
Meanwhile, the Jura S8 employs a fixed brew group, which remains integrated within the machine and cannot be manually removed for cleaning. Despite this inconvenient design, I think Jura may have anticipated this concern and designed its integrated cleaning systems to keep the brew group in top condition efficiently.
Utilities & other features
The winner: Jura S8
Display
The Saeco Xelsis has a beautiful 5-inch color touchscreen display. You’ll feel like you’re looking at a work of art. The Coffee Equalizer, an ingenious creation, allows you to adjust your coffee preferences finely. You can delicately move bars up or down like tuning a melody on an audio equalizer. It’s an experience that transcends the realm of mere coffee brewing.
Conversely, the Jura S8 embraces a 4.3-inch color touch screen to greet you. While it may be slightly smaller, it doesn’t skimp on delivering an enchanting interaction.
Smart connect
While the Saeco Xelsis (SM7684/04) does not feature smart connect, the Jura S8 presents an intriguing alternative. The Jura S8, armed with the remarkable J.O.E. app, offers a captivating blend of convenience and personalized indulgence. It is a true testament to the evolving landscape of coffee machines, where advanced technology intertwines with the simplicity of savoring the perfect cup of joe.
Energy Saving
The Saeco Xelsis and Jura S8 are both energy-efficient espresso machines, but the Jura S8 has a few additional features that make it even more so. The Xelsis has a stand-by mode, meaning it consumes very little power when not in use.
Meanwhile, the Jura S8 has a zero-energy switch, which means it consumes absolutely no power when turned off. Additionally, it allows you to set the automatic switch-off to 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or 1-9 hours. This means you can be sure the machine will not waste energy if you forget to turn it off.
Quick Rundown Of Saeco Xelsis
- With Philips Saeco Xelsis easily make up to 15 coffee varieties from common Espresso and Capuccino to specialty coffees like Flat White or Americano. Simply swipe the touchscreen to select the drink and customize it with our intuitive Coffee Equalizer.Filter type:Reusable.Power consumption stand-by : 0.5W, Drip tray capacity : 500 ml
- 15 Coffee Varieties at Your Fingertips: Explore the world of coffee - Espresso, cappuccino, macchiato, and a range of specialty drinks
- Personalized Preferences: Everyone’s custom coffee favorites can be saved in up to 6 user profiles for instant selection. Personalize each profile down to the finest detail
- LatteDuo Milk System: Prepare and enjoy single or double serving of any coffee recipe with one touch, including Cappuccino or Latte Macchiato
- Double Thermo Blocks: Dedicated for both brewing and steaming offer accurate temperature controls for every drink in your recipe book
Last update on 2023-09-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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 2023-09-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References
- Jura S8: https://sg.jura.com/en/homeproducts/Machines/S8-Chrom-INTA-15443
- Saeco Xelsis: https://www.usa.philips.com/c-p/SM7684_04/xelsis-super-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.