At first glance, the Jura A1 vs Ena Micro 1 are extremely similar, both in appearance and functionality. But when I dug deeper, I found the Jura A1 to be slightly superior to the Jura Ena Micro 1. The A1 uses the newer Aroma 3 grinder and P.E.P. technology, and this combination results in better espresso overall.
They are the cheapest Jura since they have no milk-frothing system and can’t make milk-based drinks themselves. Still, their price tags are similar to, or sometimes even steeper than, those of more versatile machines with multiple functions. They can brew great espresso, I wouldn’t deny that, but I think you should consider a slight compromise and opt for something with more bells and whistles.
Jura A1 Vs Ena Micro 1: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Jura A1 Vs Ena Micro 1: Differences
The A1 won 1-0 against the Ena Micro 1 because of an upgraded grinder and Jura’s exclusive Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.).
Coffee Flavor & Brewing System
Winner: Jura A1
Built-in Grinder
The A1 is equipped with an Aroma 3 burr conical grinder, which is known for its ability to produce uniformly ground coffee particles. Meanwhile, the Ena Micro 1 has an Aroma+ grinder, one of the previous generation grinders. Both offer five settings to fine-tune the coarseness to suit your taste and you can only do this when their grinders are running.
Heating System
Both use a single thermoblock heating system. One thing I really like about the thermoblock system in the Jura A1 is how fast it heats up. It allows you to get your first cup of coffee without much waiting, which is great on busy mornings.
Still , the drawback of having just a single heating system is that the machine can’t multitask. This means the A1 and Ena Micro 1 can’t brew coffee and steam milk at once, which can be a bit of a hassle, especially when you’re making milky drinks like lattes or cappuccinos.
Brewing System
Both have a pre-brew aroma system called (Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System or IPBAS). The system works by initially moistening the coffee grounds before the actual brewing begins. This pre-infusion process allows the coffee grounds to swell and release their full flavor. And by ensuring that the coffee grounds are evenly saturated before brewing, it helps in achieving a consistent extraction, leading to a more aromatic and flavorful cup of coffee.
After the brief pre-infusion stage, both extract espresso at a maximum pressure of 15 bars. Still, the Jura A1 can literally brew better shots thanks to the Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P) – one of the Jura’s hallmarks.
The P.E.P. tech optimizes the extraction time by pulsing the hot water through the coffee grounds in short intervals, allowing for a fuller extraction of flavor, particularly effective for short specialty coffees like espresso and ristretto. Hats off to the Jura engineers for this game-changing innovation!
Jura A1 Vs Ena Micro 1: Similarities
Design & Convenience
Dimensions & User Interface
| Jura A1 | Jura Ena Micro 1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 9 × 12.7 × 17.5 inches | 9 × 12.7 × 17.5 inches |
| Weight | 19.6 lbs | 19.2 lbs |
These two machines look almost identical. It’s quite common in the coffee machine industry to have models that look similar, especially within the same brand or when comparing brands with similar design philosophies. If I were to buy the A1 with a black finish, I would be at a loss to tell them apart.
The fact that these are among the most compact Juras is a big plus. In modern kitchens, where counter space is often at a premium, having a compact coffee machine can be a huge advantage. Finding the right location for each one in your kitchen is definitely a walk in the park, I promise. There is a touchpad on top of the machine, which looks quite outdated but is easy enough to use.
Spout & Cup Clearance
| Jura A1 | Jura Ena Micro 1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Spigot Type | Single | Single |
| Cup Clearance | 2.5–5.5 inches | 2.5–5.5 inches |
Both have a single espresso dispensing spout, which is adjustable in height. I find the adjustable spout quite useful. It allows you to use different cup sizes, from a small espresso cup to a taller mug so you don’t have to stick to one cup size. If you’re in the mood for a quick espresso, you can use a small cup, or if you want to savor my coffee for longer, you can adjust the spout to fit a larger mug.
Having a single spout has a downside, of course. These machines can’t brew two shots at once. This is seldom an issue if you typically savor your coffee in solitude. But when you have guests over or if you’re making coffee for a group, you have to prepare each cup one by one, which, admittedly, can be a bit time-consuming.
Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper
| Jura A1 | Jura Ena Micro 1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Water Reservoir | 1.1 liter | 1.1 liter |
| Bean Hopper | 0.13 liter | 0.13 liter |
Their water reservoirs lean towards the compact end of the spectrum. For solo dwellers or pairs, it’s not much of an issue. The capacity is enough to get through a day or two without needing to refill, but I could see how this could be a bit limiting for a larger family or when entertaining guests. Constantly refilling the water could get a bit tedious, especially during busy mornings or when you’re hosting a party.
Both also have the option to use a water filter, which is especially useful if the water quality where you live isn’t the best. Using a filter helps remove impurities and improves the taste of the coffee, meaning you always get a good cup of coffee.
The catch, though, is the need to replace the filter monthly, and it’s an additional cost to consider. I look at it as an investment in the quality of the coffee and the longevity of the machine. Using filtered water can also help prevent scale buildup, which is good for maintenance in the long run.
Well, I should also mention that they use airtight lids to keep the coffee beans fresher for longer. The airtight seal protects the beans from external factors like humidity and contaminants. This is important in a kitchen, where cooking smells, moisture, and other factors could otherwise affect the taste of the coffee.
Pre-programmed Coffee Options & Programmability
| Jura A1 | Jura Ena Micro 1 |
|---|---|
| Coffee Espresso Ristretto | Coffee Espresso Ristretto |
For their premium price tags, I would expect them to offer a wider variety of drink options. Having just three drink options does seem a bit restrictive, especially when I thought about other machines in a similar price bracket that offer a more extensive menu, including various milk-based drinks.
The absence of a hot water option is another limitation. I found this feature quite useful for making tea or even for pre-warming cups (both the A1 and Ena Micro 1 don’t even have any cup warmers). It’s surprising that super-automatic machines from a brand like Jura, known for their comprehensive features, would omit this.
In terms of customization, you can toggle between two distinct coffee strengths, tweak the length of your shot, and even adjust the brewing temperature. While these options might seem limited, you still have the opportunity to fine-tune your coffee experience to your heart’s content.
Cleaning & Maintenance
For me, there’s something reassuring about being able to remove and clean the brew group. With the brew group fixed inside the machine, you have to trust the automatic cleaning programs. It’s convenient, sure, but I can’t help but wonder if it’s as effective as a manual clean. There’s a certain satisfaction in seeing and knowing that every nook and cranny is clean, you know?
The A1 and Ena Micro 1 have no milk frother, taking one less job off your to-do list. Just empty the drip tray and coffee grounds basket at the end of the day, considering they are quite small. Occasionally, you should also deep clean the water tank since it is the house for high-quality water, not for mold and bacteria.
Bypass Doser
Both have a bypass doser, which is a pretty handy feature, especially when you’re in the mood for something different or when you have guests with varying coffee preferences.
Sometimes you might like to switch between regular and decaffeinated coffee, especially late in the evening. The bypass doser allows you to use pre-ground decaf without changing the beans in the main hopper. If you love experimenting with different coffee blends, the bypass doser allows you to try out a new flavor of pre-ground coffee without committing to a whole bag of beans.
When you have friends over, for example, maybe not everyone enjoys the same type of coffee. The bypass chute makes it easy to cater to everyone’s preferences without having to empty and refill the bean hopper for different coffee types.
Quick Rundown Of Jura A1
- ONE TOUCH: Prepare 3 barista quality specialties including ristretto, espresso and coffee at the touch of a button - coffee only
- 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: 37 ounce water tank, 4.4 ounce bean container
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Jura Ena Micro 1
- ONE TOUCH: Prepare 3 Barista quality specialties including Ristretto, Espresso and coffee at the touch of a button - Coffee only
- COMPACT: Slim design, perfect for small spaces
- CONICAL BURR GRINDER: Multi-level grinder will perfectly grind 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: 37 ounce water tank, 7 ounce bean container
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References
- Jura A1: https://sa.jura.com/en/homeproducts/machines/A1-Piano-Black-13794SA
- Jura Ena Micro 1: https://sa.jura.com/en/homeproducts/machines/ENA-Micro-1-Black-13710SA
Felix Hendricks is a skilled barista with over 12 years of experience. He excels in crafting coffee and has a strong foundation in coffee machine mechanics. Felix holds a Coffee Machine Maintenance Certification from the Coffee Equipment Technical Institute, showcasing his ability to diagnose and repair coffee machines. He’s also worked as a quality control specialist, selecting premium coffee beans for optimal flavor. Felix has a diverse work history, including stints at renowned coffee spots like Café Euphoria & Starbucks. His expertise in both brewing and machine maintenance makes him a respected figure in the coffee industry.