This post is for those struggling to choose between the Jura E6 vs S8. Are you on the fence about this, too? My quick answer is that I lean more towards the S8. Both are exceptional super-automatic espresso machines and share a lot of things, but the Jura S8 has some added features that make it the overall winner.
The Jura S8 has more grinding settings and a wider variety of pre-set coffee drinks. The process of preparing milk-based drinks as well as cleaning the milk system is also more automated and requires minimal intervention on your part.
On the other hand, the Jura E6 is also great value for money. It has the same basic functionality as the winner, such as IPBAS, P.E.P., and Intelligent Water System, at a significantly lower price.
Jura E6 Vs S8: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Jura E6 Vs S8: Differences
My final verdict is that the S8 wins 4-1 against the E6. The rest of the post covers all the differences and similarities between these mid-range Juras.
Built-in Grinder
Winner: Tie
The grinder is, without a doubt, among the most important parts of an espresso machine that will determine your coffee’s quality. Right off the bat, the E6 and S8 don’t require spending extra money and kitchen space for a separate grinder since both have an inbuilt one. Better yet, their grinders are top-notch.
The S8 boasts an Aroma G3 grinder, known for its speedy and quiet operation while effectively preserving the coffee bean’s flavor. Meanwhile, the new E6 uses a Professional Aroma grinder, an enhanced version of the Aroma G3.
Jura claims that the Professional Aroma grinder operates more quietly and enhances both the strength and flavor of the coffee. In my tests, I observed no noticeable difference between the two. I was especially impressed with how quiet it is, which is an invaluable feature for early risers who indulge in dawn-time brewing.
The E6’s grinder only has 5 settings to adjust the fineness of the grind, whereas the S8 allows up to 7 levels of grinding. To tweak these settings, simply rotate the dial atop the machine, and it’s important to note that you should only make these adjustments while the grinder is actively running.
Milk Frothing System
Winner: Jura S8
Both the Jura E6 vs S8 have exceptional milk-frothing systems instead of manual steam wands, but the similarities end there. The E8 wins this round thanks to its one-touch milk cleaning system, while the E6 features a semi-automatic system. This is indeed a big difference.
The S8 can whip up milk foam and prepare milk-based drinks via a single button on the touch screen, minimizing your involvement in the process. Meanwhile, the E6 demands a bit more intervention on your part since you’ll need to manually adjust the steam output from the milk frother by twisting a knob.
The location of the milk outlet is also different on these two machines. On the E6, the milk frother is located right behind the dual espresso spouts, so you can place your cup under the spout assembly and get both espresso and milk at the same point. As for the S8, this unit is located on the right-hand side with a separate coffee spout and can be raised significantly higher, enabling you to use taller cups and glasses.
Well, if you are wondering, Jura still doesn’t throw in a complimentary milk holder with these machines. I believe this Swiss manufacturer should change its ways since, you know, their machines are always exorbitantly expensive. Of course, any milk holder in your arsenal will work well – it might make your machine less aesthetically pleasing, but it still works. For those seeking a perfect match, Jura offers its own glass container for purchase.
Design & Convenience
Winner: Jura S8
Dimensions & User Interface
| Jura E6 | Jura S8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 11 × 13.8 × 17.6 inches | 11 × 13.4 × 17.3 inches |
| Weight | 20 lbs | 22 lbs |
The E6 offers a variety of color options, whereas the S8 comes in a silver chrome finish. Both have a very sleek and elegant look simply because they come from Jura – one of the brands that pays a lot of attention to their machines’ appearance. They are on the compact side, and the S8 is a whole 2 pounds heavier than the E6.
Like their siblings, these machines lack the stainless steel build, but I didn’t consider this a deal breaker. They are crafted from durable, high-quality plastic, ensuring long-lasting longevity.
By the way, both have a color display that’s used through buttons, not a touchscreen one. Their displays are large enough, very bright, and exceptionally easy to navigate. I bet you could operate them flawlessly without glancing at the instruction manual.
Spout Type & Cup Clearance
| Jura E6 | Jura S8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Spigot Type | Dual | Dual |
| Cup Clearance | 2.6–4.4 inches | 2.8–4.6 inches |
You can easily move their espresso spouts up and down, which really counts during the brewing of espresso. Lowering the spout not only avoids messy splashes but also ensures the preservation of that rich, thick crema atop your espresso. The E6’s espresso spigot can go all the way up a bit higher, so it can fit taller cups.
The difference is that the E6 features a single unit with dual espresso spouts and an additional one for dispensing both milk and hot water. Meanwhile, the S8 boasts two separate units – the main one for espresso and hot water and the other one dedicated to crafting milky beverages.
That means the S8 never carries the risk of cross-contamination between hot water and milk since they are dispensed from separate outlets. As for the E6, milk and hot water come out from the same place, but it comes with an extra nozzle that you can swap to avoid cross-contamination.
Pre-programmed Coffee Options
Winner: Jura S8
| Jura E6 | Jura S8 |
|---|---|
| Espresso 2 × Espresso Coffee 2 × Coffee Caffè Barista Americano Macchiato Cappuccino Cappuccino Extra Shot Portion of milk foam Hot water | Ristretto 2 × Ristretto Espresso 2 × Espresso Coffee 2 × Coffee Macchiato Caffè latte Cappuccino Flat white Latte macchiato Portion of milk foam Portion of milk Hot water Hot water for green tea |
Both the E6 and S8 have a vast array of pre-set drinks to offer. They can readily brew popular specialty drinks such as black coffee, espresso, and milk-based beverages such as cappuccino and macchiato with just the press of a button. Both also feature a bypass doser, which is helpful for those times when decaf is required.
The S8 pulls just slightly ahead with an extra variety (15 specialties compared to the E6’s 11 options). This one can brew an exclusive caffe latte, which is great for those with a penchant for this coffee. Americano isn’t directly programmed, but you can quickly get it by diluting the espresso with hot water, one of its one-touch options.
These two machines also allow you to customize your beverages to your heart’s content with 10 coffee strengths and 3 brewing temperatures. What’s more, you can fine-tune the milk quantity and the length of each shot.
They don’t have a user profile function, which is typically a desirable feature for espresso machines used in large households. Still, this absence isn’t necessarily a big problem for the S8 since it, compared to the E6, offers the option to save, copy, and personalize the settings.
Jura E6 Vs S8: Similarities
Heating System
Both have a single thermoblock boiler system to brew espresso and steam milk. Having only one boiler means they can’t multi-task, but the thermoblock system can quickly switch between brewing and steaming by heating only the necessary amount of water for each session, whether it’s for brewing or steaming.
They don’t have any cup warmers, which is a pity considering so many cheap cameras, such as the Gaggia Velasca, have one on top. Jura also sells a separate device for this purpose, which resembles a miniature refrigerator and looks pretty cool.
Brewing System
The brewing system on the E6 and S8 is similar, resulting in the same coffee flavor. These two machines both use Jura’s IPBAS (Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System) and PEP (Pulse Extraction Process). I won’t let these confusing names bore you to death, so I’ll give you a quick and clear explanation to demystify them.
The Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System (IPBAS) moistens the coffee grounds with a small amount of water. This pre-brewing step helps to release the coffee’s aromas and flavors more effectively, leading to a richer and more complex taste in the final cup. Yes, as you guessed, it is essentially a pre-infusion process.
Pulse Extraction Process (PEP) is Jura’s approach to optimizing the extraction time for espresso. Instead of a continuous flow of water through the coffee grounds, PEP pulses the water in short intervals. The result is a fuller, more balanced flavor with a better-developed crema on top.
Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper
| Jura E6 | Jura S8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Water Reservoir | 1.9 liter | 1.9 liter |
| Bean Hopper | 0.29 liter | 0.29 liter |
Speaking of the capacity of their water tanks and bean containers, there is a tie between the E6 and S8. Both can work with the same filter that removes hard minerals from the water, ensuring your drinks maintain a fresh, pure taste. Both also feature a solid, airtight lid, not only preserving the freshness of your coffee beans but also reducing the noise from the grinder.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The cup of espresso with the best flavor depends not only on the special brewing technology and water quality but also on how clean the espresso machine is. And, fortunately, both the E6 and S8 have automatic cleaning cycles to ensure all the components are in optimal condition without too much effort.
Both alert you when it’s descaling time, which typically happens after one to two months or more, depending on how often you use your machine and whether you use the water. Cleaning their milk systems is mostly automatic as well, and the display will also prompt you when they need a cleaning cycle.
It is a good practice to empty the drip tray, rinse the water tank, and empty the coffee grounds box at the end of the day. Those are things you need to do yourself but are extremely simple to carry out.
App Connectivity
Everything these days has an app, don’t you think? From air conditioners, TVs, and refrigerators to vacuum cleaners, home lighting, and thermostats – more and more household devices are compatible with smartphones for remote control and programming. Jura was also a pioneer in innovatively transforming espresso machines into devices controllable from the palm of your hand.
Both the E6 and S8 can be paired with your cell phone via the JOE (JURA Operating Experience) app. It’s another thing with an unnecessarily complicated name, but it is pretty cool anyway. You can adjust settings, save personalized drinks, start brewing, get cleaning alerts, and more – all right from your phone. You can even raise your guests’ eyebrows by using the app on your Apple Watch.
Quick Rundown Of Jura S8
- 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 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Jura E6
- Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.): The Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.) developed by Jura optimizes the extraction time. To make a short espresso, it forces the hot water through the ground coffee at short intervals. This process allows the flavors of the coffee to fully develop and deliver best results. With different intensity levels, coffee lovers can customize their coffee just the way they like it
- Intelligent Water System: CLEARYL water filters supply perfect water quality for the best possible flavor. They also protect the coffee machine against limescale and remove substances that could impair flavor and aroma (such as heavy metals or chlorine) from the water. To make maximum use of the filter and its capacity, Jura developed the Intelligent Water System (I.W.S.)
- Simple Operations: Buttons on the front of the machine and a modern TFT display make operation incredibly simple
- Hygiene: The integrated maintenance programs and interchangeable milk spout ensure maximum hygiene
- Water: CLEARYL water filters supply perfect water quality for the best possible flavor
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References
- Jura S8: https://us.jura.com/en/homeproducts/machines/S8-Piano-Black-NA-15358
- Jura E6: https://us.jura.com/en/homeproducts/machines/E6-Piano-White-NAC-15559
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.