Jura Giga 5 vs W3 Review: Comparing Critical Features That Will Make Any Espresso Drinker Fall In Love With This Bean-To-Cup Jura Espresso Machine

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For an espresso machine to include a bean grinder and milk frother is no simple feat. But the skills of Jura Giga 5 vs W3 offer more functions and excellent durability to someone who isn’t afraid of paying a little extra.

While both espresso machines come out at the top, being user-friendly, efficient, and programmable. You can think of the Jura Giga 5 as the less “upgraded” pick than the Giga W3. That is why the Jura Giga W3 costs more – because it offers more specialty drinks to its user.

With regards to PEP, temperature controls, grinder performance, and maintenance, both machines are great in their own unique ways. But the Giga 5 will offer you Smart Connect app connectivity while the Jura Giga W3 will offer you more customizable drinks (up to 42 drinks in total!).

Jura Giga 5 vs W3: Specs & Features Comparison Chart

Image
It’s a Tie
Jura 15066 Giga 5 Automatic Coffee Machine, Piano Black
It’s a Tie
Jura 15089 GIGA W3 Professional Automatic Coffee Machine, Silver 169 oz.
Model
Jura Giga 5 15066
Jura Giga W3 15089
Dimensions (LxWxH)
20 x 13 x 17 Inches
14.6 x 19.6 x 21.7 Inches
Color / Material
Black / Plastic
Silver/ Aluminum
Weight / Power / Voltage
40 Pounds / 1500W
40.1 Pounds / 120V
Water Tank Capacity
91 Ounces
169 Ounces
Bean Hopper Size
277g x 2
1000g
Grinder
Dual Ceramic Disc Grinder
Single Ceramic Disc Grinder System
Coffee Specialties
19 Drinks
31 Drinks
Coffee Strength Settings
5 Levels
5 Levels
Brewing Temperature Settings
3 Levels
3 Levels
Milk Temperature Settings
Not Mentioned
Not Mentioned
Hot Water Programmability
Not Mentioned
3 Temperature Settings
App Connectivity
Control Panel
TFT with Rotary Selection
TFT Color Display with Buttons
Coffee Grounds Container
20 Coffee Pucks
40 Coffee Pucks
Adjustable Dual Coffee Spout
2.7 To 6.2 inches
2.8 To 6.3 inches
What I Like
Price
Price not available
$8,988.97
It’s a Tie
Image
Jura 15066 Giga 5 Automatic Coffee Machine, Piano Black
Model
Jura Giga 5 15066
Dimensions (LxWxH)
20 x 13 x 17 Inches
Color / Material
Black / Plastic
Weight / Power / Voltage
40 Pounds / 1500W
Water Tank Capacity
91 Ounces
Bean Hopper Size
277g x 2
Grinder
Dual Ceramic Disc Grinder
Coffee Specialties
19 Drinks
Coffee Strength Settings
5 Levels
Brewing Temperature Settings
3 Levels
Milk Temperature Settings
Not Mentioned
Hot Water Programmability
Not Mentioned
App Connectivity
Control Panel
TFT with Rotary Selection
Coffee Grounds Container
20 Coffee Pucks
Adjustable Dual Coffee Spout
2.7 To 6.2 inches
What I Like
Price
Price not available
More Info
It’s a Tie
Image
Jura 15089 GIGA W3 Professional Automatic Coffee Machine, Silver 169 oz.
Model
Jura Giga W3 15089
Dimensions (LxWxH)
14.6 x 19.6 x 21.7 Inches
Color / Material
Silver/ Aluminum
Weight / Power / Voltage
40.1 Pounds / 120V
Water Tank Capacity
169 Ounces
Bean Hopper Size
1000g
Grinder
Single Ceramic Disc Grinder System
Coffee Specialties
31 Drinks
Coffee Strength Settings
5 Levels
Brewing Temperature Settings
3 Levels
Milk Temperature Settings
Not Mentioned
Hot Water Programmability
3 Temperature Settings
App Connectivity
Control Panel
TFT Color Display with Buttons
Coffee Grounds Container
40 Coffee Pucks
Adjustable Dual Coffee Spout
2.8 To 6.3 inches
What I Like
Price
$8,988.97
More Info

Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Jura Giga 5 vs W3: Differences

It’s a tie between the Jura Giga 5 vs W3. If you don’t want to settle for a cheap, slow and limited espresso maker that offers fewer functions, the multi-functional, bean-to-cup, and intricate programmability of both the Jura Giga 5 vs W3 will suit your fine taste.

Coffee Flavour

Winner: Jura Giga 5

BUILT-IN GRINDER

The Jura Giga 5 sports two electronic ceramic grinders, while the Jura Giga W3 has a wear-resistant technical ceramic grinder. There are many pros to these ceramic-made grinders, the most notable of which is their inferior thermal conductivity – Unlike their stainless steel counterparts, they don’t heat up when they’re used. That means they won’t burn the coffee ground, thereby maintaining the optimal taste of the espressos. 

jura giga w3's electronic ceramic grinder
Jura Giga W3’s electronic ceramic grinder

Ceramic grinders also have a reputation for durability and quieter operation. No, I don’t mean they don’t make any noise at all, but they are quiet enough not to become an unwelcome alarm clock for your family in the early morning.

Each grinder of the Jura Giga 5 has five grind settings, and so does the Jura Giga W3. Both are adjusted electronically, meaning you will need to change the grind size via their digital display instead of turning a knob manually. Five is a reasonable number, but I initially expected these commercial-grade machines would provide a wider spectrum of grind settings. The standard is six, and I’ve experienced less expensive models offering up to 10 or even 15 different grind options, such as the Gaggia Babila

jura giga 5 vs w3's five grind settings
Jura Giga 5 vs W3’s five grind settings

HEATING SYSTEM 

Both the Jura Giga 5 vs W3 are dual boiler machines, with speed being the primary benefit. Both boilers work simultaneously: while one boiler heats the water for brewing coffee, the other heats the water for steaming milk. 

So these machines can make milk-based drinks much faster than single-boiler models, which can only handle one task at a time and require an interval in between to heat the water to the appropriate temperature. If you’re just a casual drinker, that’s not a huge concern, but if you are looking for an espresso machine for large settings, such as restaurants, coffee houses, or offices where you need to make a large batch of drinks throughout the day, it’s definitely something worth considering.

Better yet, they are also equipped with Thermoblock technology, which takes just over 10 seconds to reach operating temperature. Of course, there is no magic here – the Thermoblock boiler heats only the amount of water required for each process. This not only trims down the waiting times but also brings down power usage and ensures your espresso is always brewed with fresh water as well.

BREWING SYSTEM

Much like Jura’s other super-automatic espresso machines, the Jura Giga 5 vs W3 share an Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System (or I.P.B.A.S.). Simply put, it pre-soaks the coffee grounds with the appropriate amount of hot water before the actual extraction commences, optimizing the extraction of aroma and flavor from the grounds. Yes, it is essentially a pre-infusion process that is standard in most super-automatics, but Jura, as always, strives to stand out with its unnecessarily complex terms and acronyms.

Their brew units feature a 15-bar-rated pump, which is also great. In case you don’t know, unlike drip-brew machines, which rely on gravity to get espresso from the brew chamber to a waiting cup, super-automatic machines use pressure that is measured in bars. A good espresso shot necessitates a minimum pressure of 9 bars.

However, the Jura Giga 5 comes with the Pulse Extraction Process (or P.E.P.), while the Giga W3 doesn’t. It was surprising and disappointing! While this proprietary technology is applied to most of the company’s super-automatics, including those at the lower end of the price spectrum like the Jura A1, this 7,000-priced model lacks it.

But wait, what is the Pulse Extraction Process? It involves pushing hot water through the coffee grounds in short intervals (or pulses, as Jura calls them). The main idea behind it is to ensure that the coffee grounds are fully saturated and that the water extracts the maximum flavor from the grounds in a shorter brewing time.

MILK FROTHING SYSTEM

Frothing milk is also one of the things that is automated on these machines. Instead of using a steam wand, they are equipped with an advanced auto-frother, allowing you to create a barista-standard cappuccino or flat white without going through any training. Simply select your preferred beverage from an extensive list of one-touch options, make any desired tweaks, press a button, and voila! You have it-your ideal coffee with minimal effort!

jura giga 5 vs w3's automatic milk frothing system
Jura Giga 5 vs W3’s automatic milk frothing system

Wand-equipped machines typically score some brownie points with coffee purists since ones with automatic milk systems offer less control over the froth-produced process, but this is not the case with the Giga 5 or the Giga W3. They give you the option to adjust the volume of foam and milk during the preparation of a milk-based beverage, which you’d be hard-pressed to find in entry-level models. So they basically offer as much control over the milk frothing process as using a steam wand would.

Interestingly, the volume of foam and milk is determined in seconds, not in ounces or milliliters. This might necessitate a little trial and error to get the hang of it, but if you seek my advice, here are my estimates:

1 Second of Hot Milk0.2 Oz
1 Second of Froth Milk0.14 to 0.18 Oz

I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve voiced my complaint about Jura’s omission of a milk pitcher, and I won’t hesitate to do so again. For a model that bears a price tag of over $7000, like the Giga W3, the absence of a container in the package is, in my opinion, a letdown.

Of course, you can keep your milk in your own container, but it’s worth noting that Jura also offers several milk pitcher options to complete the aesthetic of the machine, including a simple glass container (cheapest), an insulated pitcher, and a cool controller (most expensive). I highly recommend the cool controller if you can afford it – this unit can keep your milk cold and ready to froth without having to get it from your fridge whenever you want to brew a milk-based drink.

Setting this shortcoming aside, I must admit that the Jura Giga 5 and W3 produced fantastic hot milk and foam, and the results were truly impressive.  I could make a supremely good cappuccino with ideal foam consistency and a latte macchiato with some enchanting layers, which are gorgeous when viewed through transparent glass. Who would believe these masterpieces were made by an inanimate machine?

Design & Usability

Winner: Jura Giga W3

DIMENSIONS, FOOTPRINT, & WEIGHT

Jura Giga 5Jura Giga W3
Dimensions12.6 × 16.3 × 18.9 inches14.6 × 21.7 × 19.6 inches
Weight39.7 lbs40.1 lbs

Yeah, I know beauty is a matter of personal taste, but I would still say they are good-looking espresso machines. Like most commercial machines, they have an aluminum front and black plastic sides. This classic and simple combination is great and can pair perfectly with any upscale kitchen. After all, isn’t it wonderful to own something that marries function and aesthetics in harmony? Would you not agree?

Instead of being equipped with a touch screen, they have a large full-color TFT display and a rotary switch on top.  It was a breeze to choose my desired drink and customize it to my liking. Truth be told, I lean towards this style over some touch screens, which, in my opinion, are too responsive. Interestingly, the rotary dial lights up red when in use.

non-touch color tft display
Non-touch Color TFT Display

They are notably large and significantly heavy, but that’s a necessary concession for a high-capacity espresso machine. This means you need to arrange a substantial space for its setup, a task that’s generally hassle-free for a coffee shop or bar. Additionally, as the process of removing the machine from the box and situating it is a one-off task, its heavy weight doesn’t pose a significant issue.

PRE-PROGRAMMED COFFEE OPTIONS

Jura Giga 5Jura Giga W3
Ristretto
Espresso
Coffee
Cappuccino
Caffè latte
Macchiato
Latte macchiato
Portion of milk foam
Portion of milk
Hot water
2 x Ristretto
2 x Espresso
2 x Coffee
2 x Cappuccino
2 x Caffè latte
2 x Macchiato
2 x Latte macchiato
2 x Portion of milk foam
2 x Portion of milk
Ristretto
Espresso
Coffee
Caffè Barista
Lungo Barista
Special coffee
Espresso doppio
Pot of coffee
Espresso Macchiato
Caffè latte
Cappuccino
Flat white
Latte macchiato
Portion of milk foam
Portion of milk
Hot water
Hot water for green tea
Hot water for black tea
2 × Ristretto
2 × Espresso
2 × Coffee
2 × Caffè Barista
2 × Lungo Barista
2 × Special coffee
2 × Macchiato
2 × Caffè latte
2 × Cappuccino
2 × Flat white
2 × Latte macchiato
2 × Portion of milk foam
2 × Portion of milk

One of the distinctive qualities that elevate super-automatic espresso machines above their manual or semi-automatic counterparts is the provision of one-touch drinks. As inferred from the name, crafting a pre-programmed delectable beverage is as easy as a single button push – no frills, no fuss. While the Jura Giga 5 is great with 19 preset beverages, the Jura Giga W3 truly swept me off my feet with a staggering roster of 31 pre-programmed beverage selections.

Moreover, both allowed you to adjust each option via some adjustable settingsincluding coffee strength (5 levels), the brewing temperature (3 levels), and the amount of milk foam/milk/coffee. I could even customize the name of a pre-programmed drink to my liking. That is great, but I wish there were also a user profile feature to save the preferred recipes of different drinkers. Also, it would be better if they offered more coffee strengths (most cheaper models offer up to 10 levels).

In addition, they also offer 12 extra barista-inspired recipes that fuel your creativity with some exotic beverages, such as Pepresso, Red Cool, Shakerato, Mango Lassi, and Winter Magic, among others. I was particularly taken with Pepresso, an audacious blend of espresso, chocolate, and black pepper – it might sound peculiar, but it’s indeed delightful. 

barista recipes
Barista recipes

What’s interesting is that the machine doesn’t make these drinks per se. Instead, it leads you through the necessary steps using graphic images and text directions. So are you ready to unleash your inner barista and make some do-it-yourself drinks?

Oh, right, decaf. They also allow for using pre-ground coffee through a bypass dose chute. It’s a lifesaver for anyone in your household who has a caffeine intolerance or even for those occasions when you’ve run out of coffee beans.

jura giga 5 vs w3’s bypass dose chutes
Jura Giga 5 vs W3’s bypass dose chutes

SPOUT & CUP CLEARANCE

Jura Giga 5Jura Giga W3
Spout TypeDualDual
Cup Clearance2.7 – 6.2 inches2.8–6.3 inches

The Jura Giga 5 vs W3 share a butterfly coffee and milk spout assembly, which can be lifted more than 6 inches to fit oversized mugs like travel ones. There’s the possibility of adjusting the spacing between the spouts as well. The Jura Giga 5 comes with a plastic splashguard to protect the machine’s casing from splashing espresso drops while dispensing – a small but welcome addition.

Having dual coffee and milk spouts means they can prepare two cups of drinks at the same time, including milk-based drinks, which few machines can do. This noteworthy capability is particularly beneficial when you need to rapidly cater to your loved ones and friends with a large amount of drinks. There is a light here for added convenience.

jura giga 5 vs w3's dual coffee and milk spouts
Jura Giga 5 vs W3’s dual coffee and milk spouts

Additionally, they feature a hot water dispensing spout that can also be vertically adjusted. This comes in handy whenever you fancy an Americano (by diluting espresso with hot water), want to brew tea, or are in the mood for hot chocolate.

WATER RESERVOIR & BEAN HOPPER

Jura Giga 5Jura Giga W3
Water Reservoir2.6 liters5 liters
Bean Hopper2 x 0.29 liters1.03 liters

The Giga W3’s water reservoir is basically almost twice the size of the Giga 5’s tank, so it can serve a plethora of espressos before requiring a refill. For the best-tasting brew, I recommend changing the water daily, ensuring you begin each day’s brewing cycle with fresh water.

Their water reservoirs are designed to integrate with a Clearyl Blue filter cartridge, which can remove impurities in the water. These impurities can ruin the flavor of the espresso and cause scale buildup inside the machine over time. So unless you use distilled water, I highly recommend using a filter. This will add a monthly expense, but the improved taste of espresso makes it a worthy trade-off.

clearyl blue filter cartridge
Clearyl Blue filter cartridge

The Jura Giga 5’s double bean hoppers can hold 560g of beans, while the Giga W3’s container houses 990g. It’s worth noting that the Giga 5 allows you to use two types of coffee beans and mix them in increments of 25%, thus enabling you to experiment with a wide range of recipes and discover exciting new flavor profiles. Wow, that means your creativity is only limited by the sky!

you can mix two types of coffee beans in increments of 25%
You can mix two types of coffee beans in increments of 25%

One more thing. Their hoppers can contain a lot of beans, and if you can’t drink fast enough, you can leave them there without worrying about them degrading or getting stale. The key is that both have an aroma preservation lid that helps lock in the bean’s freshness, ensuring they remain fresh for a longer period of time.

jura giga 5 vs w3's bean hoppers
Jura Giga 5 vs W3’s bean hoppers

Cleaning & Maintenance

Winner: Tie

Who wants to be cleaning their espresso machine all day? No, not me. This task is boring, but it is paramount to keeping it running in top condition. The good news is that these super-automatic machines are loaded with multiple automated cleaning and rinsing cycles, making maintenance less of a chore. Everything is almost hands-free, and you don’t have to remove any parts.

You don’t even have to remember when you need to descale the machine or clean the milk system – the machine will prompt you and lead you through all the needed steps. As mentioned above, if you use the water filter, the descaling can be performed less frequently.

Emptying and rinsing the drip tray and dregs box won’t be a regular task, but it’s advisable to do it daily. Similarly, I encourage a daily routine of wiping down the machine’s casing to remove all splatters.

Utilities & Other Features

Winner: Tie

REMOTE CONTROL

These machines are compatible with the J.O.E (JURA Operating Experience) app, providing the convenience of initiating the brewing cycle remotely through your smartphone. Further enhancing its functionality, the app can pair with your iWatch, allowing your favorite drink to be created with the simple touch of a wrist.

ENERGY-SAVING MODE

Both Jura Giga 5 vs W3 have the Energy Save Mode to cut down on power consumption, reduce your monthly electricity bill, and protect the environment. They can also be programmed to automatically turn off after an adjustable interval thanks to the automatic switch-off feature. Furthermore, the timer feature allows for setting a switch-on and -off time for every day of the week. It appears Jura has taken every detail into account.

Quick Rundown of Jura Giga 5 15066

Jura 15066 Giga 5 Automatic Coffee Machine, Piano Black
  • Fast and quiet as a whisper thanks to two ceramic disc grinder | Pure, clean lines for a unique, sovereign character
  • Product dimensions – 12.6” W x 16.3” H x 18.9” D | Weight – 39.7 lbs. | Water capacity – 91.5 oz. | Bean container capacity (x2) – 9.88 oz. | Coffee grounds container capacity – 20 portions Max | Cord length – 59” | Voltage – 120V, 60 Hz
  • Create your specialty Coffee in no time thanks to a TFT display with rotary selection
  • Now you can become a professional Barista in a flash, with 12 imaginative Barista specialties selected with a turn of the rotary switch
  • The epitome of quality – doubled with the combined power of two grinders and two heating systems, the machine prepares every specialty Coffee to perfection

Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Fast and user-friendly brewing performance.
  • Programmable coffee strength, temperature, and volume.
  • You can brew 2 espressos simultaneously.
  • Professional-grade performance for home use.
  • Grinding and frothing at the touch of a button.
  • You can use it with a mobile app.
  • Ability to drink different coffee drinks every day.
Cons
  • No cup warmer.
  • Milk container is not included.
  • Rinse the milk system after every use.

Quick Rundown of Jura Giga W3 15089

Jura 15089 GIGA W3 Professional Automatic Coffee Machine, Silver 169 oz.
  • The ingenious, self-explanatory operating concept includes a ball bearing-mounted rotary switch and TFT display for maximum speed and efficiency
  • The integrated rinsing, cleaning and descaling programs reduce the effort involved to a minimum. Active bean monitor is available
  • with accessories such as cup warmers and milk coolers, it is possible to design an optimum complete Coffee solution for any requirement
  • The GIGA W3 is also capable of producing the internationally popular flat white
  • Elegant and professional, the automatic Coffee machine provides everything that counts in a modern working environment for customers, visitors and employees

Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Commercial-grade espresso maker for home use.
  • Perfect for espresso purists.
  • Ideal for large families/groups.
  • It prepares up to 43 coffee drinks at the touch of a button.
  • Quick and impressive cleaning and maintenance system.
  • Large bean hopper and water tank size.
  • Expert coffee grinder with intricate controls.
  • Additional cup warmer and milk cooler included.
Cons
  • It does take up some space with higher capacity.
  • More expensive than the Jura Giga 5.
  • No milk carafe included.
  • Not the best pick for beginners.
  • It takes time to find the optimal “dial-in” settings.  

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References

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