Jura S8 vs Z6: Comparing Coffee Flavor And Automation Level Of 2 Quality Espresso Makers

I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Read more

Jura S8 vs Z6 has been an interesting review battle so far since I find their design extremely similar. According to the advertisements, they have almost the same features. But do they function the same way?

Jura S8 is the true winner for me. This model brews more consistently and the flavor can vary from mellow to robust, depending on how I set up the machine. The coffee temperature is hot and I adore its thick layers of crema. I also recommend this model to any user who loves cappuccino, S8 makes great dry foam.

The runner-up Z6 is formidable and is recommendable for larger families thanks to its 81oz water tank. The coffee flavor is balanced and smooth and the flat whites and lattes are amazing. But there are certain points that make this model not as potent as S8.

Jura S8 vs Z6: Specs & Features Comparison Chart

Image
THE WINNER (#1)
Jura S8 15212 Automatic Coffee Machine w/PEP 64oz Capacity Programmable
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Jura 15093 Automatic Coffee Machine Z6, 81 ounces, Aluminum
Model
JURA S8 15212
Jura Z6 15093
Dimensions (LxWxH)
12.7 x 20.1 x 16.7 Inches
17.7 x 12.6 x 14.8 inches
Color / Material
Chrome / Stainless Steel
Silver/ Aluminum & plastic
Weight
20 pounds
25.4 pounds
Power / Voltage
1450W/ 120V
1450W/ 120 V
Water Tank Capacity
63.6 oz
81 oz
Bean Hopper Capacity
10 oz
10 oz
Grinder
Multi-level AromaG3 grinder
Multi-level AromaG3 grinder
Heating System
1 Thermoblock
1 Thermoblock
Adjustable Grinding Settings
Controllable Through App
Automatic Water Filter Recognition
Touchscreen
Brewing Temperature
Adjustable (3 levels)
Adjustable (3 levels)
Milk System
Carafe
Carafe
Preprogrammed Beverages
15
13
What I Like
Price
$2,796.50
Price not available
THE WINNER (#1)
Image
Jura S8 15212 Automatic Coffee Machine w/PEP 64oz Capacity Programmable
Model
JURA S8 15212
Dimensions (LxWxH)
12.7 x 20.1 x 16.7 Inches
Color / Material
Chrome / Stainless Steel
Weight
20 pounds
Power / Voltage
1450W/ 120V
Water Tank Capacity
63.6 oz
Bean Hopper Capacity
10 oz
Grinder
Multi-level AromaG3 grinder
Heating System
1 Thermoblock
Adjustable Grinding Settings
Controllable Through App
Automatic Water Filter Recognition
Touchscreen
Brewing Temperature
Adjustable (3 levels)
Milk System
Carafe
Preprogrammed Beverages
15
What I Like
Price
$2,796.50
More Info
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Image
Jura 15093 Automatic Coffee Machine Z6, 81 ounces, Aluminum
Model
Jura Z6 15093
Dimensions (LxWxH)
17.7 x 12.6 x 14.8 inches
Color / Material
Silver/ Aluminum & plastic
Weight
25.4 pounds
Power / Voltage
1450W/ 120 V
Water Tank Capacity
81 oz
Bean Hopper Capacity
10 oz
Grinder
Multi-level AromaG3 grinder
Heating System
1 Thermoblock
Adjustable Grinding Settings
Controllable Through App
Automatic Water Filter Recognition
Touchscreen
Brewing Temperature
Adjustable (3 levels)
Milk System
Carafe
Preprogrammed Beverages
13
What I Like
Price
Price not available
More Info

Last update on 2024-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Jura S8 vs Z6: Differences

Jura S8 wins 4 to 1 against Z6 thanks to its many optimum brewing features and good price. The coffee flavor can vary from smooth to strong and I enjoy the thick cream layer that this device can deliver. Cleaning is not so hectic either. Find out all the details below.

Coffee Flavor: Jura S8

+Grinder

These machines share the same grinder technology, which is Aroma G3. The grinder offers 6 different settings that grind coffee beans from fine to coarse. The higher the number, the finer the ground. So if you prefer strong coffee, don’t hesitate to set the grinders at a high level. Personally, I enjoy strong coffee, so I usually set S8 and Z6’s grinders at 5, cappuccinos and lattes taste heavenly, and pack a punch.

After testing the machines, I find them very truthful to the advertisement. The grounds always result even, and the quality is maintained thanks to the conical burr grinder. Thus, I never got extra bitter coffee because of the grinders, even though a touch of bitterness isn’t bad for me either. 

Jura S8 vs Z6 have Aroma G3 conical burr grinder
Jura S8 vs Z6 have Aroma G3 conical burr grinder

If you are wondering about the noise, I would say that Jura S8 and Jura Z6 aren’t 100% quiet, but they are pretty “silent” compared to other coffee grinders, and they function smoothly. From my experience, S8 makes slightly more sound than Z6.

Do they make noise? Yes. Is it enough to annoy you and wake up the entire house? No.

+Dosing + tamping

The dose varies from 5 to 16 grams for both machines, and the dosing and tamping are automatic. By choosing a coffee or espresso recipe, Jura Z6 and S8 automatically grind some coffee beans according to the recipe and then tamp the ground tightly for an ultimate extraction.

Judging from the used puck in the coffee ground container, both Z6 and S8 do an excellent job in tamping. I have checked the centers of the pucks. They are moist but not wet, and they don’t puddle in the container.

Instead, most of the pucks maintain their solid form. So, needless to say, I believe the machines have done an excellent job at tamping with the right pressure, not too tightly nor loosely.

There isn’t much difference between the two in terms of dosing and tamping time. S8 takes around 18 to 20s to prep an espresso, and Z6 takes around 15-18s. 

+Heating system

Here is where I noticed the difference between Jura S8 and Jura Z6. Even though both come with a single Thermoblock heating system, the temperature control on Jura S8 is much more impressive. I’m not into warm coffee that is ready to consume right away. I prefer hot cups that last more than an hour.

That’s why I prefer the heat control on Jura S8, which gives me 185-190F coffee all the time. With Z6, the temperature varies from 170 to 175F, which is great for drinking almost right away, but not for carrying away.

Jura S8 has better temperature control
Jura S8 has better temperature control

But, there is a catch here. If you want a big water tank, you should consider Z6 because it is equipped with an 81oz one. The water reservoir on S8 holds 63.6oz only. So, considering the size of the tanks, I think both are suitable for small families. But Z6’s tank will last a bit longer if you drink coffee regularly. 

+Brewing Technique

The brewing technique is the same: P.E.P, which means Pulse Extraction Process. It soaks the ground using short and fast bursts of water, allowing water to sip through every part of the ground, extracting all the flavor and aroma from the coffee beans/ ground. So far, I have been enjoying the coffee flavor from both machines. There isn’t much difference in this aspect either.

But, I notice that the coffee flavor can get intense with Jura S8 while with Z6, it’s harder to achieve the same “punch” of flavor. Also, Jura S8’s pressure pump works better because I notice that with the same type of coffee bean, S8 can extract more crema than Z6. If you get your hands on the S8, you will be impressed by the velvety and thick layer of crema.

Utilities: Jura S8

+Touchscreen 

Jura S8 is equipped with a touchscreen display that allows you to select the drinks, customize them, or clean the machine most conveniently. Personally, I prefer touchscreen control over buttons and rotary switches since I’m used to swiping my phone already. But overall, if you prefer a rotary switch and buttons, Jura Z6 is your star. S8, on the other hand, offers convenient touchscreen technology that I love.

+Separate spout for cappuccino and hot water

Also, Jura S8 has an individual spout dedicated to making cappuccino and hot water. The spout is height-adjustable, and it changes from 4.4 – 6.2 inches. This feature is quite convenient if you want to brew in a tall cup. 

Milk system: Jura S8

Jura S8 and Z6 share the same mechanism for steaming and frothing milk. Both use a separate milk container and a pipe to connect them with the carafe/milk container and take up milk from there. Overall, they do all the work related to steaming and frothing, but the set-up will require you to chip in. 

Here is my experience with milk foam, which many customers are interested in. 

With Jura S8, I get airy, fluffy, and dry foam, which is great for a cappuccino. Most of the time, I don’t see machines in this price range being able to make microfoam that reaches a drier state for the sake of cappuccino. So, in general, S8 can make creamy to dry foam, according to the settings or the recipes.

With Jura Z6, the milk foam is creamier, has more moisture, and definitely doesn’t rise like dry foam. If you prefer creamy milk foam and don’t ever need dry foam for cappuccino, I recommend Jura Z6.

 Jura Z6 makes creamy foam
Jura Z6 makes creamy foam

Cleaning & Maintain: Tie

The cleaning process is quite basic. You can run hot water through the brewing system without grinding coffee to clean the machines. In general, the systems will tell you when it’s time to clean the coffee or milk circuit. But, dropping a cleaning tablet in the pre-ground path will eliminate all the leftover smell to make sure that the next batch of coffee has the best aroma and flavor.

When you turn off Jura S8 and Jura Z6, they will automatically push some hot water out of the nozzles to clean anything that might be left in the circuit. I find it very convenient.  

Design & Material: Tie

JURA S8 is made of stainless steel, while Jura Z6 is made of aluminum. It is inevitable that there are some plastic parts on both machines, but I have nothing to complain about it because the body part, which is made out of metal, is durable and rust-resisted. 

Jura S8 vs Z6: Similarities

These similar points don’t affect the operation of Jura S8 and Z6 greatly, but I think you should know them anyway.

Intelligent Water System with RFID technology

If you stick with the CLEARYL Smart filter, you can trust that these models automatically recognize it. Since these espresso makers are designed with Intelligent Water System with RFID technology, they can detect a specific type of water filter, which I just mentioned above, and work it without requiring any configuration. 

Controllable Through App

This feature doesn’t come with the machine right away. You will have to purchase a Bluetooth device, which Jura sells, to connect the systems of these machines with an app. Through the app, you can handle anything within the Bluetooth-recommend distance, like brewing a cup of flat white, cleaning the machine, or customizing any recipe.

Quick Rundown Of Jura S8

Jura S8 15212 Automatic Coffee Machine w/PEP 64oz Capacity Programmable
  • 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 2024-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Very stable operation
  • Robust, nuanced, aromatic coffee
  • Coffees and espressos come out hot
  • Can froth microfoam with airy and dry texture, perfect for cappuccino
  • Intuitive system with straightforward control
  • Good price
Cons
  • Small water tank, ideal for small households or couples only

Quick Rundown Of Jura Z6

Jura 15093 Automatic Coffee Machine Z6, 81 ounces, Aluminum
  • The pulse extraction process (P.E.P.) allows the whole bouquet of aromas to Blossom. Result: possibly the best Espresso of all time - at the touch of a button
  • The innovative nozzle technology prepares fine, compact and very tempting milk foam. The machine switches from milk to milk foam fully automatically
  • The Z6 packs incredible performance into compact Dimensions. All the control elements are conveniently accessible on the front
  • Maintenance is just as easy as preparing a Coffee: one touch of a button is all that's needed
  • Only Original Jura maintenance products Guarantee complete hygiene and protection. Only our protective formulas have been carefully optimized to suit the programmed and materials used in Jura automatic machines.

Last update on 2024-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Soft and mellow coffee flavor
  • Consistent grinder operation
  • Minimum noise during the grinding and brewing process
  • Creamy milk foam for lattes and cappuccinos
Cons
  • The coffee temperature doesn´t come out very hot

Product Videos

Related Articles to Jura S8

  1. Jura S8 vs We8: Which Machine Makes Better Espressos And Can Froth Microfoam?
  2. Jura S8 vs X8: 2 Super-Automatic Machines. 1 Is Not As Stable As It Should Be
  3. Jura S8 vs Z8: 2 Super-Automatic Espresso Makers. Which One Is Better?
  4. Jura Ena 8 Vs S8: Features and Performance Compared
  5. Jura E8 vs S8: Which Is Better? 6 Key Factors To Consider
  6. Jura E6 Vs S8: Which One Is Best For You?
  7. Saeco Xelsis vs Jura S8: 9 Differences That Help You Decide Between The Two Automatic Espresso Machines
  8. Gaggia Babila vs Jura S8: Which Machine Is The Better Option For Coffee Lovers?
  9. Breville Oracle Touch vs Jura S8: Which Automatic Espresso Machine Is The Best Option?

Related Articles to Jura Z6

  1. Jura Z6 Vs Saeco Xelsis: Which Espresso Machine Serves More Delicious Beverages For Larger Crowds?
  2. Jura J6 vs Z6: Choosing The Machine With Better Coffee Brewing And More Stable Temperature
  3. Jura We6 vs Z6: Which Makes Better Espresso And Has More Diverse Coffee Recipes?
  4. Jura Z6 vs Giga 6 Review: A Few Important Features To Consider Before Buying A Superior Super-Automatic Machine For Your Kitchen
  5. Jura Giga 5 vs Z6 Review: What To Look For? Bean-To-Cup Espresso Machines For Entry-Level Espresso Drinkers At A Premium Cost
  6. Jura We8 vs Z6: Which Espresso Maker Is Better For Homeowners And Which Is For Big Crowds?
  7. Jura ENA 8 Vs Z6: A Head-To-Head Comparison
  8. Jura E8 vs Z6: Which Is The Best Entry-Level Espresso Machine For Coffee Lovers? 5 Critical Factors To Consider Right Now
  9. Jura Z8 vs Z6: Which Espresso Maker Suits Your Expensive And Sharp Taste Better?
  10. Breville Oracle vs Jura Z6: Which High-End Espresso Machine Is Worth Its 3000$ Price Tag?
  11. Jura E6 vs Z6: Which Is The Better Espresso Machine That Every Coffee Lover Wants? More Coffee Customizations & Faster Brewing Performance 
  12. Breville Oracle Touch vs Jura Z6: Which Of These Superautomatic Machines Offers Better Espresso And Is Easier to Use?

References:

Jura S8: https://us.jura.com/en/homeproducts/machines/S8-Moonlight-Silver-NA-15210-v19/Specifications

Jura Z6: https://us.jura.com/en/homeproducts/machines/Z6-Alu-UL-15093/Specifications#tabs

5/5 - (1 vote)