In the debate of Jura S8 vs Z8, I find Z8 to be the ultimate winner as the perfect espresso machine for homeowners. If you are looking for one, check out my review below. It is written from my point of view as an ex-barista and coffee lover.
Jura Z8 is a very consistent and quiet model. It has a standard 81.3 oz water tank which is good for making strong coffees with milk recipes. It’s grinder does a good job at delivering even coffee ground with minimum noise. You can get creamy and velvety milk-based beverages with this model. Highly recommended for latte and flat white lovers!
With Jura S8, we get smooth coffee with dry microfoam, excellent for cappuccinos. Its grinder is consistent as well. But expect a little bit of noise when this model grinds and brews.
Jura S8 vs Z8: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-04-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Jura S8 vs Z8: Differences
After all considerations, Jura Z8 wins 3 to 1 in its debate with Jura S8. The coffee flavor that Z8 can deliver is definitely more robust and aromatic, and Z8 has a much more diverse beverages variety. I also prefer its big 81.3oz water tank. But, there also are aspects that make S8 a good option. Find out more below.
Coffee Flavor: Jura Z8
+Grinder
Both Jura Z8 and Jura S8 use a conical burr grinder called Aroma G3. This technology allows users to set the grinder in 6 settings from fine to coarse. Depending on your taste, you can grind finer coffee for a stronger flavor and vice versa. Operation-wise, both do a pretty good job at delivering even ground, and so far, I haven’t experienced any jam either.
But, I prefer the quiet grinding sessions with Jura Z8. This machine keeps it low when it comes to the grinding step. Of course, we can’t avoid the fact that coffee machines with grinders make noise, but Z8 doesn’t have that screeching sound that many other models make. S8, on the other hand, seems a bit noisy when it grinds coffee beans.
+Dosing + tamping
Many users aren’t familiar with dosing and tamping coffee since it requires precision. Thus they prefer espresso makers that can do it for them. That’s what you will get with Z8 and S8.
The common dose varies from 5 to 16 grams, and you can trust the machines to handle it automatically. Z8 and S8 both have several one-touch beverages that you can simply pick and enjoy. From dosing to tamping to brewing, every step is handled with care by the pair.
As for the dosing and tamping time, it only takes 15 seconds for S8 and 15-17 seconds for Z8 to do this step. I guarantee that this is the time you have to wait for a cup of latte or a shot of espresso, I have tested it myself.
Of course, we are counting out the preparation time. Normally these devices will take 1 to 3 minutes to heat up properly. But, you will get even better espresso temperature and flavor if you start the machines up 10 minutes or longer beforehand.
+Heating system
Jura Z8 is equipped with 2 Thermoblocks heating systems, while S8 only has 1 Thermoblock to brew coffee. That’s where I noticed the temperature differences between the drinks brewed by these two machines.
With Z8, the coffee temperature gets hot easily, and the steamed milk comes out at an ideal temperature. I always expect a hot cup of latte in the morning, and Jura Z8 always delivers.
With S8, I notice that the temperature is good, but sometimes it doesn’t get hot as much I would prefer it to, especially when it comes to milk temperature. 120 to 125 degrees F is the standard milk temperature for many coffee drinkers. But I find the most ideal heat to vary around 140-145F since I prefer hot steamed milk or milk foam.
In general, from my experience, Jura Z8 has slightly better temperature control, all thanks to its dual Thermoblocks.
+Brewing technique
Both brew using Pulse Extraction Process technology, which basically is pre-infusion. That way, you can get aromatic and nuanced coffee from every single micro-grain of coffee ground.
But do these espresso makers stay true to the advertisements? Does sharing the same brewing technology make their coffees taste the same? The answer is no.
Here is my judgment: Jura Z8 is better at brewing medium to strong coffee, while S8 tends to brew more mellow coffee. I’m not saying that Jura S8 can’t brew robust coffee, but in comparison to Jura Z8, this model doesn’t pack as strong of a punch.
However, to compensate for the loss in coffee strength, S8 can make a thicker layer of crema than Z8. Both models apply enough pressure to make good crema, but S8’s is slightly better.
Utilities: Jura Z8
If you want to brew a pot of coffee, know that it is possible with Jura Z8. This machine allows you to brew a 40oz jug of coffee so you can carry it with you back to your room or seat and enjoy coffee more conveniently. More or less, the jug is like a giant Americano. It tastes balanced and refreshing, not watered-down.
Also, Z8 has more one-touch beverages options. You can get Americano or coffee Barista quickly with this one.
Milk system: Tie
Here is the thing, Jura Z8 and S8 have very different directions when it comes to milk foam, which makes it impossible for me to declare which one’s milk system is better. And now you can judge for yourself based on my experience.
Z8 can froth milk foam that is great for latte and cappuccino. But its texture belongs to the creamy, thick, and wet side. So, the texture might not be the best for many cappuccino fans.
On the other hand, with Jura S8, the milk foam’s texture is much drier, which is ideal for a cappuccino. But for many coffee drinkers, the foam may result too dry and don’t have the velvety mouth-feel that a cup of cappuccino should have.
So, which one suits your taste more?
Cleaning & Maintain: Tie
Basically, the machines tell you when it’s time to clean the brewing system and the milk system thoroughly. Still, my advice is that you run some hot water through the dispenser until the color seems clear after finishing brewing coffee. This small step should happen after every brewing session.
I love that both machines’ dispensers don’t drip much after finishing brewing coffee or frothing milk. When the process is done, leave the cup at the same spot for 10 seconds, then get it out to drink. S8 and Z8 don’t take more time to enter the anti-dripping state.
Another thing that I find convenient about cleaning the brew group is that I don’t have to remove the group itself to clean it manually. Jura S8 and Z8 have their brew group fixed in their body, so to clean them, we use a small cleaning tablet, sold by Jura of course, and drop it in through the pre-ground coffee slot. Then we hit the cleaning option, and these devices do it all.
Jura S8 vs Z8: Similarities
Now let’s get to know 2 basic similarities between Jura Z8 and S8: the automatic water filter detection and the variable spout height.
Water filter detection
A common problem that many espresso machines’ owners have is that they don’t know that they have to set up their devices to recognize the water filter. Thus, the water often doesn’t get cleared and scale develops through time. With Z8 and S8, you won’t have to go through the same experience.
Jura S8 and Z8 can automatically detect CLEARYL Smart water filter when it goes into the machines. You won’t have to do any setting. But, keep in mind that this feature applies to the CLEARYL Smart filter only. You can find it in Jura’s store.
Height-adjustable spout
Z8 has 1 set of dual spouts that can brew 2 drinks simultaneously, and the spout’s height varies from 3.2 to 6 inches. With S8, we have 2 sets of spout, one dual spout, and one hot water/ cappuccino spout. The height of the dual spout is adjustable from 2.8 – 4.6 inches, while the hot water and cappuccino spout is 4.4 – 6.2 inches.
Quick Rundown Of Jura Z8
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted.Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
- SINGLE SERVE COFFEE and ESPRESSO MACHINE: Single serve coffee or espresso at the touch of a button. Innovative programs and features such as 25 sec heat up and energy saving automatic shut off.
- COFFEE FOR EVERY OCCASION: Brew better coffee at home with Nespresso's coffee espresso machine. Drink your coffee bold, mild hot, or iced.
- VERSATILE COFFEE MAKER: Brew 4 different cup sizes at the touch of a button (5oz and 8oz coffee, single and double espresso). Pour over ice to create your favorite blend of iced coffee and lattes.
- INCLUDES: One Vertuo Nespresso coffee machine with a large 40 ounce water tank, a 10 count used pods container.
Last update on 2024-04-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Jura S8
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted.Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
- SINGLE SERVE COFFEE and ESPRESSO MACHINE: Single serve coffee or espresso at the touch of a button. Innovative programs and features such as 25 sec heat up and energy saving automatic shut off.
- COFFEE FOR EVERY OCCASION: Brew better coffee at home with Nespresso's coffee espresso machine. Drink your coffee bold, mild hot, or iced.
- VERSATILE COFFEE MAKER: Brew 4 different cup sizes at the touch of a button (5oz and 8oz coffee, single and double espresso). Pour over ice to create your favorite blend of iced coffee and lattes.
- INCLUDES: One Vertuo Nespresso coffee machine with a large 40 ounce water tank, a 10 count used pods container.
Last update on 2024-04-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References:
Jura Z8: https://us.jura.com/en/homeproducts/machines/Z8-Alu-NA-15192/Specifications#tabs
Jura S8: https://us.jura.com/en/homeproducts/machines/S8-Moonlight-Silver-NA-15210-v19/Specifications#tabs
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.