Because of the price difference, it has been interesting for me to decide the winner between Jura Z8 vs Saeco Xelsis. Despite being cheaper, Saeco Xelsis still wins the debate.
With its compact design, Saeco Xelsis is suitable for almost all narrow corners, and the front water tank makes refilling easier. This device delivers an astonishingly good espresso. I’ve consistently gotten aromatic and delicious drinks. Additionally, it produces impressive microfoam. For me, this is an excellent buy for the price.
As for Jura Z8, this device never fails to extract tasty espressos and brew balanced milk-based beverages. The water tank can hold around 80oz of water to serve a small group of friends or families. However, some operational aspects make this machine not as good of an option as the model above. I will explain further below.
Jura Z8 vs Saeco Xelsis: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-04-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Jura Z8 vs Saeco Xelsis: Differences
Saeco Xelsis wins 3 to 2 against Jura Z8. Even though both models are very well designed, Xelsis still delivers better espresso quality in terms of beverage temperature, and it boasts of a more stable brewing operation as well. Check out for more details below.
Coffee Flavor: Saeco Xelsis
+Grinder
Saeco Xelsis’s grinder features a flat burr for smooth and even grinding. As it has 12 different settings, I can customize the final texture to fit the types of beans I use and the strength of the shots I extract.
This grinder is generally satisfactory to me. There is no doubt that it makes more noise, but the final results have been impressive. The grounds are more even with Xelsis than Z8, from my experience.
Jura Z8 uses an Aroma G3 grinder, a conical burr grinder with 6 different settings that can deliver various coffee ground textures. It has been giving consistent coffee ground ever since I first purchased it.
Jura Z8 delivers consistent results time after time based on my experience with it so far. And, it should be less prone to jamming in the next few years due to its conical design that helps coffee ground fall down the brew path naturally.
+Dosing + tamping
Since both are super-automatic machines, Saeco Xelsis and Jura Z8 doses and tamps automatically. But how is the performance?
Jura Z8 has better efficiency when it comes to brewing steps. Generally, I don’t have to wait long for the in-between steps to carry out. This machine uses 5 to 16g of coffee dose for its recipes. And after many brewing sessions, I can describe the flavor as nutty, balanced, and nuanced. I get a more potent flavor by adjusting the coffee strength.
As for Xelsis, it takes quite some time to dose before starting to brew. This is one minus point that I genuinely don’t like, even though it only takes about 10s more than Jura Z8.
+Heating system
Jura Z8 is equipped with 2 Thermoblocks, and Xelsis comes with 1 only. But, to my surprise, Saeco Xelsis has a better temperature performance and control.
My drinks come out hot just as I like with Xelsis, while Jura Z8 makes warm beverages only. It’s not too cool that affects the taste of espresso, but I have to chug it down quickly before it coofs off completely and loses the soothing effect.
Milk System: Saeco Xelsis
Depending on the recipe, Saeco Xelsis’ milk system can froth different milk foam textures. Technically, the same goes for Jura Z8, but I find the latter device less efficient on milk frothing.
Xelsis delivers from creamy to dry foam, and I have gotten very authentic milk-based beverages. This model can definitely make microfoam, which many super-automatic machines can’t despite their big price tag. Overall, I’m truly impressed by this machine’s milk system.
About Jura Z8, the milk foam isn’t as diverse as the model above since it is specialized in making creamy foam or steamed milk. Microfoam isn’t this model’s strength. So, Jura Z8 is ideal for making flat white or macchiato. It also is good enough for lattes if we push it. But if you are a fan of cappuccinos, I won’t recommend Z8.
Utilities: Saeco Xelsis
Saeco Xelsis is designed to serve various users with different tastes, given that the machine offers 6 separate profiles that save recipe changes for 6 other users. If you are going to share the devices with friends, family, or flatmates, the profile option is a lifesaver.
Cleaning & Maintain: Jura Z8
Cleaning Jura Z8 has been an easy task since the machine is designed to be cleaned without removing parts. All I have to do is drop a cleaning capsule in the preground slot and start the complete washing cycle, and the device does the rest of the work.
As for Xelsis, it also has many different cleaning cycles that help keep the system clean and the drinks fresh. However, it is recommended that we remove the dispenser to clean it manually. The same goes for the brew group.
In conclusion, I find cleaning Z8 more convenient.
Design & Material: Jura Z8
Jura wins this round since I like the combination of plastic and aluminum parts, which is why the machine is so lightweight for its size. I find the side water tank highly convenient to refill as well.
But, if you prefer compact machines, Xelsis is the better pick. The device is made of plastic and stainless steel as well, so it is durable.
I suggest you consider the amount and frequency of you brewing and drinking coffee to pick the best model.
Jura Z8 vs Saeco Xelsis: Similarities
Let me show you 2 exciting similarities that Z8 and Xelsis have in store for you.
Diverse options for customization
Since they are super-automatic machines, Saeco Xelsis and Jura Z8 both have a wide range of customization options to further enhance the experience of users with coffee culture.
Suppose you are ready to invest in a quality and high-end espresso maker. In that case, you should have access to the configuration of milk foam, brewing temperature, coffee strength, coffee volume, etc., which are what you can adjust with these models.
Automatic shut-off
Let’s take a step forward of not harming the environment unnecessarily by picking espresso machines that shut themselves off after a certain amount of time in inactivity. Look no further since Saeco Xelsis and Jura Z8 can do exactly that. You can even set up the idle time before the pair shuts off completely.
Quick Rundown of Saeco Xelsis
- With Philips Saeco Xelsis easily make up to 15 coffee varieties from common Espresso and Capuccino to specialty coffees like Flat White or Americano. Simply swipe the touchscreen to select the drink and customize it with our intuitive Coffee Equalizer.Filter type:Reusable.Power consumption stand-by : 0.5W, Drip tray capacity : 500 ml
- 15 Coffee Varieties at Your Fingertips: Explore the world of coffee - Espresso, cappuccino, macchiato, and a range of specialty drinks
- Personalized Preferences: Everyone’s custom coffee favorites can be saved in up to 6 user profiles for instant selection. Personalize each profile down to the finest detail
- LatteDuo Milk System: Prepare and enjoy single or double serving of any coffee recipe with one touch, including Cappuccino or Latte Macchiato
- Double Thermo Blocks: Dedicated for both brewing and steaming offer accurate temperature controls for every drink in your recipe book
Last update on 2024-04-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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 2024-04-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References:
- Saeco Xelsis: https://www.usa.philips.com/c-p/SM7684_04/xelsis-super-automatic-espresso-machine
- Jura Z8: https://us.jura.com/en/homeproducts/machines/Z8-Alu-NA-15192/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.