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The Jura S8 is considered a mid-luxury machine. Tucked in between the E8 and the Z10, this great super-automatic coffee maker gives you everything you expect from a Jura product. The S8 is a smaller, more compact machine, so it is an ideal option for small kitchens.
In our Jura S8 review, we will share with you some of the best things about the machine along with you our thoughts on what to look for when shopping for a great super-automatic coffee machine.
Things To Consider Before Buying a Super-Automatic Espresso Machine
Super-automatic espresso machines are quickly becoming a popular option with coffee lovers. When you are shopping, you need to consider the features that make a super-automatic espresso machine a good fit for your kitchen.
Quality of Espresso
Many early models of the super-automatic espresso machine didn’t make great espresso. Maybe it was the grinder or the way that the water was distributed through the grounds that made the espresso questionable. The machine of today, however, is designed to brew a perfect espresso.
Higher-end espresso machines tend to make better quality espresso, mostly due to the improved quality of the grinder, boilers, and water distribution.
Ease of Use
For many of us, even the most simple tasks are a challenge before our morning coffee. So, when you are looking for a high-end espresso machine, you should consider how easy it is to operate and maintain.
If you’re not at your best early in the morning, you should consider an espresso machine that has push button operation, easy-to-read control screens, and easy to fill grinder, water tank, and milk pitcher.
Durability and Maintenance
You want your automatic espresso machine to last a long time, so finding an option that is well-made and easy to maintain is a must. High-end espresso machines typically utilize better-quality stainless steel and BPA-free plastics for durable construction.
Proper maintenance is the other part of the longevity equation. A good espresso machine should have pre-programmed cleaning functions, dishwasher-safe parts, and simple-to-follow instructions for removing and cleaning parts like the grinder and water filter.
Versatility
Do you have one person that likes lattes and another that likes flat white? Or do you just want to have the option to try different drinks when the mood hits you? If either of these sentiments sounds familiar, then you really want a coffee machine that offers plenty of versatility.
Super-auto coffee machines have pre-programmed options that range from around 6 to some that have 30 or more. If you want to experiment, look for a machine that has plenty of options.
Price and Value
Most super-automatic coffee makers are considered high-end options. That means you can expect to spend a good amount of money on one of these appliances. However, a high price does not equal a good value.
Machines that are good value offer a range of features at a market-friendly price. They may also be made of better quality products or come with added extras that make your coffee experience more enjoyable or convenient.
Jura S8 Review
Presenting the Jura S8 Espresso Machine
The Jura S8 is one of the best values in the Jura line. Though considered to be a sub-premium or mid-luxury option, the S8 is one of the most versatile and best-performing coffee machines Jura offers.
The first thing that you’ll notice about the S8 compared to other Jura models is the size and styling of this machine. It is more compact than other Jura models, though it does look similar. The S8 does feature a great full-color touch screen and a built-in milk frother, it comes in two different finish options.
Like the E8, the S8 has an integrated burr grinder and uses the Jura pulse extraction process (PEP) system, both of which lead to one of the best shots of espresso you’ll have at home.
The S8 also offers a bit more personalization than other Jura coffee machines. It comes with 15 pre-programmed recipes, all of which can be customized. This machine also offers 15 spots for you to save your personal favorites, for fast brewing every morning. The milk foam spout is adjustable so you can dispense the perfect foam, and the temperature of your milk can even be adjusted.
Pros
- PEP system and Aroma G3 grinder create a richer, more flavorful espresso shot
- Water filter system works well at removing unwanted flavors from tap water
- Milk frother is integrated and has adjustable foam and temperature settings
- Large touchscreen display is easy to use and feels intuitive
- More compact footprint
Cons
- Only has 15 pre-programmed drink options
- Brew head cannot adjust to accommodate taller mugs
- Higher priced than many similar products from other brands
Features & Benefits
If you are considering the Jura S8 here are some of the highlights and features that make it a great option.
Quality of Espresso
The Jura S8 makes one of the best shots of espresso that we have tried. Even though this is a super-automatic machine, it really does give you a coffee house-quality espresso.
The Aroma G3 grinder is one of the best-integrated burr grinders on the market. Combined with the PEP extraction system, the S8 brews an espresso that is robust, creamy, and full of flavor. You can also adjust the strength of the brew and the temperature of the water for a more personalized espresso.
Ease of Use
Everything about the Jura S8 is automated so there is little work that you need to do, to make your morning coffee. The full-color touchscreen controls are easy to use and offer a variety of pre-programmed drink options. Changing up your morning drink is just as easy, with just a push of a button you can adjust the strength, temperature, or amount of frothed milk.
The Jura S8 is easy to fill, clean, and maintain so you don’t have to worry about spending lots of time keeping your coffee machine in top working order. And, for tech lovers, the Jura S8 has its own smartphone app. You can program start times, add recipes and brew your favorite drink, without getting out of bed or off the couch.
Versatility
We’ve mentioned this before, but you really get a good deal of versatility with the S8. Sure, it has fewer pre-programmed drink recipes than some other coffee machines. However, since you have the ability to fully customize each option, and save your preferences, the versatility of this machine is endless.
Grinder
As with similar products in the Jura line, the S8 comes with the Aroma G3 grinder. This high-speed burr grinder adds to the quality of your espresso, making it the perfect grind for a range of coffee styles. The hopper lid secures tightly and holds plenty of beans. You won’t have to worry about running out of beans while making coffee, and your beans won’t dry out.
Besides being a great grinder, the Aroma G3 is easy to maintain. If you don’t want to use whole beans, the grinder has a bypass compartment that allows you to use pre-ground coffee if you need it.
Milk Frothing
The milk frother for the S8 is very handy and is one of the best we’ve tried. While the milk pitcher is separate from the machine, we think this is actually a better option than other machines. You don’t have to figure out how to jam a milk container into the machine. It simply sits next to the espresso machine.
The frother is adjustable so it makes a range of froth textures. They range from just steamed, warm milk, to a dense, thick foam perfect for macchiatos and cortados. Besides the versatility and ease of use, the S8 comes with great instructions for cleaning and maintaining the frother.
Price
You will note that the Jura S8 is a bit more expensive than the E8. It is also more expensive than similar products from other brands.
However, we aren’t bothered by the price. This is a great quality machine, it is super versatile, and looks great. It also makes some of the best espressos we’ve had at home. Even though it is a bit higher priced, it is an excellent value.
Alternatives to the Jura S8
1. Rancilio Silvia Pro X Espresso Machine
The Rancilio Silvia Pro X is a great option if you would rather do a bit more of the work to make your morning espresso. This machine is a semi-automatic espresso maker that features a highly efficient double boiler system.
The dual boilers allow you to brew espresso and froth milk at the same time. You can easily select between single and double espresso shots, with just a push of a button. And frothing your milk is easy thanks to intuitive controls.
2. Saeco Xelsis Automatic Espresso Machine
The Saeco Xelsis from Philips is as close to the Jura S8 as you can come without buying the Jura S8. This machine works much like the S8 but does have some differences. The Xelsis is compact and attractive so it is a good fit for most kitchens.
It has 12 pre-programmed drink recipes and has the option for customizing temperature and espresso strength. The burr grinder is nice, and the separate milk pitcher is easy to attach to the frother. The frother works well and makes a fairly decent foam. The price of the Xelsis is lower than the J8, so for the budget conscious this may be a better value.
3. DeLonghi Dinamica Plus
The DeLonghi Dinamica Plus is another great super-automatic espresso maker. It is compact, attractively designed, and competes nicely with the Jura S8. The touchscreen controls are intuitive and user-friendly. The integrated burr grinder works well and is easy to maintain. We actually prefer the DeLonghi milk frothing system.
The small pitcher is connected directly to the machine. This is a more compact option and works better for small spaces. The DeLonghi comes with 16 pre-programmed drink options and there are also spaces to save your custom drinks for easy retrieval and one-touch brewing.
Jura S8 Review – Final Thoughts
Jura is one of the best espresso maker brands. The Jura S8 is no exception. This smaller version of the Jura super-automatic coffee machine is everything you need in an espresso machine.
Though a bit more expensive than some other options, with the ability to customize your drinks and the Aroma G3 grinder combined with the PEP brewing system, the Jura is a great value. It also makes a really great shot of espresso.
