Jura S8 Review

The Jura S8 is a premium super-automatic coffee machine offering advanced brewing technology, user-friendly touchscreen interface, and customizable settings, perfect for coffee enthusiasts.

The world of coffee machines is vast and varied, with numerous options available for every type of coffee enthusiast. Among these, Jura coffee machines have carved out a niche for themselves, known for their innovation, design, and superior coffee quality. The Jura S8 is one of their standout models, offering a blend of high-end features at a relatively mid-range price. This blog post will delve into the details of the Jura S8, exploring its features, performance, and how it compares to other models.

Features the Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.) for rich flavor and crema.
Sleek, modern aesthetic with premium materials and a Red Dot Award-winning design.
4.3-inch color touchscreen for easy navigation and drink selection.
Ten coffee strength settings, adjustable milk foam density, and temperature controls.
Can make a wide variety of specialty coffee drinks, including espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato, and flat white.
64-ounce capacity reduces the frequency of refills.

Considerably expensive compared to other super-automatic coffee machines.
Some users report that the touchscreen could be more responsive.
While high-quality, the use of plastic might not appeal to everyone.
Requires a separate purchase for milk containers or accessories.
Only supports Bluetooth connectivity with the optional Smart Connect accessory.

Design and Build Quality

The Jura S8 is a visually striking machine, boasting clean lines and a modern aesthetic that won a Red Dot Award in 2018. Its compact design belies its feature-rich nature. Available in colors like Moonlight Silver, Chrome, and Piano Black, the S8 can fit into any kitchen decor. The machine is constructed with high-quality materials, including a polished die-cast zinc lid for the bean hopper, which ensures an airtight seal to keep beans fresh and reduce grinder noise.

Every detail of the Jura S8’s design has been meticulously thought out. The water tank, with its ribbed design and metal carry handle, seamlessly integrates with the machine’s sleek look. Despite its compact size, the S8 houses a substantial water tank and bean hopper, ensuring that it can handle the demands of daily use without frequent refilling. This attention to both form and function exemplifies Jura’s commitment to quality.

User Interface

One of the most notable features of the Jura S8 is its 4.3-inch high-resolution color touchscreen display. This intuitive interface allows users to select their desired drink by simply touching the corresponding icon. The screen provides clear, functional, and easy-to-navigate menus, making it user-friendly even for those new to super-automatic coffee machines.

The touchscreen interface is designed to be as intuitive as possible, with large, easily identifiable icons that make navigation a breeze. Users can quickly access and customize their coffee preferences, adjusting settings such as coffee strength, volume, and milk foam consistency with ease. Despite some reports of the touchscreen not being as responsive as it could be, it remains a significant improvement over traditional button-based controls.

Brewing Technology

At the heart of the Jura S8’s brewing capabilities is the Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.). This innovative technology pulses water through the coffee under pressure in short intervals, allowing the flavors to fully develop. This results in richer flavor, more crema on espresso, and better in-cup temperatures. Additionally, the S8 employs a short pre-infusion process that wets the coffee grounds before brewing, enhancing flavor extraction.

The P.E.P. technology sets the Jura S8 apart from many of its competitors. By pulsing water through the coffee grounds, it ensures maximum extraction and a more intense flavor profile. The machine also offers ten different coffee strength settings, ranging from 5 to 16 grams of coffee, allowing users to tailor their brew to their exact preferences.

Grinder and Bean Hopper

The Jura S8 features an Aroma G3 grinder, known for its consistency and speed. The grinder has seven settings, allowing users to adjust the grind size to their preference. The bean hopper holds up to 10.2 ounces of coffee beans and includes a bypass doser for pre-ground coffee, which is useful for making decaf or specialty blends.

The Aroma G3 grinder is designed to be both efficient and quiet, thanks to its heavy metal lid that minimizes noise. This grinder is capable of dosing up to 16 grams of coffee in a single cycle, which is comparable to the amount used by professional baristas for a double espresso. This means the Jura S8 can produce a robust and flavorful double espresso without needing a second grind cycle.

Specialty Coffees

The Jura S8 is capable of making a wide variety of specialty coffee drinks, including cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites, and more. Users can adjust settings such as temperature, volume, and milk foam to customize their drinks. The machine’s fine foam frother allows for real-time adjustments to the milk foam’s consistency, making it ideal for milk-based coffee enthusiasts.

With the S8, making a milk-based beverage is as simple as selecting the desired drink from the touchscreen menu. The machine’s milk spout is height adjustable, accommodating glasses up to six inches tall. This flexibility allows users to create everything from frothy cappuccinos to silky smooth lattes with ease. The ability to fine-tune the milk froth density is a standout feature, ensuring that each drink is tailored to the user’s taste.

Milk Frothing and Hygiene

The S8 uses a pickup tube system for milk frothing, which can be connected to Jura’s glass or thermally insulated containers. The milk spout is height adjustable, accommodating taller glasses. The machine performs an automatic rinse of the frothing device 15 minutes after making a milk-based drink, ensuring hygiene. For deeper cleaning, Jura provides a container for their milk cleaning solution.

Maintaining cleanliness in milk frothing systems is crucial, and the Jura S8 excels in this area. The automatic rinse cycle helps prevent the buildup of milk residue, while the included cleaning container and solution ensure that deeper cleans are thorough and easy to perform. This focus on hygiene means users can enjoy their favorite milk-based beverages without worrying about maintenance.

Water Reservoir and Filter

The water reservoir of the Jura S8 has a capacity of 64 ounces and features Jura’s Intelligent Water System (I.W.S.), which detects when a CLEARYL Smart Water Filter is installed. This system alerts users when the filter needs to be changed and eliminates the need for descaling when used properly.

The Intelligent Water System is a significant advancement in coffee machine technology. The RFID chip in the CLEARYL Smart Water Filter allows the machine to monitor the filter’s status and notify users when it needs to be replaced. This not only ensures that the water used for brewing is always fresh and clean but also significantly reduces the need for descaling, simplifying maintenance and prolonging the machine’s lifespan.

Ease of Use

Setting up and using the Jura S8 is straightforward, even for those unfamiliar with super-automatic coffee machines. The machine guides users through each step, from filling the water reservoir to adjusting coffee settings. Users can also make on-the-fly adjustments to settings while a drink is being prepared, which can then be saved for future use.

The intuitive touchscreen interface makes it easy to navigate the machine’s various features and settings. Whether you’re a coffee novice or a seasoned barista, the Jura S8’s user-friendly design ensures that you can start enjoying high-quality coffee with minimal effort. The ability to customize and save drink preferences adds a level of convenience that enhances the overall user experience.

Maintenance

Maintaining the Jura S8 is relatively hassle-free. The machine automatically flushes the milk system after each use and prompts users when deep cleaning or descaling is required. Regular tasks such as emptying the drip tray and grounds container should be performed daily to keep the machine in optimal condition.

Jura’s approach to maintenance is both practical and user-friendly. The automatic cleaning cycles ensure that the machine remains in top condition with minimal user intervention. When more thorough cleaning is needed, the S8 provides clear instructions and uses Jura’s cleaning tablets to ensure that every part of the machine is properly cleaned and maintained.

Comparison with Other Models

Jura S8 vs. Jura E8

The Jura E8 is a popular model that shares many features with the S8, including the fine foam adjustment dial. However, the E8 lacks a touchscreen interface, which is a significant difference between the two. The E8 is also cheaper, making it a more budget-friendly option for those who do not prioritize a touchscreen.

While both machines offer similar brewing technologies and customization options, the Jura S8’s touchscreen interface provides a more modern and intuitive user experience. For users who value ease of use and are willing to pay a premium for it, the S8 is the better choice. However, those looking for a more affordable option without sacrificing too many features might prefer the E8.

Jura S8 vs. DeLonghi Dinamica Plus

The DeLonghi Dinamica Plus is another competitor, offering a superb milk frothing system and the ability to make iced coffee. It also features a touchscreen display and comes at a lower price point. However, the Jura S8’s P.E.P. technology and higher dosing capability make it a strong contender.

The DeLonghi Dinamica Plus excels in areas such as iced coffee preparation and overall value for money. However, the Jura S8’s superior brewing technology and higher quality construction make it a better choice for those who prioritize the taste and quality of their coffee. The S8’s ability to dose up to 16 grams of coffee in a single cycle also gives it an edge in producing stronger and more flavorful brews.

Conclusion

The Jura S8 is a well-rounded, high-quality super-automatic coffee machine that offers a host of features to satisfy both casual coffee drinkers and aficionados. Its combination of innovative brewing technology, user-friendly interface, and customizable settings make it a standout choice in the crowded market of coffee machines. While it comes with a hefty price tag, the Jura S8 delivers exceptional value for money, making it a worthy investment for those serious about their coffee.

The Jura S8 represents the perfect blend of style, functionality, and performance. Its sleek design and robust feature set make it an excellent addition to any kitchen, while its advanced brewing technology ensures that every cup of coffee is brewed to perfection. Whether you’re an espresso enthusiast or a lover of milk-based beverages, the Jura S8 has the versatility and capability to meet your needs.

In conclusion, the Jura S8 is more than just a coffee machine; it’s a testament to Jura’s commitment to excellence and innovation. For those who are serious about their coffee and are willing to invest in a high-quality machine, the Jura S8 is undoubtedly worth considering. Its combination of advanced features, ease of use, and superior build quality make it a standout choice in the world of super-automatic coffee machines.

Jura S8 Coffee Machine Specifications

Manufacturer: Jura
Model Number: 15212/15210/15358
Product Category: Super automatic espresso machine
Housing Material: Plastic with stainless steel parts
Color Options: Chrome, Moonlight Silver, Piano Black
Milk Frother: Cappuccinatore with fine foam adjustment
User Interface: 4.3-inch color touchscreen
App Compatibility: Yes, with Jura Smart Connect (optional)
User Profiles: Memo function only
Removable Water Reservoir: Yes
Water Reservoir Capacity: 64.2 fl oz / 1.9 L
Number of Boilers: 1
Pump Pressure: 15 bar
Maximum Cup Height: 6 inches (15.2 cm) for milk spout, 4.6 inches (11.7 cm) for coffee spout
Minimum Cup Height: 2.8 inches (7.1 cm)
Grinder Type: Stainless steel conical burr grinder
Grind Adjustment Levels: 7
Bean Hopper Capacity: 10.2 oz / 290 g
Pre-ground Coffee Bypass: Yes
Grounds Discard Container Capacity: 16 servings
Specialty Drinks: 15
Pre-infusion: Yes
Adjustable Coffee Temperature: Yes
Adjustable Milk Foam Temperature: Yes
Adjustable Milk Temperature: Yes
2-Cup Function: Yes (non-milk drinks only)
Hot Water Function: Yes
Hot Milk Function: Yes
Milk Foam Only Option: Yes
Water Filter: CLEARYL Smart Water Filter
Power Consumption: 1450 W
Weight: 22.0 lb / 10.0 kg
Dimensions: 13.8 x 11.0 x 17.3 inches (35.1 x 27.9 x 43.9 cm)
Warranty: 2 years
Included Accessories: Instruction booklet, container for milk system cleaning, measuring spoon, hot water nozzle, optional Smart Connect for app connectivity

Frequently Asked Questions about the Jura S8

Is the Jura S8 worth the price?

Yes, the Jura S8 offers a range of high-end features, superior build quality, and advanced brewing technology, making it a worthwhile investment for serious coffee enthusiasts who prioritize convenience and quality.

How often does the Jura S8 need to be cleaned?

The Jura S8 has automatic cleaning cycles for the milk system and will prompt users when deep cleaning or descaling is required. Regular tasks, such as emptying the drip tray and grounds container, should be performed daily.

Can the Jura S8 make decaf coffee?

Yes, the Jura S8 has a bypass doser that allows you to use pre-ground coffee, making it possible to brew decaf or other specialty coffee blends.

Does the Jura S8 require a water filter?

While the Jura S8 can operate without a water filter, using the CLEARYL Smart Water Filter is recommended to ensure better-tasting coffee and to reduce the need for descaling.

How many coffee strength settings does the Jura S8 have?

The Jura S8 offers ten coffee strength settings, allowing users to customize the intensity of their brew from 5 to 16 grams of coffee per serving.

Can I adjust the milk foam consistency on the Jura S8?

Yes, the Jura S8 features a fine foam frother with an adjustment lever, allowing you to customize the density of the milk foam for different beverages.

Is the Jura S8 compatible with a smartphone app?

Yes, the Jura S8 is compatible with the Jura J.O.E. app, which allows you to control the machine, adjust settings, and prepare drinks from your smartphone. The app requires the optional Jura Smart Connect accessory.

How large is the water reservoir on the Jura S8?

The water reservoir of the Jura S8 has a capacity of 64 ounces (1.9 liters), which is sufficient for multiple drinks before needing to be refilled.

What types of drinks can the Jura S8 make?

The Jura S8 can make a variety of specialty coffee drinks, including espresso, ristretto, cappuccino, latte macchiato, flat white, and more. It offers 15 different drink options.