Jura ENA 4 Review

The Jura ENA 4 is a sleek, compact super-automatic espresso machine, offering high-quality espresso and black coffee with minimalist design and advanced features.

The Jura ENA 4 Super-Automatic Espresso Machine stands as a testament to Jura’s commitment to quality, functionality, and design in the world of home espresso machines. For coffee enthusiasts who appreciate simplicity without compromising on the quality of their espresso, the ENA 4 might just be the perfect match. In this comprehensive review, we will explore the various features, performance, and overall value of the Jura ENA 4, helping you decide whether this machine is worth the investment.

The Jura ENA 4 has a small footprint, making it ideal for kitchens with limited counter space.
Ensures maximum flavor and aroma extraction, producing high-quality espresso shots.
Fast, efficient grinding with conical burrs that preserve the essential oils and flavors of the coffee beans.
Simple, intuitive controls with just a few buttons, making it easy for anyone to use.
Accommodates various cup sizes, from small espresso cups to larger mugs.
The AromaG3 grinder operates quietly, reducing noise levels compared to other machines.

The ENA 4 is designed for espresso and black coffee only, lacking the ability to make milk-based drinks like cappuccinos or lattes.
Smart connectivity requires an additional purchase, which adds to the overall cost.
While sturdy, the plastic construction might not appeal to those who prefer all-metal espresso machines.
At approximately $999, it is more expensive than some competitors, which might offer more features at a lower price.

Overview of the Jura ENA 4

The Jura ENA 4 is a super-automatic espresso machine designed to deliver high-quality espresso shots with minimal effort. The machine’s sleek design, compact size, and advanced brewing technology make it a standout in Jura’s lineup. The ENA 4 is available in two colors: Full Metropolitan Black and Nordic White, both of which add a touch of sophistication to any kitchen decor.

Key Features

Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.): This innovative technology optimizes extraction time, ensuring maximum flavor and aroma from your coffee grounds. P.E.P. adjusts the water flow for different types of coffee, such as espresso and espresso doppio, delivering a barista-level espresso shot every time.
AromaG3 Grinder: The conical burr grinder grinds coffee beans quickly and efficiently, preserving the aroma and flavor. The grinder’s design also reduces noise, making it a quieter option compared to many other machines.
Minimalist User Interface: With only a few buttons, the ENA 4 is incredibly easy to operate. You can adjust coffee strength and choose between different coffee types with just a touch, making it ideal for those who prefer straightforward operation.
Smart App Compatibility: The ENA 4 can connect to the Jura Operating Experience (J.O.E.) app via an optional WiFi adapter. This allows users to control the machine remotely, customize their coffee preferences, and receive maintenance alerts.
Compact Design: Measuring just over a foot tall, the ENA 4 is perfect for small kitchens. Its compact size does not compromise on its functionality, making it a versatile addition to any home.

Detailed Analysis of the Jura ENA 4

Design and Build Quality

The Jura ENA 4 is a masterclass in minimalist design, combining form and function in a way that enhances any kitchen environment. The machine is available in two color options: Metropolitan Black and Nordic White, each providing a sleek, modern aesthetic. The standout feature is undoubtedly the diamond-patterned water tank, which adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. This cylindrical reservoir is not only visually appealing but also functional, with a capacity of 37 ounces (1.1 liters), sufficient for multiple espresso shots before needing a refill.

The ENA 4’s compact footprint (12.7 x 10.7 x 17.5 inches) makes it suitable for small kitchens or limited counter space. Despite its plastic housing, the machine feels robust and well-constructed, with stainless steel accents adding to its premium look. The use of high-quality materials ensures durability, making the ENA 4 a long-term investment for any coffee enthusiast.

User Interface and Ease of Use

One of the most appealing aspects of the Jura ENA 4 is its simplicity. The user interface consists of just four buttons, strategically placed on the front of the machine. These buttons control the coffee strength, type, and volume, making the machine incredibly easy to operate. The minimalistic approach is perfect for users who prefer straightforward functionality without the need to navigate through complex menus.

Coffee Strength: Adjusting the coffee strength is done by pressing a button with a coffee bean icon. Users can choose from three strength settings, indicated by the number of coffee beans displayed on the LED screen. This feature allows for customization, ensuring each cup is brewed to personal preference.
Coffee Type and Volume: Another button allows users to switch between espresso and coffee, as well as adjust the volume dispensed. The ENA 4 can dispense up to 8 ounces of coffee at a time, accommodating different cup sizes and preferences.

The adjustable spout height is another user-friendly feature, allowing for easy accommodation of various cup sizes, from small espresso cups to larger mugs. This adjustability ensures that the coffee is dispensed without splashing, maintaining a clean brewing area.

For those who prefer a more advanced setup, the ENA 4 is compatible with the Jura Operating Experience (J.O.E.) app. By purchasing the optional WiFi adapter, users can connect the machine to their smartphones, enabling remote operation, customization of coffee settings, and receiving maintenance alerts. This smart connectivity adds a layer of convenience, particularly for tech-savvy users.

Performance and Coffee Quality

At the core of the Jura ENA 4’s performance is the Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.), a technology that significantly enhances the coffee extraction process. P.E.P. works by pulsing water through the coffee grounds in short bursts, optimizing extraction time and ensuring maximum flavor and aroma. This method is particularly effective for espresso, as it allows the water to fully saturate the coffee grounds, resulting in a rich, full-bodied shot with a robust crema.

The AromaG3 grinder is another highlight of the ENA 4, featuring conical steel burrs that grind coffee beans quickly and efficiently. The grinder’s design reduces noise, making it quieter than many other machines. It also preserves the beans’ essential oils and flavors, contributing to the overall quality of the coffee. The bean hopper has a capacity of 4.4 ounces, which is ample for several servings before needing a refill.

The ENA 4 offers four specialty drinks: espresso, coffee, espresso doppio, and café doppio. While it does not include milk frothing capabilities, its focus on black coffee and espresso makes it ideal for purists who appreciate a well-extracted shot. Each drink is crafted with precision, ensuring consistent quality and flavor.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Maintaining the Jura ENA 4 is relatively straightforward, thanks to its Intelligent Water System (I.W.S.). This system detects when the water filter needs to be replaced and notifies the user, ensuring optimal machine performance and reducing the need for frequent descaling. The ENA 4 uses Jura’s CLEARYL Smart water filters, which help to extend the machine’s lifespan by preventing scale buildup.

Regular cleaning of the machine involves emptying the drip tray, used coffee grounds container, and wiping down the exterior. The machine’s internal components are easy to access and clean, with Jura’s cleaning tablets used for deep cleaning the coffee circuit. The machine will prompt users when a cleaning cycle is required, simplifying maintenance.

The drip tray and used coffee grounds container are easily removable and dishwasher-safe, making cleanup even more convenient. The water reservoir can be detached for easy refilling and cleaning. However, it’s important to note that the brewing unit is not removable, so users must rely on the machine’s automated cleaning programs to keep it in good condition.

Value for Money

The Jura ENA 4 is priced at approximately $999, positioning it as a premium entry-level super-automatic espresso machine. While it is more expensive than some of its competitors, the ENA 4 justifies its price through superior build quality, advanced brewing technology, and a sleek, modern design. For coffee enthusiasts who prioritize quality and ease of use over additional features like milk frothing, the ENA 4 offers excellent value for money.

The machine’s durability, combined with Jura’s reputation for reliability, ensures that it will provide years of high-quality coffee. The ability to customize and control the brewing process through the J.O.E. app adds to its appeal, offering a level of convenience that enhances the overall user experience.

Comparisons

Jura ENA 4 vs. Jura E4

The Jura E4 is another milk-less machine from Jura, retailing at a higher price point. The main difference between the two is the E4’s eighth-generation brewing unit, which offers slight improvements in espresso quality. The E4 also has a larger water reservoir and bean hopper, making it more suitable for households with higher coffee consumption. However, the ENA 4’s compact size and user-friendly interface make it a better choice for those with limited kitchen space or those who prefer a simpler machine.

Jura ENA 4 vs. Jura ENA 8

The Jura ENA 8 is a step up from the ENA 4, featuring milk frothing capabilities and a wider selection of specialty drinks. It also comes with a higher price tag, reflecting its added versatility. The ENA 8’s design is slightly more refined, with a larger, more prominent water tank and additional color options. For coffee lovers who enjoy milk-based beverages or who want more customization options, the ENA 8 might be worth the extra investment. However, if you primarily drink espresso and black coffee, the ENA 4 is a more cost-effective option.

Final Verdict

The Jura ENA 4 is a beautifully designed, high-performing super-automatic espresso machine that excels at making espresso and black coffee. Its minimalist design, advanced brewing technology, and ease of use make it an ideal choice for coffee purists and those with small kitchens. While it lacks milk frothing capabilities, its focus on delivering high-quality espresso makes it a standout option in its price range.

If you’re looking for a stylish, compact, and efficient espresso machine that delivers great-tasting coffee with minimal effort, the Jura ENA 4 is an excellent choice. For those who enjoy milk-based drinks or require more versatility, it may be worth considering the Jura ENA 8 or other models with additional features.

Jura ENA 4 Specifications

Manufacturer: Jura
Model Number: 15374/15351
Product Category: Super-Automatic Espresso Machine
Color Options: Metropolitan Black, Nordic White
Housing Material: Plastic with stainless steel parts
User Interface: Color TFT with buttons
App Compatibility: Yes, with optional Jura Smart Connect
Removable Water Reservoir: Yes
Water Reservoir Capacity: 37.2 fl oz / 1.1 liters
Number of Boilers: 1
Pump Pressure: 15 bar
Maximum Cup Height: 4.1 in / 10.4 cm
Minimum Cup Height: 3.0 in / 7.6 cm
Grinder: Stainless steel conical burr grinder (Aroma G3)
Grind Adjustment Levels: Infinitely variable
Bean Hopper Capacity: 4.2 oz / 120 grams
Pre-ground Coffee Bypass: Yes
Grounds Discard Container Capacity: 10 servings
Specialty Drinks: 4 (espresso, coffee, espresso doppio, café doppio)
Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.): Yes
Power Consumption: 1450 W
Weight: 18.5 lbs / 8.4 kg
Dimensions (W x H x D): 10.7 x 12.7 x 17.5 inches / 27.2 x 32.3 x 44.5 cm
Warranty: 2 years
Included Accessories: Instruction booklet, coffee scoop & funnel, 2-pack of 3-phase cleaning tablets, water hardness test strip, perfect maintenance brochure, CLEARYL Smart+ water filter