Jura Z8 vs X8 is a challenging debate among the community of coffee lovers who look for the ultimate high-end espresso makers. I have tested both machines to give you the correct answer, and Jura Z8 is my final winner.
Z8 is a stable model that pulls rich espresso and coffee, shot after shot, cup after cup. The size of the machine is ideal for households and big families. It can brew a great variety of beverages, 21 in total, and so far, I have enjoyed anything that involves milk foam with this device.
The runner-up X8 is very formidable. The giant water tank makes it ideal for offices, coffee shops or catering events. The milk foam quality is good as well. But, it loses to Z8 in specific points that I will detail further below.
Jura Z8 vs X8: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Jura Z8 vs X8: Differences
Jura Z8 wins over Jura X8 by 3 to 1. Overall, I find both machines to be very advanced, but Z8 is definitely better in terms of stability. It can pull flavorful and robust coffee cups after cups. The size of the Z8 model also makes it perfect for at-home use. Find out more details below.
Coffee Flavor: Jura Z8
+Grinder
Z8 and X8 share the same type of grinder which is Aroma G3. Aroma G3 is very efficient and allows users to adjust between 6 settings that grind fine to coarse coffee ground. The conical burr design makes sure that there is minimal coffee that is left behind in the burr.
After testing the grinders by brewing fresh coffee beans, I find both Z8 and X8 to function very smoothly. I don’t think one is better than the other. You can expect them to grind very smoothly and evenly.
But, expect to experience a bit of noise when they grind beans. Many users want an expensive espresso maker because they think that more expensive models make less noise, but that’s not true. I think it is quite normal for espresso/ coffee machines to be a tad noisy while grinding and brewing. But don’t worry, Z8 and X8 are keeping it to the bare minimum.
+Dosing + tamping
Since both models are super-automatic, you can trust them to prepare everything, from dosing to tamping, and brew you a cup of latte without making you control anything if you don’t want to. The option of customizing or changing the recipes is there, but overall it is not obligated. These devices will shut off the dispenser automatically when they have poured enough coffee, according to the recipe.
What I like about Z8 and X8 is that, even though they aren’t designed with an anti-drip system, they do a good job at ensuring that there isn’t much coffee or milk dripping out of the tap after finishing brewing. However, Z8 does a better job. I notice that it takes slightly longer for X8 to stop dripping than Z8.
The high-end product lines of Jura seem to share the same dose setting, which uses from 5 to 16 grams. Personally, I prefer a higher dose that varies around 18 to 22g since I prefer strong coffee and am a heavy coffee drinker myself. But in general, if you are looking for machines that can deliver balanced, nuanced and mellow coffee.
+Heating system
If you don’t like waiting, I believe Jura Z8 and X8 will leave you a good impression. They are equipped with dual Thermoblocks, ensuring that the brewing temperature, steam pressure, and heating time are optimized.
Of course, for such giant machines as Z8 and X8, you shouldn’t expect them to be ready after 30s or under a minute. But surely you can get a good cup of latte or cappuccino under 3-5 minutes at the perfect temperature, which is around 190 to 195F for me.
If you are wondering about the water tank capacity, Z8 has an 81.3oz one and X8 has a 167.3oz one, which is double the size of the water reservoir on Z8.
If you are a homeowner, I suggest you go with Z8 because the water tank capacity is more than enough for you to brew 17oz per day for 3 days. If you buy an espresso maker for office or catering, X8 is the better option. With its giant water tank, you won’t have to refill frequently to provide enough water for coffee brewing.
Utilities: Jura X8
+Separate hot water spout
Jura X8 has a separate hot water spout next to the dual spouts. If you enjoy drinking tea or making Americano according to your liking, this feature is very convenient. With a separate spout for hot water, you will get a clearer and purer tea flavor instead of having to brew using water stained with used coffee flavor.
+Water filter recognition
This convenient feature can be found on both Jura Z8 and X8. If you pick the CLEARYL Pro Smart Filter to make sure that scale doesn’t develop in the water tank, Z8 and X8 will recognise it automatically. Keep in mind that it doesn’t set up automatically if you use other types of filter. This filter lasts for about a month if you brew daily.
Milk system: Jura Z8
Both machines use a carafe to steam and froth milk automatically according to the recipes. The best thing that has caught my attention is that they can switch from heated milk to milk foam quickly without messing up the coffee-milk-milk foam layers.
Here is my experience with X8 and Z8: both do a phenomenal job. I adore the adjustable milk temperature that allows me to make hot milk foam, especially since I like my latte hot. The foam is creamy and full-bodied, exactly what I look for.
However, I still prefer Jura Z8 more, not because its milk system is more high-end or can froth better milk, but because the dispenser is more “anti-drip” for milk than X8. After finishing dispensing milk, Z8 shuts off the tap immediately and milk keeps dripping out twice or three times, which keeps the drip tray clean longer.
Cleaning & Maintain: tie
Cleaning these machines are fairly straightforward. In the maintenance menu, you can rinse the nozzles, cleanse the coffee path thoroughly, or, clean the milk path with a separate milk container and silicone tube. When you turn on or shut off these models, they automatically purge the coffee path once.
What I like the most about the cleaning process of these models is that I don’t have to remove the brew group and clean it step by step in a careful manner. Z8 and X8 come with a cleaning tablet that we can drop in through the pre-ground path, and these machines will handle the hard work on their own.
Jura Z8 vs X8: Similarities
Check out the similarities between Jura Z8 and X8 below! These models are more convenient than you could have imagined.
Easy-to-fill water tank
Jura Z8 shares almost the same design as X8. Both are equipped with a side water tank that is 100% removable, or you could fill it in with water from above. The choice is yours to make. They impress me with the blue light, which highlights the water level even more. Thus, if you pick one of these, you will it very easy to keep a tab on the tank.
21 beverages
Both machines offer a variety of 21 beverages, among which I must mention the option of brewing a whole coffee pot. We have some of the most famous drinks like macchiato, latte, cappuccino, barista, flat white, americano, etc.
If you drink a lot of coffee throughout the day and it is not efficient for you to carry a small cup, brew a giant 40oz pot with these babies and bring it with you to your work table or study table. We all need that rush of adrenaline to meet the deadline.
With Z8, you can brew a 40oz pot. With X8, you can brew a 12oz, which is a significantly smaller portion.
Quick Rundown Of Jura Z8
- RANGE OF BEVERAGES: 21 Specialty drink options
- SIMPLE TO USE: Intuitive operation using 4.3" Touchscreen or App
- CONVENIENT: One-Touch, Americano function for long coffees
- TECHNOLOGY: Flavorful ristretto and espresso with P.E.P technology
- GRINDER: AromaG3 grinder is 2X faster than previous models
Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Jura X8
- AromaG3 grinder
- Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.) ensures the optimum extraction time
- Water tank capacity 167.3 oz - optional extra connection kit
- 17.6 oz capacity bean container with aroma preservation cover
- Catering use
Last update on 2024-11-21 / 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 X8: https://us.jura.com/en/professional/machines/X8-Platin-NA-15177/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.