Jura E8 vs Philips 3200: The two espresso makers have such distinctive price points that it makes it challenging to provide an unbiased review. After much deliberation and careful consideration, I have to say that the Jura E8 remains my ultimate winner.
The Jura E8 emerges as the undisputed winner without a shadow of doubt. It excels in every aspect, from the quality of espresso to the perfection of milk-based drinks. It offers a wider array of drink options and an impressive level of programmability compared to its counterpart. Furthermore, the Jura family’s design is impeccable, leaving no room for criticism.
The Philips 3200 is a solid contender and stands out as an excellent, budget-friendly option. Naturally, given its significantly lower price compared to the Jura E8, it may lag behind in certain aspects. However, when it comes to value for money, I can confidently say that the Philips 3200 won’t let you down. It delivers good quality espresso and milk-based drinks, and the LatteGo system is a feature that’s worth trying and placing your trust in.
Jura E8 vs Philips 3200: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Jura E8 vs Philips 3200: Differences
In the showdown between the Jura E8 and the Philips 3200, the final score stands at 5-2 in favor of the Jura E8. Keep reading to find out more.
Coffee Flavor & Brewing System
The Winner: Jura E8
Grinder
I must say Jura E8 and Philips 3200 each have their own merits when it comes to grinders. The Philips 3200’s ceramic flat burr grinder with its 12 grind sizes is a standout feature, especially considering its price point. On the other hand, the Jura E8 boasts a conical burr grinder made of stainless steel, specifically the Professional Aroma Grinder. Although it offers only 6 adjustment settings, I found that Jura has finely calibrated its grinder, providing ample flexibility.
Now, when it comes to the grind quality, both machines impressed me. The Philips 3200 and Jura E8 deliver grounds that are consistently even and smooth. However, there’s a notable difference in noise levels during operation. The Jura E8’s grinder operates quietly, which is a pleasant surprise for early risers or parents with sleeping children. In contrast, the Philips 3200 can be fairly loud when grinding and brewing.
Heating System
Both of these machines feature a single boiler, meaning you can’t simultaneously brew and froth milk, resulting in a brief delay between these processes. For me, this minor inconvenience is tolerable, as I only need to wait a few seconds.
However, the significant distinction lies in the temperature of the drinks they produce. If you’re someone who prefers piping-hot coffee that you can savor slowly, the Jura E8 is the clear winner.
In contrast, I have to express my disappointment with the Philips 3200 in this regard. Even with the machine adjusted to its maximum temperature setting, the coffee it produces just doesn’t get hot enough. I’m not asking for scalding temperatures, just a reliably hot cup of coffee. Unfortunately, the Philips 3200 falls short, struggling to reach temperatures above 164°F at its highest temperature. By the second drink, the coffee is merely warm. And I’ve discovered others who share this concern, suggesting it might be a common issue.
If you typically consume your coffee immediately, the Philips 3200 may still meet your needs, but for those who enjoy a truly hot cup, the Jura E8 delivers as expected.
Flavor
When it comes to the espresso flavor produced by both the Jura E8 and the Philips 3200, I have to say there’s no room for complaints. However, it’s worth highlighting the differences in their flavor profiles.
The Philips 3200 tends to offer a more balanced and smooth flavor with mellow and nutty undertones. While I was generally satisfied with the results, I noticed that the Philips didn’t brew espresso as strong as I personally prefer. Even when I adjusted the grind to its finest setting, I still found myself adding an extra shot of espresso to my morning cappuccino for that extra caffeine kick. Additionally, the crema produced by the Philips 3200 wasn’t as thick as one might desire, and it dissipated rather quickly.
On the other hand, the Jura E8 boasts a stronger espresso flavor compared to the Philips 3200. I’d describe it as “espresso with a bold punch that keeps you awake all day.” The essence has a full-bodied texture and offers nutty, tangy, and sweet notes. What’s more, the crema layer it produces is impressively thick and dense, lingering on your coffee for an extended period. If you’re a fan of robust espresso that truly wakes you up, the Jura E8 is the way to go.
Design & Convenience
The Winner: Jura E8
Dimensions & Weight
| Jura E8 | Philips 3200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 11 in × 13.8 in × 17.6 in | 9.7 in x 14.6 in x 17 in |
| Weight | 21 lbs | 15.4 pounds |
In terms of size, both the Jura E8 and Philips 3200 are quite compact, and I appreciate that because it allows me to save space on my kitchen counter. It’s a practical choice for those with limited kitchen space.
Now, when it comes to weight, the Jura E8 is about 5 pounds heavier than the Philips 3200. That extra weight is evident in the materials they’re made of. They’re both primarily constructed from plastic, but I must say the plastic on the Jura E8 feels more robust and premium. Considering the price point of Jura machines, I expected this level of quality. It gives me confidence in the machine’s durability, which is essential for a long-term investment like a coffee maker. Given the price of Jura machines, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to expect a metal build, which could further enhance its premium feel.
Spout & Cup Clearance
| Jura E8 | Philips 3200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Spout | Dual | Dual |
| Cup Clearance | 2.6 – 4.4 in | 3.3 – 5.7 in |
The Jura E8 and the Philips 3200’s dual coffee spouts are thoughtful design additions that allow you to brew two cups of your drinks simultaneously. What I particularly liked about it is that at their lowest clearance, you can effortlessly brew directly into the cup for a perfect espresso shot without worrying about any messy splashing.
On the other hand, when you extend the spout to its upper reaches, you can prepare a generous and creamy latte. However, it’s worth noting that if you’re hoping to fit a travel mug underneath, you might run into some trouble, as those tend to be taller, usually around 7 inches.
The Jura E8 has a separate hot water spout conveniently placed between its dual coffee spout, and this design choice is something I truly appreciate. It ensures that when I want to dispense hot water for tea or any other purpose, I don’t have to worry about a hint of coffee flavor mixing in. It’s a small detail, but it makes a significant difference, especially for those who enjoy a variety of hot beverages.
The Philips 3200 LatteGo features a separate hot water spout discreetly tucked away behind the LatteGo system. Consequently, whenever you desire hot water, you’ll need to take the extra step of removing this system. It’s a bit less convenient compared to the design of the Jura E8, right?
But when you brew an Americano with this machine, it cleverly dispenses hot water from the same spout as the coffee, eliminating the need to remove your cup.
The Jura E8 goes a step further by offering two additional spouts on the right side of the machine. These spouts come in handy when preparing milk-based drinks, allowing you to just place your cup directly underneath for a mess-free and efficient frothing process.
Milk System
The Winner: Jura E8
The Jura E8 boasts an impressive automatic milk-steaming system. Setting it up is a breeze – all you need to do is connect the milk frother and a milk container using the provided milk tube.
On the other hand, the Philips 3200 employs the “LatteGo” milk frothing system. Furthermore, Philips 3200 series provides an alternative version using a classic steam wand for those who favor this option. In this review, I’ll focus on the intriguing LatteGo system.
Initially, I had some reservations and considered the LatteGo system a gimmick. However, my perception quickly changed when I had the opportunity to experience it firsthand. It was a moment of revelation when I thought, “Oh wow, why wasn’t I aware of this ingenious design earlier?” The best part is that the LatteGo system operates entirely automatically, eliminating the need for any specialized skills.
When it comes to ease of use, I must say that I rate both milk systems on these two machines equally. They both offer a hassle-free and user-friendly milk frothing experience, making coffee preparation a delight for any skill level.
Now, let’s dive into the milk quality produced by these two systems. The Jura E8 can create both steamed and frothed milk, depending on the beverage you choose. I must say, the quality of these two textures is meeting my expectations and then some. When preparing a Cappuccino, it will dispenses light and airy frothed milk. And when crafting a delightful cup of Latte Macchiato, the Jura E8 impressively dispenses both steamed and frothed milk.
Moreover, if you desire a portion of milk to complement your hot chocolate or any other beverage, the Jura E8 serves you. This flexibility is a feature that I found exceptionally handy.
The Philips 3200 also excels in creating milk textures tailored to your chosen beverage. However, in my experience, I noticed that its frothed milk tends to have slightly larger bubbles when compared to the creamy froth produced by the Jura E8. Another noteworthy aspect is that with the Philips 3200, you can’t froth milk by itself without the simultaneous preparation of a coffee drink, which is a limitation if you sometimes need frothed milk for non-coffee beverages made separately.
In short, the LatteGo milk system in the Philips 3200 offers commendable milk quality and an enjoyable milk-frothing experience, particularly considering its price range. While it surpasses the Jura E8 in terms of maintenance, I’ll touch on that aspect later. However, when disregarding the price factor, my personal preference still leans towards the milk system of the Jura E8.
Drink Options & Programmability
The Winner: Jura E8
Drink Options
| Jura E8 | Philips 3200 |
|---|---|
| Espresso Coffee Caffè Barista Americano Espresso doppio Cortado Macchiato Cappuccino Cappuccino Extra Shot Flat white Flat white Extra Shot Latte macchiato Latte macchiato Extra Shot Portion of milk foam Hot water 2 × Espresso 2 × Coffee | Espresso Hot water Cappuccino Coffee Latte Macchiato Americano 2 × Espresso 2 × Coffee 2 × Americano |
Just glancing at the table above reveals that the Jura E8 boasts a wider array of beverage options compared to the Philips. Excluding double drink options, hot water, and milk, the Philips 3200 offers a selection of 5 different drinks. Meanwhile, the Jura E8 impressively offers 10 distinct drinks.
While having more beverage options can cater to broader preferences, I’d like to emphasize that the sheer number of available drinks isn’t the sole determining factor when choosing a coffee machine. It’s essential to consider whether the additional drinks offered by the Jura E8 genuinely align with the preferences of the coffee-drinking members in your household.
Anyway, both the Jura E8 and the Philips 3200 are capable of preparing a range of popular and beloved beverages.
Programmability
| Jura E8 | Philips 3200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Adjustable Coffee Strength | 10 levels | 3 levels |
| Adjustable Coffee Volume | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable Brewing Temperature | 3 levels | 3 levels |
| Adjustable Hot Water Temperature | 3 levels | No |
| Adjustable milk volume | Yes | Yes |
Another trade-off to consider when choosing the Philips 3200 is its limited programmability. While it would be desirable to have more customization options, we should remember that this is a budget-friendly machine, and advanced customization is often a premium feature.
On Philips 3200’s user interface, you’ll find 3 buttons dedicated to adjusting coffee strength (with 3 levels), coffee volume (also with 3 levels), and milk volume (again, with 3 levels).
One customization feature that not everyone knows is that you can actually adjust the coffee temperature on this machine. However, I have to admit that the process does seem a bit on the complicated side.
- Step 1: Press the ON/OFF button to switch off the machine.
- Step 2: Press and hold the coffee quantity icon until the lights in this icon go on.
- Step 3: Tap the quantity icon to select the required temperature. (3 levels)
On the other hand, the Jura E8 stands out by offering an array of customization capabilities. It provides 10 levels of coffee strength adjustment, allows you to select from 3 different brewing temperatures, and offers flexibility in adjusting milk volume. Notably, it goes a step further by allowing you to precisely control the hot water temperature, a feature that’s absent in the Philips 3200.
Cleaning & Maintenance
The Winner: Philips 3200
If you’ve ever owned a super-automatic espresso machine, you’re probably aware that cleaning can often be the least enjoyable aspect of it, which is ironic considering these machines are marketed for their simplicity.
With the Jura E8, the cleaning process can either be quite intricate if you attempt to do it yourself or, more commonly, almost impossible without spending a substantial amount on specialized cleaning solutions or professional technicians.
You can easily clean the removable parts, like the water tank and drip tray of the Jura E8 by yourself. However, when it comes to cleaning the fixed components, like the milk system or brew group, it’s a different story. To clean these integral parts, you’ll have to rely on the machine’s automated cleaning process, but it comes with an additional cost, as you’ll need to purchase Jura’s specific cleaning solutions. This additional expense can significantly raise the overall cost of owning a Jura E8.
In contrast, the Philips 3200 Series stands out as an exception, being the most user-friendly automatic espresso machine when it comes to cleaning. The simplicity of cleaning and maintenance is undoubtedly one of the standout features of this machine.
One of its remarkable advantages is the removable brew group. You can simply take out the water tank and open a door, and it effortlessly slides out. I suggest giving it a quick rinse with hot water once a week to maintain its cleanliness – a task that takes no more than about 30 seconds of your time.
Next, it is the ingenious design of the LatteGo milk system. Unlike traditional setups that use tubes and piping, which can be cumbersome to clean and often accumulate stubborn milk residue. The LatteGo consists of just two simple plastic parts: a milk container and a frother attachment. Cleaning them is a breeze, as they can be easily cleaned by hand or even placed in the dishwasher. Moreover, the milk container can be conveniently removed and stored in the fridge between coffee brewing sessions, ensuring freshness and practicality.
Utilities & Other Features
The Winner: Jura E8
User Interface
The Philips 3200’s user interface is refreshingly simple and straightforward. There are no complex menus or display screens to navigate, which can be a relief for those who prefer a hassle-free experience. Even if you’re a first-time user, you can easily grasp how to operate this machine without any confusion.
On the front panel, you’ll find 6 buttons, each corresponding to a different coffee beverage. It’s as easy as pressing once for a single or twice for a double. In addition to the beverage selection buttons, there are a few more buttons to the side that allow you to fine-tune your preferences, such as adjusting the size and strength of your coffee or the amount of steamed milk. Plus, the presence of a convenient “stop” button means you can halt the espresso or milk froth mid-process if you find it is enough.
On the other hand, the E8 features a 2.8-inch non-touch LED screen alongside physical buttons, offering a unique blend of modern technology and classic controls.
Its interface is also intuitive, but there’s one minor quirk – the screen displays only 4 icons at a time. To access additional options, you’ll need to use the button to scroll through the menu. While the scrolling menu may take a little getting used to, it’s a small trade-off for the flexibility and control it provides.
Bypass Doser
Both machines provide the convenience of a bypass doser. This comes in handy when I have decaf coffee or a specialty blend that I want to use without emptying the bean hopper.
The process is quite straightforward. I simply add the pre-ground coffee into the designated chute, and the machine brews it as if it were using whole beans.
App Compatible
The Philips 3200 doesn’t have any app compatibility, which means you’re pretty much operating it directly from the machine itself. While it’s not a deal-breaker, having app functionality can be quite convenient.
Jura E8 is compatible with the Jura Operating Experience (J.O.E.) app. To access this app, I needed to invest in Jura’s Smart Connect, which is a separate accessory that connects via Bluetooth.
The Jura app, I must say, was quite impressive. It allowed me to effortlessly prepare my favorite drinks, adjust the settings to match my exact preferences, and even keep tabs on machine status, all through my smartphone. I could be comfortably seated on my couch, grab my phone, and with a few taps, I’d have a perfectly customized coffee ready to go.
Value For Price
The Winner: Philips LatteGo 3200
The Jura E8 undoubtedly shines in many aspects, but there’s a nagging thought that it might be a bit too pricey for a non-commercial espresso machine. On the other hand, the Philips LatteGo 3200 is a much more budget-friendly option.
The Philips 3200 offers fantastic value for money and is one of the most budget-friendly super-automatic espresso machines you can find. While affordability doesn’t always guarantee quality, Philips has managed to strike the right balance between features and cost savings.
Of course, Philips 3200 makes some compromises that you should consider. As mentioned earlier, it doesn’t offer a wide range of customization options. It also opts for a straightforward button operation instead of a fancy touchscreen or LED display. It does not have the same high-tech appearance, and you can’t control it with your iPhone as the Jura E8. But this simplicity makes it user-friendly and considerably more cost-effective to manufacture.
Quick Rundown Of Jura E8
- First-Class Coffee Quality: The Professional Aroma Grinder guarantees 12.2% more aroma and consistently high grind quality so that flavors unfold to perfection throughout the entire service life of the grinder
- Pulse Extraction Process: The Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.) ensures maximum flavor for short specialties, while intelligent preheating guarantees the ideal temperature right from the first cup
- Luxurious Operation: A 2.8-inch color display, six buttons, and a completely new operating concept featuring artificial intelligence enable simple handling. An intelligent algorithm identifies individual preferences and adapts the start screen, so the user�s two or four favorite specialties are always displayed
- One-Touch Milk System Cleaning: The sophisticated milk system cleaning process takes place automatically at the touch of a button and is completed in no time. The drip tray also meets the highest ergonomic standards. Its design prevents water from spilling, and it can be removed conveniently with just one hand
- Harmonious Design: This JURA coffee machine features a clean and expressive characteristic design. High-quality materials and precise craftsmanship underline the premium quality of the modern E8. It's styling alone is evidence of its quality, functionality, and durability
Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Philips 3200
- 5 AROMATIC COFFEES: Enjoy your favorite coffees for special moments. Whether you crave an espresso, coffee, americano, cappuccino or a latte macchiato, your fully automatic espresso machine delivers a perfect in-cup result with no hassle and in no time.
- INTUITIVE TOUCH DISPLAY: The irresistible taste and aroma of coffee from fresh beans is just one touch away. Our intuitive touch display allows you to easily select your favorite coffee.
- PERFECT TEMPERATURE AND AROMA: The Aroma Extract system intelligently strikes the optimum balance between brewing temperature and aroma extraction.
- 2 PARTS, NO TUBES MILK SYSTEM: Our 2 parts milk system has no tubes or hidden parts and can be cleaned in as little as 15 seconds under tap or in the dishwasher.
- AQUACLEAN FILTER: By changing the filter after being prompted by the machine, you will not need to descale your machine for up to 5,000 cups, while enjoying clear and purified water.
Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References:
- Philips 3200: https://www.usa.philips.com/c-p/EP3221_44/series-3200-fully-automatic-espresso-machines
- Jura E8: https://www.jura.com/en/homeproducts/automatic-coffee-machines/E8-Piano-Black-EB-15355/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.