Jura WE8 vs Z8 has been an interesting debate for me to find out the winner. These machines definitely don’t belong in the same price range, WE8 is more affordable while Z8 is more consistent and optimized.
For me, Jura Z8 is the absolute winner. This model is designed to brew robust coffees while offering convenient cleaning functions. The water tank can hold up to 81oz of, which is pretty good for both pulling espresso and steaming milk. The touchscreen control also is a nice touch. I highly recommend this model to any homeowner, you are making a smart investment with this baby.
As for the runner-up Jura WE8, I adore its 101oz water tank. If you drink a lot of coffee daily, this water tank will last you longer. It also has a separate hot water spout for tea or bigger drinks like cappuccino.
Jura WE8 vs Z8: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Jura WE8 vs Z8: Differences
Jura Z8 wins 3 -1 against Jura WE8 thanks to its stable operation, consistent espresso extraction, amazing coffee recipes, and convenient touchscreen. Check out my true experience with both devices below.
Coffee Flavor: Z8
+Grinder
Jura Z8 and WE8 have left me a good impression with their Aroma G3 conical burr grinder. This technology runs in Jura’s many product lines, and it stays the same with these two. We have 6 different settings for fine to coarse coffee ground.
From my experience with the two, their grinders run smoothly and deliver even ground. So I don’t have anything to complain about the ground quality. Z8 and WE8 function pretty quietly as well. I wouldn’t say that the noise isn’t noticeable but for coffee machines with integrated grinders, they definitely belong to the more silent side.
Coming from the espresso flavor of the machine, I suggest you set the grinder at a high level, like from 4 to 6, if you decide to go with one of these two. The grinder will deliver finer grounds, and the coffee flavor becomes stronger. But, if you prefer balanced, nutty, and slightly sweet coffee/ espresso, you can set the grinders at medium or low (2-3).
+Dosing + tamping
Dosing and tamping are 100% automatic with these machines, so it’s fair to say that these models can brew coffee from bean to cup. They don’t come with portafilters like most machines at a cheap price range, and that’s is what we are looking for in at-home coffee makers in the high-end range. Super automation is what makes these babies worthy of their price tags.
The coffee dose varies from 5 to 16 grams depending on the recipe, and this applies to both Z8 and WE8. I get nuanced, robust, nutty coffee flavor with this pair. And the crema is good too. Although, I believe Z8 is slightly better at tamping and extracting since the crema layer on its espresso is thicker and creamier, in other words, to die for.
I know that if you are a heavy coffee drinker or a strong-coffee lover, you would prefer a higher dose, I would too. But from my experience, we can quickly get strong coffee with this pair. By grinding finer ground or setting coffee strength at high, I have always gotten strong coffee that suits my taste.
+Heating system
Z8 wins this round thanks to its dual Thermoblocks. You can expect it to heat up quickly and precisely control the temperature. Normally, single boiler or single Thermoblock espresso makers aren’t as consistent at going back and forth with coffee and milk temperature like machines with dual ones. Thus Z8 is bound to do an excellent job brewing and steaming at the right temp.
From my experience, Z8 indeed delivers better coffee temperature (around 190 to 195F). I prefer hot milk foam as well and whenever I set the milk temperature at 7 (there are 10 levels), I always get a hot and steamy result. Thanks to this one, my lattes and white flats have been amazing lately.
As for WE8, the temperature is slightly lower. I usually get coffee out of the tap at 180 to 185F, so not the hottest. My preference is around 190F since I want to enjoy my coffee patiently. But if you want a steamy cup that can be drunk right away, WE8 is a good choice.
+Brewing technique
Both machines use the P.E.P technology, which means Pulse Extraction Process. The machines will soak the puck with short but fast and strong bursts of water and thus make sure that water spreads through each micro bit of the coffee ground. Flavor-wise, so far, I have been enjoying the most espresso, latte, and cappuccino made by Z8 and WE8.
Utilities/ Additional Features: Z8
The touchscreen is a nice little touch that only Jura Z8 possesses. I find it more convenient using a touchscreen than buttons since I’m so used to swiping with my phone. With WE8, we can make use of its buttons and TFT screen.
On the other hand, Jura Z8 offers 21 types of drink that we can make with a touch of the screen, while WE8 offers 12 simple recipes only.
If you want a straightforward machine with basic drinks like espresso, ristretto, cappuccino, flat white, etc. then WE8 is a good pick. But if you prefer all the basics alongside more special recipes like Americano, barista, coffee jug, then Z8 is the go-to option.
Milk system: Tie
Both machines use a carafe to steam and froth milk, so the process is 100% automatic. However, the carafe is not integrated into the devices, and we need to buy a separate milk container for this.
What I like is that both Jura Z8 and Jura WE8 can switch from heated milk to milk foam so easily and beautifully. I have made countless lattes with these bad boys, and the layering is so amazing that it’s hard for me not to take pictures of the drinks each time.
But, if you are expecting to froth dry foam, these machines have other ideas. They are designed to make creamy, fluffy, and moist foam. You can definitely expect an airy texture. But dry foam is not their specialty.
Cleaning & Maintain: Z8
First of all, to clean the coffee path and the brew group, just know that all you have to do with these machines is drop a cleaning tablet in the pre-ground coffee path and choose the deep clean option in the cleaning menu. So overall it’s very convenient.
But Z8 wins thanks to its auto purge function. I read the instruction, and I’m not sure if I missed anything, but I didn’t find any part that mentioned the auto-purge feature. However, whenever I turn the machine on and off, hot water will instantly come out of the nozzles to clear the path from any leftover coffee or milk. So that’s is a big thump up.
Jura WE8 vs Z8: Similarities
Auto-recognition with the CLEARYL water filter
Many users don’t know that they have to configure the water filters and the machines to put the filters to works. After a while, they wonder why there is scale in the water tank.
If you want to avoid this situation, know that WE8 and Z8 have a system that recognizes CLEARYL water filters automatically. Simply put the filter in its place in the water tank and it’s done. Z8 and WE8 will tell on the screen when it’s time to change the filter.
Side water tank
For me, a side water tank is a big plus. I can fill it in easier without having to move the entire machine like I usually do with cheap espresso makers. After all, we are looking at 2 mid-end and high-end models right now. If you love a convenient side tank with blue light, Jura WE8 and Z8 are great options.
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 2024-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Jura WE8
- ONE TOUCH: Prepare 12 barista quality specialties including perfect espresso with JURA's exclusive Pulse Extraction Process, coffee, cappuccino, flat white and latte macchiato at the touch of a button
- CONICAL BURR GRINDER: Fast and precise AromaG3 grinder grinds whole beans to the optimum fineness
- ECO FRIENDLY: JURA is always freshly ground, not capsuled - fresh taste with very limited waste - single serve machine
- OFFICE USE: Perfect machine for your workplace - ideal for small offices and self-serve coffee bars
- CAPACITY: 101 ounce water tank, 17.6 ounce bean container
Last update on 2024-12-20 / 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 WE8: https://us.jura.com/en/professional/machines/WE8-UL-15145/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.