Jura makes several different models of super-automatic espresso machines, so how does the A1 compare?
| Feature |
Jura A1 |
Jura ENA 8 |
Jura E8 |
Jura S8 |
Jura Z8 |
| Bean hopper |
4.4 oz |
4.4 oz |
9.9 oz |
9.9 oz |
9.9 oz |
| Active bean monitoring |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Water Reservoir |
36.8 oz |
36.8 oz |
63.6 oz |
63.6 oz |
63.6 oz |
| Boiler type |
Thermoblock |
Thermoblock |
Thermoblock |
Thermoblock |
Dual Thermoblock |
| Frother |
None |
HP1 |
HP3 |
HP3 |
HP3 |
| Display |
Buttons only |
2.8" color touch |
2.8" color (not touch) |
4.3" color touch |
4.3" color touch |
| Specialty beverage buttons |
3 |
10 |
17 |
15 |
21 |
| Smart mode |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Brews double beverages |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Hot water only mode |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Adjustable brew nozzle |
2.3"-5.6" |
2.7"-5.4" |
2.6"-4.4" |
2.8"-4.6" |
3.2"-6.0" |
| Temp control levels |
1 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
| Intelligent preheating |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| Strength control levels |
2 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
| Width |
9.4"W |
10.7"W |
11.0"W |
11.0"W |
12.6"W |
| Depth |
17.5"D |
17.5"D |
17.5"D |
17.5"D |
17.7"D |
| Height |
12.7"H |
12.7"H |
13.6"H |
13.7"H |
15.0"H |
| Weight |
20.3 lbs |
20.7 lbs |
21.6 lbs |
22.1 lbs |
29.5 lbs |
| Power |
1450W |
1450W |
1450W |
1450W |
1500W |
To me, the Jura A1 includes the bare minimum features that any super-automatic espresso machine should have, but it costs around 50% more than similarly-spec'd models from other big-name brands (like the Philips 1200) and more than twice as much as models from lesser-known brands that pop up on Amazon from time to time.
Why pay more for the same features and specifications? Two reasons:
- Jura's espresso machines are well-made in factories in either Switzerland or Portugal (depending on the model).
- The internal components — which you can't see from the outside and are difficult to evaluate as a consumer — are high-quality to ensure consistent grind size, extraction temp, and other variables. That means the shot you pull on Day 700 tastes as great as the shot you pulled on Day 1.
The A1, like all Jura-manufactured machines, is backed by their 2-year warranty (or 6,000 brew cycles, whichever comes first). Personally, the 2-year warranty is a little disappointing given the price point on Jura's various espresso machines, but that doesn't mean these models are flimsy of engineered to self destruct when their brew cycle counter hits 6,001 cycles.
Most Jura customers have no problems with their machines well beyond the 2-year mark with some getting 10+ years out of their investment.
Ultimately, it depends on how well you care for and maintain your machine. While true of all types of coffee and espresso machines, that's especially true of super-automatic espresso machines.
Is the Jura A1 right for you?
- If you don't usually drink milk-based beverages but can't stomach the A1's price tag, check out the Philips 1200 or Gaggia Brera (note that the Brera does have a frother but is in the same price range as the Phillips 1200).
- If you absolutely need the ability to make milk-based beverages, check out the similarly-sized Jura ENA 8.
- If you absolutely need the ability to make milk-based beverages but also want a larger bean hopper and water reservoir, check out the Jura E8.
- If you absolutely need the ability to make milk-based beverages but don't want to pay $1,500+ for a machine, check out the aforementioned Gaggia Brera, Saeco Incanto, or Saeco PicoBarista.
But if you don't need a frothing system and are just looking for a no-frills, durable model from a trusted brand, get the Jura A1.
