Here is our comparison review on the Jura Z6 vs S8.
In this comparison review, I will be discussing which is the best espresso machine between the battle of the Jura Z6 and Jura S8. Both these machines are one of Jura’s premium models, however, there is a winner between these two.
Both the Jura Z6 and Jura S8 are going to be suited for people who want a more premium-end espresso machine. Although these machines are both luxurious, there are distinct differences between these two that are going to be suited for different people.
So, let’s get started:
- Jura Z6 vs S8: At A Glance
- Jura Z6 Overview
- Jura S8 Overview
- Jura Z6 vs S8: Features Compared
- Jura Z6 vs S8: Summary
- Jura Z6 vs S8: The Winner
Jura Z6 vs S8: At A Glance
The first difference you’ll notice about the Jura Z6 and Jura S8 is that they are a different model line. The Jura Z6 and Jura S8 are also completely different in how they are designed.
The Jura S8 has always been compared to the Jura E8 but I think the Jura Z6 is an interesting comparison as they both have their own pros and cons. These two machines are completely different when it comes to sizing and dimensions and some standard features.
So to sum things up, I personally feel that the Jura S8 is the winner between the two but they are still both exceptional espresso machines. However, the Jura Z6 is still better suited for other people so make sure to read through this comparison review to finalize your buying decision.
Jura Z6 Overview
The Jura Z6 is one of the most beautifully designed espresso machines to come to the market. It comes with a large level of programmability and can brew many beverages with its large water reservoir capacity.
Pros
Adjustable milk temperature: The Jura Z6 has a higher level of programmability with its ability to program the milk temperature unlike the Jura S8. This allows you to brew yourself hot milk if that’s what you prefer.
Larger water tank capacity than the Jura S8: Although the Jura S8 has the same bean hopper capacity as the Jura Z6, the Jura Z6 is able to brew more servings than the Jura S8 with its larger water tank capacity.
Comes with TFT digital display: The Jura Z6 comes with its all new TFT digital display operated by buttons which is definitely an upgrade to the plain text display which the Jura Z6 has. This makes it much easier when wanting to program and customize your beverages.
Beautiful design compared to the Jura S8: There is no doubt that the Jura Z6 is one of the most beautifully designed espresso machines. It is almost identical looking to the Jura Z8 with its blue illuminated water reservoir.
Cons
The Jura Z6 is expensive: We know that the Jura Z6 is more expensive than the Jura S8 but it is a pricey machine regardless of the Jura S8. Currently, it’s over $3000 which is not budget friendly for your average retail customer.
Less specialty drinks than the Jura S8: The Jura S8 has two additional specialty drinks compared to the Jura Z6 which isn’t a big difference but it’s still less than the Jura Z6.
Jura S8 Overview
The Jura S8 used to be the premium model of the Jura line until the Z line came in. Regardless of this, it’s still one of the most high end Jura machines and has better functionality than some of the new Jura espresso machines.
Pros
More affordable than the Jura Z6: The Jura S8 is more affordable than the Jura Z6 as you will be saving over $500 which can be a big price difference for some people.
Has a 4.3” sensitive touch screen: The Jura S8 has the same 63.6 oz water tank as the Jura E6 which means you can brew similar amounts of servings before having to refill your water reservoir.
Large number of specialty drinks: The Jura S8 has up to 13 specialty drinks which includes two more drinks than the Jura Z6. I personally think this is more than enough for your average consumer.
More compact than the Jura Z6: The Jura S8 looks like it would be bulkier than the Jura Z6 but it’s surprisingly lighter and smaller. The Jura S8 is slightly shorter and less in depth than the Jura Z6 which may save you a bit of kitchen counter space.
Cons
Does not include intelligent preheating: Intelligent preheating ensures that the espresso machine brews every beverage consistently hot. The Jura S8 lacks this which means you will still get hot beverages but not guaranteed to be consistently hot all the time.
No milk temperature programmability: Unfortunately, the Jura S8 does not allow you to adjust the milk foam temperature. This can be a downside if you are someone who enjoys warm milk in their cappuccino.
Jura Z6 vs S8: Features Compared
When it comes to comparing features between the Jura Z6 vs S8, there are actually a few differences which will affect your buying decision:
Grinder
Both the Jura Z6 and Jura S8 have Jura’s phenomenal Aroma grinder however they are different to each other. The Jura S8 has the new Multi-Level AromaG3 Grinder whilst the Jura Z6 has the AromaG3 Grinder.
The Multi-Level AromaG3 Grinder grinds coffee beans more precisely and at finer levels compared to the normal AromaG3 Grinder. This means you’ll have better brewing quality when purchasing a Jura S8 over a Jura Z6.
Water Reservoir
When it comes to the water reservoir, both the Jura Z6 and Jura S8 have decent sized capacities:
The Jura S8 has a water reservoir capacity of up to 63.6 ounces which brews just under 64 espresso shots before needing to be refilled. The Jura Z6 on the other hand has a capacity of approximately 81 ounces which is one of the largest capacities you can get on an espresso machine. The Jura Z6 also has its luxurious looking water reservoir with blue illumination that contributes to the beauty of its design.
Therefore, the Jura Z6 takes first place when it comes to water reservoir capacity. It can brew just under 20 additional espresso shots which is better for someone who plans to brew more frequently or for family and friends.
Other Features
Other features include thermoblock heating systems and interchangeable milk spouts:
The Jura Z6 and Jura S8 have some differences in terms of overall features. But both the Jura Z6 and Jura S8 come with Jura’s Pulse Extraction Process technology which helps extract optimum flavor out of the coffee grounds.
The Jura Z6 and Jura S8 both include 1 thermoblock heating system which ensures short consistent heating up times and heats up water when needing to make tea beverages.
The features that set the Jura Z6 and Jura S8 apart is that the Jura S8 includes an interchangeable milk spout (HP3). This keeps the milk spout of the machine as clean as possible.
The Jura S8 also comes with a high performance 15 bar pump for brewing smooth and rich crema. This machine also includes a one touch function to make brewing as simple as possible.
Both the Jura Z6 and Jura S8 come with active bean monitoring to notify the user when it’s time to refill the bean hopper. But the Jura Z6 comes with intelligent preheating that the Jura S8 does not include. This function ensures hot and consistent temperature from the first to the last cup of brewing.
To conclude, the Jura S8 is the winner when it comes to overall features. It also brews more specialty drinks and has the fancy 4.3 touch screen which is why the Jura S8 tops the Jura Z6.
Here is a table of the Jura standards for the Jura Z6 and Jura S8:
| Feature | Jura Z6 | Jura S8 |
|---|---|---|
| Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.®) | ✔ | ✔ |
| One Touch Function | ✖ | ✔ |
| Digital Display | 2.8” TFT Color Display | 4.3” Touch Screen Display |
| Grinder Type | AromaG3 Grinder | Multi-level AromaG3 Grinder |
| High performance 15 bar pump | ✖ | 1 |
| Fluid system | ✖ | 1 |
| Thermoblock Heating System | 1 | 1 |
| Interchangeable Milk Spout | ✖ | HP3 |
| Aroma preservation cover | ✖ | ✔ |
| Power chute for ground coffee | ✔ | ✔ |
| Intelligent preheating | ✔ | ✖ |
| Active bean monitoring | ✔ | ✔ |
Programmability
In terms of programmability, both the Jura Z6 and Jura S8 are going to have a high level of programmability as they are premium-end machines.
When it comes to the winner between the Jura Z6 vs S8, the Jura Z6 just beats the Jura S8 in terms of programmability. Both machines have the same adjustment levels of coffee strength, brewing temperature, and water temperature. But what puts the Jura Z6 ahead of the Jura S8 is its programmable milk temperature.
In terms of the number of specialty drinks, the Jura S8 has two additional programmable beverages. There isn’t much of a difference in the amount of specialty drinks so that’s why the Jura Z6 takes first place when it comes to overall programmability.
Here is a list of programmable features that the Jura Z6 and Jura S8 have:
| Feature | Jura Z6 | Jura S8 |
|---|---|---|
| Specialty Drinks | 13 | 15 |
| Compatible with J.O.E® | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rotary Switch | ✔ | ✖ |
| Save, copy, and personalise beverages | ✔ | ✔ |
| Programmable and individually adjustable amount of water | ✔ | ✔ |
| Adjustable Coffee Strength (Levels) | 10 | 10 |
| Programmable Milk Temperature | 10 | ✖ |
| Programmable Brewing Temperature | 3 | 3 |
| Programmable Water Temperature | 3 | 3 |
Design
The Jura Z6 and Jura S8 are both stunning looking espresso machines so it really all comes down to your personal preference. I personally think the Jura Z6 is more sleek and stylish but that is just my opinion. Both the Jura Z6 and Jura S8 come in a black or silver color with an aluminum build.
When it comes to the water reservoir design, the Jura Z6 has the best looking water reservoir with its blue illumination tank. The Jura S8’s water reservoir on the other hand is built into the machine so you’d have to look on the side of the machine to see how much water is left.
When it comes to the screen, the Jura S8 is the winner. The Jura S8 is one of the only machines to come with a 4.3” sensitive touchscreen whilst the Jura Z6 has a 2.8” TFT digital display.
Here is a table that will best compare the Jura Z6 and Jura S8’s size, and dimensions:
| Sizing and Dimensions | Jura Z6 | Jura S8 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (lbs) | 25.4 | 22.1 |
| Width (inches) | 12.6 | 11 |
| Height (inches) | 14.8 | 13.7 |
| Depth (inches) | 17.7 | 17.5 |
| Bean Hopper Capacity (oz) | 9.9 | 9.9 |
| Water Tank Capacity (oz) | 81 | 63.6 |
| Coffee grounds container | 20 | 16 |
Cleaning and Maintenance
Both the Jura Z6 and Jura S8 have integrated rinsing and cleaning programs which makes it easy to clean and maintain the coffee machine.
Removable parts such as the milk spout are dishwasher safe which means it’s less effort to clean exterior parts. All that requires you to manually do is wipe the exterior parts manually with a damp cloth on your side for the Jura Z6 and Jura S8.
Pricing
When it comes to pricing, it’s obvious that the Jura S8 is definitely the most affordable. The Jura S8 is priced just under $3000 whilst the Jura Z6 is over $3000 with a $500 difference.
There’s a clear difference in pricing between the two so if affordability is a big influence on your buying decision, then the Jura S8 is something to consider.
Jura Z6 vs Jura S8: Summary
| Summary | The Winner |
|---|---|
| Features | Jura S8 |
| Programmability | Jura Z6 |
| Design | Jura Z6 |
| Pricing | Jura S8 |
Consider Refurbished Jura Machines
Jura Z6 vs Jura S8: The Winner
When it comes down to the Jura Z6 vs S8, both are amazing machines however there is a winner. The Jura S8 takes first place over the Jura Z6 as you cannot compete against the Jura S8’s pricing and additional features.
The Jura Z6 is one of the most luxurious machines as it’s part of the Z line but is surprisingly less premium than the Jura S8. The Jura Z6 is better than the Jura S8 in terms of design and has a slightly higher level of programmability but its not enough to beat the Jura S8.
The Jura S8 has features the Jura Z6 does not have including one touch functions, large touchscreen display, and a high performance 15 bar pump. It’s also $500 less expensive than the Jura Z6 which is why the Jura S8 is a better machine for its value.
If you’ve read this comparison review and found that neither of these espresso machines is for you, make sure to look at our comparison review of the Jura E8 vs S8.