Here is our comparison review on the Jura Z6 vs Z8.
In this comparison review, I will be discussing which is the best espresso machine between the Jura Z6 and Jura Z8. If you’ve read our comparison review on the Jura E6 vs E8, you’ll find that the functionality gap between these machines are similar to that of the Jura Z6 vs Z8.
The Jura Z6 and Jura Z8 are both sleek and stylish super automatic espresso machines. There are a few differences between the two and I am here to explain which machine is the best value for money.
So, let’s get started:
- Jura Z6 Overview
- Jura Z8 Overview
- Jura Z6 vs Z8: Features Compared
- Consider Refurbished Machines
- Jura Z6 vs Z8: The Winner
Jura Z6 vs Z8: At A Glance
The Jura Z6 and Jura Z8 are both considered premium Jura models so whichever machine you decide to buy, you will get to experience new and innovative technology that Jura offers.
To sum things up, the Jura Z8 is obviously the better machine in terms of programmability and having a higher amount of specialty drinks. But the Jura Z6 is still an impressive machine and better in terms of pricing which will highly influence your buying decision.
Jura Z6 Overview
The Jura Z6 is a sleek and beautifully crafted espresso machine with its blue illuminated water tank. This machine can be considered a luxurious version of the Jura E6 as it includes more advanced features but just with a higher price tag.
Pros
More affordable than the Jura Z8: If pricing is a huge factor towards your buying decision then then the Jura Z6 is something to consider. Prices do change overtime but you can expect the Jura Z6 to be $1000 less than the Jura Z8.
Similar water capacity to the Jura Z8: The Jura Z6 has a water tank capacity of 81 ounces where the Jura Z8 has a water tank capacity of 81.3 ounce. There isn’t a huge difference between the two so going for the Jura Z6 will still give you the same amount of cups to brew per tank.
Similar level of programmability to the Jura Z8: Other than the Jura Z8’s huge range of specialty drinks, the Jura Z6 has the same programmable levels for brewing temperature, water temperature, milk foam, and coffee strength.
More energy efficient: The Jura Z8 is a powerful machine which means that it is going to draw a lot of power. Luckily with the Jura Z6, it’s more energy efficient reaching only up to 46 kw/h.
Cons
Does not have a touch screen: The one thing I love about the Jura Z8 is it’s 4.3 inch sensitive touch screen. Unfortunately, the Jura Z6 still has its TFT digital display that needs to be operated by buttons.
Jura Z8 Overview
If you’ve been a fan of the Jura S8 but felt that it needed more features, then you’ve come to the right place. The Jura Z8 is considered one of Jura’s most luxurious and premium Jura models with its latest features and huge range of specialty drinks.
Pros
Has a duo thermoblock system: The Jura Z8 has two thermoblock systems which will allow you to brew and steam beverages simultaneously. This means you can brew drinks twice as fast compared to the Jura Z6.
Larger range of specialty drinks: The Jura Z8 offers a range of up to 21 different specialty drinks which may be considered “overpowered” for some people. However, I do think it’s a great option to have if you’re having family and friends all the time and want to show off your fancy espresso machine.
Has a 4.3” touchscreen color display: One thing I love about the Jura Z8 is its huge 4.3″ touchscreen which makes it simple and more intuitive than having to use manual buttons.
Has a multi-level grinder: The Jura Z8 includes the multi-level AromaG3 grinder whilst the Jura Z6 only has a single level AromaG3 grinder. This feature will help achieve finer and more precise coffee ground while fully preserving the same freshness.
Cons
More expensive than the Jura Z6: The Jura Z8 is going to have a higher price tag than the Jura Z6 which means you should only buy the Jura Z8 for specific features that the Jura Z6 lacks… or if you’d like 21 different specialty drinks.
Jura Z6 vs Z8: Features Compared
Here are features that I will discuss when it comes to the Jura Z6 vs Z8. Each feature is common to these machines but there are some key differences between the Jura Z6 and Jura Z8:
Grinder
The Jura Z6 has the all new AromaG3 grinder whilst the Jura Z8 beats the Jura Z6 with its multi-level AromaG3 grinder. The difference between these two grinders is that a multi-level grinder can grind coffee more precisely and to finer ground sizes too. But whether or not you have a multi-level grinder, the AromaG3 is still arguably the best grinder in a super automatic espresso machine (in the world).
Water Reservoir
In terms of the water reservoir, both the Jura Z6 and Jura Z8 have similar water tank capacity sizes. The Jura Z6 has a water tank capacity of 81 ounces and the Jura Z8 has a capacity of 81.3 ounces. This means that these machines can both brew approximately 81 espresso shots before needing to refill the water tank.
Milk Frother
In terms of the milk frother, there is no other espresso machine that produces the best milk froth. I don’t think it matters which Jura machine you get as all the machines can make some solid milk froth.
The Jura Z8 has a HP3 milk system and has an interchangeable milk spout which the Jura Z6 does not include. But both these machines have the same level of programmability when needing to adjust the milk foam temperature. The milk spout also has the same amount of height adjustability for both the Jura Z6 and Jura Z8 which caters for most coffee cup sizes.
Digital Display
Both the Jura Z6 and Jura Z8 have impressive digital displays but they unfortunately are not the same.
The Jura Z6 has a 2.8 inch TFT color display that requires you to press buttons on the side. It’s easy to operate but I do prefer the Jura Z8’s 4.3 inch sensitive touch screen. The touchscreen definitely makes it easier to program and customize your beverages.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Both the Jura Z6 and Jura Z8 are fairly simple to clean and maintain. They both come with Jura’s integrated rinsing, cleaning, and descaling programme. This provides you a step by step guide to cleaning the Jura machine.
However, what’s great about the Jura Z8 is when using the Jura coffee app. You as the user get special privileges which allows you to watch maintenance videos and recommended accessories for cleaning via the Jura portal.
Pricing
In terms of pricing, the Jura Z6 is about $1000 less expensive than the Jura Z8. This makes the Jura Z6 more attractive for many people as the Z line are pricey models. So you should be considering your overall budget when buying these machines.
Advanced Features
Advances features include intelligent preheating, 3D brewing technology, active bean monitoring, smart mode, and wifi connections:
In terms of overall features, this is what sets the Jura Z6 and Jura Z8 apart. The Jura Z8 has more than 10 unique special features which the Jura Z6 lacks. To be honest, an average Joe would not notice the difference between these machines as these features are subtle things which improve the brewing quality.
I would say the key features that the Jura Z8 has which the Jura Z6 doesn’t is the high-performance pump 15 bar, additional thermoblock system, additional fluid system, and Jura app compatibility.
Here is a table of the Jura standards for the Jura Z6 and Jura Z8:
| Feature | Jura Z6 | Jura Z8 |
|---|---|---|
| Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.®) | ✔ | ✔ |
| One-Touch Lungo Function | ✖ | ✔ |
| Grinder Type | AromaG3 Grinder | Multi-Level AromaG3 Grinder |
| High-Performance Pump 15 Bar | ✖ | 2 |
| Thermoblock Heating System | 1 | 2 |
| Fluid Systems | 1 | 2 |
| Automatic Switchover From Milk To Foam | ✖ | ✔ |
| Powder Chute For Ground Coffee | ✔ | ✔ |
| Aroma Preservation Cover | ✖ | ✔ |
| Compatible With Jura Coffee App | ✖ | ✔ |
| Wireless Compatible | ✔ | ✔ |
| Power Hot Water System | ✖ | ✔ |
| Recognition For Second Ground Coffee | ✖ | ✔ |
| Sensitive Touch Screen Technology | ✖ | ✔ |
| Intelligent Preheating | ✔ | ✖ |
| Active Bean Monitoring | ✔ | ✔ |
| Interchangeable Milk Spout | ✖ | HP3 |
Programmability
Programmability allows you to customize your beverages or program the way your machine operates.
The Jura Z6 has up to 13 specialty drinks where the Jura Z8 has a whopping range of 21 specialty drinks. Both the Jura Z6 and the Jura Z8 have the exact same level of programmability as you can see in the table below.
Here is a list of programmable features that the Jura Z6 and Jura Z8 have:
| Feature | Jura Z6 | Jura Z8 |
|---|---|---|
| Specialty Drinks | 13 | 21 |
| Compatible with J.O.E® | ✔ | ✔ |
| Save, Copy, Personalise Beverages | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rotary Switch | ✔ | ✔ |
| Programmable and individually adjustable amount of water | ✔ | ✔ |
| Adjustable Coffee Strength (Levels) | 10 | 10 |
| Programmable milk / milk foam temperature (Levels) | 10 | 10 |
| Programmable Brewing Temperature | 3 | 3 |
| Programmable Water Temperature | 3 | 3 |
Design
In terms of design, I will discuss the dimensions, build quality, overall look and how easy it is to operate them.
Both the Jura Z6 and Jura Z8 have very sleek designs that come in either silver or black aluminium builds. Their water tanks illuminate blue giving them a cool looking design and to easily show how much water is left in the tank.
The one thing that the Jura Z6 lacks is the Alu Frame Designⓒ which basically gives a machine that extra high quality finish and makes it pleasurable to touch.
In terms of these machines’ ease of use, both the Jura Z6 and Jura Z8 are fairly simple to use. But the Jura Z8 does take first place in this aspect with its 4.3 inch touch screen of which the Jura Z6 does not have.
Here is a table that will best compare the Jura Z6 and Jura Z8’s size, and dimensions:
| Feature | Jura Z6 | Jura Z8 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (lbs) | 25.4 | 29.5 |
| Width (inches) | 12.6 | 12.6 |
| Height (inches) | 14.8 | 15 |
| Depth (inches) | 17.7 | 17.7 |
Consider Refurbished Machines
Jura machines such as the Jura Z6 and Jura Z8 can be quite pricey but with refurbished Jura machines, you can save over $1000 when comparing it to new Jura machines:
Refurbished Jura Z6
Jura Z6 vs Z8: The Winner
It’s clear that the Jura Z8 is the better espresso machine in terms of features as it includes many things that the Jura Z6 does not. The key features include an interchangeable milk spout and its one-touch lungo function.
However, the Jura Z6 is going to save you big bucks as it is somewhat $1000 less than the Jura Z8. So in the end, it all comes to what you want out of an espresso machine.
If you want to experience Jura’s luxurious Z line at a reasonable price then a Jura Z6 is a great choice. But if you would like to try out a huge range of specialty drinks, with lots of advanced features and are willing to pay the price, then consider a Jura Z8.
If you’ve read this comparison review and found that neither of these espresso machines are for you, make sure to look at our comparison review of the Jura E8 vs S8.