Jura S8 vs We8: After putting both the Jura S8 and WE8 to the test, I’ve found a clear winner: the Jura S8. Here’s why it stands out and how the WE8 compares as a close runner-up.
The Winner: Jura S8
The Jura S8 is a truly dependable machine that consistently delivers excellent results. After two months of brewing and cleaning, it has proven to be a stable workhorse. The espresso it produces is smooth, rich, and full-bodied, making every cup a delight. Additionally, its milk frothing system creates the perfect microfoam, ideal for cappuccinos and other milk-based beverages.
Another notable feature is the grinder, which operates with minimal noise—a big plus if you’re brewing in the early hours or prefer a quieter environment. Given its performance and compact design, the S8 is best suited for singles or couples looking for a reliable, high-quality espresso experience.
The Runner-Up: Jura WE8
The Jura WE8 is a great choice for households or offices with more coffee drinkers—think 3-5 people. It brews espresso with a bold, strong flavor profile that leans slightly bitter, appealing to those who love a more intense coffee. However, the milk system falls short of the S8’s consistency. It struggles to maintain stability, which can affect the overall experience, especially for milk-based drinks.
While the WE8 has its strengths, a few small drawbacks, like the less refined milk frothing and slightly bulkier build, keep it from taking the top spot.
Jura S8 vs We8: Specs & Features Comparison
The Jura S8 and Jura WE8 espresso machines cater to different needs, but both offer impressive features. Here’s a closer look at their key specifications and highlights.
The Jura S8 is a compact yet capable machine with dimensions of 12.7 x 20.1 x 16.7 inches and a lightweight build of 20 pounds. It features a sleek chrome finish and stainless steel body, combining style and durability. The S8 operates on 1450W and 120V power, with a water tank capacity of 63.6 oz and a bean hopper that holds up to 10 oz of coffee beans. The machine uses a multi-level AromaG3 grinder and a thermoblock heating system, ensuring consistent brewing performance.
Its touchscreen display, adjustable brewing temperature (three levels), and preprogrammed beverages (15 options) make it an ideal choice for homeowners. The standout features include its ability to produce smooth, mellow coffee and perfect microfoam for cappuccinos and lattes. Priced at $2,399.00, it’s a great investment for singles or couples who enjoy high-quality coffee.
The Jura WE8, on the other hand, is designed for larger groups or office settings. Measuring 17.5 x 11.6 x 16.5 inches and weighing 22.1 pounds, it is slightly bulkier but still sleek with a silver and chrome finish. It shares the same 1450W power but runs on 110V. The WE8 boasts a larger water tank (101 oz) and bean hopper capacity (17.7 oz), making it suitable for brewing multiple cups in one session.
Like the S8, it features the AromaG3 grinder and thermoblock heating system. The brewing temperature is adjustable at two levels, and it offers 12 preprogrammed beverages. Notable highlights include its ability to brew a full pot of coffee in just two minutes and produce dry, airy foam ideal for cappuccinos. Priced at $2,499.95, it’s perfect for serving a crowd.
While the S8 excels in delivering smooth, aromatic coffee with an easy-to-use interface, the WE8 is better suited for those who need a larger-capacity machine with the ability to brew for multiple people. Both models are premium choices, but your decision will depend on your specific needs.
Jura S8 vs We8: Differences
COFFEE FLAVOR: JURA S8
Grinder
- Both the Jura S8 and WE8 are equipped with the Aroma G3 grinder, which offers six settings to grind coffee beans from fine to coarse. These grinders are smooth, reliable, and free from issues like jamming or malfunction.
- In terms of noise, the S8 outshines the WE8. While both machines operate quietly during the grinding process, the S8 takes it to another level of minimal noise, making it ideal for households with children or for use early in the morning. If you prioritize a quiet brewing experience, the S8 is a better choice.
Dosing + tamping
Both machines support a 5-16 gram dose, allowing users to adjust coffee strength to their liking. However, there’s a noticeable difference in flavor between the two.
- Jura S8: Produces mellow, smooth, nutty, and full-bodied coffee with a thick crema. Its specialty is delivering a smooth coffee experience, perfect for those who enjoy balanced flavors. Note that smooth doesn’t mean weak—the S8’s coffee is rich and flavorful.
- Jura WE8: Offers more robust, stronger coffee with a slight bitter edge. This makes it ideal for those who prefer intense coffee flavors.
Heating system
Both models feature a single Thermoblock heating system, but the S8 delivers better results.
- Jura S8: Heats up faster and reaches an optimal brewing temperature of 180°F-190°F in about 10 minutes. This ensures coffee that’s not too hot or too cool, providing a perfect drinking temperature.
- Jura WE8: Struggles to reach higher brewing temperatures, typically maxing out at 170°F-175°F, even after a 20-25 minute warm-up. This can be a drawback for those who prefer hotter coffee.
UTILITIES: TIE
- The WE8 has a larger 101 oz water tank, which is convenient for families or shared spaces as it requires fewer refills. In contrast, the S8’s smaller 63.6 oz tank is more suited for singles or couples.
- However, the S8 compensates with more beverage options. It offers 15 drinks, including caffè latte and macchiato, along with the ability to froth a separate cup of milk foam. The WE8, by comparison, provides 12 beverage options, catering to simpler coffee needs.
MILK SYSTEM: JURA S8
- The Jura S8 features one of the best milk systems among non-commercial machines. Its ability to froth dry, airy foam makes it perfect for cappuccinos and macchiatos. This model could even compete with professional setups for milk-based drinks.
- The WE8’s milk system, while decent, doesn’t match the consistency and texture of the S8’s froth.
CLEANING & MAINTAIN: TIE
- Both machines feature an auto-purge function that rinses the dispensers with hot water when they’re turned on or off, keeping the brew path clean. This ensures no leftover coffee or milk residue.
- However, cleaning the milk system requires a specialized cleaning liquid sold separately by Jura. Frequent coffee drinkers may spend around $30 per month on cleaning solutions, but it’s still more cost-effective than buying daily coffee from a café.
Jura S8 vs We8: Similarities
AUTO-PURGE OF DISPENSER
- Both models automatically purge the dispensers when turned on or off. To avoid spills, it’s recommended to lower the dispenser close to the drip tray or place a cup underneath to catch the water efficiently.
REMOVABLE SIDE WATER TANK
- The side water tank design is another shared feature. It allows users to refill the tank easily without moving the machine, making it a convenient choice for small kitchens or busy setups.
Quick Overview Of Jura S8
The Jura S8 is a sophisticated automatic coffee machine designed to deliver barista-quality coffee and espresso drinks with ease. It comes equipped with advanced features, including JURA’s exclusive Pulse Extraction Process (PEP) for optimal coffee quality and an AromaG3 grinder for precise and consistent grinding.
Key Features:
- One-Touch Convenience: Brew up to 15 specialty drinks like espresso, coffee, cappuccino, flat white, and latte macchiato at the touch of a button.
- Exclusive PEP Technology: Enhances flavor by optimizing extraction time for aromatic and full-bodied coffee.
- AromaG3 Grinder: A fast and precise conical burr grinder ensures beans are ground to the perfect fineness for maximum flavor.
- Eco-Friendly Design: Unlike capsule-based machines, the S8 uses freshly ground beans, reducing waste while delivering fresh taste.
- Capacity: Includes a 64-ounce water tank and a 10-ounce bean container, ideal for small households.
Pros:
- Extremely stable operation with consistent performance.
- Produces flavorful, nuanced, and aromatic coffee.
- Brews hot coffee and espresso at an ideal temperature.
- Froths microfoam with a dry, airy texture—perfect for cappuccinos.
- Easy-to-use intuitive system with straightforward controls.
- Reasonable price for its feature set, often discounted to $2,399.
Cons:
- The water tank is relatively small, making it more suitable for singles or couples.
Quick Overview Of Jura We8
The Jura WE8 is a slightly larger espresso machine designed for small groups or households. It combines elegant design with reliable performance and is especially suited for those who enjoy milk-based beverages.
Key Features:
- One-Touch Simplicity: Brew a variety of drinks, including flat whites, lattes, and espressos, with minimal effort.
- PEP Technology: Ensures perfect espresso extraction for robust and aromatic flavors.
- AromaG3 Grinder: Operates quietly while delivering precise and consistent grinding.
- Milk Foam Excellence: Produces creamy and velvety milk foam, making it ideal for lattes and flat whites.
- Ideal Size: Its design fits well in most kitchens, making it a versatile choice for homeowners.
Pros:
- Delivers creamy and velvety milk foam, especially for lattes and flat whites.
- Operates quietly, even during grinding.
- Produces nuanced, flavorful, and aromatic coffee.
- Perfect size for an at-home espresso machine.
Cons:
- The milk temperature is warm but doesn’t reach very high, which may not satisfy those who prefer piping-hot milk-based drinks.
Conclusion
Both the Jura S8 and WE8 are exceptional coffee machines that cater to different needs, offering reliable performance and premium coffee quality. The Jura S8 stands out as the ideal choice for individuals or couples who prioritize versatility, smooth coffee flavors, and a superior milk frothing system. Its compact size, intuitive operation, and consistent performance make it a perfect fit for smaller households.
On the other hand, the Jura WE8 shines in settings where multiple people will be sharing the machine. Its larger water and bean capacities, along with its ability to brew robust, flavorful coffee, make it a strong contender for office spaces or families. However, its milk system and brewing temperature may not be as refined as the S8’s.
Ultimately, the Jura S8 takes the lead with its combination of stability, flavor quality, and advanced features. If you’re looking for a machine that delivers barista-level results with ease, the S8 is the way to go. But for those who prefer stronger coffee flavors and need a machine to serve a crowd, the WE8 is a dependable option.