If you’re new to owning an espresso machine, comparing the Jura Z6 to the Giga 6 can give you a good sense of what to expect from a high-end bean-to-cup espresso maker. The Jura Z6 is the more budget-friendly option, but it doesn’t quite stack up to the Giga 6 in terms of features and performance.
The Giga 6 stands out with its dual grinders, dual thermoblocks, two water filters, and a wider range of coffee specialties. On the other hand, the Jura Z6 comes with a steel burr grinder, fewer coffee drink options, and a simpler TFT display.
When it comes to performance, the Giga 6 shines for those who enjoy multiple espressos a day. It maintains temperature and consistency between cups without requiring any waiting time. This machine can quickly craft complex drinks like a flat white without losing the espresso’s natural intensity.
While the Jura Z6 offers excellent shot quality and solid performance, it doesn’t quite match the premium feel or the extensive features of the Giga 6. That’s likely why the Giga 6 comes with a significantly higher price tag.
Jura Z6 vs Giga 6: Comparision
The Jura Giga 6 (model 15357) and the Jura Z6 (model 15093) both offer premium coffee experiences, but they differ in several key features. The Giga 6 is larger, measuring 18.05 x 12.6 x 16.3 inches, compared to the Z6’s 17.7 x 12.6 x 14.8 inches. The Giga 6 is also heavier at 39.7 pounds, with a 1500W power rating, while the Z6 weighs 25.4 pounds and runs on 1450W power at 120V. The water tank in the Giga 6 holds 87 ounces, slightly more than the Z6’s 81 ounces.
When it comes to bean storage, the Giga 6 features two 277g bean hoppers, while the Z6 has a single 280g hopper. The Giga 6 also includes a dual thermoblock heating system, compared to the Z6’s single thermoblock. In terms of grinders, the Giga 6 uses a dual ceramic disc grinder system, while the Z6 has a steel conical burr grinder.
The Giga 6 offers a wide variety of coffee options with 28 specialty drinks, compared to the Z6’s 13. Both machines offer three brewing temperature settings and ten milk temperature levels, as well as programmable volume settings. The Giga 6 features a 4.3-inch touchscreen display, while the Z6 has a TFT color display with buttons. Both models come with a coffee grounds container that holds 20 coffee pucks.
For customization, the Giga 6 has an adjustable dual coffee spout that ranges from 2.7 to 6.2 inches, while the Z6’s spout adjusts from 3.2 to 6 inches. What sets the Giga 6 apart are its features like adjustable ceramic disc grinders, the ability to brew up to 28 drinks with one-touch functionality, a responsive touchscreen, and faster bean grinding with no overheating or noise. It also offers quicker customization, auto rinsing for easy maintenance, and excellent espresso with Pre-Infusion and PEP technology.
Both machines provide programmable coffee volume, strength, and temperature, but the Giga 6’s design is especially intuitive. The Z6, though slightly more compact, still delivers great results with delicious ristretto and espresso, easy-to-refill water tanks with filters, and a barista-quality aroma intensity. While the prices for both machines aren’t available, the Giga 6’s extensive features and customization options come at a higher price point.
Jura Z6 vs Giga 6: Differences
The Jura Giga 6 takes a 4-1 lead over the Jura Z6, thanks to its faster brewing unit equipped with two grinders and two thermoblocks. This allows it to prepare a wider variety of coffee specialties without compromising on temperature control or precision.
COFFEE FLAVOUR
Winner: Jura Giga 6
BUILT-IN GRINDER
When it comes to coffee flavor, the built-in grinder plays a significant role in the extraction and overall taste of the espresso. The Jura Z6 is equipped with a professional Aroma G3 conical grinder, which excels at achieving the perfect fineness while preserving the aroma of the coffee beans. Jura claims a 12.2% enhancement in aroma with this grinder, though this is a difficult claim to substantiate. The Aroma G3 grinder also benefits from a fast grinding mechanism that reduces wait times while keeping noise levels low, and it avoids the overheating issues common with flat grinders that can negatively affect the taste.
In contrast, the Jura Giga 6 features a pair of electronically adjustable flat-burr grinders made from ceramic. These grinders also prevent overheating, which gives them an edge over the stainless steel disc grinders typically used in other machines. The Giga 6’s grinders are quieter (around 68 dB), although not quite as silent as the Aroma G3. Regarding grind settings, the Jura Z6 offers six levels of grind adjustment, but the Giga 6 takes it a step further with five settings per grinder, which can be controlled via its touchscreen. The Giga 6 also allows for more customization with the ability to adjust the blend of beans from the two hoppers in various proportions, offering greater control over the flavor profile.
HEATING SYSTEM
The Jura Z6 comes with a single thermoblock, while the Giga 6 is equipped with a dual thermoblock system, allowing for simultaneous brewing and steaming. This setup in the Giga 6 is perfect for environments that demand quick beverage preparation, such as coffee shops or busy offices, as it can produce two milk-based drinks at once.
On the other hand, the Jura Z6 requires you to complete either brewing or steaming first, with a short pause while it heats up for the second process. However, the Z6’s thermoblock system does minimize downtime by heating only the necessary water on demand, which is much faster than traditional boilers. For home use, this is generally sufficient, though the Giga 6’s dual thermoblocks might be overkill unless you need to prepare drinks quickly in large quantities.
BREWING SYSTEM
Both the Jura Z6 and Giga 6 deliver balanced, flavorful espressos, thanks to their advanced brewing systems. The secret lies in their use of the Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System (IPBAS) and Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.). The IPBAS pre-infuses the coffee grounds with a small amount of heated water, ensuring the best possible extraction. Then, the P.E.P. delivers small bursts of hot water over the grounds in rapid intervals, enhancing the espresso’s flavor and creating a smooth, rich cup. Both machines perform admirably in this regard, with only minor differences in their brewing speed and consistency.
MILK FROTHING SYSTEM
For milk frothing, both the Jura Z6 and Giga 6 use an auto-frothing system, which is a convenient feature for those who prefer a hands-off approach. Instead of using a traditional frothing wand, all you need to do is connect a milk container and press a button to create the perfect milk foam for drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. However, Jura’s omission of a milk carafe is a bit disappointing, as it requires you to purchase one separately. Fortunately, you can use any milk container you already own, which can save you some extra money.
Both machines provide extensive options to adjust the milk and foam to your liking, with 10 different temperature levels for milk and foam and the ability to control the amount of milk used in your drinks. While these machines make frothing easy, don’t expect the same level of finesse you’d get from a barista using a traditional wand. The auto-frothing system is beginner-friendly, but it won’t provide the same artistry that comes with manual frothing.
DESIGN & USABILITY
Winner: Jura Giga 6
DIMENSIONS, FOOTPRINT, & WEIGHT
The Jura Z6 and Jura Giga 6 both have sleek, modern designs, but they prioritize function over extravagant aesthetics. Neither machine is particularly eye-catching in a dramatic way, as Jura focuses more on efficiency and performance. Both models feature aluminum finishes, which lend a sophisticated, contemporary look to your kitchen. Though aluminum might not be as durable as stainless steel, with proper care, these machines will continue delivering excellent coffee for years.
The Giga 6 is noticeably larger and heavier, measuring 12.6 x 16.3 x 19.6 inches and weighing 39.7 lbs. It is more suited for larger kitchens or spaces where countertop space is not an issue. On the other hand, the Jura Z6 is slightly more compact, measuring 12.6 x 14.8 x 17.7 inches and weighing just 25.4 lbs, making it a better option for smaller or more crowded kitchens.
PRE-PROGRAMMED COFFEE OPTIONS
Both the Jura Z6 and Giga 6 have a wide range of pre-programmed coffee options, catering to a variety of preferences. They can prepare a classic selection of beverages like espresso, cappuccino, ristretto, and latte macchiato, along with some more specific drinks like macchiato and caffè latte. However, the Giga 6 offers more variety, including drinks like caffè barista and americano, along with the ability to make two cups of each drink simultaneously. This makes the Giga 6 a more versatile choice for those who want to serve multiple coffee lovers at once.
Both machines offer fine control over the coffee experience with adjustable settings for coffee strength (10 levels), milk temperature (10 levels), brewing temperature (3 levels), and water temperature (3 levels). This allows users to experiment and customize their drinks to perfection. Additionally, you can save these preferences for easy access in the future. Both models also feature a bypass grinder chute, allowing you to use pre-ground coffee for convenience, especially for decaffeinated options.
SPOUT & CUP CLEARANCE
Both machines have a dual butterfly-like coffee spout, allowing vertical and horizontal adjustability. The Jura Z6 offers a slightly higher cup clearance (3.2 – 6 inches), which theoretically accommodates a wider range of cup sizes compared to the Giga 6 (2.7 – 6.2 inches), though the difference is minor. One noteworthy feature of both machines is the “cup illumination,” which not only adds a touch of visual flair but also helps users see their coffee being dispensed, especially in low light.
The Giga 6 has an additional advantage with its dual milk spout, allowing you to brew two milk-based beverages at once, while the Z6 only has a single milk spout. This feature makes the Giga 6 more efficient for those who frequently prepare multiple milk-based drinks at once.
WATER RESERVOIR & BEAN HOPPER
The Jura Z6 features a 2.4-liter water reservoir, which is adequate for home use but may require more frequent refills in a commercial setting. It also includes water tank illumination, which makes it easier to check the water level, preventing interruptions during brewing.
The Giga 6 has a slightly larger 2.6-liter water reservoir, providing a bit more capacity for longer usage between refills. Both machines have a 0.29-liter bean hopper, but the Giga 6 offers the advantage of having two separate hoppers, each with a capacity of 280g. This allows you to mix two different types of beans or control the ratio of fine and coarse grounds, giving users more flexibility to experiment with coffee flavors. Additionally, both machines come with airtight aroma preservation lids, ensuring that beans stay fresh for longer periods.
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE
Winner: Tie
Both the Jura Z6 and Giga 6 make cleaning and maintenance easy by automating many processes. These machines alert you when it’s time to clean or descale, and the actual process is hands-free. You only need to provide the necessary cleaning agents, like descaling tablets and milk cleaner, and follow the display’s step-by-step instructions.
Daily or monthly tasks, such as emptying the drip tray and dregs basket, wiping down the exterior, and changing the milk pipe every few months, are minimal. Both machines are compatible with Clearyl Smart water filtration, which reduces chlorine and other impurities, helping to prevent scale buildup and prolong the life of the machines.
UTILITIES & OTHER FEATURES
Winner: Jura Giga 6
USER INTERFACE & APP CONNECTIVITY
The Jura Giga 6 is equipped with a modern 4.3-inch touchscreen display, while the Jura Z6 has a color TFT display. Both machines are intuitive to use, allowing you to select drinks, adjust settings, and monitor the machine’s needs with ease. Both models also feature self-learning algorithms, which remember your preferences and place your most frequently used drinks on the start screen for quick access.
Additionally, both machines are WiFi-enabled, meaning you can connect them to your smartphone or tablet. This allows you to control the machines remotely from anywhere in your home, making it even more convenient to brew your perfect coffee, whether you’re in the kitchen or relaxing in your living room.
ENERGY SAVING
Both the Jura Z6 and Giga 6 include Energy Saving Mode (ESM), which helps reduce power consumption. The “Automatic switch-off” feature ensures the machine shuts down after a set time, preventing unnecessary power use. The Giga 6 takes it a step further with a “Timer” feature, allowing you to schedule when the machine starts and stops each day, making it perfect for those who have a regular coffee routine.
Quick Overview of Jura Giga 6 15357
The Jura Giga 6 Automatic Coffee Machine is a high-performance coffee maker designed to offer a premium brewing experience with a range of advanced features.
Pros:
- Adjustable Ceramic Disc Grinders with Two Bean Hoppers: The Giga 6 is equipped with two separate bean hoppers, allowing you to store two different types of coffee beans and adjust the grind settings for the perfect cup.
- Smooth and Creamy Milk: The Giga 6 consistently produces creamy, silky milk for lattes and cappuccinos, thanks to its advanced milk frothing technology.
- Quick Heating Time: The machine heats up in less than 30 seconds, making it quick and convenient for those in a rush.
- Responsive Touchscreen: The touchscreen display is intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing you to customize settings and select your desired coffee with ease.
- Efficient Grinding: The ceramic disc grinders provide fast, even grinding without overheating, ensuring that your beans are ground quietly and efficiently.
- App Integration for Automatic Brewing: You can control the Giga 6 through its app, which allows for automatic brewing and remote management from your phone.
- 28 Coffee Specialties with One-Touch Brewing: The Giga 6 offers up to 28 different coffee options, all accessible with a single touch of a button, catering to a wide range of coffee preferences.
Cons:
- No Custom Drink Saving: While you can customize your coffee, the machine does not allow you to save your custom settings for future use, meaning you’ll have to manually adjust each time.
- Dialing in Grind Settings Takes Time: Finding the perfect grind setting for your preferred coffee can take some trial and error, requiring a bit of patience to perfect.
Quick Rundown of Jura Z6 15093
The Jura Z6 is another high-end coffee machine from Jura, packed with features that enhance its performance, especially in terms of espresso quality.
Pros:
- E.P. (Pulse Extraction Process) for Espresso: The Z6 uses pulse extraction technology to extract more flavor from the coffee, resulting in a rich, aromatic espresso with a complex bouquet of flavors.
- Programmable Coffee Volume, Strength, and Temperature: You can easily adjust the coffee volume, strength, and temperature for a personalized brewing experience. It even lets you tweak the hot water temperature with 3 levels of adjustment.
- Quick Customization: The Z6 is user-friendly and allows for quicker customization of your drink settings, making it easy to find your perfect cup of coffee.
- Easy to Clean and Maintain: The Jura Z6 includes auto rinsing and other easy-clean features, making maintenance simple and hassle-free.
- Delicious Espresso and Ristretto: The Z6 excels at brewing espresso and ristretto, delivering barista-quality flavors.
- Convenient Water Tank: The water tank is easy to refill and comes with a built-in filter, which helps improve water quality and prolongs the machine’s lifespan.
- Barista-Level Aroma Intensity: The Z6’s brewing technology ensures a professional-level intensity in the flavor of your coffee.
Cons:
- Small Bean Hopper: The Z6’s bean hopper has a smaller capacity, which may require more frequent refills, especially for households or offices with heavy coffee drinkers.
- Not Ideal for Large Groups: Due to its compact size and smaller hopper, the Z6 is better suited for home use or smaller office settings rather than large gatherings.
- Frequent Drip Tray Emptying: The drip tray needs to be emptied regularly, which could be a minor inconvenience for those who prefer less maintenance.
Conclusion
When comparing the Jura Z6 and Jura Giga 6, both machines stand out as high-performance, super-automatic espresso makers, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences.
The Jura Giga 6 is the clear winner for those seeking versatility, speed, and high-tech features. Its dual bean hoppers and adjustable ceramic grinders make it ideal for coffee enthusiasts who want to experiment with different bean blends and grind settings. The Giga 6’s touchscreen interface, quick heating time, and app connectivity add convenience and innovation, especially for those who want control over their coffee from anywhere. It’s perfect for busy households, offices, or small cafes due to its ability to brew multiple cups at once and handle a wide variety of coffee drinks with one-touch functionality.
On the other hand, the Jura Z6 excels in espresso quality and is better suited for users who prioritize simplicity and flavor. With its Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.) and pre-infusion technology, the Z6 delivers a premium espresso experience with rich aromas and flavors. It’s compact, easy to maintain, and ideal for home users or small setups where espresso and ristretto are the main focus. While it doesn’t have the same level of customization or dual hopper system as the Giga 6, it still offers an exceptional brewing experience and is simpler to navigate.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a more powerful, feature-packed machine with greater capacity and flexibility, the Jura Giga 6 is the better choice. However, if you prefer a more straightforward machine with a focus on espresso quality and ease of use, the Jura Z6 will meet your needs perfectly. Both are excellent machines, but your decision should depend on your specific brewing preferences and how much you’re willing to invest in advanced features.