Jura Z8 vs Z6: Which is Better?

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Wondering whether you should get the Jura Z8 or the Jura Z6? 

We’ve written this guide to help you make your decision. We’ll be comparing the Jura Z8 vs Z6, getting down to the nuts and bolts of each machine.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

• Similar features between the Jura Z8 and Z6

• Features that are different in either of these machines

• Which Jura model is better for you based on your requirements

QUICK SUMMARY

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Here’s our advice: 

Both of these machines are amazingly easy to use, delivering you quality espresso drinks even if you have little or no experience.

If you want more variety or simply like the user-friendliness of a touchscreen, then the Z8 will be a better choice for you.

On the other hand, if you don’t need too many drink options or you just want a superautomatic machine that’s a bit more affordable, the Jura Z6 is a worthy decision.

Prices are subject to change, however, so be sure to check the current prices before you buy either one.

With the Jura Z8, an impressive array of coffee shop-level drinks is a touchscreen away. This is the machine for you if you’d like to have over 20 drink products at your disposal with simply a few taps on a screen. 

The Jura Z6 makes 13 common espresso drinks as easy to prepare as pushing a button. Choose this model if you want only the café classics like cappuccinos and lattes with all the ease of a superautomatic machine. 

SIMILARITIES

SUPERAUTOMATIC MACHINES

Both the Jura Z8 and Z6 are superautomatic machines. 

What does that mean for you?

Basically, it means simplicity. With other types of espresso machines, you need to grind beans, tamp grounds, froth the milk, and sometimes even time the espresso shots. 

Superautomatic machines take all those steps out of the process. With the push of a button or swipe of a screen, either of these Jura models will make your drink for you, from freshly grinding the espresso to foaming your milk. 

That makes either of these models wonderful for beginners or those who need to focus on other things while they prepare their morning coffee. 

PULSE EXTRACTION PROCESS (P.E.P)

These Jura machines use Jura’s brilliant Pulse Extraction Process.

This safeguards the quality of each shot by pushing the water through the grounds in short bursts during extraction, rather than in a single stream. Because of this, the water is forced to reach every particle of coffee, which leads to a fuller flavor in your cup.

This technology is also designed to enhance the aromas of any kind of bean you choose. When you hold your finished cup at the end, you’ll be able to breathe in the soothing smell of coffee we all know and love.

ENERGY SAVE MODE (E.S.M.)

Energy-efficient features are not only environmentally friendly – they also help you save on your utility bills.

With either the Z8 or Z6, you’ll have an optional energy saving mode. 

When it’s active, the machine will automatically stop heating itself after each drink. Once you decide you’d like to make another drink, you’ll need to wait while the machine brings itself back up to temperature.

If you don’t want to wait in between beverages, you can switch the energy save mode off so the machine will keep itself hot continuously.

CLEARYL SMART FILTERS

If you want to enjoy truly high-end coffee from the comfort of your kitchen, you’ll want to ensure the ingredients you provide for each cup won’t hold you back, which includes your water.

The Z8 and Z6 help protect the quality of your water with Clearyl smart filter cartridges that you can choose to use or not. They filter out things like chlorine, aluminum, and copper, so that your home’s tap water doesn’t negatively impact your espresso.

Using water filters and softeners also helps defend your machine from harmful scaling, so you’ll be able to enjoy your Z8 or Z6 even longer.

ADJUSTABLE SPOUTS

Do you ever have mornings where you just need a little bit more caffeine to get going?

The Z8’s and Z6’s adjustable beverage spouts can be easily slid up or down so you can fit cups as large or small as you need right beneath them. This makes it a simple matter to get as much as you want all at once, rather than having to wait for multiple drinks to be made.

Or, if all you want is a single shot of espresso, you can push the spout down so it’s right over your shot glass. That way, the delicious layer of crema on top isn’t disturbed by a longer drop from the spout to the glass.

DIMENSIONS

Just as they have so many internal features in common, these Jura models are also a very similar size.

Measuring at 14.8 inches tall, 12.6 inches wide, and 17.7, the Jura Z6 is a pretty compact machine. The Z8, on the flipside, measures at 15 inches tall, 12.6 inches wide, and 17.7 inches deep, which is also a reasonable size.

Either way, you’ll find that it’s not at all difficult to fit these machines in wherever you need them to go, which is highly important if you’ve got crowded countertops.

DIFFERENCES

DRINK OPTIONS

Generally, the Z8 and the Z6 have more similarities than they do differences. 

But one of the most noticeable differences you’ll find between these two machines is the number of products each one can make. The Z6 can brew 13 different coffee shop drinks, including such well-loved classics like lattes or cappuccinos.

The Z8, however, has over 50% more drink options to choose from, with 21 different choices. Some of these include the traditional and tasty Americano with single and double-shot options or even a whole jug of coffee. 

JURA Z8 DUAL THERMOBLOCK SYSTEM

Within the Jura Z6, there’s only a single thermoblock system, which means it can’t steam and brew at the same time. 

If you have a little bit of time in the mornings to make your drink, this isn’t going to be an issue. But if speed is crucial, then you’ll love the Z8’s dual thermoblock system.

Because of its dual thermoblock design, the Z8 can steam your milk as it brews your espresso. This means your drink will be poured into your cup that much faster, reducing your wait time.

JURA Z8 TOUCHSCREEN DISPLAY

Chances are, you have a smartphone with a touchscreen you’ve grown familiar with.

One of the neatest features of the Jura Z8 is its touchscreen display, much like the one on the average smartphone. This makes it very easy to navigate through with just a few swipes and taps.

The screen is also a similar size to a smartphone, measuring at 4.3 inches.

Alternatively, the Jura Z6 uses a TFT color display. It looks a little like the touchscreen on the Z8, except that you operate it using a variety of buttons on either side instead of tapping the screen.

WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU GET? 

Because the Jura Z8 and Z6 are so alike, choosing between either of them is probably going to be a difficult decision. If you look closely, though, there are differences between them that may make you choose one over the other.

Of course, one difference is the price. If you’re looking for something that’s a bit less of an expenditure, you can’t go wrong with the Jura Z6. 

You can usually find the Z6 for less money than the Z8, but prices are subject to change. Make sure you check the prices as you look into the Z8 and Z6.

The Z6 is also a valid pick if you just want to be able to make coffee shop classics at home without all the extra bells and whistles.

But if you want more drinks to choose from, the Jura Z8 is going to give you a wider variety. This may also be important to you if more than one person is going to be using the machine, especially if that person has different tastes from yours.

For mornings or evenings where you need a quick drink before you dash out the door, the Z8’s dual thermoblock system can’t be beat. Your drinks will be poured just a bit faster than with the Z6, and that time can really add up.

Ease of use is something else you can think about. Some people prefer the satisfaction of pushing a button over tapping a screen, and if that sounds like you, then the Z6 is a great match.

However, if you enjoy the familiarity of a touchscreen, the Z8 has you covered.

You can find more information on either of these Jura models here: