Jura J8 Twin Review

The Jura J8 Twin Espresso Machine promises a lot, and given the high-end status of Jura’s line of products, it sets some lofty expectations for home espresso enthusiasts. After spending ample time using the machine, exploring its features, and testing its capacity to brew perfect cups of espresso, this in-depth review will provide a comprehensive look at every feature and characteristic of the Jura J8.

Jura is a Swiss brand synonymous with high-quality espresso machines designed for both the home and small office markets. The Jura J8 Twin Espresso Machine positions itself as a premium option in their lineup, boasting advanced features aimed at delivering top-tier espresso and specialty coffee beverages with a strong emphasis on ease of use and customization.

I was excited to get my hands on this machine, especially because it offers dual spouts and a variety of other high-tech features that should cater to both espresso purists and those who enjoy frothy milk-based drinks. Over the past few weeks, I’ve made everything from straight espressos to cappuccinos and lattes, putting every aspect of this machine to the test.

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Jura J8 Twin Specifications

Specification	Details
Brand	Jura
Model	J8 Twin
Type	Super-Automatic Espresso Machine
Dimensions (WxHxD)	12.7 x 13.8 x 18.5 inches
Weight	22 lbs (10 kg)
Water Tank Capacity	1.9 liters (64 oz)
Bean Hopper Capacity	280 grams (9.9 oz)
Grinder Type	Professional Aroma Grinder (Conical Burr)
Grind Settings	Adjustable (several levels)
Pre-Brew System	Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System (I.P.B.A.S.)
Dual Spout	Yes
Brewing Options	Espresso, Ristretto, Coffee, Cappuccino, Latte Macchiato, Flat White, etc.
Milk Frothing System	Fine Foam Technology
Milk Container	External (Not included)
Display Type	Full-Color Touchscreen
User Profiles	Multiple Programmable Profiles
Pump Pressure	15 bars
Heating System	Thermoblock Heating System
Energy Saving Mode	Yes
Cleaning Programs	Automatic Cleaning, Descaling, and Rinsing
Water Filtration	CLARIS Smart Water Filter
Used Grounds Container Capacity	Approx. 15-20 servings
Cup Clearance (Height)	Adjustable (2.5 to 6 inches)
Power	1450 watts
Voltage	120V, 60Hz
Warranty	2 years
Country of Origin	Switzerland

Design & Build Quality

Jura machines are known for their sleek, modern designs, and the J8 is no exception. Right out of the box, the machine looks professional, with a design that speaks to its premium nature.

Materials:

• The Jura J8 is constructed with high-quality plastics and metal accents that feel robust and durable.
• The front panel is glossy with a mixture of matte and polished surfaces, making it look sophisticated, while still being easy to wipe clean.
• The spouts and drip tray feature stainless steel finishes, adding to its modern aesthetic and giving it that “café machine” feel.

Footprint:

• One of the first things you’ll notice about the J8 is its size. While not the smallest machine, it’s reasonably compact for a twin espresso system, making it suitable for most countertops without being obtrusive.
• It’s larger than entry-level espresso machines but smaller than the commercial machines you might find in coffee shops. This middle ground means it offers powerful features without overwhelming your kitchen space.

Twin Spouts:

• The dual coffee spouts are well-positioned, allowing you to brew two drinks simultaneously. Whether you’re making two espressos or a double latte for yourself, the functionality is a real time-saver.
• The spouts are adjustable, moving up and down to accommodate different cup sizes, from small espresso cups to larger travel mugs. This flexibility is important for those who like to switch between various drink sizes.

Water Tank & Bean Hopper:

• The water tank is located at the side of the machine and holds a decent amount of water (around 1.9 liters). This means fewer refills even when making several cups of coffee back-to-back.
• The bean hopper can hold approximately 280 grams of coffee beans, which is more than enough for home use. The hopper also has an aroma preservation lid, which helps to keep your beans fresh, a thoughtful feature for those who don’t drink coffee every day.

Overall, the Jura J8’s design balances aesthetic appeal with functionality. Its build quality feels solid and durable, suitable for long-term use.

User Interface & Ease of Use

Display:

• The Jura J8 features a bright color display screen that is intuitive and easy to navigate. It’s a touchscreen, which makes selecting coffee options straightforward.
• Icons for drinks are clearly displayed, and the machine offers step-by-step guidance on cleaning, brewing, and frothing, making the user experience seamless.

Controls:

• The machine has both physical buttons and the touchscreen interface. For those who prefer tactile controls, the physical buttons offer quick access to commonly used settings.
• You can adjust drink settings such as coffee strength, milk foam, and water volume right from the control panel, and the process is as easy as tapping a button or scrolling through menus.

Ease of Use:

• I found the machine incredibly user-friendly, even for someone who may not be a coffee expert. Jura’s built-in programs guide you through every step of making a coffee, and you don’t need to be a barista to brew an impressive cup.
• Jura’s “One-Touch” functionality lives up to its name. Whether making an espresso, cappuccino, or flat white, the machine automates the entire process.
• It’s particularly handy in a morning rush — with a simple press, I had two perfect espressos ready in less than a minute.

Grinding & Brewing Features

Integrated Grinder:

• The Jura J8 comes with an integrated grinder, which is a standard feature for most of Jura’s high-end machines. However, the quality of this grinder is exceptional.
• The machine uses a professional-grade conical burr grinder that ensures uniform particle size, which is crucial for extracting the perfect espresso shot. The grind consistency is excellent, and you can adjust the fineness using a dial inside the bean hopper.

Grind Settings:

• There are a few grind fineness options, and while they aren’t as customizable as a dedicated grinder, they offer enough variation for different coffee types.
• For someone who prefers a light roast, the coarser setting is excellent, and for those who love dark roasts, the finer grind works well to bring out the oils and flavors.

Pre-Brewing Function:

• Jura machines are known for their “Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System” (I.P.B.A.S.), and the J8 has this feature too. This technology allows the coffee grounds to be pre-infused with hot water before brewing, which helps to extract the coffee’s full flavor.
• This feature makes a noticeable difference in the richness and complexity of the espresso. Compared to a standard espresso machine, the pre-brewing really enhances the crema and depth of flavor.

Dual Brewing:

• The twin spout system allows for dual brewing, so you can pull two espresso shots at once. This is perfect for couples or when you need an extra caffeine hit.
• However, if you’re making two different drinks (e.g., a cappuccino and an espresso), you’ll need to manually set each beverage, which is a small drawback in an otherwise efficient process.

Milk Frothing System

One of the stand-out features of the Jura J8 is its milk frothing system.

Integrated Frother:

• The frothing system is automatic, and like the rest of the machine, it’s easy to use. You simply attach the milk tube to the container or directly to a milk carton, and the machine takes care of the rest.
• The Jura J8 uses a fine foam technology to produce creamy, micro-foam, ideal for lattes and cappuccinos.

Customization:

• You can adjust the foam texture and the milk temperature, which allows for some personalization depending on your preference. If you like a frothier cappuccino or a more subtle foam for a latte, these options will suit you well.
• I tested the machine with both cow’s milk and plant-based milk alternatives (such as almond and oat milk), and I was impressed by how well it handled both. The micro-foam was consistent and rich regardless of the milk type.

Cleaning the Frother:

• A major concern with machines that include milk systems is how easy it is to clean. The Jura J8 simplifies this process with an automatic milk-cleaning system. After each use, you can press the cleaning button, and the machine flushes the milk tube with hot water.
• There are also deeper cleaning programs you can run weekly or bi-weekly, depending on usage, ensuring the milk system stays hygienic.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Jura is renowned for its automated cleaning systems, and the J8 upholds this reputation.

Automated Cleaning Cycles:

• The J8 automatically prompts you when it’s time to clean different components, including descaling, cleaning the brewing unit, and running a milk system cleaning cycle.
• The machine uses specialized cleaning tablets for deep cleaning, and it walks you through the entire process step-by-step.

Drip Tray & Grounds Container:

• The drip tray is removable and has a large capacity, which reduces how often it needs to be emptied. It’s also dishwasher-safe, which is a nice convenience.
• The grounds container holds a decent number of pucks (around 15 to 20), and removing it is straightforward for easy disposal.

Water Filter:

• The Jura J8 comes with an integrated water filter system that helps reduce the need for descaling by purifying the water used in brewing. The machine will alert you when the filter needs to be replaced.
• With Jura’s “CLARIS Smart” filter system, the machine recognizes when the filter is installed and adjusts its settings accordingly.

Ease of Maintenance:

• Maintenance is minimal and mostly automated, which makes it easy to keep the machine running in optimal condition. The only manual tasks are emptying the drip tray and grounds container and replacing the water filter periodically.

Programmability & Customization

The Jura J8 excels in customization, allowing you to tailor your coffee exactly how you like it.

Drink Customization:

• You can customize almost every aspect of your drink. Options include adjusting the coffee strength (from mild to extra-strong), grind size, milk foam texture, and water volume.
• Once you find your perfect settings, you can save them to your profile. This feature is especially helpful in a household with multiple coffee drinkers, as each person can save their preferred settings.

User Profiles:

• The machine supports multiple user profiles. Each profile can store various drink preferences, which makes it easy for everyone to get their favorite beverage with a single button press.
• Creating and managing these profiles is simple, thanks to the intuitive interface.

Pre-Programmed Drinks:

• The Jura J8 comes pre-loaded with a wide array of drinks. You can make espressos, ristretto, lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, macchiatos, and even specialty drinks like cortados.
• Each pre-programmed drink can be customized to suit your taste, or you can create your own recipe from scratch.

Coffee Quality

Ultimately, the most important factor in any espresso machine is the quality of the coffee it produces, and the Jura J8 does not disappoint.

Espresso:

• The espresso produced by the Jura J8 is top-notch. It consistently pulls rich, aromatic shots with a thick crema. The extraction process is smooth, and I rarely encountered any issues with over-extraction or under-extraction.
• The pre-brewing system enhances the flavor complexity, resulting in espresso that rivals café-quality.

Milk-Based Drinks:

• The milk frother produces excellent micro-foam for lattes and cappuccinos. The consistency of the milk texture is impressive, especially considering it’s fully automated.
• Lattes have a creamy, smooth texture, and cappuccinos feature a thick, foamy layer, just as they should.

Temperature Consistency:

• The J8 maintains consistent brewing and milk temperatures, ensuring that your coffee is never too cold or too hot. This consistency is key for enjoying a perfect cup every time.

Coffee Strength:

• You can adjust the coffee strength, which is especially useful if you enjoy a stronger or milder brew. The machine offers enough range to suit both casual coffee drinkers and those who prefer a more intense espresso shot.

Speed & Efficiency

For an automatic espresso machine, the Jura J8 is impressively fast.

Start-up Time:

• From the moment you turn the machine on, it takes less than a minute to heat up and be ready to brew. This quick start-up time is a boon for those in a rush in the morning.

Brew Time:

• Once the machine is warmed up, pulling an espresso shot takes about 30 seconds, while a milk-based drink like a cappuccino takes around 90 seconds to prepare. Considering the quality of the drinks, these times are more than reasonable.

Two Drinks at Once:

• The twin spouts allow for simultaneous brewing of two espressos or other black coffee drinks, further saving time.

Durability & Reliability

Build Quality:

• The Jura J8 feels like a well-built machine, with sturdy materials and solid construction. The grinder, brewing unit, and milk system all operate smoothly, even after weeks of regular use.
• Unlike some cheaper machines, there’s no creaking or rattling parts — everything feels well-assembled and reliable.

Reliability:

• In terms of reliability, Jura machines have a strong reputation for lasting many years. I haven’t experienced any glitches or malfunctions during my time with the J8, and based on Jura’s reputation, I expect it to continue performing well long-term.

Warranty:

• The Jura J8 comes with a standard two-year warranty, which is comforting given the machine’s premium price tag. Jura also offers excellent customer service should any issues arise.

Price & Value for Money

The Jura J8 is undeniably an investment. It sits at the higher end of the price spectrum for home espresso machines, but it offers a premium experience.

Price:

• Depending on where you purchase it, the Jura J8 typically retails between $2,200 and $2,500. While this is steep, it’s worth considering the range of features and the overall quality of the machine.

Value for Money:

• Given the coffee quality, ease of use, and customization options, the Jura J8 offers solid value for those who take their coffee seriously. If you’re a casual coffee drinker, this machine may be overkill. However, for those who want café-quality coffee at home, the Jura J8 delivers and is well worth the investment.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional espresso quality with rich flavor and thick crema.
• Fully automatic milk frothing system with customizable foam texture.
• Twin spouts allow for simultaneous brewing of two drinks.
• Wide array of pre-programmed drinks and extensive customization options.
• Intuitive and easy-to-use interface with touchscreen controls.
• Durable build quality and reliable performance.
• Automated cleaning and maintenance cycles.

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other home espresso machines.
• Takes up more counter space than smaller machines.
• Noisy grinder (though not excessively loud, it’s noticeable).
• Somewhat limited grind adjustment options for fine-tuning extraction.

Comparison with Alternatives

Jura J8 Twin vs. De’Longhi Dinamica Plus

The Jura J8 Twin and De’Longhi Dinamica Plus are both premium super-automatic espresso machines, offering high-quality coffee and ease of use. However, there are distinct differences that set them apart.

The Jura J8 Twin excels in customization, with programmable profiles and an intuitive touchscreen interface. Its dual spouts allow for simultaneous brewing of two drinks, making it ideal for households with multiple coffee drinkers. The fine foam technology in its milk frother produces consistently creamy micro-foam, perfect for cappuccinos and lattes. With Jura’s intelligent pre-brew system, it extracts rich, aromatic espresso with a thick crema every time.

The De’Longhi Dinamica Plus, while slightly more affordable, offers a more compact design with an equally user-friendly display. It features the “LatteCrema” milk system, producing excellent froth. However, it only supports single brewing at a time and lacks the multiple user profile options found in the Jura J8. The Dinamica Plus is best suited for those looking for a reliable, feature-rich machine at a lower price point.

In terms of value, the Jura J8 Twin delivers a more robust and personalized experience, though the De’Longhi Dinamica Plus is an attractive option for those prioritizing a lower cost and more compact footprint.

Jura J8 Twin vs. Saeco Xelsis Super-Automatic

The Jura J8 Twin and the Saeco Xelsis are both top-tier super-automatic espresso machines, catering to coffee lovers who value convenience, versatility, and precision.

The Jura J8 Twin stands out for its dual coffee spouts, allowing you to brew two drinks simultaneously, which is a significant advantage for households with multiple users. It features a high-end conical burr grinder and Jura’s patented pre-brew system, resulting in richer espresso with a more consistent crema. The milk frothing system is automatic and produces silky micro-foam, while the intuitive touchscreen interface and customizable user profiles add to the machine’s luxury feel.

The Saeco Xelsis, on the other hand, offers a slightly more affordable but equally powerful alternative. It also features an intuitive touchscreen and customizable profiles, but it lacks the dual spout capability of the Jura J8. The Saeco excels with its unique “LatteDuo” system, which allows you to froth milk for two drinks simultaneously. It offers even more detailed drink customization, including temperature control and milk texture.

While the Saeco Xelsis offers more fine-tuning options, the Jura J8 Twin edges it out with its dual brewing functionality, making it more efficient for high-demand use. Both are solid choices, but the Jura is slightly more premium, both in price and features.

Jura J8 Twin vs. Breville Oracle Touch

When comparing the Jura J8 Twin to the Breville Oracle Touch, the distinction between super-automatic and semi-automatic machines becomes clear. The Jura J8 Twin is a fully automatic espresso machine that handles everything from grinding to milk frothing with minimal input. With its customizable drink profiles, dual spouts, and pre-brew technology, it offers exceptional coffee quality with little effort. It’s perfect for users who want a hassle-free, push-button experience.

The Breville Oracle Touch, while also automated in some aspects, offers a more hands-on experience, giving users more control over variables like grind size, tamping pressure, and extraction time. Its integrated steam wand allows for manual milk frothing, which appeals to more advanced users who want to perfect their latte art. Breville’s machine offers greater control over the brewing process but requires more user involvement, making it ideal for those who enjoy the ritual of crafting espresso.

In terms of convenience, the Jura J8 is superior, with features like dual drink capability and automatic cleaning cycles. However, the Oracle Touch is better suited for those who prioritize flexibility and control over their coffee-making process. The Breville also comes in at a lower price point, making it an appealing option for enthusiasts willing to put in the extra effort for a customized brew.

Conclusion

The Jura J8 Twin Espresso Machine is a top-tier choice for coffee aficionados who want the convenience of an automatic machine without sacrificing coffee quality. Its sleek design, intuitive interface, and fully customizable settings make it a pleasure to use, while the quality of the espresso and milk-based drinks is consistently impressive.

While the price may be a deterrent for some, those willing to invest in a premium coffee experience will find that the Jura J8 is worth every penny. It’s fast, reliable, and offers a café-like experience right in your home. Whether you’re pulling a single espresso shot or crafting a frothy cappuccino, this machine delivers with style and precision.