Jura Coffee Machines for Home: Jura ENA Micro 90 VS Jura E8

Not all things are created equal within the Jura coffee machine range. We decided to review two seemingly different machines to see the major benefits of both, the major differences, as well as which might suit you better in you specific requirements.

Jura ENA Micro 90

The Jura ENA Micro was the first one-cup machine in the world with P.E.P. This machine pioneered one of the most coveted technological systems, that has now been introduced to all new Jura coffee machines going forward.

This machine does not dress up or pretend to be anything it is not. If you’re a home user, who wants Jura quality at the touch of a button (without the lifelong price tag ordinarily associated with Jura coffee machines) – and if you enjoy your milk-based coffee drinks, then this might be right up your alley.

If you’re looking for a workhorse coffee machine with fancy displays, and all the bells and whistles – I might suggest considering another type of Jura coffee machine.

This machine is compact and cosy, and slots in nicely to almost any area that you’d like. The rotary-dial display is easy to understand, but does not offer the TFT display we have come to be familiar with of late.

It features a considerably small water tank – reaching capacity at just over 1 litre – a consideration you may need to factor in if you are looking for as little input into your machine as possible. This also ties in with the smaller bean hopper which also reaches capacity at 125g, about half of the normal bean hopper size we have become accustomed to. Although this machine is one-touch, it is still only able to dispense one cup at a time – as there is a single spout.

The compact one-touch machine can prepare the full range of specialities, from Latte Macchiato, Cappuccino and milk foam or coffee, espresso or hot water – at the touch of a button. And with its energy-saving mode it also offers outstanding energy efficiency.

In short – if you’re looking for quality over quantity, need an easy-to-use and affordable machine for a small area, and are not too fussed with the aesthetic of the machine – then this might just be the “droid” you’re looking for!

Jura E8

Off the bat, the aesthetic of the Jura E8 is a stunner! This is the first undeniable contrast between the ENA Micro 90 and the E8.

The Jura E8 has a slightly higher tank capacity – coming in at 1.9 litres, but over double the bean hopper capacity of the ENA Micro 90 – 280g. This means a significantly higher coffee cup yield between fillings, as well as a far quicker output, thanks to it’s double spout.
See, the ENA micro 9 has all the same drink options – but is restricted to producing one cup per brew as the single spout limits it. The E8 has a double spout, and as such, can produce the same drink – at twice the speed or double the amount.

Furthermore, the E8 has adjustable strength and temperature settings – you can cycle through the options and adjust either per cup or as a whole.
The TFT Display screen lends an air of elegance to the machine, and also adds to it’s user-friendly appeal.

This machine will be far easier to use, for first-time users in comparison to the ENA Micro 90. We see the continuation of the presence of P.E.P technology – something benchmarked by the ENA range and is omnipresent in all later models from Jura.

In summary for the Jura E8 – if you’re looking for a slightly higher and quicker output than the ENA Micro 90, with highly improved aesthetics to boot – the Jura E8 could very well fill the void.

However, again, this machine (as well as the ENA Micro 90) is not at all suitable for large offices (at most, an office of around 10 people may use this machine safely.) If your aim is to impress, have ultimate style, sophistication and Jura quality at your home (and you’re not worried to cough up a little extra for this beaut) – then buy all means, go get yourself an E8.

Jura ENA Micro 90 VS Jura E8: The Verdict

These machines are exceptionally close in output capabilities and limitations. The real difference lies in three main aspects, as outlined below:

Aesthetic – the ENA Micro 90 is your entry-level machine, so don’t expect too much from it. What you see is what you get in this instance. The E8, inversely, offers beautiful and modern TFT displays and (in my opinion, at least), a more sleek outer design.

Jura ENA Micro 90 VS Jura E8 Price – the ENA Micro 90 retails for approximately R 13 000.00 for outright purchase (rental will differ between companies) – whereas the Jura E8 comes in at around R 15 500.00 for outright purchase. You can see the price is not significantly higher – but it is a factor some buyers may want to consider.

Output – the ENA Micro 90, as previously mentioned, is limited to a single spout, whereas the E8 has a double spout. The drink selection options are exactly the same, allowing for all our regular coffee drinks (Lattes, Espresso, Americano and Cappuccino) as well as hot water outlets and frothed milk. The question to ask yourself here is “how much of an influence is time in my decision”?

And there you have it, folks. We can see now, having gone through all aspects of both Jura Home Coffee Machines in this review, that these machines are both exactly the same as well as worlds apart.

The decision is yours – and as repetitive as this may be – remember that there is no wrong or right choice – only a wrong or right choice for YOU! We just know that you can’t go wrong with Jura; it’s one brand that never disappoints.

Happy sipping!