There comes a point in every coffee lover’s life when, however well it’s done its duty, that standard coffee machine just isn’t enough any more. And until we reach the stage where we can ask Alexa (or Siri, or even Cortana) to bring us our coffee, automatic coffee centers are the next best thing. You need to make sure you choose carefully though, as this Jura J80 review will show.
Jura J80 Review
As technology gets more and more sophisticated, our choices expand. If your average Americano just doesn’t do it for you any more, why not splash out on a machine that can offer you a choice of 11 different coffees to get you going for the day?
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Some people spend money on lavish holidays. Some prefer to indulge in the latest computer gadgets. But if you’re looking to invest in a machine that will remind you, every day, how good it is to be alive and a coffee drinker, check out the Jura J80.
Who Would Be Best Suited To This Product?
It really depends on how much coffee you like to drink. While this machine is ideal for a home kitchen, we could see it fitting in very well in small offices as well. It’s probably a little low on capacity for use in a coffee shop, although it might work in a very bijou, exclusive coffee shop situation.
You do also need to make sure you clean the machine regularly, paying special attention to the milk frother, but it takes less than 5 minutes daily. You do then need to keep up with the recommended cleaning cycles. The outer cabinet can be wiped over with a microfiber or other soft cloth. The longer cleaning cycle is not the fastest process in the world, but it is straightforward, and again, the machine guides you through what you need to do, step by step, through the electronic display.
This isn’t the cheapest machine of its kind out there, but with Swiss design behind it, you know you’ll be getting a durable, reliable, versatile addition to your kitchen gadget collection. The machine looks sleek and futuristic, and its square shape takes up surprisingly little space, especially when you take into account its sophistication.
If you’re more in the market for a slightly lower budget machine, then other manufacturers and models are likely to suit you better, like the Saeco HD8911/48 Incanto, and if you’re only looking for a very occasional espresso or cappuccino, then the entry level De’Longhi EC155 might suit you better.
How To Use The Jura J80: Features & Specs
So, with all of that in mind, what would you like to dial up today on your very own mini coffee-shop in the kitchen?
You can choose from classic cappuccino; enticing espresso; the layered latte macchiato I’ve already mentioned (did I say it was my favorite?); restorative ristretto; 1 portion milk; 2 ristretti; 2 espressi; 2 coffees; oh, yes, and even plain coffee and hot water settings. Oh, and the cappuccino spout is adjustable from about 4 inches to 6 inches so you can fit different sizes of cup, mug or coffee glass under there.
Cute In The Kitchen
Size wise, it’s a compact 17 inches deep by 11.2 wide by 13.3 inches high (actually, it’s closer to 13.5 inches). Its black and chrome exterior and the integrated display make it a stylish addition to any kitchen. The accompanying cable is also a decent length at over a meter (1.2 to be exact) and it weighs around 11kg.
The Techy Stuff
This is not your common-or-garden coffee machine – or automatic coffee center, to give it its more descriptive name.
The water tank takes 2 liters of water at a time (just over 70 fl. Oz), or about 8 standard cups of coffee. If you are using a filter, then you will find the machine stops working after 60 liters of water has flowed through the machine; your coffee center will then nag you to change the filter.
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I love the fact it’s side loading; I love the fact that the milk and the coffee are both dispensed from the same spot so you don’t need to move the cup in between, and as it’s an automatic machine, you can get on with other tasks while it’s dispensing. I also love the fact that it looks so smart and modern in the kitchen.
Frivolous, Fabulous, Fantastic Froth
A little bit of froth on the top of most coffees adds that extra frivolous, extra special touch, and the milk frother is super easy to use on this model. You just remove the Cappuccino cover on the machine, attach the milk pipe, make sure the other end is immersed in the milk, and hey presto, fabulous froth.
It uses one-touch technology to dispense the coffee you want. If you’re just in the mood for a mild and milky latte, that’s fine; but if you’d rather sup a ristretto, or make that latte even more special by turning it into a latte macchiato, this machine lets you choose from a great combination of temperatures and strengths. The pump boasts an impressive 15 bars of pressure.
The Eco-stuff
If you’re aiming to minimize capsule waste, bean to cup machines offer a great option. When it comes to “bean to cup” machines the Jura brand is synonymous with quality, durability and reliability, and the Jura J80 doesn’t disappoint. Many Swiss products are famous for their precision – clocks and leading brands of computer peripherals, including mice, anyone? The Jura J80 lets you brew your coffee to personalized perfection.
I like the flexibility it gives me – I can choose any type of coffee bean and know I don’t need to worry about compatibility or having to try and recycle the capsules or pods. You don’t have to only use coffee beans, you can also use ground coffee if you prefer.
Pros & Cons
✔ Hard water adjustments
✔ Automated decalcification cycles
✔ Very effective energy-saving mode
✔ Milk and coffee are issued from the same spout
✔ You can make two cups of coffee at the same time
✔ Frothing the milk is really, really easy
✔ You can use either coffee beans or already ground coffee
✔ You can adjust the grinding consistency (while the grinder is running) to suit the roast of your coffee
✔ Different temperatures available – hot water, low, normal and X high
✗ Milk pipes ideally need to be replaced every 3 months
✗ You must make sure the machine is on when you remove the coffee grounds container for cleaning (otherwise the counter doesn’t reset properly)
There’s very little that’s not good about this machine, although the drinks do have a tendency to be on the warm side rather than scalding hot. Since the best temperature to drink coffee has been found to be around about 60C, I personally see this as a positive most of the time. (Okay, when it’s a cold day and the wind is howling outside then I’d like the froth a little hotter, maybe.)
Too Much Technology?
If you are using a filter for your water you can also set your Jura J80 to take this into account. You are advised to change the water daily. Oh, and if you’re not sure how hard your water is, the machine does come with a special strip to help you test.
As someone who lives in a hard water area, one feature I particularly like is that on setup it asks you what kind of water you have so that it can devise a personalized descaling routine just for you. And then, in true modern technological fashion, it will nag you so you do actually carry out the advice. Not only does this prolong the life of your device, but it also ensures the freshest taste experience possible.
Sometimes, the amount of choice and technology in our modern gadgets can be a little too much. That’s not the case with the Jura J80.
Although this is an automatic machine, it’s not overburdened with too many knobs and buttons. You basically have the on/off switch, the automated display, and a rotary dial. You can also change the language of the display.
What Other People Say
Overall, reviews for the Jura J80 around the web are pretty positive, whether consumers bought the item new or reconditioned. People generally like the brand reputation and the excellent after-service and strong warranty even on the reconditioned item.
They like the fact it’s easy to use and personalize, but are clear about the fact it does come in a little expensive when compared to equivalent machines from competitor brands. Some reviews also mention that, for the price, the range of drinks is a little limited.
Jura J80 Alternatives
The Jura J80 isn’t the only option out there; Jura has a reputation for quality, though none of their machines are cheap, you’ll usually be looking at the best part of $1,000 and up.
Gaggia RI8263/47 Velasca Prestige
If you’re looking for more of a mid-range option, then the Gaggia RI8263/47 Velasca Prestige might suit you. It usually retails at around two thirds the price of the Jura J80, and like the Jura, features different grinding options, dual milk/coffee frothing system, and programmable drink options.
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of...
- One touch brewing and frothing: bean-to-cup feature with automatic milk frothing for cappuccinos, baby cappuccinos, and milk froth
- Programmable: programmable brewing options for Espresso and Espresso Lungo, cappuccino, and milk froth, with 3 different temperature settings
- Ceramic burr grinder and brew unit: ceramic burr grinder with 10 fineness settings, 5 brew strength settings, and bean hopper with 10.5oz capacity
- Front loaded water reservoir: features a 54oz capacity and pulls out from the front of the machine, ideal for low hanging cabinets
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The Saeco HD8911/48 Incanto we mentioned earlier also offers a good mid-range alternative, with a smaller footprint, particularly good if you have a small kitchen. The Saeco also scores higher than the Jura model when it comes to the amount of coffee you can brew before having to descale – around 5,000 cups, as long as you change the filters when recommended.
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Breville the Barista Express
And the Australian brand Breville is another company to look out for, with their BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine usually retailing for around the same price as the Gaggia RI8762 Anima Prestige and the Saeco HD8911/48 Incanto. This machine benefits from automatic features like the cleaning cycle, a 360-degree frothing wand, and semi-automatic features for those who like to feel in control of their coffee brewing habits.
- Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
Jura J80 Automatic Coffee Center Conclusion and Rating
Well, if you’re looking for a good but not overwhelming variety when it comes to that “wake up and smell the coffee” sensation, and you have a generous budget, this is the machine for you, especially if your daily coffee routine has become a little stale. Whether you like a little drama and magic with your layered latte macchiato, you’re an edgy espresso drinker, or you’re more of a classic cappuccino fan, you’ll really enjoy the Jura J80.
Whether you like to wake up or indulge with a milky latte, the pretty layers of a latte macchiato, the dense boost of an espresso, or the even stronger caffeine kick of a ristretto (or two), this machine has a menu option that will suit you. Personally, I’ve always loved layered coffees for the sheer cleverness and prettiness of them. I also love the fact that they’re so much fun to drink and feel ever so slightly frivolous, so my absolute favorite choice from this machine is the latte macchiato.
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Hi my name is Larry, a coffee aficionado from the US. I have already visited Colombia, Sumatra, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Ethiopia and Jamaica in my pursuit of finding the best-tasting coffee beans. I currently write from Bali and enjoy the relaxed life that you can only find in Canggu. Welcome to my coffee world!
Last update on 2023-03-30 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
