Jura ENA 8 Review: Is It A Good Buy?

I had only considered buying a super-automatic espresso machine once my parents picked one up.

When I saw their shiny new Jura Ena 8 coffee machine, I just had to give it a spin.

Looking through a seemingly endless list of super-automatic espresso machines? Read on to discover my in-depth thoughts in this Jura Ena 8 review.

Jura ENA 8 Review – My Ratings & Top Features

Check Latest Price

---

Why Should You Buy The Jura ENA 8?

Overall, I would rate the Jura Ena 8 coffee machine a solid 3.7 out of 5 stars.

I love its sleek, compact design and range of drinks, but I wish making milky coffees was less fiddly.[1]

• Professional Aroma G3 grinder with multiple grind settings to craft the perfect espresso
• 8-inch color touchscreen display for easy drink selection and maintenance management
• 15 specialty drinks to choose from at the touch of a button
• JOE app compatible for easy customization and selection
• Diamond effect water tank for a classy decanter look
• Thermoblock heating system to aid in heat management and faster heat-up times
• Intelligent water system with RFID monitors how much water is left as well as when you need to change your filter
• Monitored drip tray lets you know when to empty it
• 10 levels of coffee strength adjustment to suit even the pickiest tastes
• Fine foam technology gets you featherlight milk foam every time
• 8-ounce bean hopper with fresh seal keeps your beans fresh for longer
• Height adjustable coffee spout
• Two-year warranty

---

Who Should Buy The Jura ENA 8?

The Jura Ena 8 is a great machine for the coffee fan with no barista experience who wants convenient coffee fast.

This is also good for the barista with no time who does not care about doing latte art at home.

This is not the best choice for control freaks who love micromanaging each step of the coffee process or espresso purists.

---

Why I Decided To Review The Jura ENA 8 Espresso Machine

My parents recently replaced some of their cafetiere collection with the Jura Ena 8, and I was incredibly curious.

Once I gave it a spin, I knew I had to put it through its paces for you.

---

What’s It Like To Live With The Jura ENA 8

What’s In The Box?

The Jura ENA 8 coffee maker arrived in a hefty yet sturdy box with plenty of cushioning to protect it in transit.

The materials used were about as sustainable as you can expect but can always be improved.

Unlike other machines I’ve reviewed, the accessories and manual were all seated on top of a layer of protective cardboard rather than in a box.

The setting up process was incredibly simple.

Once I plugged it in and turned on the switch at the back, I just had to fill everything up and follow the instructions on the TFT touchscreen.

The water tank was really easy to remove, and I managed to get about a quarter pound of coffee beans into the hopper.

I highly recommend going through the water hardness test and set-up immediately as it helps Jura machines last longer.

With that data, they can properly calculate when you need to change your filter and how often you need to descale your machine.

You get the following accessories with the Jura ENA 8:

• Manual [2]
• Milk hose
• Filter cartridge
• Measuring spoon for ground coffee
• Cleaning tablets
• Filter extension
• Milk system cleaning
• Water hardness test paper

Pulling My First Espresso Shot

Quick tip: put a container under the spout when turning it on since it does an auto rinse.

The machine’s easy to navigate, with four buttons around a clear TFT display—two for scrolling, two for selecting. I went with the default settings for my first shot.

The adjustable spout was simple to move, and the burr grinder worked fast with consistent grounds.

The machine paused briefly as the Pulse Extraction Process (PEP) infused the coffee before extraction, then lit up my espresso with a cool orange glow.

The first shot had decent crema but was too weak for me. After tweaking the strength and water ratio, I got a bold, strong espresso with a silky crema.

If you like double shots, the espresso doppio option is great, and Americano fans will love the separate hot water spout.

Overall, the Jura ENA 8 brews a solid cup of coffee that easily beats pod machines like Nespresso.

First Time Frothing Milk

I was a bit nervous about frothing milk with the milk siphon, but curiosity won out.

Unlike other machines I've used with built-in milk systems, this one requires attaching a milk tube to a container.

The tube draws milk through the fine foam tech and into your coffee once you select your drink.

While the separate milk system keeps the design compact, I wish it came with its own container instead of buying one separately.

As for the froth, my cappuccino came out creamy and light, adding a great texture to the espresso. The machine even creates aesthetic layers for drinks like latte macchiato.

There’s a short 10-second wait between making multiple milk-based drinks, but the results were worth it—better than my old frother.

How Much Control Do You Have Over The Machine?

You get a fair amount of control when it comes to this Jura coffee maker. Coffee lovers will love that you have control over:

• Ten different specialty drinks
• Seven grind-size settings
• Water volume
• Milk foam quantity
• Coffee volume
• Three hot water temperature settings
• Ten coffee strengths
• Latte macchiato interval time (3-60 seconds)
• Whether you use freshly ground beans or pre-ground coffee

That being said, I do wish you could control a few other elements. In particular, the milk texture and milk temperature.

How Does It Handle Different Roasts?

In all my rigorous testing, I found that anything goes with the Jura ENA 8. Coffee quality does not seem to matter once it gets brewing.

Whether you use cheaper coffee beans or shell out for the specialty stuff, the bean hopper and grinder can handle it.

None of my specialty espresso drinks tasted bitter or sour, thanks to the PEP infusion and 3D brewing espresso system.

You can even use store ground to brew espresso, and the Jura ENA 8 will still make excellent coffee.

That being said, I think artisan and specialty blends particularly shine in the Jura ENA 8.

I especially recommend the Starbucks Breakfast Blend and Stumptown Hair Bender Medium Roast blends.

You can use pre-ground flavored coffee or decaf without emptying the hopper, which may be useful to some households.

Look, Feel, and Size Of The Machine

This espresso machine makes a statement no matter which color you pick. The ENA 8 is arguably the slickest-looking espresso machine I have reviewed to date.

It is all sleek lines and modern style that come together to bring an almost sports car-like design into your kitchen.

 

With dimensions of 10.7 x 17.5 x 12.7, compact size is the name of the game.

At 19 pounds, it is not as heavy as some semi-automatic espresso machines I have reviewed in the past, making it perfect for tiny top-floor apartments and sprawling open-plan kitchens.

Nothing about the Jura ENA 8 feels cheap - its build is sturdy and well-constructed, and I love all of its features.

I do wish that the screen, hopper, and water tank were bigger and that it came with certain tools, but it is a formidable opponent on the scene.

What Drinks Can It Make?

You can make a range of coffee beverages and milky drinks using the Jura ENA 8, including:

• Ristretto
• Espresso
• Coffee
• Cappuccino
• Espresso doppio
• Macchiato
• Latte macchiato
• Flat white
• Hot water
• Milk foam

I even managed to make enough iced coffee to sink the Titanic once it got hotter out.

How Easy Is It To Use?

This Jura coffee machine is really easy to use, if a bit fiddly to customize at times.

You do not need to be a highly experienced coffee lover to start preparing drinks with the ENA 8.

There are plenty of customization and one-touch options to suit a range of tastes.

The screen instructions are easy to follow and read while providing a range of one-touch drink options.

Anyone can get the proper coffee flavor from freshly ground coffee with the Jura ENA 8 sitting on their counter space.

How Long Does It Take? (From Heat Up To First Sip)

The Jura ENA 8 super automatic espresso machine only takes a minute or two to heat up and a couple of minutes for coffee preparation.

Exactly how long your coffee maker takes to brew your hot coffee will vary depending on what settings you picked and the drink you chose, as well as if you need to top anything up or make on-the-fly changes.

Does It Have A Water Filtration System?

There is an optional water filtration system available with Jura coffee machines, including the ENA 8.

These coffee makers typically use CLEARYL smart filters with advanced technology that tracks your usage and when it needs to be replaced.

These filters are great at ensuring that you properly maintain your automatic machine and reduce the number of times you need to run the descaling program.

However, it does take up valuable space in the already small water tank.

How Hard Is It To Clean and Descale?

You tend to expect that super-automatic espresso makers come with certain elements that make life easier, including automatic cleaning cycles and descaling systems.

The ENA 8 reminds you to clean your super-automatic espresso machine every 300 uses or so and reminds you when to switch the filter or clean the milk frothing unit.

The Jura's cleaning instructions are really easy to follow, and the machine tracks your usage and water hardness to guide you properly.

Jura provides your first round of cleaning and descaling tablets with your purchase, and you can see on-screen progress bars and symbols to help you along.[3]

Performing a regular cleaning cycle and intermittent descaling alongside daily maintenance tasks will help your machine last.

Some daily tasks to do include:

• Refill premium crystal carafes
• Empty drip tray
• Empty and clean the coffee grounds container
• Rinse the milk system
• Wipe down the machine with a soft damp cloth

I also recommend replacing your milk hose every few months if you are regularly froth milk like I do.

---

My Favorite Parts About The Jura ENA 8

• Compact size and beautiful design ensure that the Jura Ena 8 will slot into most kitchens. The Jura’s stunning design and range of colors are sure to suit the smallest and most modern counter space.
• Wide range of customizations ensures that even the pickiest coffee fan can get a drink they love. While not quite on the level of modern coffee shops, the pre-programmed drinks have plenty of variety and opportunity to adjust the high-quality coffee.
• Water hardness sensitivity helps the Jura Ena 8 last longer and craft even better coffee. The brewing process is actively improved by the Jura’s attention to detail when it comes to water and espresso quality.
• Easy to use for both beginners and coffee pros. This espresso maker is so easy to use that anyone can start drinking coffee with minimal effort.
• PEP pre-infusion and fine foam technology work together to ensure each of the ten preprogrammed drinks turn out stellar. Unlike cheaper coffee makers, the ENA 8 uses Jura’s signature line of advanced tech to perfect your coffee dose.

---

My Least Favorite Parts

• Many convenient accessories, like the Bluetooth connectivity and milk container, cost extra. There are certain elements, like the milk jug container and Jura app accessory, that should come with your super-automatic machine - especially at this price tag.
• The compact size means the water tank and hopper are smaller and need managing often. This compact coffee maker sacrificed the size of its hopper and water tank for style and size - this means you will be refilling and emptying parts of it more often.
• You cannot adjust the milk temperature or foam texture. I wish I had a little more control over the milk while making my espresso macchiato.

---

Jura ENA 8 Vs Similar Machines

How does the ENA 8 compare to other coffee makers?

Jura ENA 8 Vs E8

The ENA 8 and E8 are both Jura machines, but how do they compare?

The E8 is slightly wider and taller than the ENA 8 and features both a larger bean hopper and water tank. It can craft up to 17 specialty drinks like flat white and cortado.

Unlike the ENA 8, it easily brews double shots and features both a smart mode and an intelligent preheating system.

Overall, I would say that the E8 automatic espresso machine is more suitable for the picky home coffee lover who wants it all.

Jura ENA 8 Vs E6

The Jura ENA 8 and E6 are often featured on best automatic espresso machines lists - but how do they compare?

The E6 is a much heavier model that crafts fewer specialty beverages and has no pre-ground bypass system.

However, fans do love its classy design and larger water tank.

Overall, these are pretty similar, but the ENA 8 edges out when it comes to variety and style.

Related Article - Jura S8 Review

Jura ENA 8 Vs ENA 4

The ENA 4 and ENA 8 are siblings constantly pit against each other - how will they fare today?

The ENA 4 is a much better option for espresso lovers due to its emphasis on providing all the features that the ENA 8 does without wasting time on milk-based drinks.

They have a very similar size and aesthetic but are meant for slightly different coffee lovers.

---

FAQs

Why is the Jura ENA 8 coffee machine so expensive?

The Jura ENA 8 is a more expensive coffee maker as it is a complex piece of machinery made with quality parts and materials. As with many things, you get what you pay for, and Jura coffee makers are convenient and make excellent coffee drinks.

Does Jura ENA 8 espresso machine have Bluetooth?

You can get the Jura to connect with Bluetooth to the JOE app if you purchase the relevant part separately. You can use it to connect to your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or other mobile devices.

---

Conclusion - Is The Jura ENA 8 Worth Your Money?

The Jura ENA 8 fully automatic espresso machine could be an excellent choice for coffee lovers looking for convenience, style, and high coffee quality in their morning routine.

If you are okay with having some compromise and customization alongside convenience, this could be the coffee maker for you.

Resources:

1. https://us.jura.com/en/homeproducts/machines/ENA-8-Metropolitan-Black-NA-15281
2. https://us.jura.com/en/homeproducts/machines/ENA-8-Metropolitan-Black-NA-15281/Manuals#tabs
3. https://us.jura.com/en/homeproducts/machines/ENA-8-Metropolitan-Black-NA-15281/Care-Products#tabs