As an espresso fan or coffee connoisseur, you should be aware that there is a wide range of automatic espresso machines available, so you will have a lot of options when looking for one.
Table Of Contents
−- History
- Beverage options
- Grinders
- Boilers
- Milk frother
- User interface and display
- Maintenance and cleaning
- Aesthetics
- Capacity of the water tank
- The capacity of the bean hopper
- Temperatures
- Electricity consumption
- Space consumption and portability
- Coffee consumption
- Price point
- Warranty
- Impact on the environment
- Which is the better option?
However, you cannot go wrong with a Jura or Saeco automatic espresso machine since they are two of the most reputable manufacturers delivering top-notch automatic espresso machines that are well-built and feature-rich in addition to generating some beautiful brews.
Both brands have ardent fans who would never use anything else, but choosing between Jura and Saeco is not always easy for everyone, as many coffee connoisseurs will be perplexed.
Because automatic espresso machines aren’t inexpensive, you’ll want to make sure you choose wisely.
However, the good news is that we are here to assist you in deciding between Jura and Saeco by offering further information and demonstrating how they compare.
History
Although the company’s mission and origins aren’t always indicative of the quality of the goods you’ll receive, they can give you an idea of what to expect. For example, both Jura and Saeco have been making coffee makers for decades; one is a Swiss masterpiece, and the other is an Italian gem.
Jura
Jura is a Swiss home appliance manufacturer and distributor best known for its fully automatic espresso machines, which make up a significant portion of the company’s revenue. The company was founded in 1931 by Leo Henzirohs, and while it used to make its products, it outsourced production in the 1990s to boost efficiency and lower costs.
Jura has earned a reputation for producing high-quality coffee makers built to last a lifetime. Still, its machines are not only more expensive than those offered by Saeco but also most other rival brands.
Saeco
Arthur Schmed and Sergio Zappella founded the Italian business Saeco in 1981. It specializes in super-automatic espresso machines, such as Jura, but it also offers a capsule-based espresso machine line and other home appliances, such as irons and toasters.
Although they make high-quality equipment the same way as Jura, their products are more inexpensive. Philips, an electronics giant with a global footprint, owns the brand.
Beverage options
Jura
The entry-level Jura models, such as the A and ENA Micro lines, make 3 to 6 coffee drinks in two strengths. Models in the middle range can make 7 to 16 drinks. It also increases the programmable coffee strength, which can be adjusted from 4 to 8 levels. The Jura Impressa C, D, and E lines are examples.
Premium coffee makers can prepare up to 28 different drinks. There are five to ten levels of coffee intensity. The Jura Impressa S, Z, and Giga lines are the models in consideration. Most Jura coffee makers have a dual spout, allowing you to brew two cups of coffee simultaneously. A 15-bar pressure pump is also included.
Best Jura espresso machines
- Entry-level: Jura A1 Super Automatic Coffee Maker ($800)
- Mid-range: Jura Impressa E8 Automatic Coffee Machine ($2,100)
- Premium: Jura Giga 6 Professional Automatic Espresso Machine ($6,000)
Saeco
Saeco’s entry-level machines, such as the Vapore XSmall, can make three different varieties of coffee. Up to 7 different coffee drinks are available in mid-range models. This includes Intelia Deluxe and Incanto. It also has an intelligent strength selection feature that allows you to choose from up to 5 different levels. Users can save their desired coffee strength using the Memo Function, and the machine will remember it.
The premium models can make 11 to 15 different sorts of beverages. The Saeco PicoBaristo and Xelsis are examples of this. A dual spout is included on all models, allowing you to prepare two cups simultaneously. There’s also a 15-bar pressure pump. The LatteDuo feature on the higher-end models allows you to make double portions of milk-based beverages.
Even though both brands produce powerful automatic espresso machines, Jura comes out on top in this round. Because Jura’s mid-range models are equally priced to Saeco’s mid-and high-end versions, this is the case. Despite this, Jura offers a greater variety of cocktails, ranging from 7 to 28. This is nearly double the 4 to 15 possibilities offered by Saeco.
Best Saeco espresso machines
- Entry-level: Saeco Vapore XSmall Espresso Maker ($400)
- Mid-range: Saeco Incanto Automatic Espresso Machine ($1,100)
- Premium: Saeco Xelsis Super Automatic Espresso Machine ($2,000)
Grinders
Now that you have a basic understanding of the two items, let’s look at the features that distinguish them, starting with the grinders since both coffee makers include built-in coffee bean grinders.
Jura and Saeco use more efficient conical burr grinders in their coffee makers, particularly in their popular automatic espresso machines.
The difference between the two is that Jura’s machines employ stainless steel conical burr grinders, whereas Saeco’s use ceramic ones. Saeco outperforms Jura in this category because ceramic grinders do not emit as much heat as stainless steel grinders and do not quickly dull.
Boilers
Boilers are the devices that transport heat from the heating element to the brewing head, allowing you to brew espresso or froth milk. The boiler can be single or double in most machines. However, leading brands like Jura and Saeco also use other technologies to improve the performance of boilers.
Saeco uses a single boiler for its entry-level models, such as the Minuto Pure. Still, the business will use more efficient Rapid Steam technology and twin boilers for their more expensive models.
On the other hand, Jura will provide a single boiler on smaller versions like the Micro 1, which does not require twin boilers because it lacks a milk frother.
However, most of their other models, notably the high-end Saeco models, feature Rapid Steam technology and double boilers.
Milk frother
A milk frother is essential for creating cappuccinos and other espresso-based milk beverages. Therefore an automatic espresso machine is never complete without one. Frothers will be included in both Jura and Saeco machines.
The Fine Foam technology, an integrated automatic frothing mechanism that consistently creates thicker and creamier foam, will be used by most Jura machines. Depending on the model, Saeco offers both the manual Panarello wand and the motorized one-touch frothing technology.
User interface and display
Because Jura and Saeco are premium brands, they will provide more customizable options and allow you to select a wider variety of beverage alternatives while using most of their machines.
However, with both manufacturers, the display and user interface that lets you browse through the various settings are determined by the machine’s pricing.
The entry-level devices from Saeco will typically include backlit LCD buttons or a selection wheel, while the higher-end ones will have digital displays and interfaces.
The situation is similar for Jura, as their entry-level coffee makers have button-based or rotary-switch controls. In contrast, the mid and high-end versions have a more intuitive digital display and full-color touchscreen than the more expensive models.
Maintenance and cleaning
Jura
- The CLARIS filter system is an anti-scaling system that filters and inhibits the build-up of limescale, heavy metals, and chlorine inside the coffee machine.
- CLEARYL filters are also used in Jura machines. These water filters remove contaminants from the water, giving each brew an excellent flavor and aroma.
- Jura machines do not need to be descaled if they are replaced regularly.
- An intelligent Water System (IWS) is a technology that recognizes the presence of filters in the water tank automatically. It will also notify you when the filter needs to be changed.
- Jura machines include an integrated maintenance program that allows them to rinse and clean themselves.
Saeco
- The automatic cleaning cycle allows Saeco machines to clean themselves. Water is used to clear the water circuit when the machine is turned on.
- It uses the HygieSteam Cleaning System after brewing. This unique method cleans and removes 99.99% of milk residues with just one touch.
- Additionally, the coffee machine will notify you when it is time to descale.
- AquaClean Water Filter is a patented water filter developed by Saeco. It cleanses the water and inhibits the formation of scale.
- You may also brew up to 5,000 cups without descaling the machine.
- The brewing unit can be removed so you can see if there are any impurities in every corner.
Scale growth is no laughing matter. It slows down the brewing process, causes heating issues, and alters the flavor of the coffee. As a result, both companies take cleaning and upkeep as seriously as they do the brewing process.
Aesthetics
Before you finalize your decision, you need some guarantees that whatever coffee maker you choose will look well in your kitchen. The good news is that both Jura and Saeco coffee machines have a lovely high-end design that distinguishes them from other brands.
On the other hand, Jura coffee machines will have a sleek, professional appearance accentuated by sharp angles and lines. They will generally appear pricey, given the high-quality materials used to build them.
Saeco coffee machines aren’t far behind, and probably their most distinguishing feature is their small and compact form. They do, however, have some excellent rounded angles that are accented by delicate lines.
Capacity of the water tank
Both machines have varied tank filling capabilities and forms to match their designs and brewing capacities. A coffee machine’s water tank and hopper are magnetic components.
Essentially, they exist to make your life easier. However, depending on whether you need greater convenience, this category may appeal to some people while being unneeded to others.
The Jura S8 has a water tank capacity of 64.2 fluid ounces, whereas the Saeco Xelsis has a capacity of 57.4 fluid ounces.
Depending on how much coffee you consume, you may fill up the either water tank and know that it will last for a day or two. The water tank of the Saeco Xelsis is lighted with an LED, a unique feature. It’s pretty cool to look at.
The capacity of the bean hopper
The hopper capacity, where you put your coffee grinds, is very different between the two. The hopper capacity of the Saeco Xelsis is 15.8 ounces, while the Jura S8 is only 9.8 ounces.
Those who are tired of grinding their beans daily and want a place to store them for a few days will appreciate the Saeco Xelsis’s substantially greater hopper capacity.
Temperatures
While some people prefer an extremely hot cup of coffee, others prefer to be able to take their first drink immediately away. The Jura S8 has three water temperatures, which is very useful when making a soothing cup of tea. The Saeco Xelsis, likewise, has three water temperature options. It’s always good to be able to customize your drink truly.
Electricity consumption
While the Saeco Xelsis and the Jura S8 require power to operate, they are both energy-efficient. Both devices run on 120 volts, which is a very common voltage. The fact that both have negligible standby power is a plus. This implies they won’t use too much power when they’re not in use. This is reassuring because every little bit helps with your electricity bill.
Space consumption and portability
Unless you enjoy dragging your coffee maker out of the closet whenever you want a cup of joe, you’ll want to keep your coffee-making supplies close to reaching. With this in mind, it might be worth investing a little extra money on a machine with more space-saving built-in tools like grinders and milk frothers.
Coffee consumption
If you only drink one cup at a time, a machine with a limited capacity won’t be an issue. However, if you don’t have to refill the machine’s water reservoir too often or want to make two cups at once, a machine with a 64-ounce tank, such as the Jura Impressa, is a good choice.
Price point
Regarding price, there is no rivalry between the two companies because they are on opposite sides of the spectrum, with Jura being more expensive and Saeco being more affordable.
An entry-level Jura espresso machine, such as the Micro 1, will set you back at least $1,100, roughly double the price of Saeco’s entry-level model, the X-Small, which would set you back between $500 and $600.
Warranty
The Saeco Xelsis and the Jura S8 both come with a two-year warranty. This is a reasonable timeline, but because the machines have many moving components, inspect them before the two-year mark. The main difference is that the Seco Xelsis comes with a five-year warranty on the brew head, a welcome feature.
Impact on the environment
Saeco and Jura, conscious of environmental effects and energy waste, provide energy-saving features. For example, Jura offers an energy-saving standby mode with programmable shut-off timings and a zero-energy switch, while Saeco offers auto-standby and shut-off functions.
Which is the better option?
Regardless of whether you buy Jura or Saeco, you can prepare some wonderful brews because both companies offer some fantastic coffee machines on the market. In addition, both will provide entry-level and high-end models to appeal to a wide range of customers. When deciding between the two, you must find the proper balance between features, build quality, and machine cost.
Saeco coffee makers will be substantially less expensive than Jura coffee makers, making them an excellent alternative for budget customers. However, it’s crucial to remember that the lower price and maintenance costs mean you’ll have to forego things like high-quality construction, a more user-friendly interface, and a slew of other great features that Jura machines offer.
As a result, if cost isn’t an issue for you, Jura is the superior brand for you because it has a lot more to offer. In a different light, Saeco is a suitable choice for novices purchasing their first espresso machine, while Jura is the brand of choice for seasoned coffee consumers and professional baristas.
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Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.
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