Jura E8 2019 Review: Introduction
If you’re considering investing in a premium super-automatic espresso machine, a comprehensive Jura E8 2019 review based on real-world experience is essential. This model has established itself as one of the most popular offerings from the renowned Swiss manufacturer, promising café-quality drinks at the touch of a button. With 90 customer reviews providing a wealth of data, we can cut through the marketing and present a clear picture of what it’s like to own this machine over the long term. The overall sentiment is mixed but leans positive, with an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars. This review synthesizes all feedback, from the 42 glowing five-star ratings to the 14 two-star and 5 one-star critiques, to help you decide if the Jura E8 2019 is the right machine for your kitchen and your coffee ritual.
Key Features of Jura E8 2019
The Jura E8 2019 is a feature-rich machine designed to simplify the process of making specialty coffee drinks. It boasts a professional conical burr grinder, an intelligent pre-brew aroma system to enhance flavor, and Jura’s proprietary fine foam technology for milk frothing. The machine features a 4.3″ TFT color display with icon-driven programming, allowing for two-touch creation of 17 different specialty drinks. It comes with a 1.8-liter water tank, a 280-gram bean container, and an integrated milk system that connects to an external jug (included). Key to its appeal is the automated cleaning and rinsing programs, which aim to make maintenance as hassle-free as possible. Understanding these features is the first step in our Jura E8 2019 review, as they form the basis of both customer praise and criticism.
Jura E8 2019 review: Pros & Cons
Based on aggregated customer feedback, the strengths and weaknesses of the Jura E8 become strikingly clear. Here’s a summary distilled from dozens of user experiences.
Pros
- Exceptional Coffee Quality & Consistency: The most lauded feature. Users repeatedly praise the “fantastic,” “perfect,” and “consistent” coffee it produces, cup after cup.
- Ease of Use & Intuitive Controls: Many found it “super easy to use” and “intuitive,” allowing them to craft complex drinks with a single button press.
- Excellent Milk Frothing (When Working): The Fine Foam technology receives high marks for creating “perfect,” “stunning,” and “consistent” milk foam.
- High-Quality, Durable Build: The Swiss engineering is frequently mentioned, with many noting the machine “looks fantastic” and feels solid.
- Generally Good Customer Service: Several reviews highlight positive experiences with Jura’s support team, describing them as “helpful,” “responsive,” and “great.”
- Quiet Operation: Compared to previous models and other brands, users describe the E8 as “so quiet” and “much quieter.”
- Convenient Automated Cleaning: The automatic rinse and cleaning cycles are called a “dream” and “easy” by many, simplifying upkeep.
Cons
- Persistent Milk Temperature Issues: The most common and severe complaint. A significant portion of users find milk-based drinks “lukewarm,” “tepid,” or “cold,” requiring a microwave to heat.
- Limited Milk Texture Customization: Many users, especially those wanting flat whites, complain about an inability to adjust froth levels or steam milk without foam.
- Reliability & Repair Concerns: Reports of faults within weeks (Error codes, grinder jams, milk nozzle failures) and expensive post-warranty repairs surface regularly.
- High Maintenance Frequency: The machine demands frequent cleaning of the milk system (daily) and alerts for filter changes, which some find excessive.
- Confusing Icon-Based Interface: The lack of text labels for drink buttons frustrates many, who call the icons “ridiculous” and hard to decipher.
- Cost of Ownership: Beyond the high initial price, ongoing costs for filters, cleaning tablets, and potential repairs are noted.
Customer Experience Analysis
Delving into the 90 reviews reveals nuanced stories behind the ratings. The 42 five-star reviewers are often long-term Jura loyalists or those who haven’t encountered major flaws. One user stated, “For over 20 years I had a delonghi automatic coffee machine… I am so glad I did. The Jura E8 is easy to use, makes great coffee, froth is perfect and consistent.” Another praised its longevity: “I have had my Jura E8 for over three years now… It makes 5 coffees a day… and not missed a single beat.”
The 17 four-star reviews typically acknowledge the great coffee but deduct points for specific annoyances, primarily temperature. “Coffee is good… but the machine does not make the milk as hot as we would like,” sums up this group. The 12 three-star reviews are often from disappointed customers facing functional issues: “The old model E8 was better… the new model does not let you switch between foamed milk and flat white milk.” Others cited repair logistics: “Be aware if you need to have the machine fixed… you need to get it to Melbourne.”
The 14 two-star and 5 one-star reviews are dominated by feelings of betrayal given the high price. Complaints center on cold coffee, mechanical failures, and unsatisfactory customer service. One angry review titled “Waste of money!” cited unhelpful support, while another lamented, “For a machine that is over $2,000 – it is the biggest waste of money… It’s always been cold.” It’s worth noting that out of the total, 17 reviews were from Verified Purchasers, adding weight to their experiences.
Jura E8 2019 Performance Review
Performance is where the Jura E8 2019 review data splits dramatically. On the positive side, the core function of brewing espresso is almost universally acclaimed. The grinder and extraction system deliver what one user called “consistent high quality coffee servings.” The machine’s ability to produce hot water for americanos or tea is also appreciated. The automated maintenance reminders and cycles generally work well, preventing scale buildup and prompting users to clean the milk system.
However, the negative performance aspects are deal-breakers for many. The milk temperature issue is not a minor bug; it’s a fundamental flaw reported across multiple years of reviews. Jura’s suggested fixes—pre-heating cups or using the microwave—were seen as unacceptable solutions for a premium product. The milk system itself is another pain point: the non-adjustable frother can deliver too much foam for drinks like flat whites, and the physical tube and nozzle are prone to blockages or detachment. As one user, a former barista, noted: “hard to program to get a good coffee… the milk is all wrong.” Reliability is also inconsistent; while many machines run for years, a troubling number report critical failures within the first 1-3 years.
Value for Money Assessment
With a price point well over $1,500, the Jura E8 2019 sits in the luxury segment of home coffee machines. Assessing its value depends entirely on which customer experience you align with.
For the satisfied majority (65% giving 4 or 5 stars), the value is justified. They frame the cost as an investment in daily pleasure, convenience, and savings on café-bought coffee. “Should of purchased it sooner… I bring one to work with now instead of buying everyday,” said one reviewer. The durability of the brand (many upgrading from 10+ year-old Juras) also contributes to the perceived value.
For the dissatisfied 35% (3 stars or below), the machine represents poor value. The high price amplifies the frustration over issues like cold milk or breakdowns. “Expensive and problematic,” wrote one user. The potential for costly post-warranty repairs, as mentioned in several one-star reviews, further erodes the value proposition. When a $200 machine can produce hot milk but a $2,000 machine cannot, the value calculus fails for these customers.
Alternatives to Jura E8 2019
If the cons identified in this Jura E8 2019 review give you pause, consider these alternatives that address common complaints:
- For Higher Milk Temperature & Customization: Look at machines from De’Longhi’s Dinamica or Magnifica series. They often feature adjustable steam wands or “LatteCrema” systems that allow more control over milk texture and temperature.
- For a Similar Premium Experience with Different Tech: The Philips 4300 Series with LatteGo offers a different, minimalist milk system that’s easier to clean and is frequently praised for hot drinks.
- For Jura Reliability in a Newer Model: Jura has released newer iterations like the E8 2023 model, which may address some firmware and hardware issues. Always check the latest reviews for the most current model on the official Jura website.
Before deciding, it’s crucial to Check Jura E8 2019 on Amazon for the most up-to-date pricing and to read the latest customer reviews, as seller stock and model years can vary.
Jura E8 2019 review: Final Verdict
So, is the Jura E8 2019 worth buying? The answer is a qualified yes, but with very important caveats. This machine is a brilliant, stylish, and convenient brewer of exceptional black coffee and espresso. If your primary drinks are americanos, espressos, or you don’t mind potentially warming your milk-based drinks, you will likely join the majority of satisfied owners. The positive experiences highlight a machine that becomes a cherished, reliable daily appliance.
However, if you are a dedicated flat white or latte drinker who demands a hot drink with precise milk texture straight from the machine, this model presents a significant gamble. The widespread and persistent complaints about lukewarm milk and limited froth adjustment are too frequent to ignore. Reliability, while good for many, is not a guarantee, and repair costs can be high.
In conclusion, this deep-dive Jura E8 2019 review suggests you should proceed with cautious optimism. It is capable of delivering a superb coffee experience, but you must be aware of its well-documented shortcomings. We recommend it primarily for those who prioritize convenience and espresso quality above all else, and who are prepared to troubleshoot or adapt to its handling of milk. For everyone else, exploring the alternatives may lead to a more satisfying and hotter cup of coffee.