TL;DR? Jura comes out as the clear winner in the Jura vs. Delonghi battle.
Whether it’s your first time buying an at-home espresso machine or you’re a seasoned barista, it can be difficult to pick the right brand.
After all, there are several out there that claim to be the best in the biz!
Two of the more common brands you’ll find on the market are Jura and Delonghi.
The problem is, which do you choose?
I’ve done the research on Jura vs Delonghi so that you don’t have to waste your own time.
Here’s what to know about the Jura vs Delonghi debate.
Let’s dive in!
Jura vs Delonghi: A Brief Overview
| Jura Machines | Delonghi Machines |
| Swiss brand | Italian brand |
| Self-cleaning | Semi-automatic cleaning cycle |
| Energy saving mode | No energy saving |
| Super-automatic | Semi-automatic |
| Automatic milk frother | Milk steaming wand |
| Highly flavorful coffee | Generic coffee flavor |
A Quick Glance at Jura Machines
Jura is a brand that’s not new to the market. In fact, this Swiss company has been making great brews since back in the early 1930s!
Jura makes highly specialized, top-of-the-line espresso machines. Their machines are exclusively super-automatic.
Jura’s machines aren’t just super automatic espresso machines, giving you great coffee at the touch of a button. They also provide you with a lot of features that help bring out the flavor in your coffee.
For instance, Jura machines feature PEP and Aroma technologies. PEP is a pulse extraction method for getting the most flavor out of your coffee beans.
The way it works is by pulsing hot water through the beans, in short, quick bursts. That method pulls out the most possible flavor from the beans.
At the same time, the Aroma technology helps bring out the flavor and aroma of your beans.
By adjusting the grinding settings, you can get exceptional finely ground coffee which influences the intensity of the flavor. The finer the grind – the more intensive flavor you get.
Jura is the world leader in innovation in automatic coffee machines, offering a true bean-to-cup experience. They give you coffee that’s freshly ground, not encapsulated.
Jura features a wide range of machines, too.
They’ve got everything from super simple machines, like the Jura A1 to the extra-techy Giga 6.
The A1 focuses exclusively on espresso, making it great for coffee purists.
On the other hand, the Giga 6 comes with all the bells and whistles that let you bring the coffee shop into your home.
Regardless of which you pick, you’ll still get a thoroughly delightful cup of coffee.
All About Delonghi Machines
Delonghi is another brand that’s not new to the coffee rodeo. In fact, for more than 100 years, Delonghi has been manufacturing espresso machines, as well as other kitchen and home appliances.
Delonghi machines are mostly semi-automatic, rather than super-automatic like the Jura. They’re sort of like mini versions of the machinery you’d find in a coffee shop or restaurant.
Delonghi doesn’t just make espresso machines, either. They also create drip coffee brewers that also make delicious brews.
In newer years, the company has dipped its toes into the waters of super-automatic brewing systems.
Today, you’ll find a few models, such as the DeLonghi Magnifica or PrimaDonna series, that have a lot more features.
These machines come with an integrated milk frothing system. They also feature a touchscreen that allows for fast, delicious coffee.
Much like the Jura machine models, these newer machines give you great coffee at the touch of a button.
The Delonghi vs Jura Showdown: A Comparison
Now that you’ve got a feel for what each of these brands is all about, let’s jump into the real showdown.
Each brand has its own perks and benefits, and it pays to know what you’re investing in.
That way, you can get great coffee from a machine that you love.
Espresso Flavor
First, we’ve got to talk about the flavor that each coffee machine produces.
After all, the coffee is the core of any drink you produce on either one!
With a Jura coffee machine, you’re going to get coffee-shop-worthy espresso.
The machine’s pulse extraction process helps get super flavorful espresso with a rich crema.
At the same time, the Jura coffee machine also features Aromatech grinders that help you extract flavor and aroma from your coffee. As a result, you get a cup of coffee that tastes as good as it smells!
On the other hand, with most DeLonghi machines, you’re going to get an espresso that’s just okay.
Delonghi’s, although they can brew good espresso, don’t have the same technology as Jura machines do. Without that Aroma grinder (or any grinder at all), you won’t pull the same amount of flavor out of the beans.
On top of that, the lack of PEP technology makes their espresso extraction process pretty standard.
You’ll still get a good cup of espresso, but the quality depends a lot more on your skills as a barista. And, you’re more likely to wind up with a brew that “just tastes like coffee.”
Now, don’t panic!
This doesn’t matter as much if you drink milk-based beverages like lattes and cappuccinos. Since the milk softens the espresso flavor anyway, you’ll still enjoy a decent cup of coffee.
Milk Frothing
The milk frothing technology on Jura vs Delonghi machines is pretty different.
Delonghi machines often have a steam wand. These are hands-on devices, where you add your milk to a pitcher and then insert the steam wand to heat the milk.
The steam wand can be automatic, meaning you set it running with the push of a button. Then, the wand adjusts for temperature and pressure based on what you’re making.
Or, the steam wands can be manual. In these cases, you’ll be in charge of adjusting how much and for how long you steam your drink.
On the other hand, the Jura coffee machines with their innovative frother technology prepare a compact and very fine bubble milk foam.
They do all this from a milk frother that’s built into the device!
All you have to do is refill the milk reservoir so that the machine can work its magic. Then, use the touchscreen to program the temperature and type of milk foam you’re making.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Cleaning and maintenance are necessary evils of owning a coffee maker.
When it comes to cleaning your Jura coffee machine, you’ll have a super easy time with it. Jura automatic coffee machine has rinsing, cleaning, and descaling programs.
They also feature an indicator light that lets you know when it’s time to run those programs.
Then, all you need to do is push a button and let the machine do the dirty work!
Oh, and when it comes to cleaning the milk spout? This resistant device can be popped into the dishwasher to make your life easier.
Also, the entire Jura system is certified by TUV. That’s one of the most prestigious hygiene awards in the hospitality industry.
Delonghi coffee machine, for its part, is also pretty easy to clean.
However, you’ll have to do the heavy lifting yourself.
Delonghi espresso machine has removable parts that are easy to handle. You can wash these yourself with a bit of dish soap and warm water.
Every now and then you’ll want to run a full cleaning cycle on the machine. You can do this using distilled white vinegar and hot water.
Ease of Use
When it comes to ease of use, I’m pretty sure you know where I’ll be headed.
Delonghi machines are semi-automatic while Jura coffee machines are super-automatic.
That means that it’s safe to say that Jura machines are easier to use.
Jura machines are designed for you to make up to two coffees at the same time with the touch of a single button.
All the steps in the brewing process are handled for you.
When you set the machine to make a certain coffee drink, the Jura coffee machine will grind and pour your espresso. Then, it’ll steam and pour the milk. Finally, it’ll self-clean.
Most Juras also feature machine learning. The more you use your coffee machine, the more the Jura recognizes your preferences and adjusts to them.
They also come with smartphone connectivity so you can program coffee from your phone. Talk about living the life of luxury!
On the other hand, Delonghi’s will certainly pour your espresso, but you’re in charge of the prep.
Some machines feature grinders. Others will require you to grind your espresso separately and fill the espresso puck.
Even if your Delonghi does feature an automatic grinder, you’ll need to pour your milk and insert the steam wand.
Depending on the device, you’ll manually adjust the wand for temperature and type of milk foam.
Although they’re still relatively easy to use, Delonghi devices are a lot more involved. They don’t give you that same, luxurious ease of use that Juras do.
Machine Design
The release of a new Jura model is pretty much guaranteed to spark enthusiasm among coffee lovers. We’re aware that new Jura coffee machines come decked out with great designs and snazzy new technology.
Jura’s machines feature clean, expressive lines and high-quality materials. The machines are almost always made of stainless steel, usually with black or silver accents.
In addition, the super-automatic Jura coffee machines have a digital screen to keep us tuned with where we are in the brewing process. The touch screen makes it easier than ever for you to fine-tune your beverages and get great coffee.
What that means is that instead of just having a coffee grinder attached to the machine, you also have the option to bypass that.
That way, you can use pre-ground coffee in the machine instead of just whole beans.
On the Delonghi side, things look a little bit different.
Firstly, the machines have a much more angular design. While the casings of these coffee machines are made of stainless steel, they don’t usually have the same sharp, sleek look as Juras do.
In terms of the brewing system, you’ve got a pretty bare-bones device.
Delonghi has no touch screen for you to use and instead requires you to manually grind, prep, and pour your coffee.
Conclusion
When you really break down Jura vs Delonghi, it’s not hard to see that Jura is the best choice.
Still, these two brands each have their own advantages.
If you are a coffee lover looking to spend a little money on a coffee machine that lasts a long time, the Jura is the way to go.
But, if this is your first time buying an espresso machine, you may be leaning towards Delonghi.
Jura machines produce high-quality, silky-smooth coffee all at the touch of a button. They take the work out of making great coffee and give you a truly aromatic cup.
So, for those at-home baristas who are serious about their coffee, I’d definitely recommend checking out the best Juras. It’s a purchase you won’t regret!
