When it comes to super-automatic espresso machines, the Jura Z6 is hard to beat. From high-tech design to consistently good coffee, this model sets the standard for the entire market.
Now, the real question is – is the Jura Z6 the right espresso maker for you?
Let’s find out.
In this Jura Z6 review, we’ll talk about every single feature of this machine, so you can make up your mind based on what you’re looking for.
The Rundown on the Jura Z6 Specs
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Jura brand has been around for more than 90 years. Today, it features a team of 70 engineers that always work on perfecting each feature and making brewing coffee even simpler.
That’s pretty clear with the Z line, which includes the model we’re reviewing today. This series includes many features not found in earlier models. These include metal components, a quick heating system, and water filter cartridges.
Pros
- Since it’s a super-automatic espresso machine, it gives consistently good coffee
- An easy-to-use control panel allows you to choose between programmed beverages or make your own
- A large water reservoir and bean hopper mean you don’t have to refill the machine that often
- With the automatic cleaning programs, you just need to press the start button and add cleansing tablets when needed
- A quick-heating system allows you to make cup after cup without waiting
Cons
- Quite expensive for casual coffee drinkers
- Doesn’t come with a milk container, so you have to buy it separately
A Closer Look at Features
So what makes the Z6 one of the brand’s best-selling models?
Tons of high-quality features you don’t often see combined in a single espresso machine.
In this section, we’ll touch upon all the characteristics that make this model so great.
Design
The first thing that catches your eye has got to be the beautiful design of this machine. But that’s not really surprising with Jura machines since all of them aim for a modern, sleek look.
The Jura Z6 comes in two color options: diamond black and polished aluminum. Both options are very elegant, so the choice ultimately comes down to which one more fits your kitchen’s color scheme.
Both top and front panels are made of sturdy aluminum, while the sides are made of ABS plastic. Given the fact it features metal components, it’s not surprising that this espresso maker weighs as much as 25 pounds.
With the dimensions of 17.7 x 12.6 x 14.8 inches, the Z6 is not the most compact machine out there either. But like most Jura models, this machine is designed to meet the standards of a commercial-grade espresso maker, so it’s clear why its size matters.
And while it does take a bit more room on the counter than your drip coffee maker, it still fits well. And with its capabilities, this is a perfect machine for offices and coworking spaces.
Here’s what I mean.
With a huge water tank of 81 ounces, this Jura coffee machine can make about 80 cups of regular espresso before it needs refilling. What’s also great is that the tank is loaded on the side and easy to remove – without moving the machine closer to you.
The water tank is see-through, so you always know when it’s time for refilling. But that’s not the main reason why it’s transparent. The tank features a backlight, and the shiny blue light really adds up to the whole contemporary design.
While this might not be the most important feature, I’m very thrilled to see a fully adjustable dual spout. This means you can pour your coffee directly into a tall mug or a glass that’s up to 6 inches high.
What’s more, you can also adjust the width between the spouts. What this allows you to do is adjust it to fit cups of different sizes. Now that’s something you don’t often see on espresso machines.
The Jura Z6 has a large display and an intuitive control panel. While some other Jura espresso machines feature a touchscreen, that’s not the case here.
But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Each beverage has a corresponding button, so you’re just a click away from a hot cup of coffee. If you ask me, it doesn’t get any simpler than that.
Another feature worth mentioning is the automatic switch off. You can set the machine to automatically shuts down after being idle for 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or 1- 9 hours. Of course, you can also disable it, in case you actually want the machine to stay on until you shut it down.
While it might not sound like a big deal, the auto turn-off definitely helps in cutting down energy consumption. But more importantly, it stops the machine from malfunctioning in the case of a short circuit. While you can’t predict it, you can definitely prevent it with such features.
Related reading: Jura Z6 vs S8 – Which One Is Better?
Grinding
This model comes with an ample 9.9-ounce coffee bean container with the “aroma preservation” cover. This cover sits right on top of the beans and underneath the actual bean hopper lid, to prevent the aroma and flavor of the beans from dissipating fast.
The Z6 features the so-called Aroma G3 grinder, which is the improved version of the grinder used in previous models.
What’s changed are the cutting angles of the grinding cones. As a result, the grinder does its job twice as fast while still giving great results.
There are six grind settings available, ranging from coarse to fine. To be honest, that’s slightly underwhelming, as most models at this price range offer up to 12 grind settings. But I can’t complain too much, as there’s still room to play around with different coffee ground sizes.
But what’s great is the fact that the Jura Z6 only grinds the right amount you need for the drink you’ve selected on the control panel. This nifty little function assures that you use only fresh ground coffee every time you’re brewing.
Now, if you want to enjoy a cup of decaf every now and then, you don’t need to switch the beans every time. This model also features a bypass dozer that fits approximately 20 servings, so you can use any ground specialty coffee of your choice.
Brewing
While the Jura Z6 coffee machine has plenty of amazing features, brewing is where it really shines.
First on the list is the pre-infusion aroma system which wets the coffee grounds with a bit of hot water before the extraction phase. Once wet, the grounds get slightly swollen and pack better inside the portafilter. This assures they get extracted evenly.
Another feature worth mentioning is the Pulse Extraction Process (PEP). It was first invented for this model, but soon PEP became a staple feature on newer Jura machines.
What PEP does is it pushes hot water in small intervals, rather than in a single stream. That way, coffee grounds get optimally extracted at a much faster rate.
A great feature of Jura Z6 is that it allows you to experiment with your drink. There are tons of premade drinks you can choose from, but you don’t have to settle with programmed options.
Not just grind size, but you can also change other settings, such as strength level, amount of water, and even brewing temperature.
And the best part about programming mode is – you don’t have to do all of those steps every time you want a cup of your favorite coffee. The Z6 allows you to save your settings for later use, and even set them on the home screen for easier navigation.
Like a true super-automatic espresso machine, the Jura Z6 does all the work when it comes to frothing milk as well. Instead of a steam wand, this model features an externally attachable automatic milk frothing system.
To set it up, you need to connect one side of the milk pipe to the dual spout, while the other goes into the milk container. When making coffee, the Jura machine directly sucks milk out of the container, steams it, and pours it into your coffee drink.
But while most espresso makers with auto-frothing systems always give you the same exact milk froth, that’s not the case with the Z6.
You might not be operating by hand, but you can choose from ten levels for the foam and milk temperature! Now that’s something even professional baristas might struggle to achieve manually.
I must say, I was quite surprised that the Z6 doesn’t have a dual boiler. At this price point, you kind of expect to be able to brew coffee and steam milk at the same time. Unfortunately, you can’t do that with the Z6.
But the devil is not so black as he is painted. The machine features a Thermoblock heating system. This type of heater uses different technology than other single boilers. Instead of heating up a full boiler of water, a thermoblock takes needed water from the water tank instead.
While you can’t brew and steam simultaneously, the Z6 heats up water so fast, you can practically make one cup after another without waiting.
Cleaning
When it comes to maintenance, the Jura espresso machine never disappoints. You don’t need to mark the dates on the calendar or set up phone reminders. The machine alerts you whenever it’s time for maintenance, be it cleaning, descaling, or changing the filter.
After you make 180 drinks, the Z6 prompts you to run a rinsing cycle. The program is automated, so you don’t actually need to do any step by hand – except to add a cleansing tablet to the bypass hopper.
When you’re setting the machine up for the first time, you need to test your tap water for hardness.
You also get a test strip, so the only thing you need to do is dip it in a glass of water for a few seconds and compare the results to the included color chart. Then, you can set water hardness on the machine to match your results.
Why does this matter, you might ask?
Because it allows the Z6 to adjust how frequently it sends you a descaling alert. The harder the water, the more often you need to run the cycle.
The Z6 comes with two filters for the water reservoir. Filters are great because they allow you to descale a machine less frequently. But this machine won’t work if the filter is not in place. While you’re set for the first two times, this means you’ll have to buy new filters regularly.
Maintenance would be a real pain in the back were it not for the automatic milk system rinsing. Every time you make a milk-based beverage, the machine runs water through the spout to rinse any milk residue.
But even with this feature, you still need to regularly clean the milk pipe and individual parts of the milk system. Luckily, all the parts are easy to remove and can be washed under tap water.
FAQ
Still on the fence about the Jura Z6? In this section, I’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this model.
Does Jura Z6 have Smart Connect?
Yes, the Z6 features the “JURA Smart Connect” technology that allows you to control your machine via a phone or a tablet. You just need to download the J.O.E. application, which lets you wirelessly operate on your machine.
Does Jura Z6 Come with a Milk Container?
Unfortunately, this model doesn’t come with a milk container. Instead, you can use your own or buy a compatible container by the brand.
Does Jura Z6 Make Regular Coffee?
This model offers a large list of drinks that will satisfy a regular coffee lover. One of the options is “coffee”, which is actually an Americano.
Since it’s an espresso machine, the Z6 only makes coffee drinks based on espresso. It can also make coffee beverages made with milk, like latte, flat white, and cappuccino.
Our Verdict
When it comes to super-automatic espresso machines, the Jura Z6 is one of the best models you can find. While it comes with a fairly high price, it’s definitely well justified.
The machine is intuitive to use and gives consistently good cups of coffee. In fact, the Z6 is pretty much a commercial-grade machine designed for home use. And as such, it’s worth your money.
