As a dedicated, keen home barista, you’ll already be aware that there are a LOT of automatic coffee machines out there in the marketplace. Jura and Saeco are two heavyweight brands, both with dedicated followers who insist that their choice is the best buy.
But when it comes to Jura versus Saeco, which is the best brand for you? Buying an automatic coffee maker can amount to a substantial investment, so you need to be confident that you’ve made the right decision. Well, yet again coffee fanatic, we’re here to help.
Jura Overview
Jura has an excellent reputation as a maker of high-quality coffee machines that are constructed to last a lifetime. Jura machines will continue to reliably produce delicious coffee time after time with little requirement for maintenance or repair.
However, the old maxim “you get what you pay for” applies here. Jura are not the cheapest coffee machines on the market, but you will enjoy professional results and reliability if you buy one of their products.
Jura coffee machines are endorsed by none other than world-conquering tennis ace, Roger Federer. Freshly brewed coffee is clearly good for your health!
Saeco Overview
Saeco also produces excellent coffee making machines, but their brand falls into the more affordable range for most coffee consumers. The Saeco brand is owned and manufactured by electronics giant, Philips.
So, that’s a little bit about the two brands. Now, what about the products?
We’ve reviewed comparable machines made by both brands. Check out the one-click links to see the full product specification of each machine.
Saeco HD8911/47 Incanto Classic Milk Frother Espresso Machine
This neat, super-compact machine is ideal for those with limited counter space who still want to enjoy great coffee. Homebrewers can choose between using convenient coffee pods or their favorite grind. The 15 bar pressure pump gives you exceptional flavor at very low cost.
The included steam wand and frother are nice to have if you’re a fan of frothy drinks. The machine does not have a built-in grinder, so for a bean-to-cup experience, you’d need to buy a separate grinder or use ready-ground coffee from your favorite coffee shop.
Saeco’s thoughtful design process shows here. The machine is small and lightweight, but there’s also space to store four cappuccino cups on top of this coffee maker. We reckon this is an ideal purchase for home baristas with limited counter space and a smaller budget.
Jura 13626 Ena Micro 1 Automatic Coffee Machine, Micro Black
Jura’s small lightweight automatic coffee machine is a bean-to-cup marvel!
The machine has an automatic energy saving mode that may save you some cash on fuel bills while easing your eco-conscience. The preheating mode means that you can have a hot cup of coffee in double-quick time. There’s a built-in grinder that’s constructed to a very high standard.
The main drawback to this innovative piece of kit is that it does not come with a milk frother. However, if you prefer your espresso pure and unadulterated, this might not be an issue for you.
Saeco HD8327/47 Poemia Top Espresso Machine, Stainless Steel
This is an excellent budget coffee machine that’s perfect for those who want professional standard java at a low cost. The machine is easy-to-use, and you can choose between pods for a brew in a hurry or your favorite grind if you prefer.
The 15 bar pressure pump and included stainless steel cup warmer assures you of a hot cup of coffee and maximum flavor. Easily adjustable controls are ideal for those who don’t like fussy control panels and too many buttons; keep it simple stupid, right?
The Poemia will give you good-quality coffee at a very affordable price. There’s also a decent warranty included in the cost, but the machine is so well-made and reliable, it’s unlikely you’ll need it.
Jura 15006 Impressa C60 Automatic Coffee Center
The impressively named, Impressa Automatic Coffee Center has a neat rotary switch operation, so there aren’t lots of buttons to work out.
This machine is beautiful in its simplicity. The 15 bar pressure pump is built to last and certainly delivers! This machine has a 64-ounce water tank, so you’ll be able to make a good few cups before having to stop and refill. The spout is adjustable to accommodate different cup sizes too.
The Coffee Center is slightly heavier than other comparable models, but that is because the components used are of exceptionally high-quality. There’s very little to criticize with this machine.
The detail in this model is truly exceptional, as is the craftsmanship. We think this machine would be ideal for a household where there are multiple java drinkers or for a small office where the boss wants to keep his brew-loving staff members motivated and happy at work!
Jura vs. Saeco Recap
So, home brew coffee lovers, where does all this leave us?
Making a comparison between these two brands is not an easy process, largely because they inhabit such different price brackets.
If you have a larger budget at your disposal, then the Jura is the most likely choice for you. The machines are all fully-warranted, and Jura’s customer service is excellent.
For those looking to buy their first automatic coffee machine or for those home baristas on a budget, Saeco might be the way to go. Bear in mind though that Saeco machines tend to be simple. If you want more bells and whistles, top-quality integral grinders, etc., Jura might be more your bag.
Other Considerations
Counter Space & Portability
Unless you’re happy to drag your coffee machine out of the cupboard every time you want a brew, you’ll want to keep your coffee making kit readily on hand. With this in mind, it may be worth spending more on a machine that has more space-saving, built-in features such as grinders, milk frothers, etc.
What’s Your Coffee Budget?
Before you decide that you can’t afford an expensive coffee making machine, it’s worth considering how much you spend on coffee annually.
Most coffee lovers don’t realize just how much they lay-out on barista coffees, and it may not take long for even an expensive coffee maker to pay for itself.
How serious do you take coffee?
If you’re buying a coffee machine for your use and you’re a confirmed coffee nut who likes to get creative with their brewing and enjoys a high-quality cup of Joe, you’ll want to spend as much as you can afford on a coffee machine.
How much coffee do you drink?
If you’re a single cup drinker, a machine with a small capacity won’t be a problem. However, if you don’t want to have to fill the machine’s water reservoir too often or you want to make two cups at once, you’ll lean towards a machine like the Jura Impressa that has a 64-ounce tank.
So, what’s the bottom line?
So, given all the above information, we reckon that Jura is the brand of choice where cost is not a significant consideration. The Impressa is a brilliant choice for those bean-heads who crave multiple cups of excellent coffee or who like to entertain. Alternatively, the compact Ena 1 is perfect for those with limited storage space and has the advantage of a top-quality, integral grinder.
That said, Saeco is still a good brand from a manufacturer with an undisputed pedigree. For those with limited funds or for folk at the beginning of their home brewing journey, Saeco would be a less expensive option, while still assuring you of a decent brew.
