The E6 and E8 are Jura’s two most popular home machines. They share the same body design and water tank, but the E8 costs $300-500 more. Here is exactly what that extra money gets you - and whether it is worth it.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Jura E6 | Jura E8 |
|---|---|---|
| Specialties | 8 | 17 |
| Grinder | Aroma G3 | Aroma G3 |
| Milk system | Basic frothing | Fine foam technology |
| Display | Color TFT | Larger color TFT |
| P.E.P. | Yes | Yes (refined) |
| Key milk drinks | Cappuccino, latte | + flat white, latte macchiato, cortado |
| Water tank | 1.9L | 1.9L |
| Price range | $1,000-$1,300 | $1,500-$2,000 |
The Three Real Differences
1. Milk system quality. This is the biggest difference. The E8’s fine-foam technology produces silkier, more textured microfoam - the kind you see in specialty coffee shops. The E6’s basic frother makes decent foam, but it is noticeably coarser. If you drink lattes, flat whites, or cappuccinos daily, you will appreciate the E8’s milk quality.
2. Drink variety. The E8 adds flat white, latte macchiato, cortado, and several additional espresso variations. If your household has varied tastes, 17 options versus 8 gives everyone their preferred drink without workarounds.
3. Display. The E8 has a slightly larger color TFT that shows drink icons more clearly. Both are functional, but the E8’s display feels more polished in daily use.
What They Share
Both machines use the same Aroma G3 grinder - the espresso quality is identical. Both have Pulse Extraction Process for rich, full-bodied short coffees. Both have the same 1.9L water tank, 280g bean hopper, and automated cleaning programs. The core espresso experience is the same machine.
When to Choose the E6
- You mainly drink espresso, Americano, and basic cappuccino
- Budget is a primary concern and $300-500 matters
- You do not need a wide drink menu or fine-foam milk
- You want a simpler interface with fewer options to navigate
The E6 is a genuinely good machine. If your daily routine is “espresso in the morning, maybe a cappuccino after lunch,” the E6 covers that perfectly.
When to Choose the E8
- You make milk-based drinks regularly (lattes, flat whites, cappuccinos)
- You want the wider drink menu for variety or for serving guests
- Milk foam quality matters to you
- You want a machine that grows with your coffee tastes over time
The E8 is our best overall recommendation for a reason. The price difference is modest relative to a machine that lasts 7-10 years.
Our Verdict
For most buyers, the E8 is the better investment. The fine-foam milk system alone justifies the upgrade if you make any milk drinks. Spread over 7+ years of daily use, the $300-500 premium works out to less than $0.20 per day.
Choose the E6 only if you are genuinely budget-constrained or if you know you will stick to black coffee and basic cappuccino.
Ready to Buy?
See also: E-Series overview | E8 vs Z10 | E8 review | All comparisons