Jura and De’Longhi are the two biggest names in fully automatic espresso machines. Both offer one-touch convenience, built-in grinders, and automatic milk frothing. The key difference is price: De’Longhi undercuts Jura by 30-60% at every tier. Here is where Jura justifies the premium and where De’Longhi closes the gap.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Jura | De’Longhi | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Fully automatic | Fully automatic |
| Price range | $800-$5,500 | $400-$2,500 |
| Grinder quality | Aroma G3 / P.R.G. (steel burr) | Steel burr (varies by model) |
| Milk system | Fine-foam (automatic) | LatteCrema (automatic) |
| Build quality | Premium Swiss, longer lifespan | Good Italian, varies by tier |
| Noise level | Quieter across the range | Moderate to loud |
| Espresso quality | Excellent (P.E.P. extraction) | Good to very good |
| Cold brew | Z10 only | Not available |
| Made in | Switzerland | Romania/China |
| Typical lifespan | 7-10+ years | 5-8 years |
Where Jura Wins
Grinder technology. Jura’s Aroma G3 grinder is quieter, more consistent, and faster than De’Longhi’s grinders. The Z10’s P.R.G. grinder is in a class of its own - automatically adjusting grind per drink. This translates to noticeably better espresso, especially for ristretto and short shots.
Build and longevity. Jura machines are built to last longer. Swiss manufacturing, heavier materials, and more robust brew units mean fewer issues over 7-10 years of daily use. De’Longhi machines are well-built but typically have shorter service lives.
Noise. Jura machines are consistently quieter. If you brew early in the morning while others sleep, this matters.
Cold brew. The Jura Z10 is the only fully automatic machine on the market with built-in cold extraction. De’Longhi does not offer this.
Where De’Longhi Wins
Price. De’Longhi’s Dinamica and Magnifica lines deliver solid fully automatic performance at $400-$1,200 - well below any Jura. If budget is the primary constraint, De’Longhi offers the best value in the super-automatic category.
Entry-level options. If you want to try a fully automatic without a large investment, De’Longhi’s Magnifica S ($400-$600) is a well-reviewed entry point. Jura has nothing at that price.
Availability. De’Longhi models are widely available at more retailers with more color and size options.
The Value Question
Jura machines cost 30-60% more than comparable De’Longhi models. Is the premium worth it?
Yes, if: You prioritize espresso quality, quiet operation, longevity, and are willing to pay for Swiss build quality. The Jura will likely outlast the De’Longhi by 2-3 years and produce consistently better espresso throughout its life.
No, if: You want a capable fully automatic machine at the lowest possible price. A De’Longhi Dinamica makes good coffee and lattes for under $1,000. It is not as refined as a Jura E8, but it gets the job done.
Model-to-Model Matchups
| Price Tier | Jura | De’Longhi |
|---|---|---|
| Under $1,000 | D6 | Dinamica, Magnifica Evo |
| $1,000-$1,500 | E6 | Eletta Explore |
| $1,500-$2,500 | E8, S8 | Eletta Explore with LatteCrema |
| $2,500+ | Z10 | No direct competitor |
At the $2,500+ tier, Jura has no De’Longhi competition. The Z10’s cold brew and P.R.G. grinder are unique in the market.
Our Recommendation
If you can afford it, the Jura E8 is the better machine than any De’Longhi at similar or lower price points. The espresso quality, grinder, noise level, and build quality justify the premium over a 7-10 year ownership period.
If budget is the deciding factor, a De’Longhi Dinamica is a solid fully automatic that will make good daily coffee. Just be aware you are trading some espresso quality, noise level, and longevity for the lower price.
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See also: Jura vs Breville | Jura vs All Competitors | All comparisons