The Jura team continues to lead in innovation with their new Jura A1 Automatic Coffee Machine. This new model showcase their cutting-edge P.E.P. extraction method and AromaG3 grinder. The result – Jura A1 delivers the richest and most nuanced single cup of espresso possible outside of the café.
- ONE TOUCH: Prepare 3 barista quality specialties including ristretto, espresso and coffee at the touch of a button...
- PERFECT ESPRESSO: Ultimate coffee quality thanks to JURA's exclusive Pulse Extraction Process
- CONICAL BURR GRINDER: Fast and precise AromaG3 grinder grinds whole beans to the optimum fineness
- ECO FRIENDLY: JURA is always freshly ground, not capsuled - fresh taste with very limited waste - single serve...
If you’re looking for a state-of-the-art automatic espresso machine for your home or office, the Jura A1 might be exactly what you need.
It is best suited to non-baristas who wish to effortlessly enjoy sophisticated and pure coffee beverages at home. It can also work for those looking for a classy, high-end self-serve option at the front end of a low-foot traffic business or the back end of a small office to boost morale for employees. This model is featured on The Best Jura Coffee Center for a home or an office.
No matter your situation, you have a lot of options in the entry level high-end automatic coffee market, so let’s take a closer look at the stunningly simple Jura A1 to see if it’s for you.
What we love about the Jura A1 Automatic Coffee Machine:
- Unique Pulse Extraction Process to Pull out the Nuance of your Espresso.
- AromaG3 Grinder 50% Quieter than Standard Grinders with Twice the Speed.
- Timesaving: Bean to Cup in just 1 Minute.
- Exquisitely Good-Looking Machine with a Small Footprint.
- Creates Espresso, Ristretto, and Coffee.
- Two Strength Levels and Three Adjustable Sizes.
- Simply Intuitive Controls for Effortless Operation.
- Thermablock Heating Technology.
- 15-bar Power Pump Delivers Optimal Pressure.
- Patented Zero-Energy Switch for High Energy Efficiency.
Design of the Jura A1
The Jura A1 is a clean, compact 20-pound machine with a flat screen with eleven pressable areas at the top and none on the front that gives it an elevated look. The machine is just 12.7 inches tall, 9.4 inches wide, and 17.5 inches deep.
This model has two color options, piano white and piano black:
Jura A1 Dimension
The model we own is a gorgeous piano white with a chrome spout in the center. The cleverly designed spout can be lowered to accommodate small espresso glasses as short as 2.3 inches and raised to accommodate mugs up to 5.6 inches, which is a generous range not often seen in the espresso market.
Aside from the power button, there are eleven buttons on the screen at the top of the machine – the main there you’ll use are the programmable size buttons.
You can program each button anywhere between 6 and 10 grams of coffee and choose between two strengths. Note that they are programmed upon delivery as espresso, ristretto, and coffee.
Control Panel – Symbol Display
Behind those buttons, the 36.8 oz-capacity water tank, 4.4 oz-capacity AromaG3 bean grinder, ground espresso scoop, and grind settings knob are smartly hidden behind flat panels to keep the machine looking sleek.
The A1 model Jura accommodates roughly 9 cups of coffee before you’ll have to refill either beans, grounds, or water, which is why we think it’s best for serving a low number of coffee drinkers.
It’s also important to note there is no steam wand or milk options on this machine. This automatic coffee maker only delivers pure espresso, ristretto, and coffee.
Features & Performance:
Innovative P.E.P. System – Pulse Extraction Process
The Jura team has perfected the brewing process for short specialty coffees with what they call the P.E.P system, which stands for pulse extraction process.
This P.E.P. system pulses pressurized water through the grounds to optimize extraction time and fully develop the coffee flavors – and it really works!
We certainly noticed a special quality to the Jura espresso when compared against other automatic machines tested in its class.
Jura A1 AromaG3 Grinder Takes You from Bean to Cup in Less than a Minute
Jura’s contemporary AromaG3 grinder ensures your coffee beans are optimally ground fresh and fast, but gently to preserve the beautiful aroma.
Jura claims its AromaG3 to be twice as fast and 50% quieter than others on the market.
And we can say for sure this machine’s grinder is noticeably quieter than other machines we’ve tried.
It also grinds much, much faster than most of its peers.
You’ll get from bean to cup in just one minute or less.
Two Strength Levels and Three Adjustable Sizes
The Jura A1 makes fine-tuning your drink preferences a walk in the park.
It allows you to program three sizes onto your quick buttons between 6 and 10 oz., and allows you to choose between two strengths for each of those buttons.
The buttons come pre-programmed as espresso, ristretto, and coffee.
We know some of you might be wondering if the coffee really tastes as such. We think yes, it does! You can make an 8-10 oz. cup of joe that tastes great. In fact, that’s what we most often use our machine for.
Eco-Friendly: No Paper Filters or Capsules Needed
Another great plus to the Jura A1 machine is its minimal waste. This machine makes coffee and espresso in a super-automatic fashion without the use of paper coffee filters or capsules. We think this will be an impressive upgrade for any Nespresso owners out there looking for a better cup of espresso and less waste.
Compact Design that Looks Gorgeous
The Jura A1 is without a doubt easy on the eyes. Our lovely piano white model looks like a million bucks on our marble coffee bar. Better yet? The machine has a reasonably small footprint. It’s simple, compact design makes it an easy fit into small spaces.
Unmatched Consistency
Get a great cup of coffee every time. There is no way to match the consistency of the Jura A1 with any semi-automatic or manual espresso machine. Likewise, there is no way to match its café-quality flavor with any capsule-based automatic machine.
Maintenance
Some of the mundane maintenance required like constantly emptying out the tray for loose grinds can be annoying with this machine, but at least that is a quick to-do.
Descaling the machine, by and large the worst tasks on some machines, takes about 40 minutes with the Jura A1. Most of the process is done automatically though, so it doesn’t end up being too cumbersome. You’ll just have to refill the water tank twice during the automated process.
Things to Think About
The biggest complaint we could see heavy coffee drinkers having on this machine is its small water tank and bean compacity. Both are at about half what most standard machines offer, which is why this machine is truly best suited for the home, but it could still work for a small enough office with the understanding that the beans and water will need to be regularly refilled on a busy day.
This machine won’t be for lovers of milk-based beverages or those looking to serve large groups of people. It’s also not for those who want versatility or control in their espresso making process.
It’s for coffee purists who want a good-looking super-automated machine.
If you are a cappuccino lover, check out our review on the Jura E6 – the professional cappuccino machine for home barista.
Setup Process:
The setup process for Jura A1 is simple! Be sure to use the manual for a more detailed guide, but here are the main steps:
- Step 0: Remove all the packaging and find a spot for your Jura machine. Attach the drip tray grill and plug in the machine.
- Step 1: Fill the water tank with tap water and test your water hardness. Depending on the results you may want to continue without a filter or add in the Jura filter in that comes with the machine. Press the descale symbol for no filter and set your water hardness.
- Step 2: Grab a cup and place it under the machine to begin a brief rinse cycle.
- Step 3: Add your beans and select one of the three coffee cup buttons to begin making your first brew!
Comparable Models: Jura A1 vs. Gaggia Cadorna Milk Super-Automatic Espresso Machine
Both A1 and Cadorna are super-automatic espresso machines. Both are in the similar price range – under $1000. One is for coffee purist, the other for milk-coffee drinks.
Design Comparison
The Gaggia Cadorna has a much larger footprint both in width and height than the Jura. It’s not a surprise though, considering its beefed-up capabilities in comparison to the A1.
Surprisingly, they manage to have the same weight, both coming in at just over 20 pounds.
That says something positive about the luxury quality and feel of the Jura A1 but leaves the Gaggia feeling a little cheaply made in comparison.
The A1 is simplistic and sophisticated in nature. While the Gaggia is a feature-strong machine, it looks a bit cluttered by comparison. The Gaggia has an automatic milk frother and large touch screen panel in front with lots of options that contribute to that disorganized look.
Function Comparison
It’s no secret that the Jura A1 looks much nicer on your kitchen counter, but it pales in comparison when it comes to the number of functions the Gaggia can complete.
The Jura A1 only makes pure ristretto, espresso, and coffee.
The Gaggia Cadorna can complete all of that, plus espresso lungos, latte macchiatos, cappuccinos, flat whites, café au laits, café Cortados, Americanos, hot waters and steamed milks.
You can even make two different beverages at the same time with two automatic grind cycles.
The Gaggia Cadorna Milk truly has it all when it comes to its functionality, and it does all of that with so much customization. You can change recipes amount of milk or espresso plus its strength, whereas the Jura A1 has a lot less customization.
The Jura A1 focuses on its narrow list of drink types and executes those recipes excellently.
Which model should you get?
So, which model should you get, the Jura A1 or the Gaggia Cadorna Milk?
That truly depends on what you want.
If you want to do little to no work in the morning and get a café-quality drink, well both machines can do that. The question is what do you like to drink? If you adore milk drinks or will be serving a lot of people who do, the Gaggia Cadorna Milk is far and away your better choice.
On the other hand, if you’re a simple coffee purist who values classic milk less drinks and you want an impressively attractive machine, your only choice should be the Jura A1 Automatic Coffee Machine.
Final Thoughts:
The Jura A1 Automatic Coffee Machine (view on Amazon) is a world-class, no frills pure espresso and coffee machine that employs a never-before-seen pulse extraction process to produce consistently nuanced espresso and coffee beverages.
For bean to cup coffee purists, the AromaG3 grinder will be a game changer. The Jura A1 has nailed its limited features on offer and done so in the most beautiful way.
Whether you’re looking for your home or small office, the Jura A1 is sure to match your undoubtedly sophisticated space because if you’re interested in the Jura A1 you must have great taste.
With the Jura A1 Automatic Coffee Machine, you’ll get
Related guide:
- Check out our list of best espresso machines under $1000 – café-quality at home.