Jura A1 Review

Jura A1
Overall Rating
90
Coffee Quality (40%)
90
Design & Features (20%)
87
Durability (20%)
92
Ease of Use (10%)
92
Brand Reputation (10%)
93
The Bottom Line
An entry-level, fully-automatic espresso machine from an industry leader, the Jura A1 doesn't have any fancy bells or whistles (it doesn't even have a milk frothing system) but it's built to last and won't let you down.
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Key Features of the Jura A1

Key Features of Jura A1

FeatureSpecification
Machine typeSuper-automatic
Integrated grinderAromaG3 grinder
Bean hopper4.4 oz
Bypass doserYes
Water Reservoir36.8 oz
Portafilter sizeNone
Portafilters includedNone
Boiler typeThermoblock
FrotherNone
Brew sizesRistretto (0.5 oz), espresso (1.35 oz), and long coffee (5 oz)
Pre-infusionYes (P.E.P.)
Specialty beverage buttons3 programmed beverages
Adjustable exit valves2.3"-5.6" coffee spout
Dose size selectorVia brew strength selection
Temperature controlNone
Strength control2 brew strength levels
Auto-off30 min, 1-2 hour options
Spent puck drawer9 servings
Drip trayRemovable
Warranty2 years or 6,000 brew cycles, whichever comes first
Case materialPlastic
Dimensions9.4"W x 17.5"D x 12.7"H
Weight20.3 lbs
Power1450W

Jura A1 Overview

The A1 is one of Jura's entry-level super-automatic espresso machines without many of the bells and whistles that the Swiss coffee brand's other, more feature-rich models have, but don't let that  deter you from purchasing the A1 (not the steak sauce) if this compact coffee powerhouse has everything you need.

  • Integrated grinder for freshly-ground coffee each brew
  • One-touch brewing for 3 different beverages (ristretto, espresso, long coffee)
  • Programmable brew volumes for each of those 3 beverages
  • Pre-infusion using Jura's proprietary Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.)
  • 2 strength control levels that adjust the amount of ground coffee used
  • Bypass doser if you want to use pre-ground coffee
  • Adjustable brew nozzle
  • Small counter-top footprint

Notably absent from the aforementioned (and short) list of brewing options is anything milk-based, which shouldn't come as a surprise because the A1 doesn't include a milk frothing system.

For the occasional latte or cappuccino, you can use a separate milk frother — perhaps something with one-button functionality like the Nespresso Aeroccino? — though, admittedly, that adds an extra step to the brewing process and is less than "fully automatic."

Pros
  • New Jura AromaG3 grinder and P.E.P. variable pressure extraction yield a more complex coffee with 12.2% more aroma (measured by Total Dissolved Solids)
  • Environmentally-friendly with both auto-off mode and Zero-Energy switch (ensures the machine draws zero power when switch is engaged)
  • Adjustable coffee spout accomodates mugs up to 5.5", which is more than almost all other Jura models
  • Made from better internal components than similar entry-level super-automatic models for reliable, long-term use
  • Compatible with Jura's J.O.E. app to brew coffee remotely
Cons
  • Doesn't include Jura's intelligent pre-heating system, which ensures the machine doesn't cool down too much between brew cycles
  • Doesn't include a milk frothing system
  • Small 36.8 oz water reservoir
  • No "hot water only" brew mode
  • No color touchscreen display

Is the Jura A1 for you?

Are Jura A1 for you?

Jura makes several different models of super-automatic espresso machines, so how does the A1 compare?

Feature Jura A1 Jura ENA 8 Jura E8 Jura S8 Jura Z8
Bean hopper 4.4 oz 4.4 oz 9.9 oz 9.9 oz 9.9 oz
Active bean monitoring No No No Yes Yes
Water Reservoir 36.8 oz 36.8 oz 63.6 oz 63.6 oz 63.6 oz
Boiler type Thermoblock Thermoblock Thermoblock Thermoblock Dual Thermoblock
Frother None HP1 HP3 HP3 HP3
Display Buttons only 2.8" color touch 2.8" color (not touch) 4.3" color touch 4.3" color touch
Specialty beverage buttons 3 10 17 15 21
Smart mode No No Yes No No
Brews double beverages No No Yes Yes Yes
Hot water only mode No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Adjustable brew nozzle 2.3"-5.6" 2.7"-5.4" 2.6"-4.4" 2.8"-4.6" 3.2"-6.0"
Temp control levels 1 3 3 3 3
Intelligent preheating No No Yes No Yes
Strength control levels 2 10 10 10 10
Width 9.4"W 10.7"W 11.0"W 11.0"W 12.6"W
Depth 17.5"D 17.5"D 17.5"D 17.5"D 17.7"D
Height 12.7"H 12.7"H 13.6"H 13.7"H 15.0"H
Weight 20.3 lbs 20.7 lbs 21.6 lbs 22.1 lbs 29.5 lbs
Power 1450W 1450W 1450W 1450W 1500W

To me, the Jura A1 includes the bare minimum features that any super-automatic espresso machine should have, but it costs around 50% more than similarly-spec'd models from other big-name brands (like the Philips 1200) and more than twice as much as models from lesser-known brands that pop up on Amazon from time to time.

Why pay more for the same features and specifications? Two reasons:

  • Jura's espresso machines are well-made in factories in either Switzerland or Portugal (depending on the model).
  • The internal components — which you can't see from the outside and are difficult to evaluate as a consumer — are high-quality to ensure consistent grind size, extraction temp, and other variables. That means the shot you pull on Day 700 tastes as great as the shot you pulled on Day 1.

The A1, like all Jura-manufactured machines, is backed by their 2-year warranty (or 6,000 brew cycles, whichever comes first). Personally, the 2-year warranty is a little disappointing given the price point on Jura's various espresso machines, but that doesn't mean these models are flimsy of engineered to self destruct when their brew cycle counter hits 6,001 cycles.

Most Jura customers have no problems with their machines well beyond the 2-year mark with some getting 10+ years out of their investment.

Ultimately, it depends on how well you care for and maintain your machine. While true of all types of coffee and espresso machines, that's especially true of super-automatic espresso machines.

Is the Jura A1 right for you?

  • If you don't usually drink milk-based beverages but can't stomach the A1's price tag, check out the Philips 1200 or Gaggia Brera (note that the Brera does have a frother but is in the same price range as the Phillips 1200).
  • If you absolutely need the ability to make milk-based beverages, check out the similarly-sized Jura ENA 8.
  • If you absolutely need the ability to make milk-based beverages but also want a larger bean hopper and water reservoir, check out the Jura E8.
  • If you absolutely need the ability to make milk-based beverages but don't want to pay $1,500+ for a machine, check out the aforementioned Gaggia Brera, Saeco Incanto, or Saeco PicoBarista.

But if you don't need a frothing system and are just looking for a no-frills, durable model from a trusted brand, get the Jura A1.

Jura A1 Review: An In-Depth Look

Check out the Jura A1!

Check out Jura A1!

Jura A1
An entry-level, fully-automatic espresso machine from an industry leader, the Jura A1 doesn't have any fancy bells or whistles (it doesn't even have a milk frothing system) but it's built to last and won't let you down.

More Jura Reviews From The Coffee Maven

Jura E6

Jura E6
Overall Rating: 91
An earlier model still in production, the Jura E6 debuted the brand's Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.) brew system with preinfusion and pulsed pressure for more efficient extraction. For more features, check out the Jura E8.

Jura Giga 6

Jura Giga 6
Overall Rating: 94
The Giga 6 combines the best of Jura's premium home brewers with the power of their commerical models including 28 programmed recipes. Want a full-service machine for a high-consumption home or workplace? You want the Giga 6.

Jura Z6

Jura Z6
Overall Rating: 93
An outdated model in Jura's luxury home brewer Z line, the Z6 offers large water tank and hopper capacities, 13 programmed drinks, and a 2.8" color display. You'll find improved features and performance on the Z8 and Z10.
About The Coffee Maven
bryan de luca
Bryan De Luca

I'm Bryan but most people know me as The Coffee Maven. I grew up outside Boston, Massachusetts and received my Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from Providence College. My first introduction to coffee was during my college days, when I used it as a source of caffeine to fuel late-night study sessions, but soon I became obsessed with the chemistry of coffee. How did changes to water temperature or contact time affect its taste? Why do beans from Africa taste fruity while beans from Indonesia taste spicy? I launched The Coffee Maven in February 2017 to explore these questions and help others brew their perfect cup. Welcome to my site, and thanks for reading!

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