The Jura D6 vs ENA Micro 90: Both come from a Swiss brand with various visually appealing super-automatic machines that produce great espressos. At the end of the day, I give the winning ticket to the Jura D6.
I consider the Jura D6 to be among the base models of the Jura espresso machine line, which is ideal for those who are new to the automatic coffee machine world. This one is affordable, easy to use, and certainly won’t overwhelm you with fancy bells and whistles.
The ENA Micro 90 is also another Jura entry-level “bean-to-cup” machine, which gives you everything you need to create espresso and some milk-based drinks. However, it does come with some minor conveniences, such as the inability to be controlled remotely or the lack of the ability to brew two cups of espresso at once.
Jura D6 Vs ENA Micro 90: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Jura D6 Vs ENA Micro 90: Differences
The Jura D6 wins 3-2 against the ENA Micro 90. Let’s scroll down and read to the end to decide which is right for you.
Coffee Flavour
Winner: ENA Micro 90
Built-in Grinder
Let’s start with the built-in grinder. The Jura D6 features a multi-level Aroma G2 grinder, which is a bit of a step backward from the Micro 90’s integrated Aroma G3 grinder. Also, both have five different grind settings.
The biggest difference between the G2 grinder and its successor is that it doesn’t deliver perfectly consistent coffee grounds. To put it more simply, it may end up with big chunks in the coffee grounds, somewhat lowering the quality of your espresso.
Moreover, the G2 grinder is a little noisier than the newer version. It isn’t the end of the world since it’s not excessively loud to the point of arousing sleepers or provoking reprimands for preparing an early morning espresso, but it definitely does pose a slight inconvenience. The G2 grinder is also twice as slow as the G3.
As mentioned above, they share five different grind settings. That is below the industry standard of six, and the reality is that I’ve tested many machines that are cheaper but offer a dozen or more settings, such as the Gaggia Velasca with 10 grinding settings. There is a general convention: use a finer grind for espresso and milk-based drinks and go coarser for regular coffee. And bear in mind that you should only adjust the grind size while the grinder is running.
Heating System
Both Jura D6 vs ENA Micro 90 have just one boiler, so they can’t simultaneously brew coffee and steam milk as super-automatic coffee machines that utilize a double boiler system do. Instead, they have to do things one at a time, and there is a waiting period in between to switch from brewing coffee to steaming milk or vice versa.
The thing is, they are equipped with Thermoblock technology, which is available with all Jura super-automatic machines. This feature can heat the water to the correct temperature quickly in about 20 seconds. Yes, just 20 seconds! That’s what traditional boilers can’t do. That means the waiting time is so short that you may not really be able to notice it and not consider it a deal-breaker.
But wait, how can a Thermoblock boiler do that? It just heats on-demand water to brew espresso or steam milk, resulting in a shorter heating time and less power consumption. Guess what? Your espresso is always brewed with fresh water.
Brewing System
There is no denying that the pre-infusion process is very important for a well-rounded espresso with exceptional taste and aroma and it’s almost become the norm in the world of super-automatic espresso machines. For those unfamiliar, it involves briefly moistening the coffee grounds before extraction. That way, they will bloom for maximum flavor and aroma extraction.
Of course, this pre-moisten step is available on both the Jura D6 vs ENA Micro 90 among most Jura models, but it is known by a confusing term and acronym – the intelligent pre-brew system (or I.P.B.A.S.).
Then, the coffee grounds will be extracted at a pressure of 15 bars. What’s interesting is that instead of maintaining a consistent water flow at a steady pressure, these bad boys force hot water through the grounds in a series of short bursts (or pulses) – that is a unique brewing process called PEP (short for Pulse Extraction Process). The result? It is a nice espresso with a really rich, thick crema layer that is better than what you’d get from another brewing system.
Milk Frothing System
There’s no manual steam wand with these “bean-to-cup” machines. Instead, they are equipped with an automatic milk frother, which facilitates creating milk foam with one touch instead of a barista’s knowledge and skill set. That is great, but frankly, you can make better foam with a wand-equipped machine that gives you more control over the frothing process.
Their milk system requires a milk pitcher, but unfortunately, no kind of milk container comes out of the box. Jura calls for a lot of money for their machines, but they still refuse to give anything that can hold milk. Am I the only one who feels this is a bit bad? Sure, you can use whatever you have on hand, such as a pitcher, glass, or just a milk carton. Another approach for those looking to perfect the machine’s aesthetic is to splurge on Jura milk containers, including a glass, a stainless-steel jug, or a cool control.
I discovered that the Jura D6 excelled at creating frothy foam, which is perfect for crafting delightful cappuccino rather than the velvety microfoam typically desired for lattes. So though this one lacks the ability to brew a perfect creamy latte, it stands out as one of the budget-friendly super-automatic machines that can make a great cappuccino. On the other hand, the Micro 90 produced a fine microfoam, which is perfect for a latte macchiato.
Both allow the amount of milk foam to be adjusted in seconds. Yep, that sounds weird. I scoured Google and found that 1 second of milk foam is equal to 0.14 to 0.18 ounces (depending on the type of milk used). It will probably take a bit of trial and error to find the right amount for your taste. As for brewing a latte macchiato and cappuccino, the Ena Micro 90 also allows for fine-tuning the interval (0–60 secs) to create beautiful multi-layered milky beverages, which would be great to see through a glass.
Design & Usability
Winner: Jura D6
Dimensions, Footprint, & Weight
| Jura D6 | Jura ENA Micro 90 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 11 × 13.6 × 16.3 inches | 9 × 12.7 × 17.5 inches |
| Weight | 18 lbs | 20.7 lbs |
If the minimalist design appeals to you, I’m confident these retro-inspired machines will capture your heart. They are primarily constructed from robust ABS plastic, complemented by some metal details. While a complete metal finish might offer enhanced durability, it would undoubtedly augment the machine’s cost and weight.
These machines eschew a vibrant TFT display or elaborate touchscreens, which, in my opinion, would be excessive or unnecessary given their simplicity. The ENA Micro 90 employs an older LED control panel, outfitted with a control knob and a few selector buttons on its top, reinforcing its stripped-down aesthetics. The Jura D6 also comes with a plain text display and remarkably user-friendly rotary switches, which are hassle-free to understand and operate.
Given their lightweight and non-bulky nature, these machines easily fit into any space. Thus, finding a spot for either of them on your kitchen countertop will be a breeze.
Pre-programmed Coffee Options
| Jura D6 | Jura ENA Micro 90 |
|---|---|
| Espresso Coffee Cappuccino Milk foam Hot water | Espresso Long Coffee Cappuccino Latte Macchiato Hot water |
Both the Jura D6 vs ENA Micro 90 provide 5 pre-set beverages, inclusive of hot water – that prove convenient for brewing tea or making hot chocolate. If you’re seeking a model for a larger family or an office setting, you might want to consider a machine offering a more extensive beverage menu.
In addition, both machines offer the option to customize each preset through various adjustable settings. The Jura D6, for example, lets you modify the water volume, coffee strength (4 levels), and brew temperature (2 levels). On the other hand, the ENA Micro 90 provides options for adjusting the quantity of water and milk, along with 10 levels of coffee strength and 2 temperature settings.
You find yourself running out of whole-grain coffee or your guest has a coffee intolerance for some reason? No problem! The Jura ENA Micro 90 has a bypass chute that facilitates the use of pre-ground coffee without removing all the beans from the hopper. The Jura D6 also has a bypass doser, but not for pre-ground coffee – it is just for a cleaning tab to descale the machine.
Spout & Cup Clearance
| Jura D6 | ENA Micro 90 | |
|---|---|---|
| Spout Type | Dual | Single |
| Cup Clearance | 2.6-4.4 inches | 2–5.4 inches |
Like most other super-automatic espresso machines, their coffee spigots can be lowered to prevent splashes and preserve that nice crema or move up to fit some taller mugs. My only gripe is that their maximum height could be problematic for drinkers who tend to use mammoth-sized cups. It would be better if their cup height could be raised by at least 6 inches. As you can guess, the Jura D6 can also prepare two cups of espresso simultaneously to save time on those busy mornings.
Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper
| Jura D6 | Jura ENA Micro 90 | |
|---|---|---|
| Water Reservoir | 1.9 liters | 1.1 liter |
| Bean Hopper | 0.2 liters | 0.13 liter |
Their water tanks are easy to refill on the spot or at the sink, and as long as you or the other members aren’t heavy coffee drinkers, they won’t need to be refilled too often. But if you’re scouting for a machine suitable for bustling environments, such as your office, it would be wise to consider the bigger guys.
Their reservoirs also have space for a water filter as an option, which virtually eliminates the need to periodically descale the machine by removing impurities from the water. This is an essential factor because the accumulation of limescale can sabotage both the quality of the espresso and the effectiveness of the machine.
The ENA Micro 90 uses a Clearyl blue cartridge filter, while the Jura D6 takes the lead with a Clearyl smart+ filter. Via an Intelligent Water System (I.W.S.) and RFID technology, the latter can tell you when it’s the right time to update the water filter. These filters are expensive, leading to a significant increase in the total cost of ownership. But unless you’re using distilled water, I highly recommend them.
Their hopper lids are top loading for easy refilling. Better yet, both feature a gasket seal to keep your beans fresh for as long as possible. That way, your espresso is always pulled out with maximum aroma.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Winner: Tie
Relative to manual and semi-automatic espresso machines, cleaning the Jura D6 vs ENA Micro 90 is a breeze since everything is almost done automatically.
Of course, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any cleaning and maintenance tasks you have to do. No, there are still routine tasks like emptying the drip tray, saying goodbye to used coffee grounds, and giving your machine a wipe.
After each preparation of a milk-based beverage, the display will remind you to do a quick rinse by pressing a button. For periodic deeper cleaning, you will need to use the Jura milk system cleaner and a handy 2-chamber container and let the machine take care of the rest. Replace the milk hose after about 6 to 9 months to prevent clogging.
Regarding descaling the machine, the machine will also prompt you when it needs to be descaled, and you don’t need to do much but drop the Jura cleaning tablet into the bypass dose chute and press the button. And if you don’t fill the water tank with pre-filtered water, using the filter is wise.
Utilities & Other Features
Winner: Jura D6
Remote Control
Adding to the convenience of the Jura D6 is the ability to control it via Jura’s unique J.O.E. app remotely, but this requires a Smart Connect transmitter, which is an additional purchase. That way, whenever you have your hands full, or you’re with your guests in the living room, you can start a brewing cycle right from your smartphone – just ensure you already have a coffee cup placed under the spout. As a bonus, the J.O.E. app can pair with an Apple Watch, and you don’t need to have a phone/tablet handy – It’s a great way to impress your guests.
Automatic Switch-Off
One thing that the Jura D6 vs ENA Micro 90 have in common is the Automatic Switch-Off mode. Once it is activated, the machine will automatically turn off after an adjustable amount of time. That way, you can leave the house every morning without worrying about your espresso machine wasting energy.
Quick Rundown Of Jura D6
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted.Cable length : 43 in / 1.1 m
- VERSATILITY: Cappuccino, espresso and coffee maker, Compatible with Smart Connect for use with J.O.E. (JURA Operating Experience) app
- OPERATION: Plain text display or Smart Connect App control
- CUSTOMIZATION: Adjustable water level, coffee strength and temperature
- GRINDER: Fast and precise AromaG2 integrated grinder
Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Jura ENA Micro 90
- ONE TOUCH: Prepare 6 barista quality specialties including espresso, coffee, cappuccino and latte macchiato 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 machine
- CAPACITY: 37 ounce water tank, 4.4 ounce bean container
Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Product Videos
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References:
- Jura D6: https://www.manua.ls/jura/d6/manual
- Jura ENA Micro 90: https://us.jura.com/en/customer-care/products-support/ENA-Micro-90-MicroSilver-UL-15116
I’m Floyd J. Alcock, an experienced barista with a deep love for coffee. I curate personalized coffee experiences, guiding customers through diverse flavor profiles and suggesting ideal brewing methods. My extensive knowledge of espresso machines enables me to recommend the best equipment to match specific needs and budgets. Sharing my expertise and passion with coffee enthusiasts brings immense satisfaction. I look forward to continuing my journey of coffee discovery with every customer I serve, fostering connections over a shared love for this magical beverage.