Have you ever fancied becoming your own personal barista, whipping up café-quality beverages from the comfort of your own kitchen? Well, guess what? That dream isn’t a far-fetched one anymore! Just take a gander at my comparative review of the Jura E8 vs Gaggia Babila to find the machine that’s tailored to your preferences. Just a heads up, I’ve got a soft spot for the former.
Brimming with tons of impressive functionalities, the Jura E8 is truly your ally in crafting barista-quality espresso beverages with ease. The drink of your choice will be ready to enjoy with just one touch, and you can also make a variety of customizations if the pre-programmed recipes don’t meet your expectations. Best of all, it comes equipped with cutting-edge Jura technology without the hefty price tag.
The Gaggia Babila, a great bean-to-cup espresso machine, comes complete with everything you require to whip up an array of impressive espresso-based beverages. However, given its price point, it faces stiff competition. Yes, it’s a splendid choice, but there are a few models that outshine it, our winner included.
Jura E8 Vs Gaggia Babila: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-12-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Jura E8 Vs Gaggia Babila: Differences
The Jura E8 knocks out the Gaggia Babila with a score of 4-2. Does that mean Gaggia Babila is a poor choice? Not at all, yet it is outshined by the Jura E8 for good reasons.
Coffee Flavour
Winner:Tie
Built-in Grinder
Regarding the first difference, the Jura E8 has an Aroma G3 burr grinder, while the Gaggia Babila is equipped with an onboard ceramic burr grinder – Each has its own pros and cons.
The Aroma G3 burr grinder, in my personal experience, is really outstanding in both speed and consistency. Not only does it surpass its predecessors and entry-level grinders in speed, but it also delivers a consistently fine grind size, resulting in a delicious espresso in no time. As a bonus, this one works quietly, making it suitable for home and office environments where noise levels are a concern. With a noise level that never breaches 60 dB, I’m convinced you can whip up an espresso unnoticed, even late at night or in the wee hours of the morning.
On the other hand, what the ceramic burr grinder has in its favor is that it doesn’t overheat during operation. Given its poor heat conduction, especially compared to its stainless steel counterpart, the ceramic grinder won’t scorch your coffee grounds, thereby ensuring the flavors of your espresso aren’t compromised. Besides, it has a reputation for being highly durable and can withstand regular use over an extended period of time. However, it doesn’t grind as quickly and quietly as the Aroma G3 grinder.
The number of grind settings is a factor to be considered as well. A super-automatic machine usually features more than five settings, enabling users to fine-tune the grind size to suit their specific coffee preference: coarser settings cater to regular coffees, while finer ones are perfect for espressos and milk-infused options.
The Jura E8 has six grind settings, which is more than average but doesn’t leave much room to experiment. But anyway, I didn’t have trouble finding the one that worked best for me. Changing settings is a breeze by turning a dial that is under a flap on top of the machine.
Well, the Gaggia Babila raised my eyebrows with 15 settings, which is a lot more range than most machines in this price range. The more grind settings your espresso machine has, of course, the more control you have over the fineness of your coffee. I’m also glad that changing the settings is child’s play by turning a knob, unlike the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige, which necessitates a special tool. Just remember – only change the grinding setting while the grinder is running.
Heating System
While the Jura E8 is built with a single heating system, the Gaggia Babila features a dual boiler setup. For large and bustling settings where it is required to serve various drinks, especially milk-based ones, in a row, a dual boiler machine is a better choice since it can brew espresso and steam milk at once.
But it is worth mentioning that the Jura E8 is equipped with thermoblock technology that only needs more than 10 seconds to switch between brewing and steaming. Why is it so fast? Simply put, it only heats up exactly the amount of water needed to brew or steam, rather than heating an entire boiler full of water. This not only speeds up the heating up process but also cuts down on power consumption.
Brewing System
If there is one thing that always rings true in the coffee world, it is that the pre-infusion process invariably yields a more balanced and flavorful espresso shot. And fortunately, both the Jura E8 vs Gaggia Babila have this crucial pre-infusion step.
This process involves pre-wetting the coffee grounds with a suitable volume of hot water before the actual brewing, which allows them to swell up or “bloom,” thereby releasing their flavors and aroma more efficiently. This step has become the norm for super-automatic machines, especially Jura models, where it’s splendidly termed the Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System (I.P.B.A.S.).
But while the pre-infusion process on the Jura E8 is the default and unadjustable, the Gaggia Babila allows for changing the pre-infusion time (called “Taste Setting”): delicate (no pre-infusion), balanced (2 secs), and full-bodied (4 secs). Personally, I’d steer clear of the delicate setting since it disregards the crucial pre-infusion phase.
The E8 also has a unique and effective pulse extraction process (or P.E.P.), which helps Jura models always earn their place in any super-automatic espresso machine’s big leagues. This process essentially involves forcing hot water through the coffee grounds in a few short bursts instead of maintaining the consistent water pressure and flow rates employed by most household espresso machines. The result? The Jura espresso is not only full-bodied with a thick, dark crema but also a full expression of the beans’ aroma.
Milk Frothing System
This was the part that I enjoyed the most, as I am a guy who likes to play with milk foam. The Jura E8 features an automatic milk frother and Professional Fine Foam technology, which facilitate the creation of milk-based beverages with one touch.
The setup of this system is uncomplicated and swift: all it takes is to attach one end of a flexible silicone hose to the milk frother and submerge the other end in a milk carafe. Then the hose will draw out the milk, steam and froth it, and finally dispense it directly into a waiting mug. You don’t have to move your cup during this process. I found the Jura E8’s milk frother created dense foam with a creamy texture, which is exactly what I needed for my go-to cappuccino.
However, the absence of an included milk jug left a sour taste in my mouth. Frankly, this is a bit hard to swallow! I spent nearly two thousand bucks on this model, yet Jura still compelled me to cough up additional cash for their milk pitcher. If you, like me, want to perfect the machine’s aesthetics, you’ll need to grit your teeth and invest separately in their basic glass container or pricier cool control. Naturally, you can use any suitable milk-holding container you already have.
Interestingly, the Gaggia Babila features an integrated milk carafe system and a manual steam wand. So whether I’m a novice who appreciates straightforward one-touch operations, or an experienced user seeking more control over the milk frothing process, this one has got me covered.
For the automatic milk frothing process, the Gaggia Babila uses a removal milk pitcher, which is located neatly and organized in front of the machine without any hose or tube. Just push over its larger spout, and you’re ready to make a flat white cappuccino, latte, or any milky drink – all with a simple touch, nothing more, nothing less. The pitcher can also be refrigerated when not in use. The milk foam, to my taste, was good but not really outstanding. The milk was good but too frothy, with bigger microfoams instead of neat bubbles.
The Gaggia Babila also sports a manual steam wand. I bet many beginners will say no to it, but trust me, you will find it a real gem once you’ve mastered it. Your microfoam might not reach competition level, but just imagine the raised eyebrows when you flaunt your hard-learned barista prowess. Sounds interesting, wouldn’t you agree? This one also allows for customizing the amount of milk and the interval (0–60 sec) to create a beautifully multi-layered latte macchiato.
Design & Usability
Winner: Jura E8
Dimensions, Footprint, & Weight
| Jura E8 | Gaggia Babila | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 11 × 13.6 × 17.5 inches | 9.6 x 14.2 x 16.5 inches |
| Weight | 21.6 lbs | 29.5 lbs |
The Jura E8 has a sleek, elegant design accentuated by smooth, flowing lines and a 2.8-inch high-tech color TFT screen. While there have been complaints regarding its petite screen, I feel it meshes seamlessly with the overall dimensions of the unit. All drink options and settings are displayed via clear and beautiful icons.
The Babila also boasts an appealing design, and its metallic body harkens back to Ironman’s advanced armor. It doesn’t achieve a futuristic appearance, especially given its retro-style pixelated display. Nevertheless, this isn’t a con since Gaggia has skillfully maintained a minimalistic yet highly efficient aesthetic.
These machines aren’t the largest or most compact espresso machines I’ve seen. But I don’t think making room for one of these beasts on your kitchen countertop would pose a significant challenge. Just note that their substantial heft could cause the less physical guys among us to break a sweat while relocating them.
Pre-programmed Coffee Options
| Jura E8 | Gaggia Babila |
|---|---|
| Espresso Coffee Caffè Barista Americano Espresso doppio Cortado Macchiato Cappuccino Cappuccino Extra Shot Flat white Flat white Extra Shot Latte macchiato Latte macchiato Extra Shot Portion of milk foam Hot water 2 × Espresso 2 × Coffee | Ristretto Espresso Espresso Lungo Caffè Cappuccino Latte Macchiato Flat White Hot Milk Hot Water Milk Froth Steam |
Both the Jura E8 and Gaggia Babila, with their array of one-touch beverages, can quench the caffeine cravings of a large family or an office crowd. I also particularly relish how the Jura E8’s milk frother and the Gaggia Babila’s steam wand serve as hot water outlets for brewing tea or making hot chocolate – no need for that old-school kettle anymore!
These espresso machines are amazing not only for their wide range of one-touch drinks but also for how they let you play around with each of the preset options via many adjustable settings. While the Gaggia Babila offers only 5 coffee strengths and 3 brewing temperatures, the Jura E8 expands the experimentation world with 10 strengths and 3 brewing temperatures and allows fine-tuning the amount of coffee and milk. So go ahead, experiment a bit, see what tickles your taste buds the most, and save them for future one-touch service!
Both the Jura E8 vs Gaggia Babila also have a bypass doser for pre-ground coffee. Now, I’m not typically one to go for decaf, but I can’t deny that there are situations when it becomes pretty crucial, such as when I’m out of fresh coffee beans or just need a quick drink on those frantic mornings. It is also a lifesaver for those who say no to caffeine, such as pregnant women.
Spout & Cup Clearance
| Jura E8 | Gaggia Babila | |
|---|---|---|
| Spout Type | Dual | Dual |
| Cup Clearance | 2.6–4.4 inches | 3.0-6.4 inches |
Both the Jura E8 vs Gaggia Babila have a dual coffee spigot, allowing for brewing two cups of black coffee at the same time. Without a doubt, this feature makes sure that jostling for the first cup of morning brew becomes a thing of the past. I really appreciate this function, wherein these machines really prepare two individual espressos rather than just using double the water for a single dose. However, they can’t make two servings of milk-based drinks simultaneously as models equipped with dual milk spouts, such as the Jura Giga 6.
The Gaggia Babila dual coffee spout assembly can be lifted up to 6 inches and even pushed back and removed altogether to fit a mammoth-sized mug. In addition, there is a fancy flow knob on the front used to adjust the rate of espresso while it’s dispensing. It is said that the flow can affect the coffee’s balance and flavor – I’m just not sure.
Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper
| Jura E8 | Gaggia Babila | |
|---|---|---|
| Water Reservoir | 1.9 liter | 1.5 liter |
| Bean Hopper | 0.29 liter | 0.31 liter |
Jura E8 vs Gaggia Babila’s water reservoirs are on the small side, but unless you’re guzzling caffeinated beverages like there’s no tomorrow, you won’t find yourself refilling them too frequently. They are top-loading, so you can fill them up without taking them apart.
There’s the choice of using a filter with these machines: the Jura E8 employs a Clearyl Smart+ filter cartridge, while the Gaggia Babila is compatible with an AquaClean water filter. These filters aim to lessen the descaling of the machine by removing unwanted elements from the water, like calcium, magnesium, and their compounds. But this convenience comes at a slight monthly cost and cuts down the actual capacity of the water reservoir.
Jura E8 vs Gaggia Babila’s bean hoppers can accommodate 300 and 280 g grams of coffee beans, respectively. Both have an aroma preservation lid, which earns its name by forming an airtight seal, ensuring the coffee beans retain their rich aroma for an extended period.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Winner: Tie
It’s time to confront the fear that lurks in the hearts of many. I understand why people feel scared when it comes to these tasks – Descaling and cleaning manual espresso machines is a nightmare, but that’s not true with the Jura E8 vs Gaggia Babila. With the exception of routine tasks like emptying the drip tray and dreg box or refilling the water tank, these super-automatic machines handle almost everything autonomously.
The Gaggia Babila comes with a removable brew group that requires regular cleaning under the tap and occasional lubrication. While it may seem like an additional task but taking the time to perform this will help the brew group operate smoothly and efficiently over time.
Descaling these machines is just a hassle-free task. The machine itself will notify you when it’s time to clean, providing clear and precise instructions to follow. Just ensure to use the descaling solution recommended by the manufacturer for optimal results: Jura’s cleaning table for the Jura E8 and Gaggia descaling solution for the Gaggia Babila.
The Gaggia Babila has a self-cleaning milk system meaning you theoretically don’t have to rinse multiple pieces after each use – just push the spout back over, and the machine will automatically run steam through the milk circuit. This sounds convenient, but I remain skeptical about its efficiency compared to traditional hand cleaning.
For the cleaning of the Jura E8’s milk system, the machine is programmed to give you a nudge when it needs a deep cleaning as well. The process is predominantly self-operating, and your role is just to prepare a Jura milk system cleaner and a 2-chamber container.
Utilities & Other Features
Winner: Jura E8
Remote Control
The super-automatic espresso machine recently joined the ranks of kitchen apparatus that can be commanded from your smartphone. The Jura E8 is compatible with the J.O.E. (Jura Operating Experience) app, which allows you to start your daily brewing cycle before you even get out of bed. But this one doesn’t come with WiFi Connect, so you must purchase a Smart Connect transmitter separately to enjoy this convenience.
Artificial Intelligence
Your favorite barista always welcomes you every morning with a smile and instantly knows your order by heart, right? Well, the Jura E8 may not offer a smiling face, but it can remember your favorite drink and display it right on the start screen.
Quick Rundown Of Jura E8
- 17 Programmed Specialties: The new Jura E8 Automatic Coffee Center will now prepare 17 programmed specialties including Espresso, Coffee, Cappuccino, CaffF Barista, Americano, Espresso doppio, Macchiato, Cortado, Latte macchiato, Flat white, Portion of milk foam and Lungo at a touch
- Professional Aroma Grinder: The Professional Aroma Grinder ensures 12.2% more aroma and consistently high grind quality so that flavors unfold to perfection throughout the entire service life of the grinder
- Pulse Extraction Process: The Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.) ensures maximum flavor for short specialties, while intelligent preheating ensures the ideal temperature right from the first cup
- 2.8-Inch Display: A 2.8-inch color display, six buttons, and a completely new operating concept featuring artificial intelligence enable simple handling. Product settings and their positions on the screen can be adapted and product names can be displayed or hidden. All relevant information regarding the coffee machine as well as pending care instructions is presented clearly in the Cockpit via the display
- Harmonious Design: It features a clean and expressive characteristic design. High-quality materials and precise craftsmanship underline the premium quality of the modern E8. It's styling alone is evidence of its quality, functionality, and durability. Details such as the grooved water tank or the high-quality, chrome-plated cup grille perfectly complement the clean, harmonious design of the E8
Last update on 2024-12-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Gaggia Babila
- One touch brewing and frothing: bean-to-cup feature. Milk carafe includes automatic milk frothing for cappuccinos, and milk froth. Manual steam wand doubles as a hot water dispenser
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: 1 bottle of Gaggia Descaler, 1 AquaClean Water Filter, 1 Water Hardness Test Strip, 1 Tube of Brew Group Lubricant, 1 Brew Group Brush, 1 Coffee Scoop/Grinder Key
- PROGRAMMABLE: 8 Programmable brewing options for espressos, espresso lungos, coffee, ristrettos, lattes, cappuccinos, macchiato, flat whites and milk foam
- Easy access to water reservoir: features a top Loading removable 50.7oz water reservoir; Brew Boiler Wattage: 1400
Last update on 2024-12-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References:
- Jura E8: https://us.jura.com/en/homeproducts/machines/E8-Chrome-NAA-15371
- Gaggia Babila: https://www.gaggia.com/automatic-machines/babila/
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.