Jura D6 Coffee Machine Review: Affordable Luxury

Do you dream of preparing barista-quality drinks at home with just the press of a button? Then you need a super-automatic espresso machine. Swiss brand Jura is universally recognized as one of the best in the business.

The Jura D6 is one of their newest models, but it’s already proven incredibly popular. They’ve taken their best-selling E-line and removed the least important bells and whistles. The result is a more affordable machine that still has everything you need for a fantastic morning brew.

Sound too good to be true? We thought so too, so we decided to investigate. Read this Jura D6 review to determine what we learned and whether this machine is right for you.

Summary: The Jura D6

• Bean-to-cup machine that can prepare coffee, espresso, or a cappuccino
  
• Cheapest Jura model to include Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.) brewing and a milk frother
  
• Durable build and sleek, modern design

The Jura D6 was everything I wanted it to be. So easy to use and very convenient. The coffee was great, but what surprised me was how good the espresso was.

– Phillip O., Customer

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The Jura D6 Automatic Coffee Machine Review

The Jura D6 coffee maker is a new addition to Jura’s line-up. It was designed to replace and improve the now discontinued Impressa C60 by offering a lower-cost alternative to the best-selling Jura E line models, the Jura E6 and E8. 

The D6 was first introduced in Europe in 2018 and then released the following year in North America. It is the cheapest Jura model to include a milk frother, making it a great buy for espresso and cappuccino lovers on a budget.

Jura D6 Review

• Design
• Brewing System
• Coffee Flavor
• Drink Options and Versatility
• Cleaning and Maintenance
• Value for Money

3.7

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Design – 4/5

Swiss-made Jura automatic espresso machines have always stood out for their classy design, and they have won numerous awards for precisely that reason (1). And just because the Jura D6 is one of Jura’s least expensive models doesn’t mean it is any less attractive.

It’s available in two colors, either platinum or piano black. It’s relatively compact for an espresso machine with a built-in grinder, measuring only 11 inches wide by 13.6 inches tall by 16.3 inches deep and weighing just under 20 pounds.

In most respects, the Jura D6 is similar in appearance to the more expensive Jura E6. The main difference is that the D6 lacks a TFT color display. Instead, it is operated by a rotary switch coupled with a plain text display. This is equally intuitive to use and keeps the cost of the D6 much lower, though it does give it less of a high-tech style.

On the right side of the machine, you’ll find the bean hopper, which can hold about 7 ounces of coffee beans. It is equipped with a hermetically sealed top, ensuring your coffee stays as fresh as possible. The left side of the Jura D6 houses the water tank, which holds 64 ounces. You can refill it from above or remove it and transport it to a tap.

Brewing System – 4/5

The biggest update to the Jura D6 versus the C60 it was designed to replace is the inclusion of the P.E.P brewing system. Jura introduced this new brewing method a few years ago, and it was initially reserved only for their high-priced models. Lucky for us, it was so successful that they’re now bringing it out across the product line.

P.E.P. stands for Pulse Extraction Process technology, and it’s used only when preparing an espresso, not when brewing coffee. In P.E.P. mode, the pump goes on and off intermittently, so that the hot water is pulsed through the puck ground coffee. The result is a richer espresso with a thickened crema. The flavor is also more balanced, with less bitterness or sourness (2).

According to Aurimas Vainauskas, C.E.O. of Coffee Friend, one of the biggest advantages of super-automatic machines over semi-automatic models is their consistency, which certainly holds true for the Jura D6. No matter which drink you choose, the chance of user error is zero (3).

The Jura D6 automatic coffee machine uses a 15-bar pump by Invensys to carry out the pulsed extraction or brew a coffee. This provides more than enough pressure for a true espresso shot, which needs only 8 or 9 bars for proper extraction (4). 

What’s the capacity?

Another nice perk of the Jura brand is that the brewing unit in Jura coffee machines can accommodate more coffee — from 5 to 16 grams — than most of their competitors, like De’Longhi, Saeco, and Philips. This allows for a stronger espresso, more akin to something you’d get from a barista in a coffee shop.

Before you even get to brewing, you need to grind your beans. As a bean-to-cup machine, the Jura D6 has a built-in grinder called the Aroma G2. The name stems from the fact that it is designed best to preserve the flavor and aroma of your coffee. It has stainless steel burrs and 12 adjustable grind settings. 

If you like to be efficient in the morning, you’ll definitely appreciate the D6’s quick heat-up time. Thanks to the 1450 Watt thermoblock heater, you’re ready to brew in about 30 seconds.

The milk frother, which Jura terms the Cappuccino System, is a tube-based design. You drop the tube that comes out of the machine into any vessel containing your milk of choice, and it sucks it into the machine for frothing. Many users like this system for its flexibility, though as we will discuss below, you must remember to purge the milk tube after each use. If you don’t have a good milk jug at home, Jura sells both glass and refrigerated options.

On Jura’s more expensive models, you’ll encounter what they call Fine Foam Technology, rather than the Cappuccino System. The Fine Foam milk system produces a creamier microfoam rather than an airy froth, and these models will be a better choice for those who prefer lattes to cappuccinos.

Coffee Flavor – 4/5

Jura D6 delivers excellent espresso flavor, especially when compared with other super-automatic espresso machines. Super-autos tend to be known for convenience more than quality, but Jura’s R&D department sets them apart from the rest. Patented technology like the P.E.P. system ensures you’re getting a properly extracted and wonderfully flavorful espresso.

The espresso and coffee from this machine is rich and full-bodied, with gentle sweetness and a surprising (but welcome!) hint of complexity. The crema layer is thick but fades fairly quickly. I had the most luck brewing medium and dark roasts. You can get an okay light roast shot, but I’d invest in a more expensive machine that allows for brew temperature control if light roasts are your go-to.

A Note On The Milk Froth

The only thing really missing from this espresso machine is the ability to make a proper creamy latte. The milk frother only operates at maximum, so you’re always getting the airy froth needed for a cappuccino rather than the fine microfoam more suited to a latte (5). Latte lovers may want to opt for a different model, but cappuccino drinkers will love that this is one of the cheapest machines that can make a cappuccino at the touch of a button (6).

Drink Options and Versatility – 3/5

Compared to some of Jura’s fancier and more expensive machines, you won’t find quite the same versatility from the D6. In this case, you do get what you pay for. 

The Jura D6 essentially makes three coffee drinks: cappuccino, espresso, and coffee. Because it has two spouts, you also have the option to make two cups of coffee or two shots of espresso at a time. It can also prepare a simple cup of warm milk or dispense hot water.

For each coffee drink, you can program four different options for coffee strength, two different temperatures, and set the drink volume. You can also adjust the milk foam volume when making a cappuccino. 

If you are making cappuccinos, be aware that the milk spout and coffee spout are about 3 inches apart, so you need a mug at least that wide if you don’t want to move it during brewing. This shouldn’t be a challenge as most cappuccinos are prepared in wide, bowl-style mugs anyway. And in fact, it is an upgrade versus previous models in which the milk spout was further off to the side.

Any tweaks?

One thing missing from this model is a bypass chute for pre-ground coffee. These are common on bean-to-cup machines because they allow you to brew something different without emptying the bean hopper. For example, if someone in your household likes the occasional cup of decaf. It would be nice to see this reintroduced in future editions.

If you’re a techie, you’ll appreciate that the Jura D6 is wireless-ready. You just need to buy the Jura Smart Connect, which allows you to connect to Jura’s particular J.O.E. app. With the app and Smart Connect, you can do all your programming and even brew your cup of coffee using your smartphone or tablet.

Cleaning and Maintenance – 3.5/5

A defining feature of all Jura machines, no matter how fancy, is that their brew groups aren’t removable. There are both pros and cons to this design decision.

One advantage to the fixed brewing unit is that this machine is more durable. It has fewer moving parts, and it discourages inexperienced users from tinkering. It also requires less regular cleaning and maintenance.

The downside, however, is that when it does require work, it tends to be more expensive. To clean the brew group, you have no choice but to purchase Jura cleaning tablets and run through the machine’s cleaning cycle. This should be done about once every 6 months. Then every 2 to 3 years, it’s recommended that you take the entire machine to a certified technician for a thorough cleaning and lubrication. Both of these may need to be done more or less frequently depending on your usage.

In contrast, a removable brewing group may just need to be pulled out and given a thorough rinse once a week. And basic service is often manageable at home.

Along with the brew group, you’ll also need to keep the milk frothing system clean. If you’ve ever accidentally left milk out overnight, you’ll appreciate the importance of this task. Spoiled milk leaves behind flavors and odors that are difficult to remove and definitely not what you want in your coffee!

What about the steam wand?

Cleaning the milk foam tube isn’t a piece of cake on the Jura D6, but it’s not quite as intuitive as it could be. If you want to clean it immediately after brewing, which is definitely the best time, you’ll need to click through the menus to manually start the cleaning cycle. This sends hot steam through the tube to sterilize it. Alternatively, after 10 minutes, the D6 will remind you the tube needs cleaning, at which point it’s a one-touch process. I’m not sure why Jura opted for the delayed cleaning cycle.

A nice addition to the Jura D6 espresso machine is that it’s equipped with Jura’s Intelligent Water System (IWS) and CLEARYL filters, another bit of technology that used to be reserved exclusively for the higher-end models. 

The filters ensure your coffee has the best possible flavor by filtering everything you don’t want from your water, like chlorine and heavy metals, while leaving in key minerals. At the same time, they help protect your machine against limescale, which limits the frequency of major service.

The IWS links the filter cartridges to the machine using RFID technology. This cool design means that you’ll know precisely when a water filter needs replacement. You don’t need to worry about poor water quality if your filters get too old, and likewise, you don’t need to worry about wasting money by replacing them too soon.

Value for Money – 3.5/5

Compared to competing brands making bean-to-cup machines, Jura tends to be on the more expensive end. The D6 is relatively entry level, by Jura standards, but for the same price, you could get a higher-end De’Longhi or Saeco super automatic machine with a lot more bells and whistles. 

That said, the reason Juras are expensive is because they are better made and more durable than the others. While competitors are usually made in China, Juras are made in Europe. You’ll pay a bit more upfront for a Jura, but you’re likely to get years more service out of it. 

On top of that, Jura machines all have a very classy appearance. Even the cheapest models, the Jura D6 included, look expensive. This makes this model one of the best office espresso machines. It wouldn’t seem out of place in a luxury home, too.

The D6 is also one of few super automatic espresso machines at this price, from any brand, that can do a hands-off cappuccino. More often than not, you need to be there to move the mug in between brewing the espresso and adding the milk foam. So for cappuccino lovers with a wide enough mug, this is even better value.

Any additional costs?

One area I think this espresso machine is lacking in value is in the accessories, which are sold separately and tend to be pricey. For example, the D6 doesn’t come with a milk carafe or the Smart Connect. Adding these two items, both of which I’d argue are pretty basic needs, ups the cost of this model by 10%.

In the same vein, and as previously mentioned, you’ll also need to buy CLEARYL filters, Jura branded cleaning tablets, and pay for service from a certified technician. From a functionality standpoint, it’s great to stick to branded products. It makes this model very straightforward to operate and maintain. But given that the Jura brand is always priced at a premium, you will need to budget above and beyond just the cost of the machine if you want to own the Jura D6 espresso machine.

Don’t Buy the Jura D6 Espresso Machine If….

You want the option to use pre-ground coffee – In my opinion, the lack of bypass doser is one of the main flaws of the D6. Of course, brewing with freshly ground coffee beans yields a more flavorful cup. But the option to add pre-ground coffee is so useful, especially if you enjoy the occasional cup of decaf or a flavored brew. 

If that’s a feature you can’t live without, take a look at the slightly more advanced Jura A9 or the best-selling Jura E8.

You want more drink selections – If espresso, coffee, and cappuccino just won’t cut it, take a look at some of Jura’s more advanced models. These add in specialty drinks like lattes, macchiatos, and flat whites. You’ll definitely pay more for these models, but it will pay off in the long run if it saves you running to the cafe every time you crave a latte. 

For home users, the Jura Z6 is about as good as it gets, with more key features than you can shake a stick at. At the office, the Giga 5 is a great choice, with a bigger capacity designed to satisfy a whole boardroom full of coffee lovers.

You’re only interested in espresso – The D6 is the cheapest coffee machine Jura makes that can still prepare milky drinks, but it’s not the cheapest overall. If cappuccinos aren’t your thing, you can save both money and space by opting for one of the brand’s ultra-compact espresso only models. 

Take a look at either the A1 or the Micro 1. The Micro 1 is no longer in production, but you can still find both new and refurbished models from various distributors.

The Verdict

If you want an affordable super automatic espresso machine that can make a cappuccino at the press of a button — or, for that matter, the command of an app — the Jura D6 is a wonderful option. It’s Jura’s most affordable machine with a milk system, providing a nice balance between cost and function. And like all Jura espresso machines, it’s sleek, stylish, and built to last.
We hope you liked our Jura d6 review. Let us know in the comments.

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