#1: Jura S8
- Wide drink variety:
- Touchscreen
- Customizable settings
- Great milk frothing
- Stylish design
#2: DeLonghi Primadonna Elite
- Affordable
- Easy to clean
- Milk frother
As someone who takes coffee very seriously, the search for the perfect home coffee machine has always been a personal mission. I’ve tried countless machines over the years, and when it came down to the DeLonghi Primadonna Elite and the Jura S8, I had high hopes for both. Each offers a range of features designed to bring café-quality coffee to your kitchen. However, after months of use, I found myself gravitating toward the DeLonghi Primadonna Elite. Here’s why, along with some of the insights I gained during my hands-on experience.
Setting Up the Machines
The setup process is always an important first step when evaluating a coffee machine. With the Jura S8, getting started was straightforward, with clear instructions guiding me through the setup of the water filter, grinder, and milk frother. It’s a machine designed for simplicity, and I appreciated that.
The DeLonghi Primadonna Elite, however, took the setup experience to another level. Its interactive touchscreen provided step-by-step guidance that felt intuitive and helpful. I also noticed the thoughtful design of the components, such as the detachable milk carafe and water reservoir, which made assembly and maintenance hassle-free.
Daily Use and Practicality
When it came to daily use, both machines excelled, but the DeLonghi Primadonna Elite stood out for its versatility. Each morning, I’d select from a variety of drinks like espresso, cappuccino, or a creamy flat white. The machine delivered consistent results every time, and its ability to customize drinks to my liking became a highlight of my mornings.
The Jura S8 was no slouch either. Its one-touch operation made it easy to prepare delicious coffee quickly. However, I found its customization options to be somewhat limited compared to the Primadonna Elite. For example, while I could adjust the strength and volume of my coffee, I couldn’t fine-tune the milk froth or brewing temperature as precisely.
Experimenting With Specialty Drinks
One of the features I loved most about the DeLonghi Primadonna Elite was its ability to cater to specialty coffee lovers like me. The LatteCrema System allowed me to craft perfect lattes and macchiatos with a level of milk foam that matched my café experiences.
I remember one weekend when I hosted a brunch for friends and showed off the machine’s capabilities. Each guest had a unique coffee preference, from a silky cappuccino to a bold espresso. The Primadonna Elite handled these requests effortlessly, impressing everyone at the table.
While the Jura S8 also performed well with milk-based drinks, its frothing system didn’t offer the same level of precision. The foam was good, but not quite as customizable or creamy as the DeLonghi’s output.
Maintenance Over Time
One of the realities of owning a coffee machine is the regular maintenance it requires. The Jura S8’s automated cleaning cycle was convenient and saved time. Its built-in cleaning reminders ensured I didn’t forget to descale or rinse the system, which was a nice touch.
That said, I found the DeLonghi Primadonna Elite equally easy to maintain once I got into a routine. The machine’s removable brew unit was a game-changer for deep cleaning, and its automatic milk system cleaning feature worked flawlessly. While it took a bit more effort compared to the Jura, I appreciated the transparency of being able to clean each component myself, ensuring nothing was overlooked.
Coffee Quality Over Time
Over several months, I paid close attention to how the coffee quality from each machine evolved. The Jura S8 maintained consistency with its espresso, producing a rich and flavorful shot every time. Its Pulse Extraction Process was effective, particularly for shorter drinks like espresso or ristretto.
However, the DeLonghi Primadonna Elite truly excelled in the long run. The coffee quality remained exceptional, and the ability to experiment with grind size and brewing temperature allowed me to refine my drinks even further. It became my go-to machine for everything from morning espressos to evening lattes.

Who Should Choose the DeLonghi Primadonna Elite?
I think the DeLonghi Primadonna Elite is perfect for those who enjoy experimenting with their coffee. If you’re someone who likes to tailor every aspect of your drink, this machine offers unmatched control and flexibility. It’s also ideal for households with multiple coffee drinkers, thanks to its customizable profiles.
For anyone who entertains guests frequently, the ability to deliver a range of specialty drinks at the touch of a button makes the Primadonna Elite a valuable addition to your kitchen. Its premium design and ease of use also ensure it remains a conversation piece.
Who Might Prefer the Jura S8?
While my personal preference leans toward the DeLonghi Primadonna Elite, the Jura S8 isn’t without its strengths. It’s an excellent choice for someone who values simplicity and reliability. The machine is intuitive, produces great coffee, and requires minimal effort to maintain.
If you have a smaller kitchen or don’t need extensive customization options, the Jura S8 could be the better fit. Its compact design and straightforward operation make it a solid option for those seeking quality without complexity.

Final Thoughts: Why I Recommend the DeLonghi Primadonna Elite
Looking back on my experience with both machines, I can confidently say that the DeLonghi Primadonna Elite offered a richer, more enjoyable journey. It wasn’t just about the coffee—it was about the ability to experiment, create, and elevate my daily routine.
That said, choosing the right coffee machine depends on your individual preferences and lifestyle. Both the DeLonghi Primadonna Elite and Jura S8 are excellent products, but for me, the Primadonna Elite stood out as the ultimate coffee companion. If you’re ready to invest in a machine that brings café-quality coffee into your home and empowers you to customize every cup, the DeLonghi Primadonna Elite is an exceptional choice.
FAQs About DeLonghi Primadonna Elite vs Jura S8
Q: Which coffee machine is easier to use, the DeLonghi Primadonna Elite or the Jura S8?
A: Both machines are user-friendly, but the Jura S8 is slightly simpler due to its streamlined options and smaller range of customizations. However, the DeLonghi Primadonna Elite offers more advanced features and a larger touchscreen, making it equally intuitive for those who enjoy experimenting with their coffee.
Q: Does the DeLonghi Primadonna Elite offer more customization options than the Jura S8?
A: Yes, the DeLonghi Primadonna Elite provides extensive customization options, including adjustments for grind size, brewing temperature, milk texture, and personalized coffee profiles. The Jura S8 offers customization for coffee strength and volume but is less versatile in comparison.
Q: Which machine is better for milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes?
A: The DeLonghi Primadonna Elite excels in milk-based drinks, thanks to its advanced LatteCrema System, which creates perfectly textured and customizable milk foam. The Jura S8 produces good results for milk-based drinks but doesn’t offer as much control over milk texture.
Q: Is the DeLonghi Primadonna Elite harder to clean than the Jura S8?
A: The Jura S8 has a fully automated cleaning system that requires minimal effort, while the DeLonghi Primadonna Elite involves some manual cleaning, particularly for the removable brew unit. However, the Primadonna Elite has an automatic milk cleaning feature, which simplifies the process.
Q: Which machine is better for a household with multiple coffee drinkers?
A: The DeLonghi Primadonna Elite is better suited for households with multiple coffee drinkers due to its ability to save personalized coffee profiles. This allows each user to have their favorite drink settings pre-saved for convenience.
Q: What is the key difference in coffee quality between the two machines?
A: Both machines produce excellent coffee, but the DeLonghi Primadonna Elite provides more flexibility to fine-tune coffee flavor and texture, making it ideal for those who like to experiment. The Jura S8 focuses on consistency and simplicity, delivering high-quality results with less effort.
Q: Which machine is more suitable for small kitchens?
A: The Jura S8 is more compact and takes up less counter space, making it a better choice for smaller kitchens. The DeLonghi Primadonna Elite is larger and requires more space but offers greater functionality.
Q: Is the DeLonghi Primadonna Elite worth the higher price?
A: If you value extensive customization, advanced milk frothing capabilities, and the ability to save personalized profiles, the DeLonghi Primadonna Elite justifies its higher price. For those who prioritize simplicity and cost-effectiveness, the Jura S8 is a strong contender.
Q: Can the DeLonghi Primadonna Elite and Jura S8 make multiple types of coffee?
A: Yes, both machines are versatile and can prepare a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso, cappuccino, latte, and more. The DeLonghi Primadonna Elite offers more specialty drink options and customization features compared to the Jura S8.
Q: Which machine has better smart features?
A: The DeLonghi Primadonna Elite has more advanced smart features, including the Coffee Link app, which allows you to customize recipes, track usage, and control the machine remotely. The Jura S8 also offers an app but with fewer customization capabilities.