Jura ENA 8 Signature: solid aluminium, fine foam

Ten strengths and three temperatures

Jura lets you choose from ten coffee strength levels and three brew temperatures, with three hot water temperatures as well. Strength and water quantity can be changed for every cup. That level of control is unusual on a machine this small.

A TFT colour display handles selection, and cups are lit in white with an amber accent.

For someone who wants a ristretto in the morning and a milder long coffee in the afternoon, ten strength steps make it easy to get both right without changing beans.

Fine foam and hygiene programmes

Milk is foamed through a delicate fine foam nozzle. Cleaning is handled by integrated programmes for the cappuccino nozzle and the milk system, plus automatic rinsing, and Jura cites a TÜV hygiene certificate. Maintenance status is shown on the machine.

Water and energy

The machine supports CLARIS Smart and Smart Mini filter inserts, and water hardness can be set. Energy features include an energy save mode, an hourly programmable switch and a zero-energy switch with 0 watts on standby. Energy efficiency is given as 51.1 kWh.

Small machine, small capacities

The water tank holds 1.1 litres, the bean container 125 g and the grounds container up to 10 portions. A household of two will be refilling and emptying frequently. Spouts adjust from 55 to 138 mm, and there is a ground coffee container for decaf.

Height is 32.3 cm and depth 44.5 cm. The plug type in the listing is a two-pin Europlug, so check the version you are ordering suits UK sockets.

As with the standard ENA 8, the small capacities are the price of the compact body, so think about how many cups your household makes before choosing it.

Against the Rivelia and Melitta Purista

The De'Longhi Rivelia is narrower at 24.5 cm with 16 drinks and bean switching. The Melitta Purista is just 20 cm wide but has no milk system. The ENA 8 Signature combines milk drinks, detailed control and a premium aluminium finish.