Two of the most requested professional coffee machines on the Dutch business market face off today: the Jura GIGA X8c and the Franke A600. Both machines are fully automatic, of Swiss manufacture, and aimed at offices, hotels and other business environments where dozens to hundreds of employees drink coffee daily.
Yet they are clearly different machines, each with their own technologies, strengths and limitations. In this article we compare them point by point on the criteria that matter most in practice: capacity, milk foam quality, suitability for oat milk, type of grinder, ease of use and cleaning time.
Franke A600
Jura GIGA X8c
Differences between the Jura GIGA X8c and Franke A600
Looking substantively at the Jura GIGA X8c and the Franke A600, there are clear differences. The Jura GIGA X8c is suitable for organisations of up to around 80 employees, particularly where there is a need for speed and simple operation. The capacity is large enough for busy offices, while maintenance remains relatively manageable.
The Franke A600 is designed for a comparable size, but offers slightly more flexibility in beverage options and customisability. Operation is more interactive thanks to the touchscreen, which works particularly well in environments with many different users. The difference is therefore not so much “better or worse”, but rather situational: how many people drink coffee, how diverse are their preferences, and who manages the machine?
| Feature | Jura GIGA X8c | Franke A600 |
| Up to 200 cups | Up to 150–170 cups | |
| 2 ceramic grinders | 1 or 2 ceramic grinders (optional) | |
| Milk system | Fine Foam Technology | FoamMaster™ (optional) |
| Limited (barista oat milk) | Good (cold foam possible) | |
| Touchscreen | 4,3″ color touchscreen | 8″ interactive touchscreen |
| Daily cleaning | ~2–5 minutes | ~5 minutes (automated) |
| ~20 minutes | ~10–15 minutes | |
| Cleaning system | TÜV-certified (manual + automatic) | CleanMaster™ (completely automatic) |
| Water connection | Fixed water connection (c-version) | Fixed water connection possible |
| Bean hopper | 2× 650 grams | 2× 1,2 kg of 1× 2 kg |
| Payment system | Pocket Pilot 2.0 | Franke Digital Services |
TESTIMONIAL
Jeroen Doorenbos, CEO and owner Gomibo / Belsimpel
Pure Africa is the only supplier with a fully transparent value chain
Gomibo / Belsimpel chose Pure Africa because of its distinctive approach to coffee procurement and distribution. After evaluating multiple offers, Pure Africa proved to be the only supplier with a fully transparent value chain in which farmers and other parties in the chain receive a fair price for their services.
Coffee procurement via Pure Africa is therefore an important component in fulfilling the corporate social responsibility objectives of Gomibo / Belsimpel. Organisationally, the process around orders and deliveries runs professionally, allowing our 750 colleagues to enjoy coffee with satisfaction every day.
Comparison on 6 points
1. Daily capacity
For any business environment, the daily production capacity of the coffee machine is a crucial factor. Nobody wants colleagues queuing or the machine reaching its limit halfway through the morning.
Jura GIGA X8c: up to 200 cups per day
The Jura GIGA X8c is designed for intensive use and has a maximum daily capacity of 200 cups. This makes the machine suitable for larger office environments, conference rooms and busy self-service locations. The dual spout is a key feature: the machine can prepare two drinks simultaneously, considerably reducing throughput times during peak hours.
Two ceramic disc grinders ensure that grinding capacity keeps pace with demand. Thanks to the Speed function, specialities are prepared in record time, without compromising on quality.
Franke A600: up to 150–170 cups per day
For any business environment, the daily production capacity of the coffee machine is a crucial factor. Nobody wants colleagues queuing or the machine reaching its limit halfway through the morning.
Jura GIGA X8c: up to 200 cups per day
The Jura GIGA X8c is designed for intensive use and has a maximum daily capacity of 200 cups. This makes the machine suitable for larger office environments, conference rooms and busy self-service locations. The dual spout is a key feature: the machine can prepare two drinks simultaneously, considerably reducing throughput times during peak hours.
Two ceramic disc grinders ensure that grinding capacity keeps pace with demand. Thanks to the Speed function, specialities are prepared in record time, without compromising on quality.
Franke A600: up to 150–170 cups per day
The Franke A600 has an official maximum capacity of 150 cups per day, although some sources and configurations indicate 170 cups. That is still impressive, but clearly less than the Jura GIGA X8c. The A600 is therefore better suited to medium-sized organisations or offices with 20 to 50 employees.
The optional dual grinder and the fast brew unit ensure smooth throughput, but the machine is not designed for use beyond the 170-cup threshold.
With a capacity of 200 cups per day versus 150–170 for the Franke A600, the Jura is the winner for larger organisations and busy locations.
2. Quality and capacity of milk foam
For many business coffee machine users, milk foam is the defining factor. From the cappuccino at the team meeting to the latte macchiato for a client conversation: the quality of the foam largely determines the experience.
Jura GIGA X8c: Fine Foam Technology
The Jura GIGA X8c features an integrated milk system with Fine Foam Technology. This system delivers fine, creamy milk foam at barista level for drinks such as cappuccino, latte macchiato, flat white and espresso macchiato. The spout is height-adjustable, allowing different types of cups and glasses to be served.
In addition to warm milk foam, the machine can also deliver warm milk and hot steam. The milk hose is automatically rinsed after each use. The system delivers consistent results, but offers fewer customisation options for consistency and temperature than the Franke.
Franke A600: FoamMaster™ — the most advanced option
The Franke A600 with FoamMaster™ system is the most advanced machine in this comparison when it comes to milk foam. The FoamMaster™ offers full control over the texture, temperature and consistency of the milk foam, from light and airy for a classic cappuccino to dense and creamy for latte art. Moreover, the A600 can produce both warm and cold milk foam, which the Jura GIGA X8c does not support as standard.
The FoamMaster™ is, incidentally, an optional version of the A600. The basic version has a standard milk system (MS) with fewer customisation options. For optimal results, the FoamMaster configuration is strongly recommended.
✔ Winner: Franke A600 (with FoamMaster™)
FoamMaster™ technology offers more control options, higher consistency and the unique option for cold milk foam. Ideal for organisations that value a broad drinks menu with barista quality.
3. The best machine for oat milk
Plant-based milk, and oat milk in particular, has become indispensable in the modern workplace. More and more employees are choosing lactose-free or more sustainable alternatives. The question is: how do both machines handle this?
The challenge of oat milk
Oat milk contains relatively little protein and more carbohydrates than cow’s milk. As a result, it foams less stably than full-fat milk. An important consideration is that oat milk contains sediment; shaking before use is essential. If the milk is too thick due to sediment, the system may splatter and foam quality decreases.
Jura GIGA X8c and oat milk
The Jura GIGA X8c works in principle with all types of milk, but Fine Foam Technology is primarily optimised for cow’s milk. With oat milk, splattering issues may occur and the foam is generally somewhat airier and less firm. The barista variant of oat milk (specially developed for foaming) gives the best result. The system has limited options for specifically adjusting foam consistency for plant-based milk.
Franke A600 and oat milk
The Franke A600 with FoamMaster™ has a clear advantage here. Because foam consistency and temperature can be set individually per drink type, the machine can be better tuned to the properties of oat milk. Franke explicitly states that the A600 is suitable for both dairy milk and plant-based alternatives. The cold foam option is also suitable for applications where oat milk is processed cold.
Practical advice applies to both machines: always use the barista variant of oat milk, shake the carton well before use, and ensure the milk is chilled (2–5 degrees Celsius).
✔ Winner: Franke A600 (with FoamMaster™)
The individually adjustable foam consistency makes the Franke A600 more suitable for oat milk. Nevertheless, for both machines: barista oat milk is a requirement for acceptable results.
4. The type of grinder
The quality of the grinder largely determines flavour development in the coffee. A consistent, accurate grind is the foundation for a good espresso and all drinks based on it.
Jura GIGA X8c: two ceramic grinders with A.G.A.
The Jura GIGA X8c comes standard with two high-performance ceramic disc grinders. Ceramic has the major advantage that it does not heat up during grinding, so the coffee beans do not burn and their aroma is optimally preserved. With intensive use, this is a significant advantage over steel grinders.
A special feature of the Jura is the A.G.A. system (Automatic Grinder Adjustment): this electronically controlled system automatically adjusts the grind size based on conditions, keeping quality consistent without manual intervention. The grinders are also electrically adjustable. In addition, the Jura uses the Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.®), which optimises the extraction time for short drinks for maximum aroma development.
The two separate bean hoppers (650 grams each) make it possible to offer two different types of coffee, for example a classic blend and a lighter single origin.
Franke A600: ceramic grinders, dual grinder optional
The Franke A600 comes standard with one ceramic disc grinder. A second grinder is available as an optional upgrade. As with the Jura, the ceramic discs ensure a durable, consistent grinding result without heat development.
The A600 offers a choice of three different brewing units, allowing the machine to be tailored to espresso, regular coffee or larger volumes. This makes the machine more flexible in use, but the grinders themselves are slightly less advanced than the Jura’s dual grinder system.
✔ Winner: Jura GIGA X8c
Two ceramic grinders as standard, automatic grind adjustment via A.G.A. and the P.E.P. system give the Jura a technological edge on this point.
5. Ease of operation
In a business environment, the coffee machine deals with multiple users per day, from people with little affinity for technology to coffee enthusiasts who want to fine-tune things themselves. Intuitive operation is then essential.
Jura GIGA X8c: 4.3″ touchscreen with rotary button
The Jura GIGA X8c works with a 4.3-inch high-resolution colour touchscreen and a physical rotary knob on top of the machine. The interface is intuitive and provides access to more than 30 adjustable drinks. Programming, coffee strength, temperature and milk quantity are all customisable.
A notable business feature is the option to lock products and settings via Pocket Pilot 2.0, the integrated payment and management system. Employees can operate the machine via the touchscreen or via the Jura J.O.E. app on their smartphone, enabling contactless use.
The machine displays clear instructions on screen for maintenance and cleaning. Components such as the drip tray and coffee grounds container can be easily removed with one hand.
Franke A600: 8″ touchscreen with visual menu options
The Franke A600 has a considerably larger 8-inch touchscreen with three customisable user interfaces. The screen supports visual images per drink type, making operation particularly easy, even for less experienced users and in self-service environments. LED lighting provides additional signals for warnings and notifications.
The A600 offers four operating modes, allowing the machine to be configured for self-service, attended use or a combination. Via Franke Digital Services, the machine can be remotely monitored and managed, which is interesting for facility managers with multiple locations.
The larger screen and the visual interface make the Franke A600 more accessible for a broad audience, including guests or visitors without instruction.
✔ Winner: Franke A600
The larger 8″ touchscreen with visual image options and four configurable operating modes makes the Franke A600 easier for diverse users, particularly in self-service situations.
6. Daily and weekly cleaning times
Cleaning is often an underestimated but crucial aspect for business coffee machines. Machines that take a long time to clean or require a lot of manual work become a burden for employees and regularly result in maintenance backlogs.
Jura GIGA X8c: daily cleaning
For the Jura GIGA X8c, daily cleaning is mandatory whenever milk has been used. After each milk preparation, the machine automatically rinses the milk system. At the end of the day, the daily milk system cleaning must be started manually via the display. This takes approximately 2 to 5 minutes. The machine prompts the user on screen when this is required.
In addition, the drip tray must be emptied and cleaned daily, as well as the coffee grounds container. These components are dishwasher-safe. It is recommended to rinse the milk hose under the tap daily.
Jura GIGA X8c: weekly cleaning
Weekly, the dual spout must be disassembled and thoroughly cleaned. This includes taking the milk system apart into separate components and a thorough cleaning with Jura cleaning agent (Rinza). The full weekly cleaning takes around 20 minutes. The machine also prompts a coffee cleaning with cleaning tablet every 220 brewing cycles (duration: approximately 20 minutes), regardless of whether this is needed weekly or more often.
Franke A600: daily cleaning
The Franke A600 with CleanMaster™ system has a fully automated cleaning cycle. At the end of the day, the user inserts a cleaning cartridge or tablet and starts the programme. The machine does the rest. This takes a few minutes and requires hardly any user intervention. It is the most automated cleaning system in this comparison.
Het lekbakje en de koffiedrebsbak worden dagelijks verwijderd en gereinigd; beide zijn vaatwasmachinebestendig.
Franke A600: weekly cleaning
The weekly cleaning of the Franke A600 mainly consists of a more thorough cleaning of the removable parts such as the drip tray and grounds drawer, combined with the automated cleaning cycle. In practice, this takes 10 to 15 minutes. The CleanMaster system significantly reduces the manual effort required compared to the Jura.
| Cleaning moment | Jura GIGA X8c | Franke A600 |
| 2–5 min (semi-automatic) | ~5 min (fully automatic via CleanMaster™) | |
| Drip tray + grounds container + rinse milk hose | Drip tray + coffee grounds container | |
| Weekly | ~10–15 min (minder handmatig werk) | |
| Per 220 coffees | Coffee cleaning ~20 min | Integrated in daily cycle |
✔ Winner: Franke A600
The CleanMaster™ system makes daily and weekly cleaning significantly easier and less time-consuming. For busy office environments with limited availability for maintenance, this is a major advantage.
Conclusion: which machine suits your organisation?
Both machines are excellent choices for business use and produce coffee of a high standard. The choice depends on the specific needs of your organisation.
Choose the Jura GIGA X8c if…
…your organisation has more than 150 employees or requires high capacity during peak hours. The dual grinder, 200-cup capacity, A.G.A. technology and P.E.P. system make this the machine for high-volume users who put coffee quality first. The fixed water connection and the Pocket Pilot 2.0 management system are pluses for larger facilities.
Choose the Franke A600 if…
…the emphasis is on ease of use, milk foam quality and minimal cleaning effort. FoamMaster™ technology, the large touchscreen, CleanMaster™ automatic cleaning and better support for oat milk make the A600 the ideal choice for organisations offering a broad range of milk-based drinks and wanting a low threshold for self-service.
Finally: both machines can be connected directly to a fixed water supply, have ceramic grinders and come from Swiss manufacturers with an excellent reputation for reliability. A trial period or on-site demonstration is always recommended before making a final choice.
