Breville Oracle Touch Review: The Ultimate Espresso Experience at Home!

Thank you for visiting our site. We have been a trusted and expert coffee authority for over five years. The support of our readers and members sustains our site. Should you purchase products from retailers through links or adverts on our site, we may earn commissions at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made on Amazon. These commissions are vital in maintaining the operation of our site. We curate some content and strive to provide valuable links to some of the best places on the internet. Please read our disclaimers policy for more information. We trust you will enjoy our site!

Imagine having the perfect cup of specialty coffee, made to your preferences, right in the comfort of your home. With the Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine, this dream becomes a reality.

This sleek and sophisticated machine offers automation at every stage, with its intuitive touchscreen operation allowing you to effortlessly select your desired coffee drink – espresso, long black, latte, flat white, or cappuccino.

The integrated conical burr grinder ensures precise dosing and tamping, while the digital temperature control guarantees a balanced-tasting espresso. This machine delivers impeccable extraction and prevents bitter flavors thanks to its commercial features, such as the Over Pressure Valve (OPV) and low-pressure pre-infusion.

And with its powerful steam wand, you can effortlessly texture milk to perfection, creating the ideal microfoam for your lattes or cappuccinos.

The Breville Oracle Touch truly brings the art of specialty coffee brewing to your fingertips.

Table of contents

Why Consider The Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine?

If you’re a coffee lover who craves the perfect cup every morning, then the Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine is a game-changer you don’t want to miss. With its advanced automation and touchscreen operation, you can effortlessly enjoy a wide range of specialty coffees right in the comfort of your own home. This machine covers you whether you prefer a classic espresso, a creamy latte, or a frothy cappuccino.

This espresso machine stands out from the competition due to its remarkable features and benefits. Thanks to its integrated conical burr grinder, you can achieve the perfect grind every time. With precise water temperature control provided by the digital temperature control technology (PID – see below for more information), you can enjoy a balanced and flavorful espresso.

The Over Pressure Valve (OPV) feature limits the maximum pressure during extraction, preventing any bitter flavors. Plus, the true low-pressure pre-infusion gently expands the coffee grounds for an even extraction.

Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel, BES990BSS

★★★★★
Amazon.com

Features and Benefits

Automation at Every Stage

The Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine simplifies coffee-making by offering touchscreen operation. All you need to do is swipe and select your desired coffee style, whether an espresso, long black, latte, flat white, or cappuccino. Say goodbye to complicated buttons and settings – this machine makes it incredibly easy to enjoy third-wave specialty coffee at home.

Integrated Conical Burr Grinder

Forget the hassle of grinding, dosing, and tamping your coffee beans separately. This espresso machine does it all for you. The integrated conical burr grinder automatically grinds, doses, and tamps 18-22 grams of coffee, just like the commercial espresso machines in your favorite cafe. This consistent and precise dosing ensures a perfect cup of coffee every time.

Optimal Water Pressure

The Over Pressure Valve (OPV) is a commercial feature that sets this espresso machine apart. It limits the maximum pressure during extraction, preventing any bitter flavors from ruining your drink. The machine also offers a true low-pressure pre-infusion, gradually increasing the pressure to gently expand the coffee grounds for an even extraction. These features contribute to the excellent taste and aroma of your coffee.

Microfoam Milk Texturing

To achieve a true third-wave specialty coffee experience, the Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine’s steam wand delivers barista-quality silky microfoam. Powered by a dedicated steam boiler, it effortlessly textures milk to your taste and preferred temperature. The result is rich, sweet milk with a delicate micro-foam texture that enhances the flavor of your coffee. Best of all, the steam wand even cleans itself, saving you time and effort.

Breville oracle steam wand making microfoamk

Product Quality

When it comes to quality, Breville is a brand that stands out. The Oracle Touch Espresso Machine is built to last, with construction materials like brushed stainless steel and a stainless steel dual boiler. These durable materials ensure longevity and give the machine a sleek and modern look.

We have chosen 10 criteria you can use to assess the quality of the Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine or any other espresso machine.

10-Point Rating of the Breville Dual Boiler Espresso Machine

The ten criteria are rated 1 to 5, where 1 is poor to 5 is excellent.

CriteriaScore (x/5)
Boiler System5
Brand5
Ease of Use4
Espresso Quality4
Portafilter5
Price and Value1
Shot Pulling and Automation4
Steaming5
Temperature Control5
Type of Espresso Machine5
Total43/50

1. Type of Espresso Machine

Espresso machines can be manual, semi-automatic, automatic, and super-automatic. The Breville Oracle Touch may be considered a ‘hybrid’ espresso machine.

Hybrid espresso machines refer to a combination of traditional and modern technology. A hybrid espresso machine incorporates the best technology of automatic bean-to-cup machines with the traditional manual espresso machine. It is an espresso machine with aids and backups for those who need them. Hybrid espresso machines are designed to offer a balance of control and convenience.

They are ideal for both skilled baristas and novice users. Hybrid espresso machines have advanced features such as a touchscreen control panel, automatic steam wand, and automation options for shot pulling and milk texturing.

They also have a built-in grinder and milk steamer/frother, making preparing espresso drinks easier. Hybrid espresso machines are designed to produce high-quality espresso with a rich, balanced flavor. They are suitable for home use and small commercial settings.

You can set up to 8 programmable and customized coffee settings to give you additional control over your brew.

2. Shot Pulling and Automation

You can control an espresso shot manually, semi-automatically, and fully automatic.

Manual machines require the most skill and practice, while fully automatic machines do everything for you. Semi-automatic machines are the most popular and offer a balance between control and convenience.

The Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine is a semi-automatic machine offering various automation options.

3. Brand

Does the brand of the espresso machine have a good reputation? Is the brand credible? Do they offer a warranty? Breville has a good reputation and credible.

4. Temperature Control

The machine should be able to reach a range of 194 and 201 degrees F. The Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine has digital temperature control technology and PID (proportional, integral, and derivative). The PID controller maintains precise and consistent temperature during brewing.

5. Portafilter

The portafilter is the part of the machine that holds the coffee grounds. A bottomless portafilter is recommended as it allows you to see the extraction process and diagnose any issues. The Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine comes with a professional 58mm portafilter.

6. Boiler System

A machine with a single or double boiler system is essential if you like espresso-based milk drinks such as lattes or cappuccinos.

In a double boiler system, one boiler generates hot water for coffee extraction, and the other generates steam for milk frothing. The Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine has a dual stainless steel boiler system.

7. Ease of Use

While the machine is designed for ease of use, it may still require setup, cleaning, and maintenance.

8. Espresso Quality

The Breville Oracle Touch can produce high-quality espresso with a rich, balanced flavor. However, some users have reported shot problems, which may affect the quality of the espresso. Always remember that the espresso quality also comes from fresh quality coffee beans.

9. Steaming

The machine has an automatic steam wand that allows you to adjust the milk temperature and texture to suit your taste. It can deliver silky smooth microfoam with at least one million microbubbles per ml, essential for pouring latte art.

10. Price and Value

The Breville Oracle Touch is a high-end machine that is quite expensive.

Additional Considerations

Other considerations when buying a home espresso machine include budget, time, and maintenance. Espresso machines require considerably more maintenance and cleaning than coffee makers.

Purging, backflushing, and descaling are just a few things you’ll need to do to get the best out of your machine.

You should also consider the availability and price of parts and accessories.

The Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine is a high-end machine that requires proper maintenance and cleaning. Parts and accessories are readily available.

What It’s Used For

Enjoy a Variety of Specialty Coffees

With the Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine, you can create a wide range of specialty coffees at home. Whether you crave a strong espresso to kickstart your day or prefer a creamy latte to indulge in, this machine can satisfy all your coffee desires. It allows you to experiment and customize your coffee settings, bringing out the best flavors in your beans.

Suitable for Coffee Lovers of All Levels

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced barista, this espresso machine caters to all skill levels. The user-friendly touchscreen operation makes it easy for anyone to prepare their favorite coffee drinks. Plus, with the ability to customize and save your coffee settings, you can achieve consistent results every time, just how you like it.

Perfect for Coffee Enthusiasts at Home

If you’re a coffee enthusiast who appreciates the art of brewing, the Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine is a must-have. It offers advanced automation and precision, allowing you to recreate the flavors and quality of your favorite cafe’s espresso machine. Indulge in the joy of creating your barista-style coffee without leaving your kitchen.

Ideal for Entertaining Guests

Impress your guests with cafe-quality specialty coffees when they come over. The Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine allows you to effortlessly whip up delicious beverages for all your friends and family. Be the ultimate host and create a memorable coffee experience that will leave your guests wanting more.

Customized Drinks

The Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine allows you to program custom drink builds, even for more complex drinks like a Misto. A Misto requires:

  1. A double shot of espresso
  2. Hot water
  3. Low foam, low-temperature steamed milk

You can adjust these parameters and save them as your custom drink.

Furthermore, the machine allows you to modify the parameters of standard drinks like the Cappuccino. You can adjust these settings to align more closely with your cappuccino preference and save these changes. Every time you select a cappuccino, the machine will prepare the drink according to your saved preferences.

Product Specifications

Here are the specifications for the Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine.

SpecificationValue
Bean Hopper Capacity8 ounces
Boiler SystemDual stainless steel boiler system
CleaningAutomatic cleaning cycle
Dimensions14.5" W x 14.7" D x 17.6" H
DisplayTouchscreen control panel
Grind Settings45 adjustable grind settings from fine to coarse
GrinderFully-integrated hardened precision conical burr grinder
Milk FrothingAutomatic steam wand with adjustable temperature and texture
Over Pressure ValveCommercial component
Portafilter Size58mm professional-style portafilter
Power1800W
Pre-InfusionLow-pressure pre-infusion
Pump Pressure15 bars
Shot TemperatureAdjustable
Shot VolumeAdjustable
Temperature ControlDigital temperature control with PID
TypeSemi-automatic espresso machine
Voltage120V
Warranty1 year limited product warranty
Water Tank Capacity84 ounces
Weight35.05 pounds

Please note that these specifications are based on the available information at the time of this post, may not be comprehensive, and may vary depending on location (e.g., voltage).

Parts and Accessories

Parts and accessories for the Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine are widely available from various sources.

Breville provides a range of machine-specific parts and accessories for its espresso machines, including the Oracle Touch. These include cleaning brushes, hopper bean kits, water tanks, cleaning tablets, descalers, water filters, portafilters, tampers, burr kits, brush grinders, bean hoppers, cup filters, steam wand tips, and more.

Breville recommends reordering cleaning supplies before you use your last ones to ensure your machine operates at peak performance.

In addition to Breville’s official website, parts, and accessories for the Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine can be found on online marketplaces such as Amazon.

It’s important to note that each component is critical in producing delicious coffee. For instance, the portafilter is essential in creating a perfect extraction. Should you need to replace yours, you’ll be pleased to discover the portafilter specific to your machine and all Breville espresso machines.

Likewise, should you need to replace the tamper, the burr kit, the brush grinder or bean hopper, cup filters, steam wand tip, or any other piece, replacement parts will help you keep your espresso machine working like new.

Breville Oracle Touch - The TRUTH about Breville’s Most Expensive Espresso Machine

Who Needs This

Anyone who enjoys coffee-making and appreciates specialty coffee’s flavors and aromas would benefit from the Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine. Whether you’re a busy professional, a dedicated coffee lover, or an aspiring home barista, this machine is designed to elevate your coffee experience to a new level.

Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel, BES990BSS

Pros and Cons

Here are the pros and cons of the Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine based on current sources:

Pros

  • The machine is a hybrid espresso machine that offers a balance of control and convenience
  • Equipped with a 15-bar Italian-made pump, digital temperature control with PID, and a dual stainless steel boiler system, which ensures precise temperature control and optimal water pressure
  • A 58mm portafilter, which is a professional-style portafilter that can hold 22g of freshly ground beans
  • Automatic steam wand that allows you to adjust the milk temperature and texture to suit your taste
  • Range of automation options for shot pulling and milk texturing, which makes it easier to achieve café-quality espresso drinks at home
  • A bright touchscreen control panel that is remarkably intuitive and easy to navigate
  • An automatic cleaning cycle, which makes it easier to clean and maintain
  • Produces high-quality espresso with a rich, balanced flavor (provided you have quality coffee beans)
  • A built-in grinder with 45 grind settings
  • A built-in milk steamer/frother
  • The machine has programmable and customizable coffee strength, milk temperature, and texture, which allows you to customize your drinks to your liking
  • An espresso shot clock that shows the shot duration for consistent extraction

Cons

  • The machine is quite expensive, which may not be suitable for everyone’s budget
  • Some users have reported shot problems, which may indicate issues with the pressure pump system
  • Some users have reported reliability issues with the machine
  • Requires some setup, cleaning, and maintenance, which may be complex and difficult for some users
  • The machine may be large and heavy, which may not be suitable for small kitchens or limited counter space

What Customers and Reviewers Are Saying

Customers who have purchased the Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine rave about its performance and the quality of coffee it produces. Many appreciate the user-friendly touchscreen operation and the ability to customize their coffee settings. The durability and sleek design of the machine are also highly praised.

Reviews from other websites…

Breville

The Breville website has over 615 reviews of the Oracle Touch. Over 80% of the reviewers recommend the machine. It has an average customer rating of 4.4 out of 5. There are over 450 5-star reviews and about 49 1-star reviews.

Customer reviews express positive experiences with the machine’s coffee quality and negative experiences with reliability and customer service.

Just One Cookbook

An amateur home barista reviewed the Breville Oracle Touch on ‘Just One Cookbook‘ after using it for six months. They found the machine easy to use, with a digital touch screen for settings, a dual boiler for espresso extraction and steam wand, and many automatic drink selections. They also appreciated the machine’s ability to set brew time and temperature for espresso shots and customize milk temperature and texture. However, they noted that the machine is expensive and may require maintenance.

Coffeeness

The reviewer on Coffeeness found the Breville Oracle Touch to be a hybrid espresso machine that offers a similar user experience to a super-automatic machine. They appreciated the machine’s touchscreen, auto-frothing steam wand, and over-pressure valve, a commercial component proving the machine is the real deal. However, they noted that the machine is expensive and may not suit everyone’s budget.

Amazon

There are over 300 positive 4 or 5-star customer reviews for the Breville Oracle on Amazon. One customer found the Breville Oracle Touch a great machine that works as advertised if one uses filtered water in the tank. However, they noted that it does not heat frothed milk as warm as they like.

CoffeeGeek

The CoffeeGeek reviewer found the Breville Oracle Touch a fantastic success and a game changer in automated home espresso. They appreciated the machine’s dual boiler system, faultless latte frother, and big reservoir. However, they noted that the machine may require some setup, cleaning, and maintenance, which may be complex and difficult for some users.

Best Buy

A customer on Best Buy found the Breville Oracle Touch to be a wonderful machine but noted that it is imperfect. They appreciated the machine’s quirks and weaknesses, which should be acceptable. Customers rated it 4.6 out of 5 stars and 85% would recommend to a friend.

YouTube

The reviewer on YouTube (see video above) found the Breville Oracle Touch to be Breville’s most premium offering and their take on an automatic machine with more control and arguably better results. They appreciated the machine’s ability to store beans, grind them, dispense the grounds into a portafilter, tamp and pre-infuse them, and then pull a shot. They also appreciated the machine’s dedicated steam and espresso boilers, which can foam milk to your choice among a range of consistencies while the shot is pouring. However, they noted that the machine is quite expensive and may not suit everyone’s budget.

Reddit

A Reddit user was debating whether to buy the Breville Oracle Touch and asked for advice from other users. Some users recommended the Lelit Mara X with a decent grinder, while others recommended the Breville Oracle Touch for its ease of use and consistent shots for Americanos. However, some users noted that the machine is quite expensive and may not be suitable for everyone’s budget.

Wired

The wired review found the Breville Oracle Touch a powerful home espresso machine that merits comparison with professional models. They appreciated the machine’s ability to store beans, grind them, dispense the grounds into a portafilter, tamp and pre-infuse them, and then pull a shot. They also appreciated the machine’s dedicated steam and espresso boilers, which can foam milk to your choice among a range of consistencies while the shot is pouring. However, they noted that the machine is expensive and may not be suitable for everyone’s budget.

Overall Value

The Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine may come with a higher price tag than basic espresso machines, but it offers an unmatched coffee experience worth the investment. You can enjoy professional-grade coffee at home with its automation, precise dosing, optimal water pressure, and microfoam milk texturing. If you’re a coffee enthusiast looking to elevate your daily coffee ritual, this machine is the perfect addition to your kitchen.

Tips and Tricks for Best Results

  • Shot Extraction and Timing: To create a balanced espresso shot using The Oracle Touch, you need to find the optimal extraction, which baristas call “dialing in.” This is where choosing the right grind size is essential. You can adjust the shot volume, duration, and temperature via the MENU button. You can also adjust the dose of ground coffee by changing the grind size.
  • Milk Frothing and Steaming: The Breville Oracle Touch has an automatic steam wand that allows you to adjust the milk temperature and texture to suit your taste. To get the best results, use cold milk and keep your clean pitchers in the freezer, ready for use. If you have milk residue from the previous coffee in the pitcher, it will reduce the quality of the milk foam for the next coffee. Try rinsing the pitcher clean before making your next coffee.
  • Water Filtration and Maintenance: An important part of the cleaning and maintenance of your Oracle Touch is replacing the water filter. Remember to replace the filter after 90 days or using 10.6 gallons of water. Cleaning and maintenance should cover all aspects of your machine, from cleaning your group head and steam wand to descaling and regularly changing the water filter.
  • Grind Consistency and Dose: The Breville Oracle Touch’s 45 different grind settings allow you to achieve a customized extraction that suits your preference. We recommend starting with a grind size 20 and adjusting it as you become more familiar with your machine[5]. Keep the same amount of beans in the hopper from one coffee to another because the more beans in the hopper, the more inconsistent the dose.

By following these tips and tricks, you can get the most out of your Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine and enjoy café-quality espresso drinks at home.

Final Thoughts

Product Summary

With the Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine, you can bring the cafe experience to your own home. This advanced machine offers automation at every stage, from grinding and dosing to milk texturing. It delivers superb coffee quality thanks to precise water temperature control and optimal water pressure. The construction materials ensure durability, and the sleek design adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen.

Final Recommendation

The Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine is an excellent investment if you’re serious about your coffee and want to indulge in barista-quality beverages. Its advanced features, customizable settings, and ease of use suit beginners and experienced coffee enthusiasts. Elevate your coffee game to new heights and enjoy the perfect cup every time.

Get Your Super Duper Automatic Espresso Machine!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I customize the coffee settings on the Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine?

You can create, save, and name up to 8 customizable coffee settings to suit your preferences.

Does the machine come with a user guide or manual?

A user guide or manual is provided in PDF format for your reference. It’s essential to read it before first use to ensure proper operation.

How does the machine clean the steam wand?

The steam wand is designed to clean itself automatically, saving you time and effort in the cleaning process.

How do I use the automatic grind, dose, and tamp function on the Breville Oracle Touch?

The Breville Oracle Touch has an automatic grind, dose, and tamp function. To use this, you need to insert the portafilter into the grind outlet and rotate it to the center position. Then, touch the ‘Grind’ button on the display to start the function. Once the function is complete, rotate the portafilter handle to the ‘INSERT’ position and lower it to remove it.

Why is my Breville Oracle Touch not producing steam or coffee?

There could be several reasons your machine is not producing steam or coffee. The machine might not have reached its operating temperature, or the water tank might be empty. Ensure that the machine is on and up to operating temperature, and check the water level in the tank.

How can I manually texture milk on the Breville Oracle Touch?

The Breville Oracle Touch allows for manual milk texturing. To do this, lift the steam wand and start frothing by touching the button. When frothing is done, touch the Milk button to stop. Wipe the wand & tip with a clean damp cloth. Lower the steam wand to the down position, and the wand will automatically purge[2].

Where can I buy more water filters or espresso cleaning tablets for my Breville Oracle Touch?

For your Breville Oracle Touch, you can purchase more water filters or espresso cleaning tablets from the Breville website. Go to the ‘Parts & Accessories’ menu and click on the ‘Espresso’ coffee machine. Alternatively, you can go to Amazon for genuine or alternative parts and accessories for the Breville Oracle.

Can I override the automated features of the Breville Oracle Touch to make good espresso?

Yes, you can override some of the automated features of the Breville Oracle Touch to make good espresso. For instance, you can manually control the amount of coffee going into the shot and stop the shot at your desired brew ratio. You can also bring your grinder, portafilter, basket, and tamper to use with the machine.

What is included with the Breville Oracle Machine?

The machine also comes with several accessories, including

  • An instruction manual/booklet
  • A mini grinds bin
  • A stainless steel milk jug
  • Steam wand spare parts
  • A cleaning kit
  • A water filter and holder
  • 1- and 2-cup filter basket.

Note that these are the inclusions as of the date of this post and may change over time.

After each coffee-making session, the filter basket and portafilter should be rinsed under hot water to remove all residual coffee oils.

Similar Posts on This Website

Breville Coffee Company: Facts and Statistics

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.