Breville Oracle vs Oracle Touch

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As someone who’s passionate about coffee, I’ve had the privilege of using both the Breville Oracle and the Breville Oracle Touch espresso machines. Over the years, I’ve experimented with numerous espresso makers, but these two stand out for their features, build quality, and the overall experience they offer. Both machines have a lot to offer, but after thoroughly testing and comparing them, I’ve come to the conclusion that the Breville Oracle stands out as the better option. In this article, I’ll walk you through my personal experience with both machines, highlighting their unique features and sharing why I believe the Oracle has the edge.

Why I Chose to Try Both Machines

I’ve always been the type to research my purchases carefully, especially when it comes to espresso machines. Making coffee at home has been a hobby of mine for years, and as I became more serious about perfecting my shots, I decided to upgrade from a more basic machine to something that offered more control and sophistication. After looking into various options, I narrowed it down to the Breville Oracle and the Oracle Touch.

The Oracle caught my eye because it promised professional-level control, while the Oracle Touch seemed to be the more modern, user-friendly option. I was curious about how these two would perform in real life and whether the Oracle Touch’s automatic features would really be worth the extra cost.

The Breville Oracle: Hands-On Experience

From the moment I unpacked the Breville Oracle, I could tell this machine was built for someone who loves the art of making espresso. The first thing that struck me was the dual boiler system. For me, this was an immediate upgrade. Being able to brew and steam milk at the same time has been a game-changer, especially when I’m preparing a cappuccino or latte. I’ve used machines in the past that didn’t offer this feature, and the difference in efficiency and the final product is noticeable. With the Oracle, the consistency of temperature for both the brewing and steaming processes is always spot-on.

I also appreciate how the Oracle gives me control over every aspect of the espresso-making process. The manual portafilter offers the ability to adjust grind size, tamp pressure, and extraction time. There’s something incredibly satisfying about making those small adjustments to get the perfect shot, and I feel like the Oracle gives me the flexibility to experiment and fine-tune my coffee. I’ve tried many different beans and grind sizes, and the ability to make those subtle changes has allowed me to create some truly exceptional coffee.

The machine is very durable, too. After using it daily for several months, I can tell it’s built to last. The stainless steel construction feels solid and professional, and the quality of the components is apparent. Unlike some other machines I’ve tried, the Oracle doesn’t feel fragile or cheap. I can tell it’s going to last for years, which is important when you’re investing in a high-end espresso machine.

The Breville Oracle Touch: Convenience at Your Fingertips

The Oracle Touch, on the other hand, is the more modern of the two, offering a sleek touchscreen interface that makes everything incredibly simple. For someone who prefers an easy, intuitive coffee-making experience, the Oracle Touch’s touchscreen control is a huge plus. The machine offers preset coffee options, so with just a tap, you can select a latte, cappuccino, or even a flat white, and the machine will take care of the rest.

I do like the Oracle Touch for its convenience. When I don’t feel like spending a lot of time adjusting the grind size or tamp pressure, I can rely on the automatic features to produce a good cup of coffee. The milk frothing, in particular, is impressive. The Oracle Touch automatically froths milk to the perfect texture, which is great for someone who might not be as familiar with steaming milk by hand. The froth is always consistent, and the result is a smooth, creamy latte or cappuccino.

However, I find that while the Oracle Touch is fantastic for convenience, it takes away some of the fun and satisfaction of the process. As someone who loves to tweak and adjust my coffee to get the perfect flavor profile, I feel a bit restricted by the Oracle Touch’s automated approach. It’s great for those who are new to espresso making or for busy mornings when you just want a cup of coffee without much fuss, but I personally prefer the control and flexibility of the Oracle.

Comparing the Espresso Shots: Oracle vs Oracle Touch

When it comes to the quality of the espresso shots, I’ve found the Oracle to deliver consistently better results. The ability to fine-tune grind size and tamp pressure with the Oracle is essential for me as I experiment with different beans and roast profiles. The machine also features a commercial-grade group head that ensures even extraction, leading to rich, flavorful espresso shots every time.

In contrast, the Oracle Touch, while still delivering good espresso, doesn’t allow for as much control. The preset settings are designed to suit most tastes, but I find them to be somewhat limiting if you’re looking for a truly personalized experience. The automatic nature of the machine means you don’t get the chance to adjust things like extraction time or water temperature, which can make a noticeable difference in the flavor of the espresso.

The Importance of the Dual Boiler System

The dual boiler system in the Oracle is something I can’t emphasize enough. For someone who loves making espresso-based drinks that require both brewing and steaming, this feature is invaluable. With the Oracle, I can brew my shot of espresso and steam my milk simultaneously without any lag in performance. It’s an efficient system that ensures I get my coffee quickly without sacrificing quality.

The Oracle Touch, on the other hand, has a single boiler that switches between brewing and steaming. While this isn’t a dealbreaker, it does create a bit of a lag if you’re making multiple drinks or want to steam milk right after pulling a shot. The time spent waiting for the machine to transition between functions can be a bit frustrating, especially if you’re trying to prepare several cups in a row.

Price vs. Features: Which is the Better Value?

Price is always a consideration when buying an espresso machine, and this is where the Oracle Touch comes in at a higher price point. The Oracle Touch’s advanced touchscreen interface and automatic features certainly add value, but in my opinion, they don’t justify the extra cost. The Oracle’s dual boiler system, hands-on customization, and superior espresso quality make it the better investment if you’re serious about espresso making.

The Oracle Touch is a great machine if you’re looking for ease of use and don’t mind losing some control over the brewing process. It’s a fantastic choice for someone who is just getting into espresso or prefers the convenience of preset options. However, if you’re like me and enjoy experimenting with different coffee profiles, the Oracle offers the precision and flexibility that make it the better choice in the long run.

Final Thoughts: Why the Oracle Takes the Lead

After using both the Breville Oracle and the Oracle Touch extensively, I can confidently say that the Oracle is the better machine for someone who wants control, precision, and a more hands-on experience in their coffee-making journey. The dual boiler system, manual portafilter, and customization options give me the flexibility to create espresso just the way I like it, whether I’m experimenting with new beans or perfecting my technique.

While the Oracle Touch is a great machine for those who want convenience, it doesn’t offer the same level of customization and artistry that the Oracle provides. If you’re someone who is serious about espresso and wants a machine that allows you to craft the perfect cup, the Oracle is definitely the better option. It’s an investment in both quality and versatility that will elevate your coffee-making experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the main difference between the Breville Oracle and the Oracle Touch?
A: The main difference lies in the user experience. The Oracle offers more manual control with a traditional portafilter, allowing you to adjust grind size, tamp pressure, and extraction time. In contrast, the Oracle Touch features a large touchscreen interface with automatic presets for brewing and milk frothing, making it more convenient for users who prefer simplicity.

Q: Which machine is easier to use?
A: The Oracle Touch is generally easier to use because of its intuitive touchscreen interface and automatic settings. It simplifies the espresso-making process by allowing users to select preset drinks with just a tap. The Oracle, while offering more customization, requires more hands-on control, which may be a bit challenging for beginners.

Q: Does the Breville Oracle have automatic milk frothing?
A: No, the Oracle does not have automatic milk frothing. It uses a traditional steam wand, which requires manual operation for frothing milk. This offers more control and customization but may require practice to perfect.

Q: Is the Oracle Touch worth the higher price?
A: Whether the Oracle Touch is worth the higher price depends on your preferences. If you prefer convenience and automatic features, the Oracle Touch might be a good fit. However, if you value control over every step of the coffee-making process and enjoy the art of espresso, the Oracle provides better value with its manual customization options.

Q: Which machine produces better espresso shots?
A: The Breville Oracle generally produces better espresso shots due to its ability to fine-tune grind size, tamp pressure, and water temperature. The Oracle’s commercial-grade group head also ensures more consistent extraction, leading to richer, more flavorful espresso compared to the Oracle Touch, which offers preset settings with less room for customization.

Q: How easy is it to clean both machines?
A: Both machines have automatic cleaning features that make maintenance relatively simple. The Oracle has an auto-rinse function that keeps it clean after each use. The Oracle Touch also has automatic cleaning, but the added complexity of the touchscreen interface and automatic features may require more maintenance compared to the Oracle’s more straightforward design.

Q: Can the Oracle make multiple drinks at once?
A: Yes, the Oracle can make multiple drinks at once due to its dual boiler system, which allows you to brew and steam milk simultaneously. The Oracle Touch, with its single boiler system, has a slight delay when switching between brewing and steaming, which may make it less efficient for preparing multiple drinks at once.