Home Barista: Breville Oracle Touch Fully Automatic Espresso Machine Review

Are you a coffee enthusiast looking to recreate the café experience at home? The Breville Oracle Touch might just be the machine to bring barista-level beverages into your kitchen, without a steep learning curve. Espresso machines have come a long way, and the Oracle Touch epitomizes this evolution with its high-end convenience and remarkable customization features.

Design and Build Quality

Upon unboxing the Breville Oracle Touch, you immediately notice its sleek and robust stainless steel construction, synonymous with durability and easy cleaning. This machine demands countertop real estate as it’s not small, but it makes up for its size with its impressive presence and promise of quality.

User Experience and Functionality

The Oracle Touch boasts a full-color touchscreen from which you can select from a range of pre-programmed drinks or save your custom coffee creations. The user interface is straightforward, making it accessible for both beginners and seasoned espresso aficionados.

At the heart of its functionality is Breville’s dual boiler system, which ensures that you can steam milk and extract espresso concurrently, cutting down the total time to make your drinks. With its automatic grinding, dosing, and tamping, you’re taking human error out of the equation for consistent results every time you use it.

Performance: Espresso Quality

Espresso quality is where the Oracle Touch shines. It employs a precise PID temperature control, coupled with a pre-infusion system that gently expands the coffee grounds before full pressure is applied. This process results in a balanced espresso shot with an immaculate layer of crema.

Pros

• Automatic grinding, dosing, and tamping for consistent results
• Dual boiler for simultaneous steam and extraction
• User-friendly touchscreen interface

Cons

• Larger footprint may not suit smaller kitchens
• Premium price point

Steaming and Foam Quality

The automatic steam wand lets even a novice create silky micro-foamed milk, perfect for latte art. Whether you prefer a flat white, a rich latte, or a frothy cappuccino, the Oracle Touch delivers milk steamed and frothed to your exact preferences.

Customization and Flexibility

Flexibility is at the forefront with the Oracle Touch. You can adjust grind size, brew temperature, and milk texture to suit your taste. After dialing in your settings, you can save them under a unique name ensuring your perfect cup is just a touch away.

Cleaning and Maintenance

For a machine packed with such innovative features, maintenance is surprisingly straightforward. It runs an automatic cleaning cycle for the steam wand after each use and provides alerts for deeper cleaning cycles. The drip tray, water reservoir, and bean hopper are all easily accessible and simple to clean.

Value for Money

The Breville Oracle Touch is undeniably an investment. However, for the avid coffee drinker or those who entertain often, the convenience, customization, and café quality drinks may very well justify the price. Moreover, this machine can ultimately save you frequent trips to the coffee shop, which adds up over time.

Comparison to Competitors

When compared to other high-end machines like the Jura Z8 or DeLonghi Prima Donna, the Oracle Touch holds its own, especially with its interactive touchscreen and automatic features. Where other models may offer more drink options, the Oracle Touch’s focus on perfecting the classics might appeal to purists.

Should You Buy It?

If you are serious about your coffee and have been dreaming of dialing in your barista skills with the ease of push-button technology, the Breville Oracle Touch could be your match. It merges automation with customization, enabling you to create your personalized coffee experience every morning.