Breville Oracle vs Oracle Touch

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When it comes to making coffee at home, there's a clear difference between using an entry-level espresso machine and investing in a high-end one that mimics the precision of a professional barista. I’ve had the pleasure of testing two of Breville’s top models—the Breville Oracle and the Breville Oracle Touch—both of which offer a premium espresso experience. As someone who values quality coffee, I was excited to see which of these two would better suit my needs. Having spent considerable time with both, I’ve come to a conclusion about which one is superior for everyday use.

After months of testing, I’ve found that the Breville Oracle stands out in terms of its user-friendly features, consistency, and overall performance. In this article, I’ll walk you through my experience with both machines, highlighting what makes the Oracle the better choice for anyone looking for a hassle-free, high-quality espresso machine. 

Design and Build Quality

Let’s start with the design. Both the Oracle and Oracle Touch are beautifully crafted machines with sleek, modern aesthetics. I’ve always appreciated the solid, commercial-grade construction of Breville products, and both models deliver on that front. The Oracle features a robust brushed stainless steel body that gives it a professional look, while the Oracle Touch has a similar build but adds a touchscreen interface, which is an exciting feature.

However, when it comes to handling and daily use, the Oracle feels more intuitive to me. The placement of buttons and knobs is more streamlined, and I appreciate the tactile control that comes with using physical buttons for espresso-making functions. There’s something about the direct interaction with each element of the machine that feels more satisfying compared to the touchscreen interface on the Oracle Touch. While the touch screen is certainly a nice upgrade, I find that I prefer the simplicity and responsiveness of the Oracle's manual controls. 

Brewing Performance and Consistency

The most important aspect of any espresso machine is how well it brews, and this is where the Oracle really shines. Both machines have similar internal components, such as the automatic tamping and dosing system, but what sets the Oracle apart for me is its more consistent performance.

With the Oracle, I found that the espresso shot quality is consistently excellent. The machine’s dual boiler system allows for precise temperature control and quicker steaming times, which means I can brew and steam milk simultaneously. This is a big time-saver during busy mornings when I want a quick, high-quality coffee before heading out.

While the Oracle Touch also delivers excellent espresso, I’ve noticed a slight difference in consistency over time. The touchscreen interface on the Touch gives you more customization options for brewing, but I found myself fiddling with settings more frequently to get that perfect shot. On the Oracle, however, I don’t have to worry as much about adjusting the settings each time. The automatic grinding and tamping system works perfectly, providing a balanced espresso shot with minimal effort on my part.

Ease of Use and Customization

When I first started using the Oracle, I was surprised by how easy it was to get a great cup of coffee without being an expert barista. The automatic grinding, dosing, tamping, and milk texturing systems made it almost foolproof. I could focus on getting my coffee to taste great without needing to master every little detail.

On the other hand, the Oracle Touch gives you more options for customization, especially with its touchscreen interface. You can adjust the grind size, milk texture, and shot time with ease. However, I’ve found that while these extra features sound great, they are not necessarily required for someone like me who enjoys a high-quality, straightforward espresso. The Oracle’s simpler design offers a more direct experience for someone who values ease of use over deep customization.

That being said, the Oracle Touch is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a bit more versatility. If you’re someone who loves tweaking every aspect of your coffee-making process, the Touch is definitely the way to go. But for those of us who are more focused on consistency and convenience, the Oracle’s streamlined features are more than enough. 

Milk Frothing and Latte Art

Both the Oracle and Oracle Touch come with automatic steam wands for frothing milk, and I’ve been impressed with both systems. The automatic milk frothing is one of the standout features of the Oracle machines, as it makes it incredibly easy to get smooth, creamy milk for lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites.

Personally, I find the Oracle to be slightly superior in this regard. The frothing system is a bit more responsive, and the milk quality is consistently better for me. The automatic milk texturing on both machines is great, but the Oracle’s steam wand feels more precise and allows me to get the milk texture I prefer without much effort. With the Oracle Touch, while the steam wand does a good job, I found it a little harder to get that perfect froth without needing to make minor adjustments.

If you’re into making complex latte art or want the absolute best milk texture, the Oracle is the better choice. It’s fast, consistent, and less fussy when compared to the Oracle Touch. 

Maintenance and Cleaning

When it comes to cleaning, both the Oracle and Oracle Touch offer user-friendly maintenance features, like automatic cleaning cycles for the milk system and an easy-to-clean drip tray. However, the Oracle has a slight edge here in terms of simplicity. There are fewer parts to disassemble and clean manually, which makes maintenance much easier and quicker.

The Oracle Touch, with its added touchscreen features, does have a few more components to clean, and I find that sometimes it takes a bit longer to get the machine back to its pristine condition. While this isn’t a dealbreaker, it’s something to consider if you’re someone who prefers low-maintenance appliances.

Price and Value

Let’s talk about the price. The Oracle Touch is generally priced higher due to its touchscreen interface and extra customization options. However, for me, the Oracle offers better value overall. While the Touch might be the right choice for someone who wants maximum control and enjoys experimenting with different settings, the Oracle provides everything I need at a more affordable price.

The Oracle’s performance, ease of use, and consistency make it the better option for those looking for a premium espresso machine that delivers great results with minimal effort. While it may lack the fancy touchscreen controls, I find the Oracle’s practical features to be more than enough to brew exceptional coffee every time.

Final Thoughts: Why the Oracle is the Winner

After spending a considerable amount of time using both the Oracle and Oracle Touch, I can confidently say that the Breville Oracle is the better choice for most home coffee enthusiasts. It’s easier to use, more consistent, and delivers top-tier espresso and milk frothing without all the bells and whistles. For someone who values quality and reliability over customization, the Oracle provides an experience that’s both efficient and enjoyable.

While the Oracle Touch is a fantastic machine in its own right, with its touchscreen and advanced customization options, I find that the Oracle offers a more straightforward, satisfying coffee-making experience. If you're someone who wants exceptional coffee with minimal effort, the Oracle is the way to go.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the main difference between the Breville Oracle and Oracle Touch?
A: The primary difference lies in the control interface. The Oracle uses traditional buttons and knobs for manual adjustments, while the Oracle Touch features a touchscreen interface for easy customization. The Oracle Touch allows more granular control over grind size, milk texture, and shot duration, while the Oracle provides a simpler, more streamlined experience.

Q: Which machine is better for someone who’s new to making espresso?
A: The Breville Oracle is generally better for beginners due to its simpler design and more intuitive controls. It offers excellent espresso with minimal effort and doesn’t require constant tinkering with settings, making it ideal for someone just getting into home brewing.

Q: Does the Oracle produce better espresso than the Oracle Touch?
A: Both machines produce high-quality espresso, but the Oracle has a slight edge in consistency and ease of use. It’s designed for straightforward brewing with fewer adjustments needed, which can result in more consistent shots over time compared to the Oracle Touch.

Q: Is the touchscreen on the Oracle Touch worth the extra price?
A: That depends on what you’re looking for. If you enjoy customizing every aspect of your coffee, the touchscreen interface offers more flexibility and control. However, if you prefer simplicity and a more hands-off approach, the Oracle is more cost-effective and still delivers exceptional results.

Q: How easy are the Oracle and Oracle Touch to clean?
A: Both machines are designed for easy cleaning, with automatic milk system cleaning cycles and removable drip trays. However, the Oracle is simpler to maintain, with fewer parts to clean compared to the Oracle Touch, which has more components due to the touchscreen and additional settings.

Q: Can I make latte art with the Oracle?
A: Yes, both the Oracle and Oracle Touch come with automatic steam wands that help you create smooth, creamy milk for latte art. However, the Oracle's steam wand is slightly more responsive, making it easier to achieve the perfect milk texture for detailed latte art.

Q: Which machine is better for someone who values consistency over customization?
A: The Breville Oracle is the better choice for someone who prioritizes consistency. It offers a more straightforward experience, with automatic dosing, tamping, and milk frothing, providing reliable results every time with minimal adjustments needed.

Q: Can I make multiple drinks at once with either machine?
A: Yes, both the Oracle and Oracle Touch have dual boilers, allowing you to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously, making it easier to prepare multiple drinks at once, which is especially useful when entertaining guests or preparing drinks for the family.

Q: Is the Breville Oracle Touch better for someone who wants to experiment with different coffee recipes?
A: Absolutely. The Oracle Touch’s touchscreen interface allows for deeper customization, including adjusting grind size, milk texture, and shot time. If you're someone who enjoys experimenting and fine-tuning every element of your espresso, the Oracle Touch is a great choice.