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Breville Oracle Touch Review

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Many coffee machines claim to give you the complete  “cafe” experience, but they rarely live up to their hype of truly giving you that feeling of being in a coffee shop. Luckily, we know the one that does deliver the perfect cafe vibe. That’s why we put together this Breville Oracle Touch Review so that we could shed some light on one of the best fully automatic espresso machines on the market today.

This machine might just represent the “cafe of the future.” Let’s face it, the world is rapidly moving towards automated ordering that cuts out the cashier from the equation. Just look at McDonald’s, for example. Of course, it takes more than a nifty control panel interface for a complete barista-quality experience. This semi-automatic espresso machine provides a wide range of customizable options available, allowing you to replicate most of your favorite coffeehouse drinks.

From the grinding right through to the brewing and frothing, you can customize your options every step of the way. By the end of this article, you will be well-equipped with the know-how of using the Breville Oracle Touch. You’ll also learn how to care for it, so you get lasting results every time. Even if this machine isn’t perfect for you, don’t worry because we will also be showing off some alternate coffee machines that may better suit your needs.

Breville Oracle Touch Review

A Top Choice!
Breville BES990BSS Oracle Touch Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
  • Conical burr grinder automatically grinds, doses and tamps 22 grams of freshly ground coffee, for maximum flavor
  • Delivers water at precisely the right temperature ensuring optimal espresso extraction
  • Self-cleaning steam wand,
  • Delivers barista quality microfoam that enhances flavor and is essential for creating latte art at home
  • Adjust the coffee strength, milk texture or temperature 
  • Touch Screen Operation with Automation and 5 Pre-Programmed Favorites
  • 2 Year Limited Product Warranty

The Breville Oracle Touch is a fully automatic espresso machine with a touch screen interface that delivers a sophisticated menu system with images for a visually pleasing experience. Built with sturdy brushed stainless steel, this machine is not only beautiful but also strong and durable. It has been designed to last a lifetime with careful use.

The bean hopper, grinder, brew chamber, and milk frothing steam wand are all integrated into the espresso maker for minimum effort and maximum convenience.

 

Breville Oracle Touch Review

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What’s Included

  • Breville BES990BSS Oracle Touch Fully Automatic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
  • Dose Control Grinding
  • Touch Screen Interface Display with 5 Pre-programmed Favorites
  • Stainless Steel Portafilter
  • 1 and 2 Cup Single Wall Filter Baskets
  • 480ml Stainless Steel Milk Jug
  • Automatic Microfoam Milk Frothing Steam Wand and Spare Parts
  • PID Digital Temperature Control
  • 1/2 lbs Bean Hopper
  • 67 oz Water Reservoir
  • Cleaning Kit
  • Water Hardness Test Strip
  • Water Filter and Holder
  • Mini Grinds Bin
  • 2 Year Limited Product Warranty

Breville BES990BSS Oracle Touch Fully Automatic Espresso Machine Review

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Specs

  • Product Dimensions: 14.7 x 14.5 x 17.6-inches
  • Weight: 37.3 lbs
  • Material: Brushed Stainless Steel
  • Reservoir Size: 67 oz
  • Warranty: 2-Year Limited

Features and Benefits

Automated Touch Screen

The defining feature of the Oracle Touch espresso machine is the touch screen control panel. It cleverly incorporates touchscreen technology, giving you complete and easy-to-use control of your coffee-brewing experience from start to finish. In addition, this display screen features five pre-programmed favorites, including cappuccino, latte, flat white, espresso, and americano.

For those who like to change things up, the machine provides many personalization options. These allow you to adjust the brew strength, coffee temperature, and milk texture, all with the touch of your finger.

Furthermore, you can create and save up to eight different personalized coffees into the system and give each one a unique name. For example, “The Andrew Special” or “Cat’s Classic.” This makes for an easy-to-remember, personalized menu that makes you feel closer to home each time you brew.

The other cool thing you can do using the touch screen is select how many beans to grind at what coarseness. You can select your brew size, temperature, and strength all using the same screen.

Essentially, the main advantage of using the Oracle Touch is that once your coffee beans are in the hopper and your reservoir is filled with water, you can achieve the perfect espresso shot sizes, strengths, and temperatures for any cafe beverage. On the downside, you do need to put in some work to froth milk separately to top up these espresso shots, though this could be seen as a plus for some people.

Breville BES990BSS Oracle Touch Fully Automatic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel

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Auto Grind and Tamp

Say goodbye to nasty coffee solids ending up at the bottom of your coffee cup. The Oracle Touch automatically grinds and tamps your coffee beans for you. Therefore, all you have to worry about is your coarseness levels and transferring the portafilter from the grind station to the brew station.

Built with an integrated conical burr grinder, the Oracle Touch can achieve a perfect dose of 22 grams of coffee as per the third wave specialty coffee standards. The best part is you don’t even need a tamp because it’s all done through the auto grind and tamp station. This keeps your portafilter smoothed out for brewing coffee.

Micro-Foam Steam Wand

It may not be automated like in other espresso machines, but this milk frother gives you more control to create the perfect milk top-up to your espresso. Whether you choose a smooth and flat layer or a more thick and foamy top-up, anything you desire is possible using the milk steaming wand.

Additionally, you can prolong the steaming by keeping your jug in place until you start to see it bubbling, indicating a hotter milk temperature Finally, you can tap into your creative side and design your own latte art for even greater immersion into the cafe experience.

Breville BES990BSS Oracle Touch Fully Automatic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel

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Water Reservoir and Drip Tray

The water reservoir in this machine is removable for your convenience in maintenance, cleaning, refilling, and storage. Holding up to 67 ounces of water, this tank can accommodate at least 8 cups of coffee before refilling the water is required. It’s suitable for brewing up a carafe pot of coffee for larger households and sharing with family and friends.

Similarly, the drip tray is also removable to accommodate an easy cleanup. Thus giving you the option to wash via dishwasher or under the sink as preferred. The purpose of this drip tray is to save your kitchen bench from any drops of coffee from the brew chamber. It also helps with those annoying “mug rings” that form on surfaces when you leave your cup on the table for too long.

Personally, I find those the toughest to clean up, especially the more aged type that seems to permanently tattoo your table with a nice brown circle after sitting there all day. From the reservoir to the drip tray and even the filter baskets, portafilter, and bean hopper, the Oracle Touch espresso maker has plenty of removable components that make cleaning a breeze.

Furthermore, these removable parts are all dishwasher safe. So, if you are like me and would much rather get a reliable clean than rely on your own handwashing skills, you’ll appreciate its dishwasher-friendliness.

Pros

  • Excellent touch screen interface with five favorites to choose from, including flat white, cappuccino, latte, espresso, and americano.
  • Programmable features allow you to create coffee your way by controlling the brew strength, temperature, and cup size.
  • Both a steam wand and stainless steel milk jug are included, so you can achieve the perfect milk texture and temperature as preferred.
  • Removable components such as the drip tray, water tank, filter baskets, portafilter, and bean hopper provide extra flexibility in cleaning.
  • Maintenance and are also dishwasher-compatible.
  • Auto grind and tamp allow you to grind coffee beans to your perfect coarseness levels and takes care of the tamping for you.
  • A warranty of 2-years by Breville provides a quality guarantee through item replacement for any defects relating to manufacturing, crafting, or material quality at little to no cost.

Cons

  • No automatic milk frothing. It must be done manually with the provided jug.
  • Not compatible with coffee pods, capsules, or K-Cups.

Breville BES990BSS Oracle Touch Fully Automatic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel

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Full Review of the Breville Oracle Touch

Unlike most espresso machines, the Breville Oracle Touch is a hybrid brewer that combines manual aspects with many automated features. This makes it one of the highest-performing semi-automatic espresso machines on the market today. In addition, using a sophisticated touch screen display, you can enjoy a seamless control panel interface that cleverly combines intuitiveness with practicality.

The real meat of it comes with its display screen, which has various customizable features available through the interface. This includes the grind settings, adjusting your coffee strength, achieving precise brewing temperatures, and choosing your cup size. Making espresso has never been easier or more rewarding than with the Breville Oracle Touch.

You can further adjust the strength and boldness of your coffee by changing the group head for a single or double-wall filter basket to adjust the volume of grinds used. You can then customize through the grind setting feature. The integrated grinder, brew group, and coffee filter are all essential ingredients for creating an espresso quality of the highest standard.

Combine that with a milk wand that allows you to steam milk to perfection, and you have it made! The Breville Oracle Touch espresso machine has a 2-year warranty backing it for any defects relating to manufacturing and material quality. In addition, it achieved a solid 4.3-star rating by over 300 global customer reviews on Amazon.

Highly regarded for its ease of cleaning, superior flavor, and greater temperature control, there is plenty to be excited about with the Oracle Touch. Grab yours using the following link below. Alternatively, simply read more into it by enjoying the customer reviews and comments on the same page.

Breville BES990BSS Oracle Touch Fully Automatic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel

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How to Set up the Breville Oracle Touch

To set up the Breville Oracle Touch, you will first need to unbox the packaging carefully, ensuring not to damage any parts. Next, assemble all the pieces as per the instructions. This will include attaching the water reservoir and drip tray and inserting the brew head baskets, water filter, and portafilter into their respective locations.

Once everything is securely attached and good to go, plug the Oracle Touch into a nearby wall socket and power it on. At this point, you will need to get your ingredients ready. Fill up the water reservoir with filtered or tap water, insert your choice of coffee beans into the bean hopper, and place your mug on the drip tray. Your machine is now ready to brew your first cup of coffee.

How to Use the Breville Oracle Touch

To use the Oracle Touch, craft your coffee using the touchscreen interface. Choose from the five favorite options (espresso, Americano, latte, cappuccino, flat white) or using the programmable features.

Adjust the brew strength, cup size, and coffee temperature to your liking using the interface, then hit the onscreen brew button. Once it’s done, enjoy your perfectly brewed drink. If you choose a milk-based drink such as latte, cappuccino, or flat white, you’ll need to use the stainless steel milk jug provided. Fill up milk and apply the steam wand to commence frothing.

Once you’ve topped up your coffee, you will want to quickly wipe down the steam wand to avoid the milk stains from hardening. There’ll be more on cleaning in the next section.

How to Clean the Breville Oracle Touch

How to descale

  1. Navigate to the descale cycle on the touchscreen interface and wait till the “start” button appears and press it.
  2. Open the right valve using a flat head screwdriver.
  3. Once the valve is open, another “start 30s” prompt will appear on the screen, press it to begin purging.
  4. After 30 seconds, open the water reservoir and fill it with a descaling solution and water mix as per the bottle’s instructions.
  5. At this point, the machine interface will prompt you to start the descaling process by pressing start.
  6. After 20 minutes, empty the drip tray and reinsert.
  7. Close the valve by tightening it with the screwdriver.
  8. Finish by pressing the “start” button one last time for a final purge.
  9. Repeat this process using water without descaling the solution for a thorough rinse.

How to clean

  1. Power the machine off to ensure safe cleaning.
  2. Use a damp cloth and some soapy water to wipe down the machine’s exterior.
  3. Remove all detachable components including the water tank, brew group head, portafilter, drip tray, bean hopper, and filters.
  4. Use a dishwasher or sink to wash these removed parts and leave them out to dry.
  5. Once dried, reattach parts into their respective positions.
  6. Do not begin brewing until the entire machine is dry.
  7. Do not place any electrical items in the dishwasher.

Breville BES990BSS Oracle Touch Fully Automatic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel

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Breville Oracle vs Breville Barista Touch

Breville BES880BSS Barista Touch Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel

Another of Breville’s excellent touchscreen espresso makers is the Barista Touch. It has similar features and functionalities to the Oracle Touch. The Barista Touch machine features the same interface display with the favorite options as the Oracle. It also has the same programmable features to craft your personalized specialty coffee.

Perhaps the most significant difference between these two is the absence of a smart tamping station with the Barista Touch. Instead, it provides you with a manual tamp.

Another notable difference is the Oracle Touch uses a dual boiler system. As a result, you get to brew coffee and froth milk simultaneously via separate heating elements. Conversely, The Barista Touch uses a thermojet system specializing in heating water fast (3 seconds to be precise).

So your decision in this instance comes down to whether you want a speedy brew or a versatile element that lets you multi-task. To read more about it, see our Breville Barista Touch Review.

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Breville Oracle Touch Alternatives

Spinn Coffee Maker

Spinn coffee vs Breville Oracle

The Spinn Coffee Maker is at the forefront of advanced espresso-making, taking precision brewing to the next level. Using low-pressure pre-infusion mechanisms to extract the flavor and aromas from the grounds perfectly, Spinn delivers on quality like no other espresso machine.

With plenty of smart device connectivity options, you can brew from your phone at any spot in your home and customize your coffee using the Spinn coffee app. The incredible thing about Spinn is its ability to change the brewing process and extraction parameters based on the coffee grounds you are using. This is done so that your coffee is brewed as the roasters had intended, giving you the complete flavor experience.

It does this by reading the barcode of your selected coffee beans and adjusting things like water pressure, volume, brew temperature, and extraction speed automatically. Perhaps the most high-class among the super-automatic machines on the market today, Spinn is the choice for the adventurous coffee lover.

On the downside, I would advocate against it if you don’t own a smartphone (or don’t like using it), as this machine truly shines when you connect to the Spinn app and access all of its wonderful features. To learn more, read our Spinn Coffee Maker Review.

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Philips 3200 Lattego

Philips 3200 Series vs Breville Oracle

 

The Philips 3200 LatteGo is a simple but effective coffee machine that performs all the essential brews and even gives a single or double-shot option. Instead of using a milk wand to froth milk, an in-built milk frothing system will make your latte or cappuccino for you at the touch of a button.

From the automatic grinding to the brewing and the milk top-ups, the LatteGo truly lives up to its name being one of the best super-automatic espresso machines out there. It’s also got some handy alerts to indicate when the descale and cleaning cycle is ready to commence, making the maintenance side of things a little easier too. To learn more, read our Philips 3200 LatteGo Review.

 

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Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine

Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso vs Oracle Breville

 

The Gaggia Brera espresso machine is a super-automatic machine available at an affordable price compared with most other fully automatic machines. The steam milk wand doubles up as a hot water dispenser to give you added versatility, such as topping up Americanos and making tea, oatmeal, and soup.

It may not be a touch screen like the Breville Oracle Touch, but it does use a digital display screen with a few dedicated buttons. This makes the process of adjusting coffee strength, size, and water temperature more intuitive.

However, Breville takes the cake when it comes to warranties, as Gaggia covers you for just 1 year compared to Breville’s 2-year limited warranty. Read more about them in our Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine Review

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Delonghi Magnifica

De'Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine, Silver

Perhaps Breville’s greatest arch-nemesis is Delonghi. In this case, the Delonghi Magnifica is a super-automatic espresso and coffee machine. It integrates the entire brewing process from the grinding to the brewing and milk frothing in a single product.

Unlike the Breville Oracle Touch, there is no digital display or touchscreen with the Magnifica. Instead, it uses a series of dedicated dials and buttons to give you maximum control over your brew from start to finish. The best part about the Magnifica is that you don’t need a portafilter or tamp for your ground coffee, as the extraction process is all done internally.

I love machines that require minimal effort to make a coffee with, though some enthusiasts may prefer to show off their brewing skills with more manual features. As a result, this is a bit of a grey area that is purely up to the user’s preferences. To learn more, read our Delonghi Magnifica Review.

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Breville Oracle Touch FAQ

Breville BES990BSS Oracle Touch Fully Automatic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel

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Where is Breville Oracle Touch made?

Breville products are engineered and designed in Australia, however, they are also manufactured in various locations around the world and ultimately assembled in China.

Is Breville a good brand?

Yes, Breville is a highly reputable brand in Australia and on a global level, producing quality kitchen appliances. These range from Nespresso coffee makers to full-on grinders, brewers, and frothers. Other non-coffee products include toasters, ovens, microwaves, and hot water kettles.

How long does a Breville Oracle Touch last?

The Breville Oracle Touch can last at least ten years, even up to 15 years with minimum care. However, there is no cap as to how long they can last, and results may vary depending on your frequency of use as well as your consistency in maintenance.

Is the Breville Oracle Touch worth it?

Depending on your budget and needs, the Oracle Touch may be a worthwhile investment for you, as it produces consistently high-quality coffee.

Is Breville Oracle Touch a good coffee machine?

The Breville Oracle Touch is a solid coffee machine that can reach precise brewing temperatures in a matter of seconds. It gives you quick and easy access to third-wave specialty coffee in the comfort of your home. As a reputable brand of top-quality kitchen appliance manufacturing and backed with a product warranty when you purchase, the Breville Oracle Touch guarantees customer satisfaction.

Does Breville Oracle Touch Make Regular Coffee?

The great thing about the Oracle Touch is that it makes espresso and regular coffee, giving you a range of options such as espresso, americano, latte, cappuccino, and flat white.

Which Breville Coffee Machine is the best to buy?

There are plenty of options with Breville coffee machines, and there is no “best” objectively speaking. Generally, convenience-lovers would opt for a Breville Nespresso machine, while those seeking third-wave specialty coffee would go for something like the Barista or Oracle Touch.

What kinds of coffee can the Breville Oracle Touch Make?

The Breville Oracle Touch can make anything from Americanos, espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites with fully programmable options. These allow you to customize your coffee’s strength, size, and temperature as per your preference.

Breville Oracle Touch Review Final Thoughts

On a final note, the Breville Oracle Touch is a fantastic option for a new espresso machine as it comes with everything you need to make SCA-approved coffee anytime. Built with an intuitive touch screen display, the Breville Oracle gives you a complete cafe experience. Quite frankly, it could be a predecessor foreshadowing the future of coffee shops.

Furthermore, unlike a traditional espresso machine, the Oracle Touch automates the grinding process so that you don’t need a separate burr grinder. Better yet, you won’t even need a tamp to smooth out the portafilter. My only issue with the Breville Oracle Touch is its manual milk frothing system via the steam wand, which I personally feel is outdated (shows how much of a coffee connoisseur I am).

However, I’m sure the true coffee experts would appreciate the ability to apply their skills in making the perfect texture of milk to top up their coffees. It also allows you to tap into some stylish latte art if you’re into it. So, to sum up, I’d recommend the Breville Oracle Touch espresso machine if you are seeking a brewer that automates grinding, semi-automated brewing, and leaves milk frothing to your manual expertise.

Breville BES990BSS Oracle Touch Fully Automatic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel

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