
In that case, you can save yourself a considerable amount by opting for the Gaggia Brera or the De’Longhi Magnifica. Suppose a super-automatic machine with fewer options is what you’re really after. Though there are plenty of things you can customize to a small degree with the Oracle, you won’t have control over everything, such as the amount of coffee added to the portafilter. If you want total control over your coffee.

You’re better off going for something like the Jura Micro 9, which has a much smaller footprint (and lower price). If you only drink your coffee black, many of the features on this machine like its steam wand will be wasted on you. Not only can the machine turn out a latte approximately every minute, but it’s almost an entirely hands-free operation. It’s also great if you entertain frequently. Even if you consider yourself pretty handy with a quality espresso maker, the Oracle is excellent for anyone looking for speed and convenience without sacrificing their coffee quality. The Breville Oracle is the ideal machine for anyone who appreciates good coffee but doesn’t necessarily have the time or the inclination to get to grips with operating a semi-automatic. You won’t have complete control or the chance for hacks, but that’s not the end of the world, right? Is this really for you? That said, with automatic espresso machines, you will be limited by the program options available. When it comes to the milk, you can adjust both temperature and texture, with the range measured from silky latte to frothy cappuccino. The pump can go up to 15 bars of pressure, WELL ABOVE the recommended 9 bars for a decent espresso ( 2). This will allow you to tweak the yield and strength for coffees such as a ristretto or lungo. You also have the choice of setting the hot water flow for your espresso extraction by volume or time. This is essential for even extraction and will need to be changed depending on the bean and grind size. You can adjust the tamping pressure, and pre-infusion time.

Starting with the bean grinder, the Oracle gives you a range of 40 different options for grind size, suitable for any kind of bean you might want to use. Versatility – 4/5Īt almost every step of the coffee-making process, you’ll find options to adjust and program your choices. But there is also a port at the front for easy refilling. The large capacity means that Breville has had to put the main water tank at the machine’s back. The Oracle comes with a massive 84-ounce reservoir, even bigger than that of the Jura Z6. This includes a light for your workspace, a reminder when it’s time to empty the drip tray, and an automatic purging feature for the steam wand.

Some lovely features might not have anything to do with your coffee, but make using this espresso machine a pleasure. The one-touch Americano option makes the Oracle a standout among semi-automatic machines. Milk texturing is not only automatic but also hands-free, and the dual boiler system means you can have your espresso and milk ready at exactly the same time. So you only need to move the portafilter to the group head to start your extraction. With the beans coming from the bean hopper, the built-in, conical burr grinder also doses and tamps your coffee grounds. User-friendliness – 5/5Įase of use is what the Oracle is about! Though it’s not quite in line with super-automatic machines, it will take you from bean to cup with the only minimum required work. While all of the high-quality stainless-steel parts will see you through plenty of use, some lower-quality plastic elements can make the machine prone to breakdowns. There is a downside to the Oracle, however. WIth the triple heat system, the group head is also separately heated, ensuring a constant water temperature through the extraction process ( 1). A stable temperature helps ensure that you prepare excellent espresso.
