Breville Oracle vs Oracle Touch

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I have always been a fan of Breville espresso machines, but the decision between the Breville Oracle and the Oracle Touch is one that took some time to mull over. Both models are top-of-the-line, and both offer the ability to make barista-quality coffee at home. However, after much testing and consideration, I have come to believe that the Breville Oracle is the better choice for those who are serious about their coffee experience. Let me walk you through why I feel this way, breaking down each aspect that matters when making such a big investment. Tips on How to change the brew temperature on Breville/Sage Barista Express

Design and Build Quality: Breville Oracle vs Oracle Touch

One of the first things that struck me about both the Breville Oracle and the Oracle Touch is their impressive build quality. Breville has clearly put a lot of thought into the materials and construction of these machines, and both models have a solid, stainless-steel design that feels sturdy and premium. But let me explain why, in my opinion, the Breville Oracle pulls ahead in this comparison.

The Oracle, for one, is all about simplicity and durability. While the Oracle Touch offers a beautiful touchscreen, I sometimes feel like it sacrifices a bit of the tactile, satisfying experience you get with the original Oracle’s manual controls. The solid knobs and levers of the Oracle give it a more classic barista feel, one that is truly hands-on. When I make espresso, I want that tactile feedback that makes me feel connected to the process, and that's exactly what the Oracle offers.

Ease of Use: Breville Oracle vs Oracle Touch

When considering ease of use, the Breville Oracle Touch seems to have an edge—at least on the surface. Its intuitive touchscreen interface makes brewing espresso as easy as tapping a few icons. However, for those who appreciate the craft of making espresso, I find that the Breville Oracle offers a far more rewarding experience.

The Oracle strikes a perfect balance between automation and manual control. Yes, it has automatic grinding, dosing, and tamping, but you still have enough control over your espresso to fine-tune each cup. The tactile nature of the knobs and the ability to manually adjust aspects like milk temperature and texture are features that resonate with someone who takes pride in their espresso-making skills. While the Oracle Touch might appeal to those who want the simplest, most automated experience, I find that the extra steps with the Oracle make it a more engaging machine.

Breville Oracle vs Oracle Touch: Customizability

If you’re serious about your coffee, then customizability matters a lot. This is where the Breville Oracle truly shines compared to the Oracle Touch.

While the Oracle Touch allows you to set your preferred drink and save it with a simple touch of the screen, I find that the customizability of the Breville Oracle is far more granular and satisfying. You can tweak almost everything—from grind size to milk froth consistency. This is perfect for someone who likes to experiment to achieve that perfect cup of coffee.

The Oracle Touch, on the other hand, limits you a bit because of its highly automated system. While the touchscreen can store personalized recipes, there is less freedom to adjust on-the-fly without tapping into a series of menus. With the Oracle, you can simply twist a knob to adjust settings, which is ideal for someone like me who loves to experiment. Know How to steam milk on the Breville

Brewing Performance: Breville Oracle vs Oracle Touch

Now let’s talk about the heart of both machines—brewing performance. The Breville Oracle and Oracle Touch both make fantastic espresso, but here’s why I prefer the performance of the Oracle.

The Oracle's automated grinding, tamping, and extraction system allows you to achieve a consistent shot every time. The PID temperature control is accurate, and the pre-infusion feature makes sure the coffee grounds are evenly saturated. The milk frothing is also a dream—you have control over temperature and texture, allowing you to create microfoam that rivals what you’d find in a local coffee shop.

The Oracle Touch does almost the same thing but in a much more automated manner. There is something about the level of manual involvement in the Oracle that allows you to experiment and refine each cup. It's not just about automation but about creating a more personalized and enjoyable experience. When you’re trying to replicate a coffee shop’s perfect flat white or cappuccino, the manual control of the Oracle makes all the difference.

Breville Oracle vs Oracle Touch: Steam Wand Control

Milk frothing is one area where I feel the Oracle offers a more satisfying experience than the Oracle Touch. While both machines use an automatic steam wand, the Oracle gives you the option to manually froth milk. This gives you more control over the texture of your foam, which can significantly affect the quality of a latte or cappuccino.

With the Oracle Touch, everything’s done with a tap, and while that’s convenient, I do enjoy practicing my latte art with the more hands-on steam wand controls on the Oracle. If you’re like me and want to feel like a barista perfecting each pour, then the Oracle gives you that freedom.

Maintenance: Breville Oracle vs Oracle Touch

Maintaining any espresso machine can be quite a hassle, so ease of maintenance was something I took into account when deciding between the Breville Oracle and Oracle Touch.

While the Oracle Touch has a touchscreen interface that helps guide you through the cleaning process, the Breville Oracle has a simpler, more manual cleaning routine. In my experience, having fewer electronic components means fewer things can go wrong, and this extends to the maintenance aspect as well. I prefer the straightforward cleaning process of the Oracle—there are no surprise alerts or extra prompts, just the regular routine of cleaning the steam wand, drip tray, and portafilter. Learn How to steam milk on the Breville Barista Express

Comparing Breville Oracle vs Oracle Touch for the Best Value

It’s impossible to overlook the fact that both the Oracle and the Oracle Touch are expensive machines. But when you break down what you get for your money, the Breville Oracle comes out on top in terms of value.

The Oracle Touch’s touchscreen is nice, but it comes at a hefty premium. You’re essentially paying extra for the convenience of automation, which, in my opinion, takes away some of the joy of the espresso-making process. The Oracle, on the other hand, offers almost the same features—without the touchscreen—at a significantly lower price point. It’s a more rewarding experience, and you end up saving some money in the process.

Who Should Buy the Breville Oracle vs Oracle Touch?

If you’re wondering which of these two machines might be right for you, it really comes down to how involved you want to be in the espresso-making process.

The Oracle Touch is ideal for those who are busy and want their coffee quickly and easily without sacrificing quality. If you want to be able to make a perfect flat white at the touch of a button, the Oracle Touch is probably your best bet.

On the other hand, the Oracle is perfect for someone who wants a little more hands-on involvement. If you appreciate the art of espresso-making and want the option to tweak each cup to perfection, then the Oracle is the way to go. You get that personal touch and satisfaction of being able to control every detail, from grind settings to milk texture. For me, it’s all about that balance of automation and manual finesse that makes the Oracle a joy to use.

Learning Curve: Breville Oracle vs Oracle Touch

There is also a learning curve to consider when choosing between these two machines. The Oracle Touch, with its intuitive touchscreen, is more beginner-friendly. The instructions are clear, and the machine essentially walks you through every step, making it accessible even for someone who has never used an espresso machine before.

In contrast, the Breville Oracle may take a bit more time to master, especially if you’re new to espresso-making. But that learning curve is also part of the reward. As you get familiar with the different settings and controls, you become more comfortable experimenting and making adjustments until you find the perfect shot. I found that learning the ins and outs of the Oracle made me feel more accomplished, like I was truly becoming a home barista.

Breville Oracle vs Oracle Touch: Final Thoughts

Ultimately, choosing between the Breville Oracle and the Oracle Touch comes down to what kind of experience you are looking for. If you prefer a more automated experience where you can create a great cup of coffee with just a few taps, then the Oracle Touch might be the machine for you. However, if you love the process of making coffee—from grinding and tamping to texturing milk and experimenting with settings—then the Breville Oracle is the better choice. 

I have grown to appreciate the Oracle's hands-on approach. It allows me to perfect my technique and feel like I’m truly mastering the art of espresso. While the Oracle Touch is impressive, I find it takes away some of that magic by automating every little detail. Tips on Using a single basket with a Breville or Sage home espresso machine

Product Review Conclusion: Breville Oracle vs Oracle Touch

In conclusion, when it comes to "Breville Oracle vs Oracle Touch," I have to say that the Breville Oracle is the better option for anyone who loves the craft of coffee. While the Oracle Touch certainly has its appeal with the touchscreen and simplified process, the Oracle's combination of automation and manual control makes it the perfect machine for people who are passionate about their espresso.

The tactile nature of the Breville Oracle—with its knobs, levers, and the ability to tweak settings as you brew—offers a more engaging and satisfying experience. Not only does it provide exceptional brewing performance, but it also allows for a deeper connection to the craft of making coffee. The Oracle is truly a barista’s best friend, and for me, that makes it the better machine overall.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Breville Oracle vs Oracle Touch

Q: Which machine is better for beginners, the Breville Oracle or Oracle Touch?

A: The Breville Oracle Touch is better for beginners due to its touchscreen interface and automated guidance. It essentially walks you through the entire process, making it very accessible. The Breville Oracle, while still user-friendly, involves more manual control, which can be challenging but rewarding for someone willing to learn.

Q: Can I make different types of coffee drinks with both machines?

A: Yes, both the Breville Oracle and Oracle Touch can make a wide variety of coffee drinks, including espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes. The Oracle Touch allows you to save custom recipes with a touch, whereas the Oracle gives you more manual control, which might take longer but allows for more customization.

Q: How often do I need to clean these machines?

A: Regular maintenance is key for both machines. You will need to clean the steam wand, drip tray, and portafilter after each use. The Oracle Touch has prompts that guide you through cleaning cycles, while the Breville Oracle requires you to follow a more manual routine. Both machines benefit from descaling every few months, depending on usage.

Q: Is there a significant difference in price between the Breville Oracle and Oracle Touch?

A: Yes, there is a price difference. The Breville Oracle Touch is more expensive due to its touchscreen interface and increased automation. The Breville Oracle is more affordable while still offering excellent features and control for making espresso, making it a better value for those who want to be more involved in the coffee-making process.

Q: Can I still make good microfoam with the Oracle Touch?

A: Absolutely. The Oracle Touch has an automatic steam wand that can create excellent microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos. However, if you enjoy practicing your latte art and want more control over the milk frothing, the manual steam wand on the Oracle might be more satisfying.

Q: How long does it take to make a cup of coffee with these machines?

A: With both machines, you can make a cup of coffee in just a few minutes once they’re warmed up. The Oracle Touch is slightly quicker as it automates most of the process. The Breville Oracle takes a little longer due to the manual steps involved, but it’s a rewarding experience for those who enjoy the process.