Breville Oracle Touch Review (2023) – Our Detailed Insights

The Breville Oracle Touch may just be the most advanced espresso machine on the market. With its automatic grinding, milk texturing and temperature control features, this machine is sure to impress any coffee aficionado – no matter their skill level.

As someone who has a love for quality coffee, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it and test out whether or not it truly does live up to the hype. In this Breville Oracle Touch review, I’ll unpack all things good (and bad) about this premium-priced espresso beverage maker to help you to learn more.

Breville Oracle Touch Overview

Being a former barista, I must say that the Breville Oracle Touch espresso machine is one of the most remarkable hybrid units on the market right now. That’s because it provides a combination of convenience, speed, and quality when it comes to making espresso-based drinks.

In other words, it is a powerful super-automatic machine designed for people who prefer hands-free brewing over manual experience.

If you are in the market for a high-quality espresso machine that will take care of the business automatically, this unit might be just for you. As you will see throughout my Breville Oracle Touch review, it certainly justifies the premium price tag with its premium features.

One of the flagship features is its intuitive touchscreen display. If you are not as espresso nerdy as me, and you don’t want to get your hands dirty, you can choose from a variety of pre-set drinks such as cappuccino, latte, or espresso, and let the Oracle Touch do it all for you.

To do the job, the Breville Oracle Touch is equipped with a 15-bar pump, dedicated boilers for brewing and steaming, an automatic steam wand, a burr grinder, an automatic dosing and tamping station, a large water tank and bean hopper, and more!

If you feel a bit more adventurous, you can also customize the settings. You can adjust the temperature, the strength, and even the milk texture.

Overall, it is an exceptional appliance that delivers barista-quality coffee in the comfort of your own home. In the rest of my Beville Oracle Touch review, I will walk you through all its features one by one so keep on reading.

Build Quality & Design

I was impressed by Breville Oracle Touch’s premium build quality and stunning design. This machine features a brushed stainless steel casing that’s made to last. Not only it is well made, but it also looks great, right?

If you have read my reviews of Breville espresso machines, you will notice that this company’s attention to detail is impeccable in every single unit they make.

Size-wise, I have to say right away that the Oracle Touch is a sizeable machine, measuring 14.7 x 14.5 x 17.6 inches. Although it may require ample counter space, its style definitely makes it an engaging conversation starter in any kitchen.

When I first lifted the portafilter, I immediately felt its weight and knew it was built to last. The steam wand is similarly constructed with high-quality stainless steel. The water tank is designed to be easily removable, with a capacity of 84 ounces.

And not to mention, the grinder is also one of the best in the market, using stainless steel conical burrs that deliver consistent and uniform grind sizes.

As for the design and ease of use, I have to say that Breville did it again. Their machines are known to be not only great-looking but also easy to use.

The touchscreen interface on Oracle Touch is easy to navigate, with sleek icons and intuitive customization options. Because it is a super-automatic machine, all you have to do is select the drink and let it do the heavy lifting for you.

As for the colours, it comes in 5 different options. There is, of course, Stainless Steel. Then, you can find it in Black Truffle, which I think is a great look. Furthermore, Oracle Touch is available in Sea Salt, Damson Blue, and Black Stainless Steel.

Needless to say, Breville Oracle Touch is one sturdy and good-looking machine. Now, join me in my review of the main features.

Main Features

As I mentioned earlier in this Breville Oracle Touch review, the machine is jam-packed with a ton of premium features. Although I prefer simplicity over anything else, I was impressed while going through everything this machine has to offer.

Let’s start with one of its flagship features and probably the main reason why you are interested in buying Oracle Touch.

Programmed Speciality Drinks

The Breville Oracle Touch comes with pre-programmed recipes for 5 different speciality drinks, including espresso, cappuccino, and even latte. All you need to do is select the drink you want from the menu, and the Oracle Touch will take care of the rest.

But what sets this machine apart is the customization options. Each drink has a variety of settings you can adjust to suit your preferences.

For example, you can choose the number of shots of espresso, the temperature of the milk, and the texture of the foam. And once you’ve customized your drink to perfection, you can save it as a personalized recipe, so you don’t have to adjust the settings every time you make that particular drink.

But what impresses me about the programmed speciality drinks feature is the consistency. No matter who is using the machine, the drinks are always made to the same high standard.

Conical Burr Grinder

One of the things that make Breville Oracle Touch stand out is a built-in conical burr grinder. I’m always extra careful when it comes to machines with built-in grinders, but in this case, the suspicion was unjustified.

One of the best things about the grinder is the level of adjustment it offers. It has 45 settings, which means that you can fine-tune your coffee to your liking. From ultra-fine to coarse.

And the best part? It’s all controlled via the Oracle Touch’s intuitive touch screen.

Automatic Dosing & Tamping

With the automatic dosing feature, this machine takes the guesswork out of grinding the coffee beans. This means that you can get the perfect amount of coffee grounds, without having to worry about under or overfilling the portafilter.

And the automatic tamping feature means that the machine will tamp the coffee grounds with the optimal pressure for a perfect espresso shot. The tamping pressure can be adjusted to suit your personal preference, which lets you customize your brewing experience.

Dual Boiler Heating System

The Breville Oracle Touch boasts a Dual Boiler Heating System that allows for simultaneous brewing and milk steaming. This feature is particularly useful if you love lattes and cappuccinos, as it eliminates the need to wait for the machine to heat up between brewing and steaming functions.

Dual boiler espresso machines consist of two boilers that work together to ensure optimal coffee extraction and milk steaming.

The first boiler, the espresso boiler, is dedicated to brewing coffee. The second boiler, the steam boiler, is dedicated to milk steaming.

Dual Boiler Heating System also allows for fully customizable temperature and pressure settings for both brewing and steaming functions. As I said, I am impressed with the level of customization although Oracle Touch is a super-auto machine.

Heated Group Head

The heated group head is one of the many features that set the Breville Oracle Touch apart from brother machines like Barista Pro for example.

This technology ensures that the coffee is brewed at the perfect temperature for optimal flavour extraction. It also helps to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the brewing process, preventing any fluctuations that could affect the quality of the final product.

PID Temperature Control

The Breville Oracle Touch uses a PID controller to constantly monitor and adjust the temperature of the brewing water, ensuring that it stays within a range of +/- 1 degree Celsius.

This level of precision is critical for extracting the full range of flavours and aromas from your coffee beans. And Breville knows that which is why all their machines come equipped with PID controllers.

But the benefits of PID temperature control don’t end there. Because the temperature is consistently maintained at the optimal range, you can expect more consistent results every time you brew.

Steam Wand

If I have to use two words to describe Breville Oracle Touch’s Steam Wand, I would say: high-quality. A high-quality design and efficient functionality make it one of the best steam wands in this price range.

The powerful steam wand heats up fast and provides the perfect amount of energy to create the microfoam. Not only does it heat up fast, but the steam is also consistent and stable, resulting in a smooth and velvety texture.

Additionally, the Breville Oracle Touch Steam Wand is durable and easy to clean. It’s made of high-quality materials, such as stainless steel, that not only give it an elegant look but also make it resistant to rust and corrosion.

The wand is also easy to disassemble, making it easy to clean and maintain.

58mm Stainless Steel Portafilter

The Breville Oracle Touch’s portafilter is 58mm in size, which is larger than the standard 54mm size found on Barista Express, for example.

This may seem like a small difference, but it has a significant impact on the quality of the espresso shot. With a larger portafilter, there is more surface area for the water to pass through the coffee grounds, resulting in a more even extraction.

The result is a fuller, more robust flavour profile with a thick, creamy crema.

The 58mm Stainless Steel Portafilter is also made of high-quality materials. The stainless steel construction is corrosion-resistant and easy to clean, which is essential for a part that gets used frequently.

Low-Pressure Pre-Infusion

The Breville Oracle Touch is equipped with a 15-bar Italian pump that creates the optimal pressure for extracting coffee. However, before the full pressure is applied, the low-pressure pre-infusion feature allows the coffee grinds to bloom.

This process ensures that all the coffee grounds are evenly saturated with hot water, leading to a more even and consistent extraction.

The low-pressure pre-infusion also has a significant impact on the taste and aroma of the coffee. By allowing the coffee to bloom, it enhances the coffee’s natural flavours and aromas, resulting in a fuller, richer, and more well-rounded cup of coffee.

The Breville Oracle Touch offers customizable pre-infusion settings in its menu. This feature allows you to adjust the duration of the pre-infusion based on the coffee beans you are using.

Over Pressure Valve

With its advanced technology, the Oracle Touch is designed to deliver coffee that is perfectly extracted, with just the right amount of pressure. However, there are times when the pressure can become too high, leading to over-extraction and a bitter taste.

This is where the OPV comes in to save the day.

The OPV is a feature usually found in commercial espresso machines. This feature minimizes any pressure peaks that could ruin your brew. It does this by releasing excess pressure through a valve, ensuring that the coffee is brewed at the optimal pressure, every time.

What’s fascinating about the OPV is that it is a self-regulating system, which means that it constantly monitors the pressure and adjusts it accordingly. This ensures that your coffee always tastes great, no matter what.

Accessories

The Breville doesn’t hold back when it comes to providing you with everything you need for a seamless coffee brewing experience. And Oracle Touch unit is no exception to this rule.

One of the accessories that come with this machine is the mini espresso knock box. It’s a neat little accessory that lets you easily dispose of used coffee grounds. You can discard the used coffee with just a single swipe, making cleanup easy and convenient.

The machine also includes two filter baskets that allow you to brew a single or double-shot espresso. The baskets are crafted from premium-quality stainless steel, ensuring long-lasting durability.

Another accessory included with Breville Oracle Touch is the stainless steel milk pitcher for frothing milk and creating lattes and flat whites.

The cleaning kit that comes with the machine is also noteworthy. It contains all the necessary tools for keeping the Oracle Touch clean and hygienic, which is essential for preserving its efficiency and longevity.

Other accessories that come with this incredible machine include a water hardness test strip, water filter and holder, and steam wand spare parts.

Grinding & Tamping Performance

As you know by now, the Breville Oracle Touch comes with a high-quality conical burr grinder. This type of grinder is known for its ability to produce consistent and uniform coffee grounds.

With 45 grind size settings, you can customize the coarseness or fineness of your coffee based on your taste preference.

All you need to do is press a button, and the machine will automatically grind the coffee beans into the portafilter. This feature ensures that you don’t make a mess while grinding, and it also eliminates wastage.

Another feature that contributes to the Breville Oracle Touch’s exceptional grinding performance is its Smart Tamping System.

This system uses a unique formula to calculate the ideal pressure for each dose of coffee. The tamper then applies a precise amount of pressure to ensure a perfectly even extraction. The result is a consistently great cup of coffee every time.

Brewing Performance

As I have already noted in my Breville Oracle Touch review, the machine offers a hands-free brewing experience. Simply, select the preferred drink, and let the machine automate every step of the way for you.

The machine is specially designed to deliver the perfect shot every time, with precise grind size, consistent dosage, and an impeccable tamp. This ensures that every cup you make is of the highest quality, with no mistakes along the way.

The Breville Oracle has handy pre-programmed single and double-shot buttons. Also, a volumetric control option allows you to manually override the espresso shot volume if you want to get fancy.

But the real magic happens when the shot is pulled.

The Breville Oracle Touch uses advanced PID technology to ensure that the water is heated to the exact right temperature, which is crucial for extracting the full flavour and richness of the espresso coffee.

Then, other features like an Italian pressure pump, low-pressure pre-infusion, and OVP, in combination with a commercial-grade portafilter and heated group head, make sure that the espresso extraction is perfect.

Finally, one of the most impressive things about the Breville Oracle Touch is the level of customization. From the grind size and dosage to the water temperature, you can fine-tune every aspect of your coffee-making process.

Milk Frothing & Steaming

As a super-automatic, Breville Oracle Touch takes care of milk frothing for you. You just have to select the drink you want, and let it do its thing.

The first thing that struck me about the Oracle Touch’s Automatic Milk Frother is its impressive temperature range. With the ability to adjust the milk temperature between 104°F to 167°F, you have complete control over the final taste and texture.

But the Breville Oracle Touch doesn’t just give you control over the temperature of your milk. With 9 levels of texture to choose from, you can create play with it even further.

One of the things I like most about the Automatic Milk Frother is that it’s not just an automated process – you also have the option to manually texture the milk, just like a professional barista would.

When it comes to steaming, the Breville Oracle Touch didn’t disappoint. It generates powerful steam that can handle any type of milk – whether it be skimmed, whole, soy or almond.

The steam wand is designed to deliver the right amount of pressure and temperature, ensuring that the milk doesn’t get burnt or over-steamed.

Plus, its self-cleaning feature will save you a lot of time and effort, as it removes any leftover milk residues from the wand after each use.

Maintenance & Cleaning

When it comes to cleaning, the Breville Oracle Touch is relatively easy to care for. Regular cleaning is key to ensuring that the machine operates smoothly and produces consistently great coffee.

One of the most important parts of maintenance is descaling, which involves removing mineral buildup from the machine’s internal components. Oracle Touch is programmed to alert you when it is time to run the cycle.

To descale the Oracle Touch, I recommend using their specially formulated descaling solution, which is available for purchase online or in speciality stores.

Simply follow the instructions on the packaging to mix the solution with water and run it through the machine. After descaling, be sure to rinse the machine with fresh water to remove any remaining solution.

In addition to descaling, it’s also important to regularly clean the Oracle Touch’s exterior and internal components such as the group head, steam wand and grinder.

The machine comes with a cleaning brush and needle that you can use to clean the steam wand and other hard-to-reach areas such as the conical burr grinder.

A great thing about the steam wand is that it has an auto-purge function. So all you need is to wipe it and make sure there is no milk residue in the wand tip. And the burr on the grinder can easily be removed so you can clean the rest of it.

And don’t forget to rinse, wipe and clean the portafilter after every use!

The drip tray should be emptied and rinsed daily to prevent buildup and odours. I also recommend wiping down the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth and mild detergent every few days.

Who Is Breville Oracle Touch For?

So, who exactly is the Breville Oracle Touch for? Well, if you’re someone who takes their coffee seriously and wants to have professional-quality espresso drinks in the comfort of their own home, then this is definitely a machine you should consider.

The Breville Oracle Touch is designed for those who want to have the convenience and simplicity of an automated machine, without sacrificing the ability to customize and personalize their drinks.

But don’t mistake convenience for lack of quality – the Breville Oracle Touch is a top-of-the-line machine that produces excellent espresso with rich crema, thanks to its advanced grinding and brewing technology.

What I love most about the Breville Oracle Touch is how easy it is to use, despite all the advanced features it offers. The intuitive touchscreen display guides you through the process step by step, so even if you’re not a seasoned barista, you can still produce coffeehouse-quality drinks.

All in all, the Breville Oracle Touch is a fantastic machine for anyone who wants great espresso at the touch of a button, without compromising on quality or customization. It’s an investment, but if you’re a coffee lover, it’s definitely worth it.

On the other hand, I wouldn’t recommend it if you are low on kitchen space as it is a bulky machine. Also, if you prefer a more hands-on approach, you might want to consider a semi-automatic espresso machine instead.

How Is Breville Oracle Touch Different From Barista Touch?

As someone who has extensively researched both the Breville Oracle Touch and Barista Touch, I can confidently say that while these two espresso machines share some similarities, they are vastly different in terms of capabilities and features.

First of all, the price. There is about a $1,700 difference between the two units.

The Breville Oracle Touch is designed with automation in mind, providing a fully automatic experience that is perfect for someone who wants to enjoy cafe-quality coffee without the stress of manually adjusting every little detail.

It takes care of grinding, dosing, tamping, brewing and frothing for you. All you need to do is press buttons and move the portafilter from the grinding and tamping station to the brewing station.

On the other hand, the Barista Touch is more geared towards those who want to have more control over the coffee-making experience.

While it does feature some automation, such as built-in grind settings and automatic milk frothing, it requires more manual intervention to create the cup of coffee.

On top of that, it doesn’t feature commercial-grade features like a 58mm portafilter or Over Pressure Valve, and the convenience of a sophisticated automatic tamping station, which are all the reasons for such a big difference in price.

But if you are someone who wants to experiment with different brewing methods and techniques, the Barista Touch is still an excellent choice capable of brewing high-quality espresso shots.

Breville Oracle Touch Review – Final Verdict

After reviewing the Breville Bambino Plus, I can easily say that it’s one of the best hybrid espresso machines out there.

It has amazing automatic features, like its automatic milk frother, automatic grinder and tamper, and advanced automatic brewing technology.

On the other hand, its semi-automatic operation allows you to customize your coffee experience according to your taste.

True we may all miss our favourite neighbourhood cafe in person, but if you want to bring some of that amazing cafe experience into your kitchen – then I highly recommend a Breville Oracle Touch.

Breville Oracle Touch Review – FAQs

Is the Breville Oracle Touch easy to use for beginners?

Yes, the Breville Oracle Touch is generally considered user-friendly and suitable for beginners due to its intuitive touchscreen interface and automated features that simplify the coffee-making process. However, some beginners may still find a learning curve in understanding all the settings and customization options available.

Can I customize the settings on the Breville Oracle Touch?

Yes, the Breville Oracle Touch allows you to customize various settings such as coffee strength, milk temperature, shot volume, and grind size through its intuitive touchscreen interface, providing a personalized coffee experience.

Is the Breville Oracle Touch programmable?

Yes, the Breville Oracle Touch is programmable, allowing you to customize various parameters such as coffee strength, shot volume, and milk temperature to suit your preferences. The touchscreen interface enables easy programming and saves the settings for future use.

How easy is it to clean the Breville Oracle Touch?

The Breville Oracle Touch is relatively easy to clean due to its removable components and automated cleaning programs, but it still requires regular maintenance like any other espresso machine to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Does the Breville Oracle Touch come with a warranty?

Yes, the Breville Oracle Touch typically comes with a one-year limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects and faulty parts. However, warranty terms and conditions may vary, so it’s advisable to check with the specific retailer or Breville directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

PS. Credits to Breville’s product page for images.