Breville Oracle vs Oracle Touch

==>> It is currently in stock. Get it here from the best distributor

As a dedicated coffee enthusiast who loves the ritual of making espresso at home, I’ve spent quite a bit of time experimenting with different machines. When it came time to upgrade my setup, I found myself torn between the Breville Oracle and the Breville Oracle Touch. Both are premium espresso machines, offering a range of automated features to take some of the guesswork out of brewing, but after using them side by side, I found that the Oracle Touch suits my needs just a little bit better.

In this article, I’ll share my experience with both machines, how they compare, and why, in my opinion, the Breville Oracle Touch comes out on top. I’ve spent enough time with these machines to give a detailed, practical perspective, so if you're on the fence about which one to choose, you might find this comparison helpful.

User Interface: The Touchscreen Difference

When I first unboxed the Breville Oracle Touch, the difference in the user interface was immediately apparent. The Oracle Touch features a large, easy-to-read touchscreen, which allows me to swipe through options and select drinks with just a tap. I appreciate how simple it is to customize my beverages – everything from the strength of the espresso to the texture of the milk can be adjusted and saved for future use.

On the other hand, the Breville Oracle, while still a fantastic machine, feels a bit more old-school. It relies on buttons and knobs to control settings. It works well, but the process of selecting and adjusting your drink feels less intuitive compared to the sleek touchscreen of the Oracle Touch. As someone who values efficiency in the mornings (especially when I’m groggy), the Oracle Touch wins on convenience.

Brewing and Consistency: Both Are Reliable, But...

Both the Oracle and Oracle Touch boast a dual-boiler system, which allows you to brew espresso and steam milk at the same time. This is a huge bonus if you make multiple drinks in a row. During my testing, both machines produced consistent, high-quality espresso shots. The grinders in both models are excellent – they’re conical burr grinders, which means they provide uniform grinding, ensuring each shot is as good as the last.

However, the ease of use with the Oracle Touch stood out for me. With just a few taps on the screen, I could adjust the grind size, espresso strength, and milk temperature to my exact liking. I didn’t have to fiddle with dials or settings every time I wanted to make a drink, and the machine remembers my preferences.

While the Oracle is great in terms of performance, the process felt more like I had to "work" for the perfect espresso shot. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a hassle, but for someone who is looking for a more streamlined experience without sacrificing quality, the Oracle Touch was more my style.

Milk Frothing: Easy, Consistent Results

When it comes to milk frothing, both machines excel. The automatic steam wand works similarly on both, giving you the ability to froth milk for lattes, cappuccinos, or flat whites with minimal effort. I especially appreciated that both machines allow you to adjust milk temperature and texture. This means I can get that perfect creamy microfoam for my lattes and frothy texture for my cappuccinos, just how I like it.

The key difference here is that the Oracle Touch allows for greater customization. I can adjust the milk texture and temperature directly on the touchscreen, without needing to manually control the steam. For me, this feature added a level of convenience that I didn’t realize I needed until I started using it regularly. The Oracle, by contrast, gives you less control over the milk frothing process, and it requires a bit more manual interaction to get the milk texture just right.

Maintenance and Cleaning: A Little Less Work with Oracle Touch

Both machines have cleaning cycles that help maintain the quality of the machine and your coffee, but again, the Oracle Touch makes this process more user-friendly. The touchscreen guides you through cleaning cycles, making it simple to keep everything running smoothly. It’s not an issue with the Oracle – it just takes a bit more attention to detail. The cleaning process is still manageable, but if you’re someone who prefers the machine to do a lot of the work for you, the Oracle Touch takes the lead.

Price: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

There’s no denying that the Breville Oracle Touch comes at a higher price point than the Oracle. I’ll admit, I hesitated at first, but after using both machines, the additional cost of the Oracle Touch seems worth it for the features it offers. The touchscreen interface, greater customization options, and ease of use really made my espresso-making experience more enjoyable.

If you’re someone who enjoys the process of making coffee and doesn’t mind a more hands-on approach, the Oracle is a great option, and it still produces fantastic espresso. But if you want a more intuitive and convenient experience, the Oracle Touch justifies the extra cost with its thoughtful design and user-friendly features.

Reliability and Durability

One of the things I appreciate about both the Oracle and the Oracle Touch is their build quality. Both machines feel solid and well-constructed, which is important when you're making an investment in a piece of equipment like this. I’ve had the Oracle Touch for a while now, and it’s been reliable – it hasn’t shown any signs of wear, and it continues to produce excellent coffee every time. I can’t speak to the long-term durability of the Oracle just yet, but I imagine it holds up just as well.

Should You Go for the Oracle Touch?

Based on my experience, the Oracle Touch stands out as the better option for anyone who values convenience, ease of use, and customization. It’s a fantastic machine for those who want professional-quality espresso with minimal hassle. Whether you’re someone who makes multiple cups of coffee in the morning or just wants a quick, consistent drink, the Oracle Touch delivers.

That being said, the Oracle still holds its own and is a more budget-friendly choice if you don’t mind manual adjustments. It’s a great option for someone who loves the process of crafting espresso and doesn’t need the extra bells and whistles of a touchscreen interface.

Ultimately, I’d recommend the Oracle Touch for those who want to take their espresso game to the next level without spending too much time on the technical details. It strikes the perfect balance between automation and control, allowing you to enjoy excellent coffee with minimal effort.

Conclusion: Breville Oracle vs Oracle Touch

Both the Breville Oracle and the Oracle Touch are exceptional espresso machines, each with its strengths. After using both extensively, I found the Oracle Touch to be the more user-friendly option, with its touchscreen interface, extensive customization options, and efficient operation. While the Oracle remains a strong contender, especially for those who prefer a more traditional brewing process, the Oracle Touch ultimately offers a more convenient and streamlined experience.

If you’re someone who values high-quality espresso and the ease of a modern, automated machine, the Oracle Touch is worth the investment. It’s designed to make your coffee-making routine simpler, quicker, and more enjoyable. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced barista at heart, the Oracle Touch will not disappoint.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What’s the difference between the Breville Oracle and the Oracle Touch?
A: The main difference between the Breville Oracle and the Oracle Touch is the user interface. The Oracle Touch features a touchscreen that allows for easy customization and control over your drinks, while the Oracle uses a more traditional button-and-knob interface. Additionally, the Oracle Touch allows for more precise adjustments to drink strength, milk texture, and temperature, and you can save personalized drink settings for future use.

Q: Do both the Oracle and Oracle Touch have a built-in grinder?
A: Yes, both the Oracle and Oracle Touch come with a built-in conical burr grinder. This ensures a consistent grind size and eliminates the need for a separate grinder. Both machines also have automatic grinding, dosing, and tamping features, making them convenient and efficient.

Q: Can I adjust the milk temperature and texture on both machines?
A: Yes, both machines allow you to adjust the milk temperature and texture. However, the Oracle Touch provides more customization options via its touchscreen interface, allowing you to fine-tune the milk to your exact preference with just a few taps. The Oracle requires manual adjustments to the milk frothing process, so it may take a little more effort to get the perfect texture.

Q: Is the Oracle Touch worth the extra cost?
A: The Oracle Touch is definitely worth the extra cost if you value convenience, automation, and customization. The touchscreen interface makes it easier to adjust settings, save personalized drinks, and streamline your coffee-making experience. While the Oracle is a great machine, the Oracle Touch provides additional features that can make your daily routine more efficient and enjoyable.

Q: How long does it take for the Oracle and Oracle Touch to heat up?
A: Both the Oracle and Oracle Touch take about 30 minutes to heat up before you can start brewing. This is because they both feature dual boilers, which allow you to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously. While they don’t have rapid-heating technology like some other machines, the heat-up time is fairly standard for high-end espresso machines.

Q: Are the Oracle and Oracle Touch easy to clean?
A: Both machines are relatively easy to clean, but the Oracle Touch simplifies the process with guided cleaning cycles available through the touchscreen. The Oracle requires a bit more manual effort to perform cleaning cycles, but it’s still manageable. Both machines include features to help maintain cleanliness, such as automatic cleaning for the milk frothing system.

Q: What type of coffee beans should I use with the Breville Oracle or Oracle Touch?
A: Both machines work well with high-quality espresso beans. Fresh, whole beans that have been recently roasted will yield the best results. It’s important to experiment with different types of beans to find your perfect blend, as the Oracle and Oracle Touch are both designed to produce excellent espresso regardless of the bean variety.