#1: Breville Oracle
- Dual boiler system for simultaneous brewing and steaming
- Automatic grinding, dosing, and tamping
- Precise temperature control for consistent espresso
#2: Breville Oracle Touch

- Touchscreen for easy, customizable drink selection.
- Automated milk texturing for perfect froth.
- Fully automatic espresso process with user-friendly interface.
I first decided to elevate my home coffee experience, I was drawn to Breville’s range of high-quality espresso machines. The Breville Oracle vs. Oracle Touch debate quickly became the center of my research. Both machines offer incredible features, but as someone who appreciates a mix of manual craftsmanship and the convenience of modern technology, I found myself leaning towards the Breville Oracle. Let me walk you through my experience and thoughts on these two machines to help you make an informed decision.


Setting Up the Machines: Breville Oracle vs. Oracle Touch
Unboxing both machines was a treat. They have a premium build with stainless steel finishes, ensuring they’re not just functional but also visually stunning in any kitchen. Setting up the Breville Oracle was straightforward, thanks to the included detailed guide. While the Oracle Touch also offers a seamless setup, the extra automation makes the process even easier for those new to espresso machines.
The Oracle’s setup required a bit more input, like dialing in the grind size and adjusting the shot parameters. As someone who loves learning the nuances of coffee brewing, I enjoyed this process. In contrast, the Oracle Touch took me through its sleek touchscreen, guiding me step-by-step, which is a fantastic feature for beginners or anyone short on time.
Day-to-Day Use: Breville Oracle vs. Oracle Touch
comparing the day-to-day usability of the Breville Oracle and Oracle Touch, both machines cater to different types of coffee drinkers.
Breville Oracle:
Using the Oracle feels like participating in a mini barista course every morning. You have manual control over key variables, such as grind size and milk frothing, but the machine still handles critical steps like dosing and tamping. I especially enjoyed experimenting with the grind size to achieve the perfect espresso shot. The automatic steam wand, while allowing manual adjustments, lets me fine-tune my milk texture to get that silky latte art-ready foam.
Breville Oracle Touch:
The Oracle Touch, with its highly intuitive touchscreen, feels more like a personal coffee assistant. Selecting a drink—whether it’s a flat white, cappuccino, or espresso—takes seconds, and the machine handles everything from grinding to frothing. While I appreciated the convenience, I found myself missing the deeper connection I get from the Oracle’s manual elements.
Coffee Quality and Consistency
The Breville Oracle has a slight edge in coffee quality if you enjoy tweaking settings. After a few uses, I dialed in the perfect grind size and shot time, creating café-worthy espresso. The control over milk frothing also let me experiment with latte art, which has been a fun learning experience.
With the Oracle Touch, the quality of the coffee was just as impressive but with less room for experimentation. Its pre-programmed settings deliver consistent results, ideal for someone who wants excellent coffee without diving into the technical aspects. While I appreciated its reliability, I occasionally felt limited by the lack of manual adjustments.
Cleaning and Maintenance: Breville Oracle vs. Oracle Touch
Cleaning these machines is crucial to maintaining their performance. I found the Oracle slightly easier to clean due to its simpler design. Regular tasks like emptying the drip tray, cleaning the steam wand, and flushing the group head are straightforward.
The Oracle Touch adds another layer to cleaning due to its advanced automation. For example, cleaning the touchscreen and ensuring the milk system remains spotless requires a bit more attention. That said, both machines are user-friendly, with clear instructions on maintenance routines.
Ideal Users for Each Machine
Who Should Choose the Breville Oracle?
If you’re a coffee enthusiast like me who enjoys experimenting and perfecting your brew, the Breville Oracle is a perfect fit. It strikes a balance between automation and hands-on control, giving you the satisfaction of being part of the coffee-making process. I loved the challenge of fine-tuning my shots and exploring the art of milk frothing.
Who Should Choose the Breville Oracle Touch?
If you’re someone who values simplicity and speed, the Oracle Touch is designed for you. It’s especially suitable for busy households or individuals who want café-quality coffee with minimal effort. While I appreciate its convenience, I feel it’s better suited to those who prioritize consistency and ease of use over manual control.
Personal Highlights of the Breville Oracle
One of the standout features for me was the ability to adjust the pre-infusion time. This feature, exclusive to the Oracle, allowed me to enhance the flavors of my espresso, particularly when using different beans. The steam wand, with its manual override, has also been a game-changer for perfecting the texture of my lattes.
Another advantage is the lower price point of the Oracle compared to the Oracle Touch. For the added control and slightly more hands-on experience, the Oracle provides excellent value without compromising on quality.
How the Oracle Fits My Lifestyle
As someone who enjoys taking the time to craft the perfect coffee, the Breville Oracle integrates seamlessly into my morning routine. It’s not just about the coffee; it’s about the ritual. Measuring the grind, tamping, and steaming the milk creates a connection to the process that I don’t get with fully automated machines.
The Oracle Touch would be an excellent choice for weekends when I’m in a rush and want a quick flat white, but for daily use, I find the Oracle more fulfilling.


Product Review Conclusion: Breville Oracle vs. Oracle Touch
In the end, the Breville Oracle and Oracle Touch both excel at what they’re designed to do: deliver exceptional coffee at home. The Oracle Touch shines in its user-friendly design, pre-programmed options, and seamless automation, making it perfect for anyone who prioritizes convenience.
However, the Breville Oracle takes the crown for me. Its blend of automation and manual control provides a more immersive coffee-making experience. From experimenting with grind sizes to achieving latte art-ready microfoam, the Oracle brings out the barista in you. Whether you’re a coffee novice ready to learn or an enthusiast looking for more control, the Oracle strikes the perfect balance between performance and price.
Frequently Asked Questions: Breville Oracle vs. Oracle Touch
Q1: What is the main difference between the Breville Oracle and Oracle Touch?
A: The primary difference lies in the user interface and level of automation. The Oracle features buttons and dials for manual adjustments, allowing users more control over grind size, shot time, and milk frothing. The Oracle Touch, on the other hand, has a touchscreen interface and pre-programmed drink options, offering a fully automated coffee-making experience.
Q2: Which machine is better for beginners?
A: The Oracle Touch is better suited for beginners due to its intuitive touchscreen and pre-programmed settings. It guides users through the entire process, ensuring consistent results with minimal effort. However, beginners who want to learn the art of espresso-making might enjoy the Oracle's semi-automatic features.
Q3: Can you customize drinks on both machines?
A: Yes, both machines allow drink customization. On the Oracle, customization is done manually by adjusting settings such as grind size, extraction time, and milk texture. The Oracle Touch lets you customize coffee strength, milk temperature, and texture through its touchscreen interface, with the ability to save personalized recipes.
Q4: How easy are these machines to clean?
A: Both machines are relatively easy to clean but require regular maintenance to function optimally. The Oracle’s simpler design makes cleaning straightforward, while the Oracle Touch’s advanced automation and touchscreen require a bit more attention, particularly for the milk system.
Q5: Do both machines come with an integrated grinder?
A: Yes, both the Breville Oracle and Oracle Touch have integrated conical burr grinders with 45 grind settings. They also automate dosing and tamping, ensuring consistent espresso shots.
Q6: Which machine is more budget-friendly?
A: The Breville Oracle is generally more budget-friendly than the Oracle Touch. The Oracle Touch’s added cost reflects its advanced touchscreen interface and higher level of automation.
Q7: Can I make latte art with these machines?
A: Absolutely! Both machines have steam wands capable of producing microfoam suitable for latte art. The Oracle’s manual steam wand gives more control for those who want to perfect their technique, while the Oracle Touch automates the process but still produces great microfoam.
Q8: Which machine is faster for making coffee?
A: The Oracle Touch is faster because it automates the entire process, from grinding to milk frothing. The Oracle requires more manual input, which can take slightly longer but allows for greater customization.
Q9: Is the Oracle Touch worth the extra cost?
A: It depends on your priorities. If you value convenience, speed, and an intuitive interface, the Oracle Touch is worth the investment. However, if you prefer a hands-on coffee-making experience and don’t mind manual adjustments, the Oracle offers excellent value at a lower price.
Q10: Can I use pre-ground coffee in these machines?
A: Yes, both machines allow you to use pre-ground coffee by bypassing the grinder. However, to achieve the best results, it’s recommended to use freshly ground beans with the integrated grinder.