Description

Design & Build Quality

The Breville Oracle Espresso Machine BES980XL in brushed stainless steel is a hefty yet sleek addition to any kitchen. Its robust build exudes durability, yet the modern stainless steel finish fits seamlessly with contemporary decor. At 35.5 pounds, it is no lightweight, but this heft gives it a professional and solid feel, much like the equipment you’d see in a café. The 14.7″ x 16.1″ x 17.8″ dimensions make it sizable, so ensure you have sufficient counter space before committing. The tactile controls and LCD display are intuitive, although I did feel the display could be a bit more modernized – an upgrade from the slightly old-school aesthetic would have been welcome.

Coffee Quality

As a daily coffee drinker, I can confidently say this machine delivers café-quality coffee. I experimented with various beans, from light roasts to dark and bold varieties, and the flavor extraction was consistently impressive. The Over Pressure Valve (OPV) ensures no bitter flavors sneak into your cup, and the low-pressure pre-infusion evenly saturates the coffee grounds for optimal extraction. The resulting espresso boasts a rich crema that rivals what you’d get at your local coffee shop. My sister, a self-proclaimed coffee snob, was genuinely impressed when she tried a shot – high praise indeed!

Brewing Performance

The dual stainless steel boilers are a standout feature. They allow simultaneous brewing and steaming, which significantly speeds up the process when you’re in a hurry. I tested its consistency by making several cups back-to-back during a family brunch, and the performance never faltered. The pre-programmed settings, like one-touch Americano, were convenient, although I appreciated the manual options for customizing extraction time and water flow. The machine does take a few minutes to heat up, but you can program it to turn on at a set time – a lifesaver for groggy mornings.

Milk Frothing & Steaming Capability

The automatic microfoam milk texturing is a game-changer. The self-cleaning steam wand simplifies the milk frothing process to the point where even my 14-year-old could create velvety microfoam for her hot chocolate. I played around with the programmable milk temperature and texture settings to create cappuccinos and flat whites, and it never disappointed. If you enjoy dabbling in latte art, the consistent microfoam will be your new best friend.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Cleaning this machine is surprisingly straightforward for such a complex piece of equipment. The self-cleaning steam wand is a blessing, as milk residue can be a nightmare to remove. The system also prompts you when it’s time to clean the drip tray or change the water filter. However, descaling the dual boilers can be a bit cumbersome – it’s not a process you’ll look forward to, but it’s manageable. A friend of mine who owns the same model mentioned that skipping this can lead to issues, so it’s worth the effort.

Water Tank & Capacity

The 84-ounce water tank is more than sufficient for daily use and even for entertaining. I appreciated the dual filling options – you can either access it from the back or use the front-loading option. This flexibility means you don’t have to rearrange your kitchen counter just to refill water. On days when I was making multiple drinks, the large tank meant fewer interruptions.

Energy Efficiency & Noise Levels

While it’s not the quietest machine, the noise levels are reasonable for what it does. Grinding beans and steaming milk will always produce some commotion, but it wasn’t disruptive enough to wake up my kids – a win in my book. Energy efficiency is decent; it powers down after a set period of inactivity, which is great for forgetful folks like myself.

Warranty & Support

Breville offers a 2-year limited warranty, which provides some peace of mind. However, customer support can be hit or miss. I had to call once regarding a minor setup issue, and while the representative was polite, the response time could have been faster. Some online reviews also mention frustrating experiences with warranty claims, so keep that in mind.

Good Points

• Dual boiler system allows simultaneous brewing and steaming.
• Automatic milk frothing produces barista-quality microfoam.
• Customizable settings for espresso strength, milk texture, and temperature.
• Durable stainless steel build with a sleek design.
• Convenient self-cleaning steam wand.

Drawbacks

• Descaling the machine can be tedious.
• LCD display feels a bit outdated for a premium product.
• Customer support experiences vary, with some reporting delays.
• Occasional issues with the grinder requiring manual adjustments.

Product Comparisons

Compared to the De’Longhi La Specialista, the Breville Oracle outshines in terms of milk frothing capabilities, thanks to its automatic microfoam texturing. However, the De’Longhi edges ahead in terms of price accessibility and ease of use for beginners. For those eyeing the Jura E8, the Breville Oracle offers a more hands-on experience, which coffee purists might prefer, whereas the Jura leans towards full automation. In terms of build quality, the Breville Oracle feels more substantial than the Gaggia Anima Prestige, although the latter offers a slimmer footprint for smaller spaces.

Value for Money

This machine isn’t cheap, but for what it offers, it’s worth every penny. The combination of automation and manual control makes it versatile for both beginners and seasoned coffee enthusiasts. It’s an investment, but one that will elevate your coffee game and save you countless trips to the café. If you’re someone who values the ritual of making coffee and the ability to customize every aspect, this machine will not disappoint.

Additional information