Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine BES990DBL Damson Blue – Automatic Bean Grinder, Dual Boiler, Digital Temperature Control, Touch Screen, Steam Wand, Conical Burr Grinder
$2,799.95
In stock
- Automates grinding, dosing, and tamping for barista-quality espresso every time.
- Dual boilers allow simultaneous brewing and steaming for faster lattes.
- Precision temperature control ensures perfect extraction from every coffee bean.
- Touch screen interface lets you customize coffee strength, milk texture, and size.
- Damson blue finish adds a vibrant, premium look to any kitchen countertop.
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Breville Oracle Touch Review — Touchscreen Automated Dual Boiler: Review
The Breville Oracle Touch (BES990DBL) brings third-wave specialty coffee to home kitchens. This fully automatic espresso machine integrates a precision conical burr grinder, automatic dosing and tamping, and a dual boiler system for simultaneous extraction and steaming. A touchscreen interface lets you select from pre-programmed drinks or save up to eight personalized recipes. At $2,799.95, it targets coffee enthusiasts who want cafe-quality results without manual adjustments. The machine's standout features include PID temperature control, low-pressure pre-infusion, an over-pressure valve to prevent bitterness, and an automatic steam wand that textures milk to your preference. While it demands a significant investment, the Oracle Touch promises consistency and ease of use for daily espresso rituals.
Product Overview
The Breville Oracle Touch is designed for those who appreciate good espresso but prefer automation over manual craft. Its dual boiler system allows you to brew and steam simultaneously, with dedicated PID controllers ensuring precise water temperature for optimal extraction. The integrated conical burr grinder automatically dispenses 22 grams of freshly ground coffee, then tamps it with consistent pressure—a feature that eliminates guesswork. The machine offers five pre-set drinks (espresso, long black, latte, flat white, cappuccino) accessible via the touchscreen, and you can customize grind size, milk temperature, and froth level for eight saved profiles. The 67-ounce water tank fills from the front, so you don't need to move the machine. Maintenance is straightforward: a removable drip tray, automatic steam wand cleaning, and a cleaning cycle for the brewing group. Breville includes a 58mm stainless steel portafilter, single- and double-wall filter baskets, a 480ml milk jug, a cleaning kit, and a water filter. The machine's dimensions (14.67" D x 15.42" W x 17.83" H) and weight (35.5 lbs) require dedicated counter space. Many users appreciate the sturdy stainless steel construction and the thoughtful design of the top-fill water tank. However, some reviewers note that the automated milk frothing, while good, doesn't match the microfoam quality of a manual steam wand. The machine also has a small learning curve for dialing in new coffee beans. Overall, the Oracle Touch is an appliance that bridges the gap between super-automatic and prosumer machines, emphasizing convenience without sacrificing espresso quality.
Key Features
Automatic Grinding & Tamping
- ✓Precision conical burr grinder doses 22g per shot automatically
- ✓Integrated tamper applies consistent pressure every time
- ✓Adjustable grind size to fine-tune extraction
- ✓Mini grind bin for waste grounds
Dual Boiler System
- ✓Separate boilers for espresso and steam
- ✓PID temperature control ensures ±1°F stability
- ✓Simultaneous brewing and steaming for faster workflow
Touchscreen Interface
- ✓4.3-inch color display with simple swipe and select
- ✓Five pre-programmed drinks plus hot water
- ✓Intuitive settings for strength, temperature, milk texture
Customizable Drink Profiles
- ✓Save up to eight personalized recipes with names
- ✓Adjust grind, dose, brew time, milk temp and froth
- ✓One-touch recall for consistent results
Automatic Milk Texturing
- ✓Dedicated steam boiler powers self-cleaning wand
- ✓Adjustable milk temperature and foam level
- ✓Produces barista-quality microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos
Quick Heat-Up and Auto-On
- ✓Machine reaches operating temperature in 7-8 minutes
- ✓Programmable auto-on timer for morning convenience
- ✓Heated group head and cup warming area
Build & Materials
The Oracle Touch is built with brushed stainless steel and high-grade plastics. Its substantial 35.5-pound weight reflects the dual boilers and sturdy components. The machine's front-loading water tank is a practical design choice; you can refill it without moving the unit. The 58mm professional portafilter and dual-wall filter baskets are standard. The drip tray is large and removable, but some users find its underside has many crevices that make cleaning tedious. The steam wand is articulated and automatically purges after use. Overall, the build quality feels premium, though a few reviewers mention that the touchscreen can be slow to respond.
The machine includes a 1/2-pound bean hopper with a seal to keep beans fresh. The grind burrs are adjustable from fine to coarse via a dial inside the hopper. The automatic tamper uses a flat stainless steel surface that compresses the puck evenly. For maintenance, Breville provides a cleaning kit, water hardness strip, and a water filter. The Oracle Touch requires regular descaling and group head cleaning, which is guided by on-screen prompts. The machine also comes with a 2-year limited warranty.
Shot Quality
The Oracle Touch delivers consistently well-extracted espresso with rich crema. Owners report that the automated process produces shots on par with or better than manual efforts—especially for those lacking barista skills. The over-pressure valve prevents channeling and over-extraction, reducing bitterness. Pre-infusion at low pressure gently expands the grounds before full pressure hits. The result is balanced, flavorful espresso across a variety of beans. However, some experienced users find that the machine may need adjustment when switching to denser or lighter roasts, and the pump can struggle with very fine grinds.
Steaming performance is good but not exceptional. The automatic frother creates adequate microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos, but many reviewers note that it doesn't achieve the silky texture possible with manual steaming. The machine's temperature control is precise, so milk is heated to the set temperature consistently. A few owners reported intermittent issues such as leaks from the group head or steam wand, particularly after descaling. The reliability complaints are not universal but appear in 1-star reviews. For everyday use, the Oracle Touch performs reliably for most users, providing a convenient path to quality espresso with minimal learning curve.
Pros and Cons
What Works
- ✓Consistent espresso quality with automated grind and tamp
- ✓Dual boiler allows simultaneous brewing and steaming
- ✓Customizable drink profiles with easy recall
- ✓Touchscreen interface simplifies operation
- ✓Quick heat-up and programmable auto-on
- ✓Top-fill water tank for easy refills
- ✓Automatic self-cleaning steam wand
What Doesn't
- ✗High price point ($2,799.95)
- ✗Automated milk frothing lacks the finesse of manual steam wands
- ✗Some reliability concerns (leaks, pump issues) reported by users
- ✗Large and heavy, requires dedicated counter space
- ✗Touchscreen can be unresponsive and timed-out during cleaning cycles
The Verdict
The Breville Oracle Touch offers an impressive balance of automation and quality. It consistently produces excellent espresso with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy coffee lovers. The dual boiler system and precise temperature control are highlights. However, the high price and some reported reliability issues give us pause. For those who prioritize convenience and are willing to invest, this machine delivers. We recommend it for households that want cafe-quality drinks without the learning curve of manual machines.
Who Is This For?
Busy professionals
Quick, automated process with programmable auto-on and one-touch drinks saves time in morning routines.
Couples who enjoy milk-based drinks
Dual boiler and automatic milk frother allow simultaneous brewing and steaming for two drinks.
Beginners wanting consistent espresso
Automated grinding, dosing, tamping removes common mistakes and delivers repeatable quality.
Hosts and entertainers
Ability to save multiple drink profiles and fast heat-up make serving guests effortless.
Is It Worth It?
What You Get
- Automated espresso with professional grind and tamp
- Dual boiler for simultaneous brew and steam
- Touchscreen customization with 8 saved profiles
- Self-cleaning steam wand and easy maintenance
- Included accessories: portafilter, jug, cleaning kit
What You Pay
$2,799.95
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Breville Oracle Touch easy to use?
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Product Specifications
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