Today, we’re going to compare two prominent models of the Breville lineup: the Breville Oracle Touch vs Dual Boiler. The Oracle Touch is the better choice overall.
The Breville Oracle Touch is something between semi-automatic and fully automatic. It features an automatic grinding and tamping system and an automatic steam wand, eliminating as many manual steps as possible from your daily espresso ritual.
On the other hand, you can go with the Breville Dual Boiler if you prefer a more compact machine (though it’s still quite bulky) and are willing to spend the money on a high-quality stand-alone grinder.
Breville Oracle Touch Vs Dual Boiler: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Breville Oracle Touch Vs Dual Boiler: Differences
The Oracle Touch won the Dual Boiler with a score of 3-1. Let’s now delve into a detailed comparison of these two models!
Coffee Flavor & Brewing System
Winner: Breville Oracle Touch
Built-in Grinder
I don’t need to tell you that an espresso machine with a built-in grinder is a huge plus, right? Take the Oracle Touch, for instance – this one is armed with a robust stainless steel conical burr grinder, so you don’t have to buy one.
Even better, the Oracle Touch boasts 45 grind adjustment settings. That might sound like overkill, but when it comes to espresso, those tiny tweaks can make a world of difference. It’s like being a coffee barista, experimenting until you find the formula for your ideal cup.
On the flip side, the Dual Boiler lacks a built-in grinder. So, you’ll need to pair it with something like the Smart Grinder Pro, hailed as one of the best budget espresso grinders. Think positively – if, for some reason, your grinder decides to break, you can still use the espresso machine.
Dosing & Tamping
The Breville Oracle Touch has an automatic system, so grinding, dosing, and tamping are all neatly tucked away inside the machine. That way, it allows you to enjoy the espresso without worrying about manual tamping or cleaning at the end of the day.
Switching gears to the Dual Boiler, it’s a different story. The Dual Boiler demands a more hands-on approach with manual tamping. And here’s a personal gripe – the flimsy plastic tamper that comes with it. For a machine of its caliber, a robust stainless steel tamper is a game-changer.
Both boast a 58-millimeter stainless steel portafilter, which is pretty much the gold standard in the espresso world. But the Oracle Touch only opts for single-wall filter baskets, while the Breville Dual Boiler includes both single and double-wall baskets. Now, I’m not sure if you know why each type matters, but I’ll still explain each one briefly.
The single-wall filter basket is a nod to purists and professionals. It doesn’t offer the same forgiveness as its double-wall counterpart, meaning it requires a bit more skill and precision in grind size and tamping. It is more challenging to handle, of course, but immensely rewarding when you get it right. The flavor extraction is more pronounced and authentic, offering a true espresso experience.
On the other hand, the double-wall basket is what I like to call “training wheels” for espresso enthusiasts. They’re more forgiving, making them perfect for beginners or those using pre-ground coffee. The pressure build-up inside these baskets compensates for any inconsistencies in grind size or tamping pressure, ensuring a decent shot every time.
Dimensions & User Interface
Winner: Dual Boiler
| Breville Oracle Touch | Breville Dual Boiler | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 14.7 x 15.4 x 17.9 inches | 15 x 15 x 16.3 inches |
| Weight | 37 lbs | 30 lbs |
The Breville Dual Boiler, with its absence of a built-in grinder and bean hopper, is the lighter and more compact option. For those who prioritize a sleeker, more space-efficient machine, this one definitely hits the mark.
Both are available in brushed stainless steel housing, which is a refreshing departure from the more common plastic exteriors seen in many kitchen appliances. The stainless steel not only gives these machines a more premium feel but also adds durability and a timeless aesthetic.
For those looking to add a dash of personality to their kitchen setup, the Dual Boiler also comes in Black Sesame and Cranberry Red options. These color choices are a delightful way to break the monotony and add a bit of flair to your coffee-brewing station.
The Breville Dual Boiler offers a user interface that is surprisingly straightforward and user-friendly. There are a handful of basic buttons and a digital LCD screen, which displays all the critical information you need about your espresso shots in real-time. The real star of the show is the huge pressure gauge, which plays a vital role in helping you fine-tune and dial in your espresso shots.
Meanwhile, the Breville Oracle Touch stands out with a touchscreen interface, which offers a sleek, streamlined way to control the machine, adding a touch of sophistication and modernity to the coffee brewing process. What’s more, the intuitive layout and responsive touch controls make the process of brewing espresso feel more interactive and engaging.
Milk Frothing System
Winner: Breville Oracle Touch
The Dual Boiler boasts a professional-grade steam wand. Its 360-degree swivel capability allows for easy maneuvering and precise angle adjustments, making it convenient to work with different sizes of milk jugs. Additionally, the steam wand is fitted with three holes in the tip, a design that’s particularly effective for creating silky, fine-textured microfoam.
Now, if you’re new to manual milk steaming, there might be a bit of a learning curve. But once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature. Imagine how many people will raise their eyebrows when they see you whip up a gorgeous cappuccino, latte macchiato, or flat with your hard-earned skill.
As for the Oracle Touch, it features an automatic wand to take care of steaming milk, which can be especially handy when you’re multitasking in the kitchen. You have the ability to adjust the temperature of the milk anywhere between 104 and 167 °F. Furthermore, you can adjust the milk consistency from barely there to thick and creamy.
By the way, if you prefer a sense of control and involvement in the coffee-making process or want to develop and hone your milk texturing skills, you can use the Oracle Touch’s wand to steam the milk manually.
Pre-programmed Coffee Options & Programmability
Winner: Breville Oracle Touch
| Breville Oracle Touch | Breville Dual Boiler |
|---|---|
| Espresso Americano Long Black Latte Flat White Cappuccino Hot Milk Hot Water | Espresso Hot Water |
As for the Oracle Touch, you can select a drink from a menu of 8 options on the touch screen, so you can have an Americano or cappuccino with less effort. Meanwhile, the Dual Boiler only helps you prepare espresso, so whether you get a delicious cappuccino or just a mixture of espresso and hot milk is up to your skills.
Both enable you to adjust shot volume and shot length. The Oracle Touch takes personalization a step further, allowing you to save up to eight of your custom coffee creations and give them names like “Morning Espresso” or a “Late-Night Latte.”
Breville Oracle Touch Vs Dual Boiler: Similarities
Heating System
Both have a two-boiler system, and I have emphasized its importance a thousand times. In case you missed it earlier, let me break down why having two boilers is such a big deal for an espresso machine.
With such dual-boiler machines, you can pull a shot of espresso and steam milk at the same time. If you’ve ever been in a rush to make your morning coffee, you’ll know how valuable this is.
Having two boilers also significantly improves the machine’s thermal stability. Unlike single-boiler machines that constantly juggle between brewing and steaming temperatures, these machines maintain consistent temperatures for each process. This means they aren’t constantly readjusting themselves, which not only leads to more consistent results but also reduces wear and tear on the system.
Brewing System
Pre-infusion is a topic I often find myself geeking out over when it comes to espresso extraction. Just as blooming allows carbon dioxide to escape and the coffee grounds to swell, creating a more even and flavorful extraction – the pre-infusion step in espresso serves a similar purpose.
During the pre-infusion phase, water is gently introduced to the coffee puck at low pressure, allowing the grounds to dampen and expand. This is crucial for developing the aroma and ensuring a more uniform extraction.
Almost all Breville espresso machines have this standard feature, including the Oracle Touch and Dual Boiler. Unfortunately, it is not feasible to tweak the pre-infusion times on these machines. If you enjoy experimenting with different aspects of coffee brewing, you’ll find this a bit limiting.
Well, these two are both fitted with a 15-bar Italian pump. That means they can maintain an optimal brewing pressure of around 9 bars. This level is often cited as the sweet spot for espresso extraction.
Design & Convenience
Spout Type & Cup Clearance
| Breville Oracle Touch | Breville Dual Boiler | |
|---|---|---|
| Spout Type | Dual | Dual |
| Cup Clearance | 4 inches | 4 inches |
If you’ve dabbled with super automatic espresso machines before, you’re probably used to the convenience of an adjustable espresso dispensing spout, a feature that allows you to accommodate cups of various sizes with ease. Still, this isn’t the case with these machines.
Despite this, you’ll find yourself finding that fitting standard espresso cups under the portafilter spouts is a breeze. If you’re a fan of brewing directly into a travel mug, you might encounter a bit of a height challenge. But don’t let that deter you. There’s a simple workaround: remove the drip tray. By doing so, you create additional space, allowing for the accommodation of larger cups.
Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper
| Breville Oracle Touch | Breville Dual Boiler | |
|---|---|---|
| Water Reservoir | 2.5 liter | 2.5 liter |
| Bean Hopper | 0.28 kilogram | None |
Their water tanks are on the large side, so they don’t need to be filled regularly. It’s like having a large fuel tank in a car, enabling you to go longer distances without the need to stop and refuel.
Unlike some machines, where you have to go through the hassle of removing the water tank entirely for refilling, these models offer a much more user-friendly approach. They come equipped with a filling port at the top, allowing you to simply pour water in directly.
Another noteworthy feature is the included water filter. First and foremost, unfiltered water can carry various impurities or have a high mineral content, which can adversely affect the taste of your espresso. With a water filter, these unwanted elements are removed, ensuring that the water used in brewing is pure. What’s more, using filtered water can substantially extend the life of the machine, and you don’t need to descale it too often.
Other Features
Built-in Cup Wammer
The primary role of a built-in cup warmer is to pre-heat your cups before you pour your espresso into them. This might seem like a small step, but it has a big impact on your coffee experience. Serving espresso in a warm cup helps maintain the coffee’s temperature, ensuring that your first sip is as good as your last.
A warm cup can also help unlock the full spectrum of flavors and aromas in your espresso. When espresso is poured into a cold cup, the sudden temperature change can mute some of the subtle notes in the coffee. By keeping the cup warm, the espresso maintains its intended flavor profile, offering a richer and more enjoyable tasting experience.
Auto On
The auto-on feature allows you to set a specific time for the machine to automatically power up and start heating. Imagine waking up in the morning to a machine that’s already warmed up and ready to brew your first espresso of the day. It’s like having a personal barista wait to start your coffee as soon as you’re up.
Quick Rundown Of Breville Oracle Touch
- Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use.Grind Settings : 45 precision grind settings. Portafilter : Commercial grade 58mm portafilter.Portafilter : Commercial grade 58mm portafilter
Last update on 2024-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Breville Dual Boiler
- Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
Last update on 2024-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References
- Breville Oracle Touch: https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes990.html
- Breville Dual Boiler: https://www.breville.com/au/en/products/espresso/bes920.html
Felix Hendricks is a skilled barista with over 12 years of experience. He excels in crafting coffee and has a strong foundation in coffee machine mechanics. Felix holds a Coffee Machine Maintenance Certification from the Coffee Equipment Technical Institute, showcasing his ability to diagnose and repair coffee machines. He’s also worked as a quality control specialist, selecting premium coffee beans for optimal flavor. Felix has a diverse work history, including stints at renowned coffee spots like Café Euphoria & Starbucks. His expertise in both brewing and machine maintenance makes him a respected figure in the coffee industry.