Breville Oracle Espresso Machine BES980XL, Brushed vs Breville RM-BES880BSS1BUS1 Barista Touch Espresso

Price Comparison

The Breville RM-BES880BSS1BUS1 Barista Touch Espresso Machine is significantly more affordable than the Breville Oracle Espresso Machine BES980XL, priced at $669.95 compared to $2,199.95. This means the Barista Touch is about 70% cheaper than the Oracle, making it a more accessible option for coffee enthusiasts who want quality without breaking the bank. While both machines deliver exceptional coffee, the price difference is substantial, impacting the decision for budget-conscious buyers.

Design and Build Quality

Both the Breville Oracle and the Barista Touch feature a sleek brushed stainless steel design, but the Oracle is built with a professional dual boiler system that signifies its premium construction. The Oracle's dual boilers offer unparalleled temperature control and enable simultaneous extraction and steaming, a feature that coffee aficionados may appreciate. In contrast, while the Barista Touch also offers quality design, it utilizes a single boiler system which may not provide the same level of precision as the Oracle. Thus, those seeking a more robust and professional-grade machine may lean towards the Oracle.

Brewing Technology

The brewing technology distinguishes these two machines significantly. The Breville Oracle utilizes a unique 4 keys formula for third wave specialty coffee, featuring an integrated precision conical burr grinder that automatically grinds, doses, and tamps 22 grams of coffee. This ensures maximum flavor extraction. The Barista Touch also employs the 4 keys formula but is designed for quicker operation with its innovative ThermoJet heating system, achieving optimal extraction temperature in just 3 seconds. While both machines are impressive, the Oracle may be favored for its more advanced brewing capabilities.

Milk Texturing Abilities

In terms of milk texturing, both machines excel but in different ways. The Breville Oracle features an automatic steam wand that textures milk to your liking, a vital feature for creating latte art. It allows for precise control over milk temperature and texture, ensuring a barista-quality microfoam. On the other hand, the Barista Touch also offers automatic microfoam milk texturing with its auto steam wand, but it simplifies the process with a touch screen interface that allows for easy adjustments. For those who prioritize milk frothing, either machine will serve well, but the Oracle edges out slightly due to its more extensive control options.

User Interface and Ease of Use

The Breville RM-BES880BSS1BUS1 Barista Touch is designed with user-friendliness in mind, featuring a touch screen display that simplifies the coffee-making process into three easy steps: Grind, Brew, and Milk. This makes it ideal for beginners or those who appreciate a more straightforward approach. In contrast, the Breville Oracle, while not overly complicated, offers a more traditional interface with shot control and an LCD display. The Barista Touch’s intuitive interface may attract users who prefer modern technology in their coffee machines.

Capacity and Settings

When it comes to capacity, both machines have similar features, each equipped with a 1/2 lb bean hopper. However, the Breville Oracle includes an 84 oz water tank compared to the Barista Touch's 67 oz tank. This larger capacity means the Oracle can accommodate more coffee-making sessions before needing a refill, making it a better choice for larger households or those who entertain frequently. The Oracle also offers more programmable options, including customizable milk temperature and texture settings, which may appeal to users looking for a tailored coffee experience.

Performance and Speed

In terms of performance, the Breville Oracle is designed for ultimate precision with its dual stainless steel boilers and precise digital temperature control. This results in optimal extraction, which is essential for achieving high-quality espresso. The Barista Touch, while quick with its 3-second heat-up time, may not match the Oracle's level of performance under demanding conditions. Therefore, serious coffee enthusiasts who value performance might find more satisfaction in the Oracle, despite the Barista Touch's speed.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, the choice between the Breville Oracle Espresso Machine BES980XL and the Breville RM-BES880BSS1BUS1 Barista Touch Espresso Machine comes down to budget, experience, and specific coffee-making needs. If you are looking for a high-end machine that delivers professional-grade coffee with advanced features and are willing to invest $2,199.95, the Oracle is unmatched in terms of performance and brewing technology. Conversely, if you are a beginner or a casual coffee drinker wanting quality at a much lower price point of $669.95, the Barista Touch offers excellent value with its user-friendly interface and solid performance.