Choosing the right espresso machine can be challenging with so many options available. The Breville Barista Pro and Oracle Touch are both premium machines from Breville, designed for coffee enthusiasts who want barista-quality drinks at home. In this comparison, we’ll explore their features, usability, and what makes each one unique to help you decide which fits your brewing style.
While the Barista Pro offers a straightforward approach with integrated grinding and precise control, the Oracle Touch adds automation and touchscreen customization for an even more hands-off experience. Let’s dive into the details to see which machine aligns best with your coffee goals.
Key Takeaways
| Ease of Use | Oracle Touch offers more automation with a touchscreen interface, while the Barista Pro is more manual but intuitive. |
| Grinding & Brewing | Both have integrated grinders, but the Barista Pro features dose control grinding, ensuring fresh grounds for each shot. |
| Customization | Oracle Touch allows extensive drink customization via its touchscreen, whereas the Barista Pro provides manual controls. |
| Design & Size | The Barista Pro has a sleek, compact design, while the Oracle Touch is larger and has a more commercial aesthetic. |
| Price & Value | The Oracle Touch is more expensive but offers more automation; the Barista Pro provides excellent quality at a lower price point. |
Breville BES870BTR Barista Express Espresso Machine, Black Truffle
- Third Wave Specialty Coffee: Brews high-quality coffee at home
- All-in-One Espresso Machine: Includes integrated grinder for convenience
- Fast Bean to Espresso: Brews in under one minute
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At a Glance
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR
- ✔ Dimensions: 13.1 x 12.5 x 16 inches
- ✔ Weight: 23 pounds
- ✔ Display: Digital control panel
Breville Barista Pro vs Breville Oracle Touch: Full Breakdown
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870BTR
The Breville Barista Express (model BES870BTR) is designed for users who enjoy crafting their coffee manually with precise control over grind size and extraction. The Oracle Touch, on the other hand, incorporates a fully automatic touchscreen interface that simplifies drink selection and customization, making it ideal for those who prefer convenience without sacrificing quality.
Pros:
- Integrated grinder with dose control
- Manual control for brewing finesse
- Compact and stylish design
- Good value for advanced home baristas
Cons:
- Requires more skill and effort
- Less automated than Oracle Touch
- Limited pre-programmed drinks
Best for: Enthusiasts who enjoy hands-on brewing and control over every step.
Not ideal for: Beginners seeking fully automated drinks without learning the manual process.
Bottom line: A versatile machine for passionate coffee lovers who value hands-on control.
| Feature | Breville Barista Pro | Breville Oracle Touch |
|---|---|---|
| Automation | Manual control with integrated grinder | Fully automatic touchscreen with pre-set drinks |
| User Interface | Physical knobs and buttons | Touchscreen with customizable options |
| Design | Sleek, compact, black finish | Larger, with a more commercial look |
| Ease of Use | Requires learning curve | Intuitive with one-touch selections |
| Price | More affordable | Premium pricing |
| Best For | Hands-on enthusiasts | Tech-savvy users seeking automation |
The Verdict
If you love crafting your espresso manually and want precise control, the Barista Pro is your best bet. For those who prefer a more automated, customizable experience with minimal effort, the Oracle Touch offers unmatched convenience.
Hands-On Impressions
In my testing, I appreciated the tactile control of the Barista Pro, especially the dose control grinding and pre-infusion features, which gave me a lot of room to experiment. Setting up the Oracle Touch was straightforward, and I enjoyed selecting drinks via its touchscreen, though I did find it a bit larger and more complex to fit into a compact kitchen space. Both machines delivered excellent espresso quality, but my preference leaned towards the manual control of the Barista Pro for daily brewing.
Deep Dive into Features
The Barista Pro shines with its integrated conical burr grinder that allows dose control, giving you freshly ground coffee for every shot. Its digital temperature control and pre-infusion system ensure balanced extraction. The Oracle Touch’s key strength is automation – with its touchscreen interface, you can select, customize, and save drinks, which makes it ideal for users who want espresso at the push of a button without much fuss.
User Experience & Practical Considerations
Living with the Barista Pro means engaging with each brew, which can be rewarding if you enjoy the process. It’s also compact enough for most kitchens. The Oracle Touch, however, requires less manual effort and is perfect if you have multiple users or want quick, consistent drinks. Its larger size might be a consideration if space is limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Breville Barista Pro have a built-in grinder?
Yes, it features an integrated conical burr grinder with dose control, allowing precise grinding for each shot.
Can the Oracle Touch make drinks automatically?
Yes, it has a fully automatic touchscreen interface that can prepare a variety of drinks with just a tap, including customizable options.
Which machine is easier for beginners?
The Oracle Touch is generally easier due to its automation and user-friendly touchscreen, while the Barista Pro offers more control but requires some learning.
Is the Barista Pro suitable for small kitchens?
Yes, its compact design makes it a good fit for smaller spaces, though it still offers professional-level features.
Which Espresso Machine Fits Your Coffee Style?
Both the Breville Barista Pro and Oracle Touch are excellent choices, but your decision depends on how much control you want versus convenience. If you enjoy the art of espresso making and don’t mind manual steps, the Barista Pro will satisfy your needs. However, if you prefer quick, consistent drinks with minimal fuss, the Oracle Touch’s automation is hard to beat. Consider your brewing habits and space to choose the perfect machine for your home cafe.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.
