At Craft Coffee Spot, we focus a lot on Breville espresso machines and have reviewed their entire lineup. Breville released their latest model, the Breville Oracle Jet, which stands out in the high-end espresso machine market.
I was fortunate to test the Breville Oracle Jet at the SCA Expo before its release. It’s a highly sophisticated espresso machine that improves on just about everything: espresso, milk frothing, and user experience. This model outclasses other Oracle models and even the Dual Boiler with its tech. The only downside is the price. This is a great upgrade or even starter machine (if you can afford it).
In this Breville Oracle Jet review, I’ll cover everything from its innovative design to exceptional espresso quality and advanced features like cold brew capability. Join me as we explore what makes the Breville Oracle Jet a standout in its class.
Breville Oracle Jet Review Product Overview
The Breville Oracle Jet is the newest and (in my opinion) the best in Breville’s impressive lineup of home espresso machines. With this latest offering, Breville continues to innovate, blending high-quality, cafe-style espresso experience with convenient features.
Breville Oracle Jet highlights:
- Dimensions: 16.7” (h) x 15” (w) x 14.5” (d)
- 340g bean hopper, 2.3L water tank, 12oz bean hopper
- Dual ThermoJet heating system
- Cold brew option with “flash bloom” technology
- Stepless grind size adjustment
- Enhanced milk frothing with Venturi valve
- Responsive and crisp touchscreen interface
Pros
Exceptional espresso quality with dual ThermoJet heating system
Upgraded burr grinder design for consistent grind size
Intuitive interface with a responsive touchscreen
Advanced milk frothing capabilities for perfect texture
Cons
Premium price point is not suitable for all budgets
A larger footprint requires more counter space
Too many features if you mainly drink espresso
Below, I’ll discuss what sets the Oracle Jet apart, from its sophisticated design to its advanced functionality.
Product Feature Breakdown
From its innovative heating system to its precision grinding technology, each element is designed to enhance your coffee experience.
I explain how the Oracle Jet melds state-of-the-art engineering with user-friendly functionality for an excellent (and easy) espresso.
Design and Build
The Breville Oracle Jet upholds the design language that Breville is renowned for. I call it the “Breville look,” with sleek, modern aesthetics and a rounded stainless steel exterior. It adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen countertop.
The construction showcases meticulous attention to detail. It’s 16.7 inches in height, 15 inches in width, and 14.5 inches in depth. It’s a little larger than other entry-level models, but still fits on standard countertops. It has a 340g bean hopper and a large 2.3L water tank, ensuring you can brew multiple drinks before needing a refill.
This combination of capacity and functionality emphasizes the machine’s readiness for extensive domestic use without frequent interruptions for reloading beans or water.
You’ll also notice the touchscreen on the front. I liked Breville’s prior touch screen on the Barista Touch, and the Oracle Jet screen is even better. It’s clear they increased the refresh rate and resolution, so it looks crisp like that latest smartphone.
The Jet comes with standard accessories:
- A 480ml/16.2oz stainless steel milk jug.
- A Knock Box to dispose of used coffee pucks.
- Single-wall, 1-cup, and 2-cup filter baskets allow for customized brewing based on the amount of coffee desired.
- A cleaning kit for the steam wand and regular backflushing and descaling.
With the built-in steam wand and grinder, you won’t need anything else.
Espresso Quality
To me, the biggest change is the espresso quality on the Oracle Jet. After all, producing barista-level espresso is the most important part of the machine!
The dual ThermoJet heating system is the biggest change, as there’s now a heating system inside the machine and in the gorup head. This makes sure there is as much temperature stability as possible.
Also, the Thermojet heating system starts in three seconds, so you can brew right away. The intuitive controls and user-friendly features allows me to have as much or as little input as I cared to give.
Setup was quick, and after the first shot, I noticed the Oracle Jet is built to be very consistent. It reached the ideal espresso extraction temperature in just 3 seconds and maintained heat distribution during each extraction.
Another big upgrade is moving to a professional 58mm portafilter. Prior Breville models use the smaller 54mm portafilter, which limits flavor because the coffee is clumped in a narrower, taller column. With the larger portafilter, I could use up to 22 grams of coffee for a dose.
The water dispersion over the puck was even, and the first shot after unboxing was rich and complex without too many bitter notes. Despite using the machine presets and without properly dialing in, the shot was topped with a silky crema.
The temperature and pressure have been fine-tuned to showcase the coffee beans’ best possible flavors and aromas. I love that if I make the perfect shot it’s easy to do it again and again. I’m excited to try different types of beans with this machine because I’m fairly confident that the shot it will give me will be a good representation of what the beans taste like.
Grinder
The Baratza M2 burr grinder in the Oracle Jet is a significant upgrade. I’m so happy to see a better grinder that promises exceptional grind precision in a home machine. The integrated grinder was always one of the hang-ups of getting a machine like this, as it seemed like the grinder was an afterthought. Not any more.
With 45 individual grind settings, users can dial in their preferred grind size with infinitesimal changes for better extraction quality. I noticed the grinder is quiet when it’s running, with reduced vibration.
I’ll admit, sometimes it can be a bit of a hassle to pull shots in the morning before I’ve had my coffee. I’m really impressed that the Oracle Jet has an auto-dosing feature. Every puck is 18-22 grams, and the auto tamp delivers even pressure to avoid uneven brewing or channeling in the grounds.
Milk Frothing
The Breville Oracle Jet incorporates the Milk IQ system and Auto MilQ™ functionality, an automated milk texturing technology enhancement. This system features a redesigned steam wand equipped with a temperature sensor at its tip, which allows for precise monitoring and adjustment of milk temperature and froth consistency.
The Auto MilQ functionality is designed to adapt to various types of milk, including dairy, soy, almond, and oat. I love this adaptability because it ensures that the machine can handle different frothing properties of each milk type, adjusting settings to achieve optimal results for each.
Breville added a modified Venturi valve that lets in a very specific amount of air into the milk to create just the right texture. I find it incredibly easy to either modify settings manually or use the pre-sets tailored for specific drinks such as flat whites, lattes, and babyccinos.
The machine allows for milk texture and temperature customization, accommodating preferences for different types of coffee drinks. From those requiring lightly frothed milk to others needing thicker foam, the machine’s advanced steam pressure capabilities facilitate the creation of consistent microfoam, which is important for both taste and drink presentation.
Overall, the Milk IQ system provides tools to help me achieve a variety of milk textures suitable for different beverages, supporting the use of multiple milk alternatives. It’s great for anyone looking to replicate a range of coffeehouse-style drinks at home.
Interface and Drink Options
The Breville Oracle Jet features an enhanced touchscreen interface that has been significantly enlarged and improved in responsiveness compared to previous models.
The interface is intuitive, and the layout is simple to navigate. This ease of use extends to all aspects of the machine’s operation, from adjusting settings to choosing the type of drink to prepare.
Beyond espresso, the Oracle Jet demonstrates remarkable versatility in the range of beverages it can produce.
The advanced Milk IQ system is central to this capability. I could froth milk to precise textures and temperatures meaning I can craft professional-quality drinks at home, from lightly frothed milk for a flat white to thicker foam for a robust cappuccino.
Cold Brew
Then there’s cold brew! The Oracle Jet introduces a unique cold brew feature very uncommon in home espresso machines. This feature meant I could prepare cold brew coffee, a popular alternative to traditional hot coffee, with considerable ease.
Utilizing a “flash bloom” brewing technique, where hot water is briefly applied to the coffee grounds to release their aromatics before brewing at a much lower temperature, the Oracle Jet delivers the smooth, rich flavors typical of cold brew.
The temperature enhances the coffee’s natural sweetness and complexity, providing a delightful and refreshing cold beverage option.
With these improved functionalities, the Breville Oracle Jet meets the needs of traditional espresso enthusiasts while expanding its reach and catering to a broader audience of coffee lovers looking for versatility in their home brewing experience.
Value
There’s one big catch with this model: the price. It’s more expensive than most espresso machines and gets to the price point where you might just want a super automatic espresso machine.
However, I think the Oracle Jet justifies this with advanced features that are hard to find in other models within the same price range or even among higher-priced competitors.
This machine offers exceptional value through professional-grade components and user-friendly technology. The dual ThermoJet heating system ensures the machine is always ready to brew at the perfect temperature within seconds, minimizing the wait time that often sends people to a coffee shop rather than making coffee at home.
The value is also reflected in its design and construction. Built to last with high-quality materials like stainless steel, the machine promises durability and reliability, so it remains a central piece of your coffee-making routine for years.
The question is how much work do you want to do. If you want something that’s almost push of a button, without dealing with a tamp or dose, the Oracle Jet is great. But, if you are fine doing work (or don’t need a nice steam wand) consider a lesser alternative.
How Does Oracle Jet Compare (and Alternatives)
The Breville Oracle Jet sets a new benchmark in the realm of high-end espresso machines. It excels where others falter, offering rapid startup times, unparalleled temperature stability, and a user interface designed for novices and connoisseurs alike.
It significantly outpaces the Breville Dual Boiler and other Oracle models in terms of efficiency and ease of use, making it a superior choice for those who value quick yet precise coffee preparation.
In direct comparison with super-automatic machines like those from Jura, the Oracle Jet provides a markedly superior customization experience. Users can fine-tune their espresso shots to meet exact preferences—something that super-automatics often compromise for the sake of convenience.
The Oracle Jet’s advanced settings allow for meticulous adjustments that cater to the subtleties of different bean roasts and origins, ensuring that each cup is brewed to its fullest potential.
Given its advanced features and robust design, I recommend the Oracle Jet for anyone serious about their coffee, from the discerning home barista to the professional looking to bring a touch of café-quality into their kitchen.
It is a testament to Breville’s commitment to innovation and quality in coffee brewing technology, far surpassing other high-end machines, including its siblings within the Breville line.
Alternative for Budget: The Breville Barista Touch
The Breville Barista Touch presents a compelling alternative for enthusiasts seeking high-end performance without the premium price.
The Barista Touch shares several of the Oracle Jet’s desirable features, such as an intuitive touchscreen interface and an efficient automatic steam wand. However, it lacks the self-tamping and has a smaller portafilter.
Check Amazon Check BrevilleThe compromises are real, but balanced by affordability – The Touch is nearly half the price of the Oracle Jet.
To me the big trade-off for the Barista Touch is the self-tamping. That feature makes the Oracle Jet much easier to use. Also, the heating system is not as good nor is the steam wand. A lot of people reading this will be ok paying half for it though.
Closing Thoughts on the Breville Oracle Jet
The Breville Oracle Jet is the latest example of modern espresso machine technology. It is ideal for those who desire a café-quality brew in the comfort of their home. Its cutting-edge features and robust build represent a significant advancement in home coffee brewing.
Regardless of how you make your coffee, the first step to upping your coffee game is to know the fundamentals. Check out our guide on other best Breville espresso machines and keep your coffee game strong all year round.
