Breville Bes980xlca The Oracle Automatic Manual Espresso Machine

A great machine that comes on at 0545 everyday and treats me to the brewed elixir of motivation.I started my search for a new espresso machine about 7 months ago. Trying to figure out what I really wanted in a new machine. PID? Dual Boiler? What Grinder? I put my top 10 choices into a spreadsheet and weighted each of the features trying to analyze my decision. After 6 months of search I finally pulled the trigger on the Oracle Breville!I have no regrets. The espresso is great. The effort to have a great shot minimal. The groupset has worked flawlessly and after a short time tuning am very happy with the choice!If you want to become good at grinding and tamping don't buy this machine. If you want to have a great espresso with amazing consistency and true to the ... MoreA great machine that comes on at 0545 everyday and treats me to the brewed elixir of motivation.I started my search for a new espresso machine about 7 months ago. Trying to figure out what I really wanted in a new machine. PID? Dual Boiler? What Grinder? I put my top 10 choices into a spreadsheet and weighted each of the features trying to analyze my decision. After 6 months of search I finally pulled the trigger on the Oracle Breville!I have no regrets. The espresso is great. The effort to have a great shot minimal. The groupset has worked flawlessly and after a short time tuning am very happy with the choice!If you want to become good at grinding and tamping don't buy this machine. If you want to have a great espresso with amazing consistency and true to the art shot then this is a great value! The Touch is more, and I question the need, but this met everyone of my spreadsheet features and does it flawlessly! It may be closer to automatic then semi-automatic but if you had an extra couple minutes -- grind your own beans -- do your own tamp and still have a great machine for friends to make their own drinks.I almost created espresso art yesterday and need to practice! I like it!

Another happy customer ready to cheer on the next

This has been a journey of epic proportions. Given both my wife and myself are coffee devotees, we wanted to upgrade our next purchase to something consistent with our needs and of course our taste. Having had a number of Nespresso machines (all of which eventually failed), we decided to splurge on something more professional. So this involved getting testimonials from family and friends. You know, I can't recall anyone saying a bad word about Breville. True statement! Anyway having done the obligatory web search, we decided we were on the right track. Enter coffee machine expert at Harvey Norman Balgowlah. Despite the massive selection of brands and machines, it was Breville all the way. But hey, this wasn't the end. Originally we had a budget of less than $800. As ... MoreThis has been a journey of epic proportions. Given both my wife and myself are coffee devotees, we wanted to upgrade our next purchase to something consistent with our needs and of course our taste. Having had a number of Nespresso machines (all of which eventually failed), we decided to splurge on something more professional. So this involved getting testimonials from family and friends. You know, I can't recall anyone saying a bad word about Breville. True statement! Anyway having done the obligatory web search, we decided we were on the right track. Enter coffee machine expert at Harvey Norman Balgowlah. Despite the massive selection of brands and machines, it was Breville all the way. But hey, this wasn't the end. Originally we had a budget of less than $800. As we progressed through the evaluation and multiple choices, the argument centered around quality and convenience. Enter Oracle. This was a no brainer despite being significantly higher in cost. So the purchase was concluded. Normally a purchase of this kind is followed a box in the boot and obligatory Allen Key. Not so, the access to You Tube and affiliated info channels plus the ease of assembly meant it was a painless excercise. And of course we were delighted to know have White Gloves concierge to help us. So here we are a couple of 70 year olds enjoying the delights of our Breville Oracle. Cheers.

Be warned, be careful.

Be really careful purchasing. I bought this a few years ago, the coffee has been excellent. And now the warning. Called Seattle Coffee Gear to inquire about a service fix as the machine is leaking some water on each brewing. Imo probably a simple fix with a gasket. It's not like scalding water is speinklering out at me. SeaCofGear said call Breville. So after an hour plus wait Breville finally answer and say SeaCofGear is their local repair entity. So back to trying to get through SeaCofGear repair. 2x I'm starting the hold cue listening to my position get closer to front of the line. Both times, just after 25 minutes of hold the system jumps back on saying I'm outside business hours and drops the call. Third time in I call sales which picks up after a couple rings ... MoreBe really careful purchasing. I bought this a few years ago, the coffee has been excellent. And now the warning. Called Seattle Coffee Gear to inquire about a service fix as the machine is leaking some water on each brewing. Imo probably a simple fix with a gasket. It's not like scalding water is speinklering out at me. SeaCofGear said call Breville. So after an hour plus wait Breville finally answer and say SeaCofGear is their local repair entity. So back to trying to get through SeaCofGear repair. 2x I'm starting the hold cue listening to my position get closer to front of the line. Both times, just after 25 minutes of hold the system jumps back on saying I'm outside business hours and drops the call. Third time in I call sales which picks up after a couple rings and run around run around says to just call service again. So here's the prob - service won't answer, SeaCofGearfirst said call Breville, Breville says call SeaCofGear, and boom Joseph Heller Catch-22. If you buy one of these from SeaCofGear and Breville for $2100+ pray you'll never have a problem because neither SeaCofGear nor Breville will service the thing and you'll now have a brand new (slightly used) shiny paperweight. This is the first $2100 paperweight I've ever bought but can assure you it's the last. And to think I was so high on SeaCofGear and Breville quality. Why buy the nice stuff when it has no backing? Here's the paperweight shot of this obviously overpriced thing

Grinder Limiting Potential

I bought this last month. Overall, I’m happy with 1/2 of the machine. The brewing capabilities and steaming functions are great.The only downside is the grinder. I have no problems with dark and medium roasts, but when I tried grinding lighter roasts from a local roaster, the grinder jammed, making loud ratchet sounds. After cleaning the burrs, grind chamber, exit chute, and tamp fan twice, the grinder was still jamming. Even after adjusting the grind size over 30 (1-45, 45 coarsest) where the espresso just waterfalls out of the portafilter, it still jammed.I concluded that I have to avoid light roasts in this machine as lighter roasted beans are more dense. The grinder motor just doesn’t have the torque to break through it. With the price of this machine, I’m ... MoreI bought this last month. Overall, I’m happy with 1/2 of the machine. The brewing capabilities and steaming functions are great.The only downside is the grinder. I have no problems with dark and medium roasts, but when I tried grinding lighter roasts from a local roaster, the grinder jammed, making loud ratchet sounds. After cleaning the burrs, grind chamber, exit chute, and tamp fan twice, the grinder was still jamming. Even after adjusting the grind size over 30 (1-45, 45 coarsest) where the espresso just waterfalls out of the portafilter, it still jammed.I concluded that I have to avoid light roasts in this machine as lighter roasted beans are more dense. The grinder motor just doesn’t have the torque to break through it. With the price of this machine, I’m disappointed that the grinder is this weak, considering the grinder is the most important element of making good coffee.

Love our Oracle

How do I feel about our new Breville ‘The Oracle’ BES980 Espresso maker - Just fabulous! I love the ease of using it and the coffee it makes is amazing.So why did I choose ‘The Oracle’. I wanted a machine that was easy to use but produced a great espresso cafe grade coffee. The BES980 met the requirements, almost fully automatic without mechanical complication. Is based on the well-known Breville Dual Boiler, with the addition of an internal grinder, auto dosing & tamping. A 58mm portafilter, with group head, fully automatic milk texturing using a traditional milk jug. And this model has a been made for several years, so it has demonstrated reliability, backed up by Breville Australia.A big bonus is that my wife, who only drank instant coffee at home, loves the ... MoreHow do I feel about our new Breville ‘The Oracle’ BES980 Espresso maker - Just fabulous! I love the ease of using it and the coffee it makes is amazing.So why did I choose ‘The Oracle’. I wanted a machine that was easy to use but produced a great espresso cafe grade coffee. The BES980 met the requirements, almost fully automatic without mechanical complication. Is based on the well-known Breville Dual Boiler, with the addition of an internal grinder, auto dosing & tamping. A 58mm portafilter, with group head, fully automatic milk texturing using a traditional milk jug. And this model has a been made for several years, so it has demonstrated reliability, backed up by Breville Australia.A big bonus is that my wife, who only drank instant coffee at home, loves the Latte made by 'Our Oracle' - life is good!

Makes great espresso and cappuccino but do not expect a worry-free machine

I entered in to my relationship with the Oracle BES980XL in December 2015. The BES980XL, however, is like an unfaithful lover; when it behaves it makes the most exquisite espresso and cappuccino. But without warning you are on your own!My first copy of the BES980XL went back under warranty after about 18 months. By 2019 the machine went back to Breville again, this time out of warranty, at a cost $500 to me. Breville sent me a new unit with a 6 month warranty. Three years later I am looking at another $500 to have the machine repaired! The machine will trip the GFCI breaker when heating up and then go back to normal for a few weeks. The machine will trip the GFCI when grinding coffee and then go back to normal for a few weeks. While turned on and sitting idle, ... MoreI entered in to my relationship with the Oracle BES980XL in December 2015. The BES980XL, however, is like an unfaithful lover; when it behaves it makes the most exquisite espresso and cappuccino. But without warning you are on your own!My first copy of the BES980XL went back under warranty after about 18 months. By 2019 the machine went back to Breville again, this time out of warranty, at a cost $500 to me. Breville sent me a new unit with a 6 month warranty. Three years later I am looking at another $500 to have the machine repaired! The machine will trip the GFCI breaker when heating up and then go back to normal for a few weeks. The machine will trip the GFCI when grinding coffee and then go back to normal for a few weeks. While turned on and sitting idle, without warning one of the solenoids will fire off like a jack hammer and won’t stop until the machine is unplugged! After an hour the machine becomes operable. Now the tamper is not working properly! I think my relationship with the Breville BES980XL is coming to an end. I have faithfully maintained both machines, cleaning and descaling them as soon as the reminder messages came on. I will be looking at other options before I hand over another $500 for an unreliable machine.

My 2nd Oracle and still loving it

I've been upgrading Breville machines for about 15 years, and jumped on this one 5 years ago when it first came out.It checks all the boxes, dual boiler, consistent milk frothing, grinder and automated features that makes it easy to use. If you're picky, it allows you to adjust every setting (milk frothing, milk temperature, brew temperature, tamper force, grind grain, pre-infusing time, water force, amount, etc).After 5 years of use I had a bittersweet experience, where its brewing temperature wouldn't go above 160F, after a descaling cycle. I upgraded to the Oracle Touch (this model is/was soldout), but after experiencing issues with its touch screen I ended up returning it. My wife convinced me to call Breville to try to repair the original Oracle (I thought ... MoreI've been upgrading Breville machines for about 15 years, and jumped on this one 5 years ago when it first came out.It checks all the boxes, dual boiler, consistent milk frothing, grinder and automated features that makes it easy to use. If you're picky, it allows you to adjust every setting (milk frothing, milk temperature, brew temperature, tamper force, grind grain, pre-infusing time, water force, amount, etc).After 5 years of use I had a bittersweet experience, where its brewing temperature wouldn't go above 160F, after a descaling cycle. I upgraded to the Oracle Touch (this model is/was soldout), but after experiencing issues with its touch screen I ended up returning it. My wife convinced me to call Breville to try to repair the original Oracle (I thought it would be a waste of time because the machine was out of warranty) after emailing them, Breville support offered to service it for $500 (upfront). A couple of weeks later Breville emailed me that the machine was not repairable and instead they shipped a replacement, exact same model (seems like new, but not sure).Bittersweet experience aside, the machine consistently makes awesome coffee, americanos, cappuccinos, etc. Easily beats any chain coffee house. It is an integral part of my household's morning routine, while the automated grinder and tamper fills the portal filter, I am cracking eggs, simultaneously, the automated frother foams and heats up the milk to my specified settings, while I am beating the eggs, the Oracle pours the most creamy brew, while I am cooking eggs I am enjoying a luxurious cappuccino, the routine goes on and on doing three others coffees for my wife and two daughters, 365 days of the year. In the weekends, my wife and I look forward to getting up in the morning and enjoy the coffees this machine poors. It saved us during the COVID lockdown, it is a small luxury and sets the tone for the day.

Poor build quality. This machine keeps breaking down

I thought long and hard before buying this machine, because I really wanted a quality machine that would allow me to make great coffees and I had serious doubts this was a good option. Initially, I did not think the brand was worth considering especially at this price point. However, I ended up buying it mainly because I also needed a machine that would allow my wife and daughter to easily make their own coffees when I'm away from home, so this machine seemed to be a practical choice. I confirmed my decision after watching a video review on this site. I knew it wasn't the best option in terms of the actual quality of the coffee shots I would be able to make, but according to the video review it was good enough and provided the practicality and ease-of-use that I was ... MoreI thought long and hard before buying this machine, because I really wanted a quality machine that would allow me to make great coffees and I had serious doubts this was a good option. Initially, I did not think the brand was worth considering especially at this price point. However, I ended up buying it mainly because I also needed a machine that would allow my wife and daughter to easily make their own coffees when I'm away from home, so this machine seemed to be a practical choice. I confirmed my decision after watching a video review on this site. I knew it wasn't the best option in terms of the actual quality of the coffee shots I would be able to make, but according to the video review it was good enough and provided the practicality and ease-of-use that I was looking for.After 3 months of use, the machine started to do funny things on its own, like steaming on its own out of the blue with no way to stop it. Another time, when trying to make an espresso, the machine simply started to make americanos while steaming at the same time! These things started to happen more and more and now the machine totally broke down and it won't start at all.It's only been four months since I bought it, I only make three coffees in the morning a day in average, and this thing can't seem to handle it! Avoid buying this machine and buy a proper espresso machine from a good quality brand. Breville is clearly trying to punch way above its weight and can't simply play in this space. I sorely regret my decision and have no idea what I'm going to do as I can't spend another $2K on a coffee machine now and want to get rid of this one. Don't make the same mistake!!!

Review after 9 months of use

I purchased this Breville Oracle for my wife for our 20th anniversary. She is the coffee connoisseur and I thought she would really love it. She has used it for roughly 2 cups of coffee per day for the past 9 months. We've taken excellent care of it and only used soft water (less minerals) and performed the required cleanings. This week it stopped pumping water. I looked in the manual and it says it could be out of water. It is full, I made sure of that! After viewing YouTube videos on this model for the possible culprit, it looks like the pump and or solenoids have gone bad and it looks like the parts have been discontinued. This is extremely frustrating due to the price paid for this coffee machine after reading the good reviews it had. Any help you could lend, ... MoreI purchased this Breville Oracle for my wife for our 20th anniversary. She is the coffee connoisseur and I thought she would really love it. She has used it for roughly 2 cups of coffee per day for the past 9 months. We've taken excellent care of it and only used soft water (less minerals) and performed the required cleanings. This week it stopped pumping water. I looked in the manual and it says it could be out of water. It is full, I made sure of that! After viewing YouTube videos on this model for the possible culprit, it looks like the pump and or solenoids have gone bad and it looks like the parts have been discontinued. This is extremely frustrating due to the price paid for this coffee machine after reading the good reviews it had. Any help you could lend, might be able to change our opinion of the quality and durability of this design. What is Crate & Barrel's exchange policy in this situation? Thank you very much.

quality control seems to be slipping. support has been challenging.

been using breville coffee machines for a long time - previous machines lasted many years.this time around, we had issues with the product after a few weeks - the grinder failed and was unusable.we got a replacement, eventually, however this new machine is quite noisy - the water pump vibrates the benchtop and the cup now has to be held in place to stop it jumping around the tray. the machine it replaced was smooth and a pleasure in this regard.claiming the bonus gift has been a challenge that is still ongoing - its being withheld because of a technicality.the guidelines for a review says not to call out these sorts of challenges, but there's not many support options to do so.i want to love it, but so far the experience has not been great.