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The Breville The Oracle BES980 automates grinding, dosing, tamping and milk texturing while retaining adjustable espresso settings and a manual milk-texturing option. It is designed for people who want a more guided espresso workflow without giving up every hands-on choice. Its large footprint and premium US listed price make counter space and budget central to the buying decision.
What is the Breville Oracle BES980?
The BES980—commonly listed in the United States as the BES980XL—is a dual-boiler espresso machine with an integrated conical-burr grinder and a 58mm portafilter. Breville describes its core automation this way: “The Oracle has automatic grinding, dosing, tamping and milk texturing.” That is the manufacturer’s description of its features, not an independent performance finding. Keep this model distinct from the Oracle Touch and newer Oracle Dual Boiler and Oracle Jet products; similar names do not mean identical workflows or specifications. Breville’s BES980XL product page
How much does it automate?
Espresso preparation
The integrated grinder and automatic dosing and tamping reduce the amount of puck preparation you do manually. You can adjust the grind, choose volumetric or timed shot controls, and program shot temperature. The machine also has low-pressure pre-infusion, PID temperature control, an over-pressure valve and a shot clock, according to the BES980 instruction manual. These are design features; they do not by themselves establish how consistently or well the machine makes espresso.
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Automatic milk texturing is available, with programmable milk temperature and texture. The manual also describes manual milk texturing, giving experienced users an option beyond the automatic cycle. The dual boilers are intended to let the machine extract espresso and steam milk at the same time. It also includes an Americano setting and hot-water function. The steam wand automatically purges when lowered, and the manual describes auto-start and auto-off features.
#1 Best Overall
- MANUAL HAND-TEXTURED MICROFOAM: The powerful steam wand on this cappuccino maker and latte machine is designed to quickly turn milk into smooth, flavorful microfoam for creating latte art at home
- PRECISE DOSE GRINDING: Integrated precision conical burr grinder on bean-to-cup espresso machine grinds on demand to deliver correct amount of freshly ground coffee directly into portafilter for your preferred taste with any roast of bean
- WATER PRESSURE: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and draws out all the flavors evenly during the extraction for a balanced-tasting espresso, latte or cappuccino
- RECEIVE 2 FREE BAGS OF SPECIALTY COFFEE: Included when you purchase and register any Breville coffee machine; T&Cs apply
- PRECISE ESPRESSO EXTRACTION: Digital temperature regulation (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, so espresso coffee maker allows for precise espresso extraction
US specifications, price and included items
Breville’s US listings provide the following figures and included accessories. They are US listing details, not universal specifications; check the listing for your region and the current price before buying.
| Item | US listing |
|---|---|
| Price | $2,199.95 on Breville’s US comparison page at the time of the cited listing; retailer prices may differ. |
| Warranty | Two years on Breville’s US comparison page. |
| Dimensions | 18 × 16 × 14.4 in (W × D × H), on the US product listing. |
| Water tank | 84 oz, on the US product listing. |
| Bean hopper | ½ lb, on the US product listing. |
| Portafilter and baskets | 58mm stainless-steel portafilter and single-wall filter baskets. |
| Listed accessories | 16 oz milk jug, cleaning kit, water-hardness strip, water-filter holder and filter. |
Specifications and listed accessories are from Breville’s US product page; price and warranty are from Breville’s US comparison page.
Rank #2
- 【All-in-One Home Barista Experience】- This Spacekey espresso coffee machine combines a built-in conical burr grinder, a 20-bar professional pump, and a powerful steam wand. Go from whole beans to a perfect espresso, creamy latte, or refreshing iced coffee in minutes. Everything you need for a complete home café experience. Perfect for both beginners and enthusiasts.
- 【Precision Grinding with Zero Clogging】 - Featuring our patented anti-clog grinding system with 30 adjustable settings, achieve the perfect grind size for any roast. The built-in coffee grinder ensures consistent grounds with minimal retention to unlock the full flavor profile of any bean, ensuring each cup is perfectly extracted, eliminates the cost and hassle of pre-ground coffee or a separate grinder.
- 【20Bar Precision Extraction with Intelligent Control】 - Say goodbye to bitter or sour shots with our 1350W motor and advanced 20Bar high-pressure pump. The built-in PID technology maintains water temperature with surgical precision. Our smart pre-infusion system allows the coffee to "bloom," for a smoother, more nuanced espresso that fills the room with fragrance.
- 【From Iced Americano to Hot Cappuccino】 - Equipped with a powerful steam wand, this espresso machine with milk frother creates velvety lattes, rich cappuccinos, flat whites and more. And the dedicated cold brew function allows you to make smooth iced coffee. One machine for all your cravings—giving you endless possibilities to perfect your favorite coffee creations.
- 【Compact & User-Friendly Design】- Our Espresso Machine measures 11.6 x 9 x 14 inches (L x W x H). Designed to fit modern kitchens, apartments, and offices. This coffee maker features a removable 61oz water tank and easy-clean components for low-maintenance daily use. The vibrant LED display with real-time heating indicator allows for effortless monitoring and operation.
Regional listings are not interchangeable
Country-specific listings use different currencies and may present specifications differently. For example, CHOICE’s Australian listing reports AUD $2,749, dimensions of 45 × 41 × 38 cm (H × W × D), a 2.5 L tank and a weight of 17.1 kg. Those figures should not be mixed with Breville’s US listing as if they were one universal specification set. CHOICE’s detailed test results are member-only in the available listing, so no performance score or outcome is established here. CHOICE espresso machine listings
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A good fit if you want guided preparation
- You want to use whole beans and reduce hands-on puck preparation.
- You make espresso-and-milk drinks and value automatic milk texturing, while still having the option to texture milk manually.
- You want adjustable grind, shot and milk settings rather than a completely fixed one-touch routine.
Consider another workflow if…
- Your counter space is limited: the US listing’s dimensions are 18 × 16 × 14.4 in, before allowing room for access and use.
- Your budget is tight: Breville’s US comparison page listed the machine at $2,199.95 when cited.
- You prefer to weigh, distribute and tamp every dose yourself. The BES980’s automation reduces those manual steps rather than centering them.
These fit judgments follow from the listed features, dimensions and US price; they are not conclusions from hands-on testing. A separate grinder and manual espresso machine can offer a more hands-on workflow, but the right comparison depends on the specific models.
Rank #3
- MANUAL HAND-TEXTURED MICROFOAM: The powerful steam wand on this cappuccino maker and latte machine is designed to quickly turn milk into smooth, flavorful microfoam for creating latte art at home
- PRECISE DOSE GRINDING: Integrated precision conical burr grinder on bean-to-cup espresso machine grinds on demand to deliver correct amount of freshly ground coffee directly into portafilter for your preferred taste with any roast of bean
- WATER PRESSURE: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and draws out all the flavors evenly during the extraction for a balanced-tasting espresso, latte or cappuccino
- RECEIVE 2 FREE BAGS OF SPECIALTY COFFEE: Included when you purchase and register any Breville coffee machine; T&Cs apply
- PRECISE ESPRESSO EXTRACTION: Digital temperature regulation (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, so espresso coffee maker allows for precise espresso extraction
Maintenance and optional accessories
The US product listing includes a water filter and cleaning kit, and the instruction manual covers operation and cleaning. Match replacement filters and cleaning products to the exact regional BES980 model, and follow the current manual. Whole beans are the natural input for its integrated grinder. A bottomless portafilter can be useful as an optional practice or diagnostic accessory; Whole Latte Love lists its Breville BES058NP as compatible with the 980XL, but verify current fit and availability before purchase. Whole Latte Love’s BES058NP listing
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is not established about performance?
The available sources establish manufacturer-described features and listed specifications, but they do not establish the BES980’s espresso taste, shot consistency, milk-texture quality, noise, repair rates, longevity or value in day-to-day use. CHOICE has a BES980 test listing, but its detailed results are not accessible in the cited extract. Treat feature descriptions as capabilities, not proof of cup quality or reliability.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- All-in-One Espresso Machine–Whether you prefer rich espresso, cappuccino, latte, Americano, or iced coffee, this machine has you covered. It also lets you choose single or double shots to match your preferred coffee strength and brewing style, catering to your personal preferences and making it easy to become a barista at home.
- Espresso Machine with Milk Frother Steam Wand–Elevate home coffee with this semi-auto’s built-in manual steam wand, designed to hand-texture rich, velvety microfoam for lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos—perfect for latte art. Detachable steam wand rinses clean in seconds (no sticky residue). Enjoy barista-level foam at home—great coffee deserves it.
- Espresso Machine with Conical Burr Grinder–Brew better with our conical burr grinder: 10 grind settings (from espresso to French press) ensure consistent flavor. The removable burr rinses clean in 10s (tool-free), preventing stuck grounds. Crafted with 3Cr13 stainless steel burrs, it resists corrosion and lasts for over 10,000 cups. Its straight-through design prevents bean jams, while dual anti-static tech (ionizer + ring) eliminates mess. Great grinds, great coffee—engineered to perform
- High-Pressure Extraction–Our espresso machine features a professional 20-bar water pump and a powerful 1350W motor, paired with pre-infusion technology to fully saturate coffee grounds. Compared to 15-bar machines, it extracts richer coffee oils, resulting in a more aromatic and flavorful cup.
- Full Touchscreen Control–Simply tap the LED panel to enjoy bold coffee instantly. The full touchscreen design simplifies the brewing process, saving time and making it easier than ever to craft delicious espresso.
Rank #4
- 20 Bar Pump + 1350W Heating – Start Faster, Brew with More Control 20 Bar Pump + 1350W Heating – Start Faster, Brew with More Control: The pump sends pressurized hot water through finely ground coffee, while the heating system reduces the wait before brewing. With the right grind, dose, and tamp, a typical espresso shot runs for about 25–30 seconds once preheated, making single or double shots easier to prepare at home.
- 3–10s Pre-Infusion – Help Water Reach the Grounds More Evenly: Choose a pre-infusion time from 3 to 10 seconds to gently wet the coffee before extraction begins. When switching beans, roast levels, or grind sizes, this added control helps water move more evenly through the grounds and makes shot results easier to adjust.
- Built-In Grinder with 20 Settings – Grind and Brew in One Machine: Choose from 20 grind settings to match different beans, roast levels, and espresso recipes. Whether trying a new bag of coffee or adjusting how quickly the shot flows, the built-in grinder keeps grinding and brewing in one setup, saving counter space and preparation time.
- 3-Level PID Control, 197–205°F – Adjust Heat to Your Coffee: Choose from three brewing temperatures to match different roast levels and flavor preferences. Adjust the temperature for straight espresso, milk drinks, or iced espresso drinks, while PID control helps keep the water temperature steadier so each cup is easier to repeat.
- Steam Wand for Lattes & Cappuccinos – Make Milk Drinks at Home: Use the steam wand to heat and texture milk for lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based drinks. With the grinder, espresso brewer, and steam wand combined in one machine, you can prepare morning coffee or drinks for guests without adding separate appliances.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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