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Breville Oracle Dual Boiler Espresso Machine

Breville Oracle Dual Boiler Espresso Machine

Breville's most advanced machine to date, the Breville Oracle Dual Boiler takes the guesswork out of home espresso. The Oracle DB packs in powerful software, automatic grind adjustment, dosing, tamping, brewing, and steaming—all with the hardware prowess to back it up.

Inside, you'll find Breville's tried-and-true dual boiler setup with an additional group heater for consistent extractions, an air-injecting steam wand with built-in thermometer, and a 45-step electronically adjusting grinder. Star of the show is Breville's new Auto Dial-In function, which algorithmically tests dose, volume, and time and electronically adjusts the grind to keep you dialed in at all times. Key to these auto functions is the Oracle DB's auto mode, while a swipe up on the screen puts you in manual mode where you can control grind and shot controls on your own. 

Other maintenance-first functionality include programming for backflushing, steam cleaning, and boiler draining; alongside user-focused niceties like auto-on and -off scheduling, Breville+ app connectivity, a pop-out wheel to move the machine, and a front-fill water tank.

Warranty
2 Year Manufacturer Warranty
What's In The Box
Breville Oracle (BES980) espresso machine with integrated grinder, 58mm stainless steel portafilter, Stainless steel milk jug, The Knock Box 10, Burr cleaning brush, Grind outlet brush and tamp removal magnet, Cleaning tool for steam wand, Allen key, Cleaning disc, Espresso cleaning tablets, Descaling powder, Steam wand cleaning powder, Water filter holder with filter, Water hardness test strip, Single wall filter baskets (1 cup & 2 cup), Power cord

Setup & First Use

Before first use, remove all labels and packaging. The Oracle has a top-fill 84 fl.oz (2.5L) removable water tank with an integrated water filter and backlit level indicator. Remove the water filter bag from the tank, soak the filter for 5 minutes, install in the holder, and seat in the tank. Fill the tank using the top-fill lid or by removing the tank from the back. Wash the portafilter, filter basket, and milk jug with warm water and gentle dish soap.

Press POWER. The LCD displays 'Hrd3' prompting you to set water hardness. Use the included test strip — dip in your fill water for one minute and match the red squares to the scale. Rotate the SELECT dial to set the hardness level (Hrd1–Hrd5) and press the SELECT dial to confirm. If water hardness tests at 4 or 5, use filtered spring water to protect the machine and improve taste.

The Oracle automatically grinds, doses, and tamps every shot. After setup, fill the ½lb (approximately 225g) bean hopper, lock it into position, and set the Grind Size dial — start at No. 30 (midpoint) and adjust from there. On first use, run a few test shots to establish your grind baseline before fine-tuning.

The Oracle features dedicated espresso and steam boilers for simultaneous extraction and milk texturing, an actively heated 58mm group head, and Dual Pumps for stable pressure in both circuits.

Tutorials & Training

Auto Grind, Dose and Tamp

The Oracle automatically grinds the correct amount of coffee, doses it into the portafilter, and tamps it — all with one action. Place the portafilter under the grind outlet, and the machine handles the rest. After the auto-tamp cycle, a tamp removal magnet is included with the grind outlet brush to safely remove the tamping mechanism if needed for cleaning. The puck comes out neatly leveled and tamped, consistent every time.

Grind Size Adjustment

The Grind Size dial on the front of the Oracle adjusts grind coarseness for the integrated conical burrs. Start at No. 30 and adjust based on shot time — finer (lower number) for slower shots, coarser (higher number) for faster shots. Adjust one step at a time; changes take effect after 1–2 shots as the previous grind clears from the chamber. The Grind LCD shows the current setting.

Simultaneous Extraction and Steaming

With dedicated espresso and steam boilers, the Oracle can pull a shot and texture milk at the same time. Start the shot with the 1 or 2 Cup button, then move the Steam lever to the auto milk texturing position (down) or manual position (up) simultaneously. No temperature recovery is needed between functions — both boilers maintain their set temperatures independently.

Automatic Milk Texturing

Lower the steam wand to the automatic position and the Oracle textures milk hands-free to your selected temperature and texture settings (using the SELECT dial and Steam LCD). The cool-touch steam wand has an integrated temperature sensor that stops steaming automatically when target temperature is reached. Automatic purge removes residual milk from the wand when it's returned to the downward position.

Manual Milk Texturing

For manual control, lift the steam lever to the upward (manual) position. The wand steams as long as the lever is held up. Use this mode for full control over stretch, swirl, and temperature.

Americano Function

The AMERICANO dial on the front panel allows preset or customizable hot water volumes delivered directly into the cup after espresso extraction — fully programmable through the main LCD.

Shot Temperature and PID

Brew temperature is programmable through the main LCD. The actively heated 58mm group head with embedded element provides commercial-level thermal stability during extraction. Adjust temperature based on roast: lighter roasts benefit from higher temps (200–205°F); darker roasts often pull better at 190–197°F. The shot clock displays extraction duration on the main LCD.

Knock Box

The included Knock Box 10 is sized for home use. Position it beside the machine for quick puck disposal after each shot.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Daily — After Each Session

Discard the puck, rinse the portafilter and basket, wipe the group head and tamp area, purge and wipe the steam wand. Empty the drip tray.

Weekly — Cleaning Cycle and Burrs

Run the group head cleaning cycle when the CLEAN/DESCALE indicator illuminates. Use the included cleaning disc and espresso cleaning tablet. Use the burr cleaning brush to clear loose grounds from the grinder outlet and burr area. The grind outlet brush with the tamp magnet allows safe clearing of the auto-tamp mechanism.

Steam Wand Cleaning

Use the included steam wand cleaning powder periodically to deep-clean the auto-purge pathway. Follow the procedure in the Oracle instruction book. Use the steam wand cleaning tool to clear blocked tip holes.

Water Filter and Descaling

Replace the water filter every 3 months or at the 'CHANGE FILTER' alert. Descale when the CLEAN/DESCALE alert indicates a descaling cycle is required. Turn off and cool for at least 1 hour before beginning. Use Breville descaling powder and follow the full procedure in the instruction book.

Troubleshooting

No Coffee Flow / Very Slow Flow

Grind is too fine, dose is too high, or tamp is too firm. Adjust grind 1–2 settings coarser, reduce dose by 1–2g, or reduce tamping pressure. If using single wall baskets, the grind and dose must be dialed in precisely — switch to dual wall baskets for more forgiving extraction while dialing in.

Coffee Running Too Fast / Weak Flavor

Grind is too coarse, dose is too low, or tamp is too light. Adjust grind 1–2 settings finer and ensure the dose fills the basket correctly. Use the Razor trimming tool (if included) to verify dose level is correct before tamping.

Espresso Too Bitter

Over-extraction — grind coarser, reduce dose, or lower brew temperature. Check that the machine has fully heated before pulling a shot; pulling on a cold machine extracts unevenly. Also verify the group head and portafilter are clean — residual oils cause bitterness.

Espresso Not Hot Enough

Preheat your cups — place them on the cup warming tray or fill with hot water and discard before brewing. Ensure the machine has fully heated before extracting. Run a blank shot (no coffee) through the group head to bring it to temperature if it has been idle.

No Steam / Weak Steam

Allow the machine to fully heat to steam-ready temperature before attempting to steam. Check that the steam wand tip holes are not blocked — use the cleaning pin to clear them. If steam pressure has decreased over time, descaling is likely needed.

CLEAN / DESCALE Light On

Run the prompted cleaning or descaling cycle immediately. Do not continue brewing through a maintenance alert — the Oracle requires cleaning to maintain performance and component longevity. Follow the on-machine prompts or refer to the Care & Cleaning section of the instruction book.

Machine Won't Start

Ensure the water tank is filled above the minimum line and properly seated. Confirm the portafilter is fully locked into the group head — the machine will not start if the portafilter is not secured. Check that the power cord is fully connected.

Warranty and Support

Breville products carry a 1-year limited product warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. For warranty service or support, call Breville at 1-866-BREVILLE (1-866-273-8455) or visit breville.com.

About Breville

Breville

About Breville

Breville’s range of espresso machines, drip brewers, and grinders seek to make gourmet coffee easier in the home. From the perfect starter espresso machine to smart, powerful brewers, Breville brings something for everyone. Founded in 1932, Breville is known for producing espresso machines, drip brewers, and grinders that embrace usability without sacrificing performance.
Brand warranty information

What it Covers: Breville espresso machines, grinders and blenders

Length: 2 Years (Covers Bambino Plus, Barista Pro, Barista Express Impress, Barista Touch, Barista Touch Impress, Dual Boiler, Dynamic Duo, Oracle, Oracle Touch, Oracle Jet, and Precision Brewers), 1 Year (Covers Bambino, Barista Express, Grind Control, Milk Cafe, and Smart Grinder Pro)

Who Supports the Warranty: Breville USA

Warranty Contact Information: 866-273-8455

Can SCG Repair? Yes (excluding Bambino models and grinders) Read more about our repair services.

Note: Please register your product with Breville for warranty support.

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