The Breville 860 (Barista Express) and the Breville 900 (Oracle) are both high-performance espresso machines from Breville, but they cater to very different users. The 860 is a semi-automatic machine that offers hands-on control and a built-in grinder for aspiring home baristas, while the 900 series is a highly automated machine that handles grinding, dosing, tamping, and milk frothing for push-button convenience and consistency at a premium price.
Here's everything you need to know about these two machines to decide which one is right for your kitchen countertop.
Breville 860 (Barista Express)
The Barista Express is an all-in-one, semi-automatic espresso machine that has become a gateway for coffee lovers looking to master the craft of espresso. It combines a conical burr grinder, precise temperature control, and a manual steam wand in a compact and user-friendly package. It gives you direct control over the variables that create a great shot, like grind size and dose.
- What it is: A semi-automatic, all-in-one espresso machine with an integrated burr grinder.
- Key features: Built-in conical burr grinder, dose-control grinding cradle, precise water temperature control (PID), high-pressure steam for manual milk texturing, pressure gauge for dialing in espresso extraction.
- Price: Around $700 - $900.
- Dimensions: Approximately 12.5" x 12.6" x 13.1".
- Materials/Construction: Durable stainless steel housing with some high-quality plastic components. Comes with a sturdy stainless steel portafilter and accessories.
- Style: Modern and compact with intuitive, analog controls that look clean and professional on a countertop.
- Pros: Excellent value for an all-in-one machine. Offers great control over the espresso-making process. The built-in grinder saves space and money. It teaches you the fundamentals of espresso.
- Cons: Has a notable learning curve for beginners. Results can be inconsistent until you master your technique. Not as fast or convenient as super-automatic machines.
This machine is ideal for a new home barista who wants to enjoy the craft of making their own espresso and welcomes the hands-on experience of dialing in the perfect shot.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes870.html
Breville 900 (Oracle)
The Oracle represents the pinnacle of home espresso automation, blending the quality of a commercial machine with the ease of a one-touch system. It's designed to eliminate guesswork by automatically grinding, dosing, and tamping the coffee for you. The Oracle also features a dual boiler system and an automated steam wand that froths milk to your exact preferred temperature and texture.
- What it is: An automatic espresso machine that automates the most difficult parts of espresso making.
- Key features: Automatic grinding, dosing, and tamping. Dual stainless steel boilers for simultaneous extraction and steaming. Automatic milk texturing wand. Programmable shot temperatures and volumes.
- Price: Typically ranges from $1,200 to $2,000+.
- Dimensions: Approximately 14.5" x 14.7" x 17.6".
- Materials/Construction: Premium stainless steel construction designed for heavy, frequent use and long-term durability. Features commercial-grade components and internal mechanics.
- Style: High-tech and imposing, with a professional look featuring a digital display and a much larger footprint. It makes a statement as a dedicated coffee station.
- Pros: Delivers extremely consistent, café-quality results with minimal effort. Dual boilers offer rapid performance. Automates difficult tasks like tamping and milk frothing perfectly. Premium, durable build.
- Cons: Very high price point. Limited manual control for users who enjoy the craft. Takes up significant counter space. More complex internal parts could lead to more expensive repairs.
The Oracle is for the coffee enthusiast who wants consistently excellent espresso and lattes every morning without the time, learning curve, and mess of a manual process.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes980.html
Breville 860 vs. 900 Comparison
Brewing Experience & Control
This is the most significant difference between the two machines. The Barista Express 860 is a semi-automatic machine that puts you in the driver's seat. You control the grind dose, you do the tamping, and you time the shot extraction. This hands-on process is rewarding and educational but requires practice to achieve consistent results. It's perfect for someone who considers coffee a hobby.
In contrast, the Oracle 900 is all about automation and repeatability. It automatically handles the grinding, dosing, and tamping - three of the trickiest variables for home baristas to master. Even its steam wand can automatically produce perfectly textured microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos. You simply choose your drink, and the machine delivers with precision every time, making it ideal for busy households or people who prioritize simple, great coffee.
Dimensions & Scale
The Barista Express 860 has a much more kitchen-friendly footprint, measuring roughly 12.5" x 12.6" x 13.1". Its compact, all-in-one design allows it to fit on most countertops without dominating the space. Its visual weight is sleek and modern, blending in well with other appliances.
The Oracle 900 is a much larger and heavier machine, at roughly 14.5" x 14.7" x 17.6". It demands a dedicated spot on your counter and has the feel of a serious, almost-commercial appliance. If you have a coffee bar or ample counter space, its pro-level aesthetic is a benefit, otherwise, its size could be a serious drawback.
Materials & Construction
Both machines are built with Breville's signature stainless steel and focus on heat stability and durability. The 860 is robust and reliable for daily home use, with a solid build that stands up well over time. However, the Oracle 900 operates in a higher class. It features more premium materials overall, dual boilers for professional-grade speed, and commercial-grade components designed to withstand even more frequent use.
Price & Value
With a price tag around $700-$900, the Barista Express 860 offers tremendous value. For under $1,000, you get an integrated grinder and a capable espresso maker that can produce fantastic coffee once you've learned to use it. It's a sound investment for anyone serious about getting into the espresso hobby.
The Oracle 900 is positioned at a much higher price point, often exceeding $2,000. While expensive, it justifies the cost with its consistency, speed, and advanced technology. The value here is in its incredible convenience and the guarantee of a perfect shot every time without fail. It effectively removes barista error from the equation.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these Breville machines are a fantastic choice, but they suit completely different priorities.
Choose the Breville 860 (Barista Express) if:
- You want to learn the authentic craft of making espresso.
- You enjoy having hands-on control over your coffee-making process.
- Your budget is under $1,000.
- You have limited counter space and need a more compact machine.
- You see making coffee as a rewarding personal ritual.
Choose the Breville 900 (Oracle) if:
- You prioritize speed, convenience, and absolute consistency.
- You want café-quality results without the learning curve or effort.
- You have a budget of $2,000 or more to invest in a premium appliance.
- The idea of automatic grinding, tamping, and milk frothing sounds like a dream.
- You view your espresso machine as a tool for quick brilliant results, not a hobby.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Breville 860 and 900?
The main difference is the level of automation. The 860 is semi-automatic, requiring you to manually control grind dose and tamping, giving you a hands-on experience. The larger and more expensive 900 is a fully automatic machine that handles grinding, dosing, tamping, and milk frothing for consistent results with push-button simplicity.
Which machine is better for beginners?
This depends on the beginner's goals. The Oracle 900 is easier to use right out of the box and guarantees a good drink immediately. The Barista Express 860 is better for beginners who want to actually learn the skill and craft of making espresso, though it has a steeper learning curve.
Do both machines have built-in grinders?
Yes, both the 860 and 900 feature integrated conical burr grinders. This all-in-one design saves counter space and ensures you're always using freshly ground coffee beans.
Is the Breville 900 worth the extra money?
For users who value convenience, consistency, and speed above all, the features of the Oracle 900 absolutely justify the higher cost. If you're busy in the mornings and just want a perfect latte "to go," it's worth the price. If you enjoy the process and are working on a tighter budget, the 860 offers much better value.
How much counter space do I need for these machines?
The Breville 860 is fairly compact for what it offers, needing a space around 13 inches deep and wide. The Breville 900 is significantly larger, requiring a dedicated spot of at least 15 inches deep and wide, and it's also much taller, so check your cabinet clearance.
Since the 900 is automatic, is its coffee better than the coffee from the 860?
Not necessarily. The Oracle 900 produces more consistent coffee by eliminating user error. However, a skilled user with the Barista Express 860 can dial in their variables perfectly and potentially pull a shot that is tailored exactly to their taste, which some may consider "better." The 900's ceiling is consistently great, while the 860's ceiling depends on your skill.
How much maintenance do these machines require?
Both machines require regular maintenance. This includes daily cleanup of the portafilter and steam wand, plus periodic descaling, backflushing with cleaning tablets, and changing the water filter. The procedures are straightforward for both, and Breville provides clear instructions.
Can you make cappuccinos and lattes on both machines?
Yes, both machines are equipped with powerful steam wands capable of creating finely textured microfoam for lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, and other milk-based drinks.
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