Breville Oracle vs Delonghi La Specialista Review: 2 Best Super-Automatic And Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines

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In the comparison between two products Breville Oracle vs Delonghi La Specialista, it is very clear that Breville Oracle wins hands down. The price of Breville Oracle may blow your mind, but the features and capabilities make it truly worth the cost to become the winner. This super-automatic espresso machine has more impressive features than the competition such as a triple heat system, PID, customized espresso shots,…

Nevertheless, the runner-up Delonghi La Specialista is also a worthy choice. That’s because of the features it provides, including sensor grinding, integrated smart tamping, and a dual heating system. It is ideal for beginners looking for an attractive semi-automatic espresso machine

Breville Oracle vs Delonghi La Specialista: Comparison Chart

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THE WINNER (#1)
Breville BES980XL Oracle Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel,Silver
The Runner-up (#2)
De'Longhi La Specialista Espresso Machine with Sensor Grinder, Dual Heating System, Advanced Latte System & Hot Water Spout for Americano Coffee or Tea, Stainless Steel, EC9335M, 1.3 liters
Model
Breville Oracle
Delonghi La Specialista
Dimensions (LxWxH)
14.5 x 14.7 x 17.6 Inches
14.48 x 15 x 17.5 Inches
Material
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Capacity
2.5 Liters
2 Liters
Weight
34.5 pounds
29.7 Pounds
Color
Silver
Metal
Power / Voltage
1800 W/ 110–120 V
1450W/ 110–120 V
Interface
LCD screen
Buttons
Pump Pressure
15 bars
19 bars
Grinder type
Fully-integrated conical burr grinder
Integrated Sensor Grinder
Bean Hopper Capacity
8 oz
8.8 oz
Heating System
Triple Heat System
Dual Heating System
Separate hot water spout
Flexible shot control
Pre-infusion
Digital temperature control (PID)
What I Like
Price
Price not available
$690.00
THE WINNER (#1)
Image
Breville BES980XL Oracle Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel,Silver
Model
Breville Oracle
Dimensions (LxWxH)
14.5 x 14.7 x 17.6 Inches
Material
Stainless Steel
Capacity
2.5 Liters
Weight
34.5 pounds
Color
Silver
Power / Voltage
1800 W/ 110–120 V
Interface
LCD screen
Pump Pressure
15 bars
Grinder type
Fully-integrated conical burr grinder
Bean Hopper Capacity
8 oz
Heating System
Triple Heat System
Separate hot water spout
Flexible shot control
Pre-infusion
Digital temperature control (PID)
What I Like
Price
Price not available
More Info
The Runner-up (#2)
Image
De'Longhi La Specialista Espresso Machine with Sensor Grinder, Dual Heating System, Advanced Latte System & Hot Water Spout for Americano Coffee or Tea, Stainless Steel, EC9335M, 1.3 liters
Model
Delonghi La Specialista
Dimensions (LxWxH)
14.48 x 15 x 17.5 Inches
Material
Stainless Steel
Capacity
2 Liters
Weight
29.7 Pounds
Color
Metal
Power / Voltage
1450W/ 110–120 V
Interface
Buttons
Pump Pressure
19 bars
Grinder type
Integrated Sensor Grinder
Bean Hopper Capacity
8.8 oz
Heating System
Dual Heating System
Separate hot water spout
Flexible shot control
Pre-infusion
Digital temperature control (PID)
What I Like
Price
$690.00
More Info

Last update on 2023-11-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Breville Oracle vs Delonghi La Specialista: Differences

The Breville Oracle was able to defeat the Delonghi La Specialista with a score of 4-2, due to its unique and useful features. It grinds beans automatically, tamps them perfectly, extracts coffee with precision, and textures milk for you all in under one minute. Keep reading to know the differences between these two machines.

1. Design

The Winner:  Delonghi La Specialista

Design of Delonghi La Specialista
Design of Delonghi La Specialista

Oracle has bridged the gap between semi-automatic machines and super-automatics. In addition to the stylish outer casing, which is made in stainless steel, the top surface of the espresso maker is constructed with aluminum, and it is equipped with a built-in cup warmer.

Though it looks great, it might not be the right fit for every kitchen space. With dimensions of 14.5 x 14.7 x 17.6 inches and a weight of 34.5 lbs, this coffee maker is a real beast.

With its stainless-steel body, same as Oracle, DeLonghi La Specialista is a semi-automatic espresso machine resistant to corrosion, rust, and impact damage. While it’s also not the compact machine you’d expect, with dimensions of 14.48 x 15 x 17.5 inches and a weight of 29.7 Pounds, it is still smaller and lighter than the Oracle.

2. Water Reservoir Capacity 

The Winner:  Breville Oracle

It is essential that you check the machine’s water reservoir capacity when you plan to use your espresso machine for making large amounts of espresso-for example, for a big family. The term refers to how many cups the machine can brew before you need to refill it. The higher the water reservoir capacity, the more espressos you can make at once.

With that in mind, the Oracle is the winner with its higher water tank capacity. While DeLonghi La Specialista has a 2-liter water tank capacity, Breville Oracle has a more gargantuan of 2.5 liters. The best part is that you can easily refill the tank by opening the lid on top. There is no need to turn it all the way around.

3. Grinder Type

The Winner:  Delonghi La Specialista

Buying espresso machines with an espresso grinder is essential if you plan to grind your own beans. It is a common feature in most espresso machines to come with an integrated grinder. However, all grinders are not the same.

Breville Oracle is equipped with an automatic grind, dose, and tamp function. Powered by an integrated conical burr grinder, it has a fully automated grinding, dosing, and tamping mechanism that automatically grinds, doses and tamps 22 grams of coffee straight into the portafilter.

A built-in integrated grinder is also included in DeLonghi’s La Specialista. The best part is that it comes with exclusive sensor technology, which means you’ll achieve better, fresher and consistent grinding every time and you’ll make the right dosage without having to fiddle with anything.

4. Coffee Extraction

The Winner: Breville Oracle

Low-pressure pre-infusion allows water to pass evenly through the coffee grounds, reducing uneven extraction and channeling to creating a rich, creamy, caramel-colored espresso.

The La Specialista will pre-infuse the coffee automatically before it begins brewing. Due to the ‘Active Temperature Control’ feature, this machine ensures that the temperature stays stable so that optimal extraction and milk texturing can be achieved. It does not, however, include a PID system. With a pump pressure of 19 bars, you will certainly get a decent cup of espresso.

With 15 bars of pump pressure, Breville Oracle still can extract perfect cups. It also has true low-pressure pre-infusion. The Oracle uses state-of-the-art PID technology to control the espresso extraction temperature, the same as high-end commercial machines.

The PID ensures the extraction temperature is +/- 1°C of the desired temperature, giving you consistent and delicious tasting results every time.

5. Heating System

The Winner: Breville Oracle

Heating system of Breville Oracle
Heating system of Breville Oracle

A unique feature of the Oracle is the revolutionary triple heat system, allowing you to make two delicious cappuccinos or lattes in just 90 seconds. 

The system comprises a dedicated steam boiler with integrated Heat Exchange, an espresso boiler powered by PID technology ensuring ideal water temperature for brewing, and an embedded heated group head controlled by PID to maintain thermal stability throughout the brewing process.

With Delonghi La Specialista, you are able to enjoy dual heating systems. There is one thermoblock for extracting coffee and an independent system for steaming milk or frothing the milk.

6. Programmable Shot Control

The Winner: Breville Oracle

There are quite many advantages of using the Breville Oracle Espresso Machine, including its ability to control shot volume that you do not have control over in the DeLonghi La Specialista.

You can pick between a single or double espresso shot, or switch to manual control which means you have total freedom to choose how much espresso you want in every cup. Similarly, the machine also lets you program the shots by volume quickly and accurately.

Quick Rundown of Breville Oracle 

Breville BES980XL Oracle Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel,Silver
  • Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted

Last update on 2023-11-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Dual boilers
  • Has options to switch to manual settings
  • Advanced programmability allows you to customize your espresso
  • Grinds, doses, and tamps coffee automatically
  • Brew single, double and customized espresso shots
Cons
  • Ruthlessly expensive
  • Quite bulky
  • Takes longer to warm up

Quick Rundown of Delonghi La Specialista

Sale

Last update on 2023-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Quick start
  • Fuss-free, fantastic milk froth
  • The tamping feature is really cool
  • Easy cleaning and operation
  • Very quiet
Cons
  • Aesthetics slightly cluttered
  • No integrated PID control

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References

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