Introducing the Sage Oracle Coffee Machine
The Sage Oracle Coffee machine (BES980BSS) is an advanced version of Sage’s Barista range. At first sight, it may strike you as an automatic coffee maker like most of the previous ranges, but it is actually an automatic manual espresso machine and the first of Its kind.
What does ‘automatic manual’ mean?
Most manual machines let you guide them on what to do, while automatic ones already know what to do because they are programmed to do so. As we shall see in the features of the Sage Oracle, it gives you a blend of both so that you can decide how exactly you want your coffee. In essence, the automation bit helps you figure out the tricky parts as you learn how to use the machine.
General description of the Sage Oracle
Firstly, the Sage Oracle is for those coffee lovers who appreciate the convenience of a bean-to-cup machine without compromising on the quality of both the machine and the coffee.
Speaking of traditional, the Sage Oracle stands out for the classic quality espresso machine experience and the best one at that for the home, thanks to automation. It is indeed an enhanced version of a previous range, primarily due to the Dual Boiler feature.
And to what you would probably want to know most, Yes, the Oracle is great for not just your espresso, it is also excellent for the milkies- flat white, cappuccino, and the likes- and can produce a pretty good Americano too!
Most Outstanding Features
Before we dive into all the amazing things the Sage Oracle can do, you will notice that It keeps the same stainless steel – almost industrial- exterior as most of Its predecessors, including a stainless steel dual boiler. The Oracle is relatively bigger, specifically 40.9 x37.3 x 45.3 cm, and maybe a little heavier. It also has more controls, including buttons, dials, and an LED screen.
Functionality features
Third-wave specialty coffee experience
If you are a coffee lover, you probably understand that the term ‘wave’ refers to how the coffee industry has evolved over the years based on how people consume coffee globally. While the third wave is all about understanding and appreciating the coffee-making process, Sage Oracle does exactly that.
1. Sage oracle comes integrated with a grinder which is adjustable with a 45 grind setting and easy to use, even for the normal coffee drinker. The automatic bit we mentioned earlier comes in the grinding, dosing, tamping, and milk texturing, making it suitable for home use but with barista quality.
2. Dual Boiler with simultaneous steam extraction
The dual boiler makes the Sage Oracle stands out, and is something you don’t usually find in bean-to-cup coffee machines. It has separate brew and steam boilers thanks to its unbeatable temperature stability; therefore, you can brew your espresso and steam the milk simultaneously, hence a delicious cup of coffee within a shorter time.
3. Low-pressure Infusion
The machine features a pre-infusion function that gradually increases water pressure while expanding the grinds, followed by high-pressure extraction courtesy of the 15-bar Italian pump, ensuring that the espresso shot is perfectly flavored.
4. Auto and Manual Milk Texturing
On the Oracle, you can adjust milk temperatures from 40◦C to 75◦C and specify the texture from the controls as well. The automated texturing achieves silky, velvety microfoam milk. However, you can use the manual feature to fine-tune the coffee exactly how you want it.
5. LCD Screen Display
In the spirit of automation, LCD keeps you in check with all the information you need to extract the perfect shot of expresso. With so many controls on the machine, it is practical and significantly makes it easier to use.
Pros and Cons
Here are the major points to note about the Sage Oracle Coffee Machine:
Pros
Quality and great-tasting espresso shots with close to zero effort
The automatic grind and tamp are very efficient
Automatic milk texturing with a manual option extracts perfectly-flavored coffee.
Dual boilers are very convenient and time efficient
It has exceptional temperature stability
Sophisticated exterior
Great user experience
Generally easy to use and delivers satisfying mechanical action
Cons
It has fewer manual controls
Quite expensive for a home coffee machine
Final Words About the Sage Oracle Coffee Machine
Suppose you are wondering whether or not the Sage Oracle is worth your money; the straightforward answer is: Yes. With an oracle, you can get the full third-wave experience. If you love coffee but do not care to be a home barista, the Oracle takes care of that. Additionally, you cannot use pre-ground coffee on this one since it does not come with pressurized baskets. Regardless, the integrated grinder does an excellent job of delivering freshly ground coffee.
The commercial-grade appliance deserves an 4.3 for the quality you will be getting. The major downside is that most of the control is out of your hands, but luckily, the Oracle delivers perfection. Therefore, we recommend it!