Breville BES990DBL Oracle Touch Espresso Machine, Damson Blue

Making café-style drinks at home often requires balancing several manual steps, but an automatic espresso machine like the Breville BES990DBL streamlines the routine without taking away core brewing standards. Built around a dual boiler design and an interactive touchscreen, it brings together automatic bean preparation, precise water control, and automated milk texturing in a single counter unit. For busy households that want fresh drinks with minimal manual intervention, this setup eliminates the guesswork from grinding and tamping.

The grinding mechanism handles several difficult preparation steps in one motion. Its integrated conical burr grinder automatically measures, grinds, and tamps a full 22-gram dose directly into the 58mm stainless steel portafilter. From there, extraction relies on commercial-grade espresso principles. The system uses low pressure pre-infusion to gently expand coffee grounds before full extraction, while an over pressure valve regulates maximum pump pressure throughout the shot. Combined with digital PID temperature regulation, the machine delivers water at steady temperatures to avoid bitter or uneven results.

Milk handling is equally automated thanks to a dedicated steam boiler and an automatic steam wand. The wand textures milk to your chosen temperature and froth preference, producing microfoam suitable for pouring latte art. Because it operates on a secondary boiler, you can steam milk and extract espresso at the same time without waiting for the machine to reheat. Once steaming finishes, the wand automatically clears itself with a purge cycle to keep milk buildup at bay.

Daily operation centers on a full-color touchscreen that lets you swipe through five pre-programmed classics: espresso, long black, latte, flat white, and cappuccino. If you prefer specific drink proportions, the interface allows you to tweak coffee strength, milk froth level, and milk temperature, then save up to eight custom recipes under unique names. The unit comes equipped with a 67-ounce water tank, a 1/2-pound bean hopper, a knock box mini grinds bin, and water filtration accessories to support regular brewing.

The trade-offs stem directly from its heavy-duty dual boiler construction and automated systems. Running at 1800 watts with dedicated boilers, a generous water reservoir, and an integrated grinder, the machine demands significant counter space and access to a standard 110 to 120-volt outlet. It also requires attention to maintenance, as you will need to service the steam wand, use the provided cleaning kit, and replace water filters to keep the plumbing clean.

Verdict: The Breville BES990DBL is an ideal choice for households seeking automated bean-to-cup espresso drinks with commercial-style dual boilers, programmable touchscreen profiles, and automated milk froth. Those looking for an ultra-compact setup or a strictly manual lever machine will want to consider alternative designs.

• Model: BES990DBL
• Color: Damson Blue
• Power: 1800 Watts
• Voltage: 110 to 120 Volts
• Water Tank Capacity: 67 oz
• Bean Hopper Capacity: 1/2 lb
• Portafilter Size: 58mm Full Stainless Steel
• Filter Baskets: 1 and 2 Cup Single Wall
• Boiler System: Dual Boiler with PID regulation
• Drink Presets: 5 Pre-Programmed Favorites (Espresso, Long Black, Latte, Flat White, Cappuccino)
• Custom Profiles: 8 Personalized Settings
• Included Accessories: Mini Grinds Bin, 480ml Stainless Steel Milk Jug, Steam Wand Spare Parts, Cleaning Kit, Water Hardness Test Strip, Water Filter Holder and Water Filter
• Warranty: 2 Year Limited Warranty

A great fit if you:

• Want automated grinding, dosing, and tamping of a 22g coffee dose without purchasing a separate grinder.
• Need the ability to extract espresso and steam milk simultaneously through a dual boiler system.
• Enjoy milk-based drinks and want automated microfoam texturing with programmable temperatures.
• Prefer simple touchscreen selection for common café drinks alongside custom saved recipes.

Consider something else if you:

• Need a compact, lightweight espresso maker for tight countertops or small apartment kitchens.
• Prefer completely manual hands-on tamping, manual lever extraction, and analog steaming controls.
• Look for a basic single boiler brewer without integrated computerized recipe storage.

Confirm on the listing:

• Measure your kitchen counter depth and overhead cabinet clearance to confirm the unit and bean hopper fit comfortably.
• Check that your kitchen outlet accommodates the 1800-watt power demand on a standard 110 to 120-volt line.
• Verify the included accessories in the box, including the 58mm portafilter, mini grinds bin, 480ml milk jug, and cleaning kit.
• Review the registration terms and conditions if you plan to claim the two included bags of specialty coffee beans.

How to compare your options: When comparing bean-to-cup espresso machines, pay close attention to boiler configuration, grinder integration, and milk management. A dual boiler machine provides simultaneous brewing and steaming, whereas single boiler units require waiting between steps. The inclusion of automated tamping and a commercial 58mm portafilter bridges the gap between touch convenience and traditional extraction standards.

• Check your tap water hardness using the included water hardness test strip and install the provided water filter in the 67-ounce reservoir to protect the dual boilers.
• Use the adjustable grinding control to fine-tune extraction flow according to the specific roast profile of your coffee beans.
• Wipe down the stainless steel steam wand after every texturing session and let the automated purge cycle keep the tip clear.
• Empty the mini grinds bin regularly and utilize the included cleaning kit and steam wand spare parts to maintain consistent performance.

Does this machine brew espresso and steam milk at the same time?
Yes. The machine features a dual boiler construction with a dedicated steam boiler, allowing you to steam milk and extract coffee simultaneously.

How does the built-in grinder work?
The integrated conical burr grinder automatically grinds, doses, and tamps 22 grams of coffee directly into the 58mm stainless steel portafilter.

What drinks can be selected on the touchscreen?
The screen features five pre-programmed options: espresso, long black, latte, flat white, and cappuccino. You can also customize strength, milk texture, and temperature to save up to eight personal recipes.

What accessories come in the box?
It includes a mini grinds bin, a 58mm stainless steel portafilter, 1 and 2 cup single wall baskets, a 480ml milk jug, cleaning kit, steam wand spare parts, water hardness test strip, and water filter.

What is the warranty coverage?
The manufacturer provides a 2-year limited warranty with this machine.