The Sage Oracle Jet espresso machine might just be the key to breaking free from costly coffee-shop visits. This premium assisted device crafts a wide array of caffeinated beverages, from flat whites to cold brews, though its steep price of around £1,700 could make some hesitate. For those seeking divine coffee at home, this review delves into whether the Oracle Jet lives up to its promises.
What Makes the Sage Oracle Jet Stand Out
Designed as an approachable reimagining of manual espresso machines, the Oracle Jet replaces traditional knobs and switches with a 5-inch colour touchscreen and a single power button. This user-friendly interface guides you through every step, from bean to cup, making it nearly impossible to make mistakes. The machine heats up in just six seconds using ThermoJet technology, ensuring quick preparation times.
Features and Customisation
The Oracle Jet offers 14 preset drinks, including flat white, latte, cappuccino, espresso, americano, and even cold brew or espresso martini. Each recipe can be customised to suit personal tastes or mug sizes, and users can add their own recipes. This is ideal for households with diverse coffee preferences, as separate drink profiles can be created for each person.
Notable design touches include wheels for easy movement on worktops, a removable 2.3-litre water tank, and a 340g bean hopper that needs refilling every 15 coffees. Accessories like a stainless steel milk jug, knock box, and cleaning kit come standard, adding value to the premium package.
Performance and Brewing Experience
When it comes to brewing, the Oracle Jet excels with its automation. The grinder has 45 settings, and the tamping fan ensures precise coffee dosing. The touchscreen provides step-by-step guidance, and if shots pour too fast or slow, it prompts adjustments. Milk steaming is equally impressive, with settings for dairy, oat, almond, and soy milks, offering eight texture levels and temperature control from 40°C to 75°C.
In tests, the machine steamed 180ml of milk to 65°C in just over a minute, making it one of the fastest in its class. While it lacks a fully manual mode, the automated results are superb, producing microfoam that rivals professional setups.
Comparison with Other Models
Compared to the pricier Sage Oracle Dual Boiler at £2,250, the Jet offers faster heat-up times and similar coffee quality, making it a better value for most users. For those wanting more control, pairing the Sage Dual Boiler with a separate grinder might be preferable, but the Jet's ease of use makes it accessible for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
Drawbacks and Considerations
Despite its strengths, the Oracle Jet has some limitations. The grind size guidance isn't always perfect, and shots may occasionally pour inconsistently without prompts for adjustment. Additionally, the lack of an advanced manual mode might disappoint experienced baristas who crave more freedom. However, software updates could potentially address this in the future.
Maintenance is crucial for longevity, with a water filter needing replacement every three months and regular descaling recommended. The two-year warranty and good parts availability via authorised repair agents provide some peace of mind.
Is the Sage Oracle Jet Worth the Investment?
Value for money depends on your coffee passion and desired involvement in the brewing process. The Oracle Jet outperforms fully automatic bean-to-cup machines in espresso quality and milk texturing, offering coffee that rivals top independent shops. While expensive, it could pay for itself by reducing coffee-shop expenses over time.
In summary, the Sage Oracle Jet is a top-tier assisted espresso machine that delivers exceptional coffee with minimal effort. Its high price tag is justified for serious coffee lovers, but casual drinkers might find it overkill. For households mixing beginners and experts, it's a joy to use, making stunning coffee accessible to all.
