There is a specific kind of tension that exists when you’re standing in your kitchen at 7:00 AM, staring at two machines that both promise “café-quality” coffee but approach the task with entirely different philosophies. For the past few weeks, I’ve been living in a highly caffeinated state, pitting the Breville Oracle Jet against the De’Longhi Eletta Explore.
This isn’t just a comparison of two espresso makers; it’s a clash of cultures. The Oracle Jet is a “performance” machine—a semi-automatic powerhouse that automates the hardest parts of being a barista while still letting you hold the portafilter. The Eletta Explore, meanwhile, is a “lifestyle” machine—a fully automatic super-automatic that handles everything from bean to cup at the touch of a single icon. After hundreds of extractions, I’ve realized that while both can make a stunning cold brew or a silky latte, they are built for two very different versions of the “perfect morning.”
The Key Difference: Barista Craft vs. One-Touch Automation
The fundamental key difference between the Breville Oracle Jet and the De’Longhi Eletta Explore is the level of user involvement in the brewing process. The Breville Oracle Jet is a “Barista-assisted” machine. It automates the grinding, dosing, and tamping directly into a professional 58mm portafilter, but you still have to move that portafilter from the grinder to the group head and then to the milk wand. It uses a ThermoJet heating system and features Auto MilQ technology for precision latte art.
The De’Longhi Eletta Explore is a “Super-Automatic” machine. There is no portafilter and no manual moving of parts. You simply place a cup under the spout and select from over 50 one-touch recipes. While the Oracle Jet focuses on the “4 Keys” of specialty coffee (dose, temperature, pressure, and microfoam), the Eletta Explore focuses on versatility and variety, featuring two separate LatteCrema systems (one for hot milk and one for cold foam) and a proprietary Cold Extraction Technology for instant cold brew.
- Incorporates the 4 keys formula used by professional café machines; Designed to use the right dose of freshly ground beans, ensure precise temperature control,...
- SWIPE AND SELECT: Simply swipe and select from your specialty café favorites with new Cold Brew and Cold Espresso; Extracting at lower temperatures reduces acidic...
- 50+ ONE-TOUCH RECIPES. 50+ Hot & Cold Recipes including Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte, Iced Cappuccino, Iced Latte, Cold Brew and more at the touch of a button.
- BUILT-IN GRINDER. The built-in grinder delivers a precise, consistent dose of freshly ground coffee for all your favorite espresso beverages including lattes,...
Comparison Table: Breville Oracle Jet vs. De’Longhi Eletta Explore
| Feature | Breville Oracle Jet | De’Longhi Eletta Explore |
| Machine Type | Semi-Automatic (Barista Assisted) | Fully Automatic (Bean-to-Cup) |
| Grinder | Baratza Precision Burrs (45 settings) | Steel Conical Burrs (13 settings) |
| Milk System | Auto MilQ (Steam Wand) | LatteCrema Hot & Cool (Carafes) |
| Recipe Variety | Classic Espresso Menu + Cold Brew | 50+ One-Touch Recipes |
| Heating System | ThermoJet (Fast Heat-up) | Double Thermoblock |
| Portafilter | Professional 58mm Stainless Steel | Internal Brewing Unit (None) |
| Special Features | Barista Guidance, Auto Queue | Bean Adapt, App Connectivity |
| Cold Coffee | Cold Brew & Cold Espresso | Cold Brew in < 3 minutes |
| Buy NOW | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Design: Pro-Suming vs. Sleek Utility
Walking into my kitchen, the Breville Oracle Jet looks like a piece of high-end lab equipment. The brushed stainless steel and the massive 58mm portafilter scream “serious coffee.” It feels substantial, and the large TFT touchscreen is responsive and incredibly intuitive. It’s a wide machine, but it has a presence that makes it the centerpiece of the counter.
The De’Longhi Eletta Explore is a different beast. It’s narrower but deeper, looking more like a modern tech gadget. The 3.5-inch color touch display is vibrant, but the machine is largely plastic-clad. While the Breville feels like a professional tool, the De’Longhi feels like a sophisticated appliance. I particularly liked the Eletta’s “Travel Mug” compatibility—the drip tray flips up to accommodate massive 16oz mugs, which is a clever touch for those who take their coffee to go.
- Incorporates the 4 keys formula used by professional café machines; Designed to use the right dose of freshly ground beans, ensure precise temperature control,...
- SWIPE AND SELECT: Simply swipe and select from your specialty café favorites with new Cold Brew and Cold Espresso; Extracting at lower temperatures reduces acidic...
Ease of Use: Manual Soul vs. Digital Brain
Using the Oracle Jet is an addictive experience. I love the “Auto Queue” feature; I can select my drink, and as soon as the machine finishes grinding and tamping my beans into the portafilter, it’s ready to steam the milk while I lock the handle into the group head. However, there is a learning curve. Even with “Barista Guidance” telling me to adjust the grind, I still had to engage with the machine. It’s for the person who wants to be a barista without the messy trial and error.
The Eletta Explore is almost too easy. On a morning when I was running late, I pressed “Cold Brew,” and in less than three minutes, I had a surprisingly nuanced, low-acid coffee in my hand. No portafilters to knock out, no milk jugs to wipe down (the carafes go in the fridge or dishwasher). The Bean Adapt Technology is the highlight here—I told the app what beans I was using, and it automatically adjusted the grind and temperature. It’s “set it and forget it” at its finest.
- 50+ ONE-TOUCH RECIPES. 50+ Hot & Cold Recipes including Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte, Iced Cappuccino, Iced Latte, Cold Brew and more at the touch of a button.
- BUILT-IN GRINDER. The built-in grinder delivers a precise, consistent dose of freshly ground coffee for all your favorite espresso beverages including lattes,...
Functions: The Cold Coffee Revolution
Both machines are betting big on cold coffee. The Oracle Jet extracts “Cold Espresso” at lower temperatures to preserve delicate floral notes. The result is smooth and light, but it still feels like espresso.
The Eletta Explore, however, is the king of variety. With over 50 recipes, I spent an entire afternoon experimenting with Iced Lattes and Cold Foams. The “LatteCrema Cool” system is spectacular—it produces a sweet, chilled milk foam that I haven’t seen any other machine replicate. If you are a fan of iced coffee drinks and flavored lattes, the De’Longhi offers a playground that the Breville doesn’t quite match.
Performance: Microfoam vs. Automated Froth
This is where the divide is clearest. The Oracle Jet’s Auto MilQ system creates genuine, “pourable” microfoam. Because it uses a traditional steam wand, the texture is silky and integrated—perfect for practicing latte art. It even has specific settings for Oat, Almond, and Soy milk, which is a godsend for dairy-free drinkers.
The Eletta Explore uses a carafe system. While the foam is consistent and delicious, it is a “topped” foam. You don’t get that integrated texture required for latte art. It’s thick and bubbly (or velvety in the case of the cool foam), but it lacks the professional “mouthfeel” of the Breville’s steam-wand-produced microfoam.
Breville Oracle Jet Espresso Machine
- Incorporates the 4 keys formula used by professional café machines; Designed to use the right dose of freshly ground beans, ensure precise temperature control,...
- SWIPE AND SELECT: Simply swipe and select from your specialty café favorites with new Cold Brew and Cold Espresso; Extracting at lower temperatures reduces acidic...
Pros:
- Baratza Burrs: Incredible grind consistency with 45 settings.
- Pro Portafilter: The 58mm size ensures a balanced, café-standard extraction.
- Auto MilQ: The best automated steam wand on the market, especially for plant milks.
- ThermoJet Speed: Heats up almost instantly.
Cons:
- Active Participation: You still have to move the portafilter and clean the basket.
- Price: It is a significant investment for a semi-automatic.
De’Longhi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine
- 50+ ONE-TOUCH RECIPES. 50+ Hot & Cold Recipes including Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte, Iced Cappuccino, Iced Latte, Cold Brew and more at the touch of a button.
- BUILT-IN GRINDER. The built-in grinder delivers a precise, consistent dose of freshly ground coffee for all your favorite espresso beverages including lattes,...
Pros:
- Unbeatable Variety: 50+ recipes at the touch of a button.
- Cold Extraction: The fastest, most convenient cold brew I’ve ever made.
- LatteCrema Cool: Specialized chilled foam that changes the iced coffee game.
- Low Maintenance: Fully automated cleaning and dishwasher-safe parts.
Cons:
- Plastic Build: Doesn’t feel quite as “premium” as the Breville.
- Less Control: You can’t “tweak” the shot as precisely as you can on the Oracle.
The Final Recommendation: Which Machine Wins?
After weeks of brewing, I’ve found that these machines aren’t really competitors—they are for two different lifestyles.
I recommend the Breville Oracle Jet if you love the ritual of coffee. If you want to hold the portafilter, learn about extraction, and pour latte art, but you don’t want to spend years mastering the “art of the tamp,” the Oracle Jet is the perfect partner. It is a professional-grade machine with a digital coach that ensures you never pull a bad shot.
I recommend the De’Longhi Eletta Explore if you want a coffee shop in your kitchen. If you want to wake up, press a button, and have a perfect Iced Latte or Cold Brew while you get the kids ready for school, the Eletta Explore is unbeatable. It is the ultimate machine for variety, convenience, and anyone who prefers iced coffee over a traditional hot double espresso.
In my kitchen, the Breville Oracle Jet is the winner. There is a tactile satisfaction in using a real portafilter and a steam wand that a super-automatic simply can’t replicate.
- Incorporates the 4 keys formula used by professional café machines; Designed to use the right dose of freshly ground beans, ensure precise temperature control,...
- SWIPE AND SELECT: Simply swipe and select from your specialty café favorites with new Cold Brew and Cold Espresso; Extracting at lower temperatures reduces acidic...
- 50+ ONE-TOUCH RECIPES. 50+ Hot & Cold Recipes including Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte, Iced Cappuccino, Iced Latte, Cold Brew and more at the touch of a button.
- BUILT-IN GRINDER. The built-in grinder delivers a precise, consistent dose of freshly ground coffee for all your favorite espresso beverages including lattes,...
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use oily beans in these machines?
A: You should avoid very oily, dark-roasted beans in the Eletta Explore, as they can clog the internal brewing unit. The Oracle Jet is a bit more forgiving since the grinder is more accessible, but medium-to-light roasts always perform best in both.
Q: Is the cold brew “real” cold brew?
A: The De’Longhi uses “Cold Extraction Technology,” which uses low pressure and pulsing water. It’s not the same as a 24-hour steep, but it produces a remarkably similar flavor profile (low acid, smooth) in under 3 minutes.
Q: Which machine is easier to clean?
A: The Eletta Explore. It has a dedicated cleaning cycle and the carafes go in the dishwasher. The Oracle Jet requires you to knock out the puck, rinse the portafilter, and wipe down the steam wand after every use.
Q: Can I make a 16oz coffee for my commute?
A: Yes, the Eletta Explore has a dedicated “Travel Mug” function. The Oracle Jet can do it too, but you’ll have to pull multiple shots manually to fill a mug that size.
