Happy new year to all readers! We’re going into 2023 with a few plans in mind, but with recent changes in our full-time job roles, we’re being realistic. Still, watch this space as we explore all things home-brewing!
In today’s edition, we had the opportunity to service a Breville Oracle that was shorting our client’s house when turned on. A preliminary investigation found leaks in the joints between one of the boilers and its pipings.
The Breville Oracle is a higher-end espresso machine designed for home use. In particular, the machine comprises a host of automated features:
- In built grinder
- Automated Tamper
- Presets that include automated preinfusion and extraction profiles
- And possible a auto steam feature? We’ve seen this on the bambino and suspect the Oracle has the same capability as well.
With all these features, the Oracle truly allows home users to extract espresso shots with minimal effort. The machine is equipped with a built-in conical burr grinder, a 15-bar pump, and a 1600W Thermo coil heating system.
Our client’s challenge was mainly in getting parts serviced as they bought the Oracle from Australia and shipped it back – a common challenge for those looking to get cheaper 1st hand machines overseas.
In order to remove the outer casing, panels on the rear of the machine must first be pryed open to allow for the top cover to pop off.
The interior of the Oracle
The joints that leaked.
In order to figure out which joints were leaking (and shorting the circuit), we switched the the Oracle on and waited for it to boil. At temperature and pressure, the joints would either leak water, or audibly leak steam, from there it was easy to indentify which joints has pulverised O-rings and we simply helped our client switch the O-rings out. Remember! It’s important and safe to let the machine cool down before removing any joins. High pressure build up of steam in boilers will force joints to pop open if the the pins holding them in place are removed. Always work with a cool machine!
With the O-rings changed that was it! The Oracle was back up and running. With the 2023 coming up, we’re looking forward to helping home brewers fix and modify their machines!
If you have an espresso machine in need of some TLC, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are always happy to answer questions and help out however we can. Whether you’re a coffee shop owner looking to fix up your commercial machine or a home barista in need of some guidance, we’re here to help (or see how we can). Drop us a line and we’ll be happy to assist with your refurbishing needs!
