Because if it’s good enough for the CEO of OpenAI, it’s probably good enough for your kitchen, right?
Let’s start with a bold truth: Sam Altman doesn’t just serve artificial intelligence, he also serves a mean espresso. And no, he’s not using some dusty drip machine from 2009. The man who literally helped usher AI into the mainstream starts his day with the Breville Oracle Touch.
That’s right. While you're fumbling with pods and pre-ground coffee that tastes like cardboard, Altman is out here pressing touchscreen buttons and sipping café-level coffee in his Napa farmhouse. So, naturally, we asked the important question, is this espresso machine really worth it for the rest of us?
Let’s break it down.
The Breville Oracle Touch: What’s the Big Deal?
The Breville Oracle Touch is like the Tesla of espresso machines. Not because it drives itself, but because it makes coffee that feels like you’re cheating at life. This machine is fully loaded with features to automate the parts of espresso-making that are usually hard (and often messy).
Here’s what it does:
- It grinds, doses, and tamps the coffee automatically.
- It extracts espresso using precise digital temperature control.
- It froths milk with the finesse of a trained barista.
- It lets you control everything from a sleek touchscreen.
- It even saves your favorite coffee recipes — because consistency is king.
It’s basically a robot barista that lives in your kitchen. Which, now that we think about it, makes perfect sense for a guy who builds robots with brains.
So… Why Does Sam Altman Use This Thing?
If you watched the Financial Times’ Lunch with the FT episode, you probably saw Altman casually preparing lunch at his Napa estate. Among the olive oils, premium knives, and open floor plans, there it was — the Breville Oracle Touch, just chilling on his counter like it belonged in a sci-fi movie.
The man behind ChatGPT uses this espresso machine every day. That’s probably how he stays calm after reading a billion hot takes about AI destroying humanity. If he’s trusting this machine to get him through the apocalypse (or at least another board meeting), maybe we should pay attention.
Should You Buy It? Let’s Spill the Beans.
Look, the Breville Oracle Touch isn’t cheap. It hovers around the $2,500 mark, and that’s enough to make your wallet whimper. But let’s ask a better question: what are you really paying for?
Here’s what you’re getting:
- Consistency – Every cup tastes like the last. Which, if you’ve ever messed up espresso on a Monday, you’ll understand is very important.
- Time – It cuts down your prep from 15 minutes of grinding, tamping, brewing, and frothing to maybe 2 minutes and a button tap.
- Cool Factor – We’ll be honest. Having a machine that looks like it came from a spaceship is half the appeal.
- Customization – You can tweak strength, temperature, milk texture, and more. And once you find your sweet spot, you can save it like a Spotify playlist.
But here’s the real truth: if you’re a casual coffee drinker, this machine might be overkill. If you just want something hot and brown to keep your eyes open in the morning, maybe stick to your French press.
However, if you love espresso, foam art, dialing in the perfect shot, and pretending you’re your own favorite barista, then yes, this machine might actually change your life.
Pros and Cons — Let’s Keep It Real
Pros:
- Barista-quality espresso with minimal effort
- Touchscreen is intuitive and beautiful
- Super fast warm-up time
- Built-in grinder and automatic milk frothing
- Impresses literally everyone who visits
Cons:
- It costs as much as a weekend getaway to Bali
- Takes up serious counter space
- Still needs cleaning and maintenance
- Doesn’t make you better at latte art (that’s on you)
Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Hype?
Let’s put it this way. If Sam Altman, a man who literally helped launch the most advanced AI tool of our time, trusts this machine with his daily espresso, then it’s probably worth a second look.
You don’t need to be a billionaire founder to enjoy a good cup of coffee. But if you want your kitchen to feel like a high-tech café with zero barista attitude and maximum flavor, then the Breville Oracle Touch might just be your new best friend.
And hey, even if you can’t code a chatbot or launch a billion-dollar startup, you can drink espresso like the guy who did.
Quick FAQs
Q: How long does it take to make coffee with the Oracle Touch?
A: From bean to cup, around 1-2 minutes.
Q: Do I need special beans?
A: Nope. Just get fresh, high-quality espresso beans and let the machine do the work.
Q: Can it do decaf?
A: Yes, though Sam Altman would probably judge you. (Just kidding. Probably.)
TL;DR
If you’re serious about coffee and want to bring café vibes to your kitchen, the Breville Oracle Touch is a powerhouse. And if you needed a celebrity endorsement — Sam Altman already gave it one, quietly, while cooking pasta and reshaping the future of AI.
Contains affiliate links. No extra cost to you, maybe extra espresso for us