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Upgrading / upskilling from Oracle Touch
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Thanks for the advice. I’ve gone with a DeLonghi Magnifica S, which seems a good compromise for now. If you crank everything up to 11 it puts out an acceptable shot, and the frother is good enough. Fiddly changing the settings, which is actually good as it will deter guests from messing it up and making weak watery coffees. Not sure how robust the machine will be, but let’s see...
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I wouldn't waste your Oracle on BnB guests. There'll really only be three types of coffee drinking guests that you face -
1. Those that have their own coffee machine at home or work and are quite comfortable using the Oracle and prepared to give it a go. They are most likely to care for it reasonably well, but will probably be in the minority so most guests will likely fit in one of the next two categories.
2. Those that like the look of it, but are scared of it or scared of breaking it so just leave it alone.
3. Those that are clueless but keen so have a bash anyway and leave it filthy. While the Oracle steam wand self-purges it doesn't self-wipe so I can see a good layer of dried milk building up on it in time and I'd hate to see the state of the portafilter, shower screen and drip tray after a busy period.
I've stayed in accommodation in the past where previous guests haven't even managed to clean a French Press/plunger properly so that doesn't bode well for something like an Oracle. I would keep the Oracle for yourself and either consider buying a cheaper semi-auto for the guests like the Barista Touch that you mentioned (which could well be available on sale at the moment so you care less when it gets wrecked) or just provide one or two good manual options such as a plunger, stovetop moka pot and/or even a drip filter machine. All options should come with fresh coffee and some basic instructions. Pre-ground coffee is ok as long as it's been ground within a day or so and eliminates the need to provide a grinder as well.
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Just outside Copacabana, which is pretty poor coffee-wise, but Avoca and the area have some pretty decent cafes and even a roastery so yes, enough to explore. dear Lord preserve us from pods.
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Not sure how long an OT would last in the hands of disinterested guests. I don't like pods, but plenty of people seem to that that they are 'special'. Personsally, relatively freshly ground coffee for a plunger / moka pot would probably be what I'd prefer to see as a guest...but I'd also either have brought something with me or would be looking forward to seeking out local cafes. What's the cafe situation like near your BnB?
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Thanks Warren - true, but Nespresso is so depressing! Leaning to a bean-to-cup automatic now, or maybe even just stove top and French press.
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I think regular cleaning and maintenance will always be an issue in an Airbnb. Fresh beans as well. Can only recall seeing pod machines with a couple of capsules over the years, probably for aforementioned reasons.
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Upgrading / upskilling from Oracle Touch
Hi all,
I bought an Oracle Touch 2 years ago and it has transformed my coffee world. I'm now setting up an Airbnb property and am thinking of leaving my Oracle Touch there for guests to use. Which leaves a machine-shaped hole in my home kitchen. Could just buy another OT - really no complaints - but wondering if there is a natural next step you might recommend? I've loved the convenience of it and have made on average a good 5-6 cups a day. Flat whites, espresso and long black mostly. I've been annoyed at the beans gradually changing profile as they sit in the hopper and having to change the grind, and it isn't always perfect crema-wise, but the self-tamping, and the milk frothing quality has been a dream. Any thoughts please? Maybe a Breville Dual Boiler now that I've learnt my way around a system, but wondering if there is anything a bit more flash.
Alternatively of course I could keep to OT and give the guests something else, but I can't inflict Nespresso on them, and I don't think there is anything else proper-machine-wise that rivals the OT for ease of use. A Barrista Touch perhaps?
Thanks
Sham

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