Sage the Oracle User manual

BES980
the Oracle®
Instruction Booklet

2
CONTENTS
3We recommend safety first
8Know your new appliance
11 Features of your new appliance
12 Operating your new appliance
26 Coffee making tips & preparation
30 Care & cleaning
36 Troubleshooting
41 Coffees to try

3
WE RECOMMEND SAFETY FIRST
At Sage®we are very safety conscious. We design and
manufacture appliances with your safety foremost in mind.
We also ask that you exercise a degree of care when using any
electrical appliance and adhere to the following precautions.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
BEFORE USE AND SAVE FOR
FUTURE REFERENCE
• Before using for the first
time please ensure that
your electricity supply is the
same as shown on the rating
label on the underside of the
appliance. If you have any
concerns please contact your
local electricity company.
• Your Sage‰appliance
includes a BS 13 amp
moulded mains plug on the
supply cord.
• Should you need to change
this plug, please complete
the rewiring as follows
(after safe disposal of the
moulded plug).
• Please note that a cut off plug
inserted into a socket is
a serious danger risk.
• Wires are coloured as follows:
−Blue = Neutral
−Brown = Live
• As the colours of the wire
may not correspond with the
coloured markings which
identify the terminals in
your plug, please refer to the
following:
−The Blue wire must be
connected to the terminal
which is marked ‘N’.
−The Brown wire must be
connected to the terminal
which is marked with the
letter ‘L’.
• Please note that if a 13 amp
plug is used, a 13 amp fuse
should be used.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

4
• Remove any packaging
material and promotional
labels or stickers before using
the product for the first time.
• To eliminate a choking
hazard for young children,
remove and safely discard the
protective cover fitted to the
power plug of this appliance.
• Do not place the product near
the edge of a bench or table
during operation. Ensure the
surface is level, clean and free
of water and other substances.
• Do not let the cord hang over
the edge of a bench or table,
or become knotted. Keep
away from hot gas or electric
burner, or where it could
touch a heated oven.
• This appliance can be
used by children aged from
8 years and above if they have
been given supervision or
instruction concerning use
of the appliance in a safe way
and understand the hazards
involved. Cleaning and user
maintenance shall not be
made by children unless they
are aged from 8 years and
above and supervised. Keep
the appliance and its cord out
of reach of children aged less
than 8 years.
• Appliances can be used
by persons with reduced
physical, sensory or mental
capabilities or lack of
experience and knowledge
if they have been given
supervision or instruction
concerning use of the
appliance in a safe way and
understand the hazards
involved.
WE RECOMMEND SAFETY FIRST

5
WE RECOMMEND SAFETY FIRST
• Children shall not play with
the appliance.
• Regularly inspect the
supply cord, plug and actual
appliance for any damage.
If found damaged in any way,
immediately cease use of
the appliance and return the
entire appliance to the nearest
authorised Sage Service
Centre for examination,
replacement or repair
• Keep the appliance and
accessories clean. Follow
the cleaning instructions
provided in this book. Any
procedure not listed in this
instruction booklet should
be performed at an authorised
Sage Service Centre.
• The installation of a residual
current device (safety switch)
is recommended to provide
additional safety protection
when using electrical
appliances. It is advisable that
a safety switch with a rated
residual operating current not
exceeding 30mA be installed
in the electrical circuit
supplying the appliance.
See your electrician for
professional advice.

6
WE RECOMMEND SAFETY FIRST
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
FOR BES980 THE ORACLE®
• This appliance is
recommended for household
use only. Do not use this
appliance for any purpose
other than its intended
use. Do not use in moving
vehicles or boats. Do not
use outdoors.
• If the appliance is to be:
- left unattended
- cleaned
- moved
- assembled; or
- stored
• Always switch Off the
espresso machine by
pressing the POWER button
to Off, switch Off at the power
outlet and unplug.
• Ensure the product is
properly assembled before
first use.
• Do not use any other liquid
apart from cold mains/town
water. We do not recommend
the use of highly filtered,
de-mineralised or distilled
water as this may affect the
taste of the coffee and how
the espresso machine is
designed to function.
• Ensure the portafilter is firmly
inserted and secured into the
group head before starting
an extraction. Never remove
the portafilter during the
extraction process.
• Do not touch hot surfaces.
Allow the product to cool
down before moving or
cleaning any parts.
• Use caution after milk
texturing as the ‘Auto Purge’
function may purge hot
steam when the steam wand
is lowered.

7
WE RECOMMEND SAFETY FIRST
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
• Use caution when operating
machine as metal surfaces are
liable to get hot during use.
• Use caution when using the
de-scale feature as hot steam
may be released. Before
de-scaling, ensure drip
tray is empty and inserted.
Refer to page 34 for further
instructions.
The symbol shown
indicates that this
appliance should not be
disposed of in normal
household waste. It should
be taken to a local
authority waste collection
centre designated for this
purpose or to a dealer
providing this service.
For more information,
please contact your local
council office.
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
FOR WATER FILTER
• Filter cartridge should be
kept out of reach of children.
• Store filter cartridges in a
dry place in the original
packaging.
• Protect cartridges from heat
and direct sunlight.
• Do not use damaged filter
cartridges.
• Do not open filter cartridges.
• If you are absent for a
prolonged period of time,
empty the water tank and
replace the cartridge.

8
KNOW YOUR NEW APPLIANCE
A. Integrated conical burr grinder
With removable 280g bean hopper.
B. Top-fill 2.5L removable water tank
With integrated water filter and backlit
level indicator.
C. Grind Size dial
Select the desired espresso grind size
to suit your coffee beans.
D. Grind LCD
Displays current grind settings.
E. Main LCD
Displays current settings and simplifies
programming.
F. 1 CUP and 2 CUP buttons
With preset shot durations, manual
override or reprogrammable
durations/volumes.
G. Grind outlet
With auto grind, dose & tamp function.
H. Heated 58mm group head with
embedded element
I. 58mm full stainless steel portafilter
J. Drop down swivel foot
Lifts the machine upwards for
easy maneuverability.
K. Heated cup warming tray
L. HOT WATER button
Press to start and stop the flow of hot
water from the hot water outlet.
M. LONG BLACK dial
With preset and customisable settings.
N. Steam lever
With one touch auto milk texturing
(down position) and manual milk texturing
(up position).
O. Steam LCD
Displays current milk temperature and
texture settings.
P. SELECT dial
Select the desired milk temperature and
texture. Also use this dial in conjunction
with the MENU button to set the
programmable functions.
Q. Cool touch steam wand
With integrated temperature sensor.
R. Dedicated hot water outlet
Delivers hot water for Long Black and
pre-heating cups.
S. Descale access point
T. Tool storage tray
Houses accessories when not in use.
U. Removable drip tray
With Empty Me! indicator.

9
KNOW YOUR NEW APPLIANCE
I
J
G
D
E
F
H
B
C
A
K
M
L
N
O
P
Q
S
U
T
R

A
E
F
I
G
HJ
D
C
K
L
M
B
10
KNOW YOUR NEW APPLIANCE
ACCESSORIES
A. Stainless steel milk jug
B. 2 cup filter basket
C. 1 cup filter basket
D. Water filter holder with filter
E. Cleaning disc
F. Mini grinds bin
G. Burr brush
H. Grind outlet brush & tamp
removal magnet
I. Cleaning tool for steam wand tip
J. Allen key
K. Steam wand cleaning powder
L. Water hardness test strip
M. Espresso cleaning tablets

11
FEATURES OF YOUR NEW APPLIANCE
HANDS FREE AUTOMATIC
GRIND, DOSE & TAMP
Automatically grinds, doses and tamps the
required amount of coffee, mess free.
GRIND SIZE DIAL
Adjustable grind settings from fine to coarse
for optimal espresso extraction.
STAINLESS STEEL CONICAL BURRS
Maximise ground coffee surface area for a full
espresso flavour.
AUTOMATIC HANDS FREE
MILK TEXTURING
Automatically textures milk to the selected
temperature and style from silky smooth
latté to creamy cappuccino. Automatic purge
removes residual milk from the steam wand
when returned to the downward position.
SIMULTANEOUS COFFEE & STEAM
Dedicated stainless steel espresso and steam
boilers for simultaneous milk texturing and
espresso extraction.
PRECISION CONTROL
Electronic PID Temperature Control
Electronic temperature control delivers
precise water temperature for optimum
espresso flavour. Programmable.
Actively Heated Group Head
Commercial size 58mm group head with
embedded element for thermal stability
during extraction.
Regulated Extraction Pressure
Over pressure valve (OPV) limits maximum
pressure for optimal espresso flavour.
Low Pressure Pre-Infusion
Gradually increases water pressure to gently
expand grinds for an even extraction.
Programmable.
Dual Pumps
Dedicated espresso and steam boiler pumps.
Programmable Shot Temperature
Adjust water temperature to achieve optimal
espresso flavour depending on coffee origin
and degree of roast.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
One Touch Long Black
Delivers hot water directly into the cup
after espresso extraction. Preset and
customisable settings.
Shot Clock
Displays duration of the espresso shot
being extracted.
Auto Start
Switches machine on at a specified time.
Auto Off
Switches machine off after a specified
time from 5 - 20 mins.

12
PAGE HEADER.....
OPERATING YOUR NEW APPLIANCE
BEFORE FIRST USE
Machine Preparation
Remove and discard all labels and packaging
materials attached to your espresso machine.
Ensure you have removed all parts and
accessories before discarding the packaging.
Clean parts and accessories (water tank,
portafilter, filter basket, jug) using warm water
and a gentle dish washing liquid. Rinse well
then dry thoroughly.
TIP
To easily manoeuvre your machine, use
the drop down swivel foot located under
the drip tray. When turned to UNLOCK,
the swivel foot drops down and lifts the
machine upwards, making it easier to
access the removable water tank or
reposition the machine to another
location.
INSTALLING THE WATER FILTER
• Remove the water filter and water filter
holder from the plastic bag.
• Soak the filter in cold water for 5 minutes.
• Wash the filter holder with cold water.
• Set the reminder for next month of
replacement. We recommend to replace
the filter after 3 months.
• Insert the filter into the two parts of the
filter holder.
• To install the assembled filter holder into
the water tank, align the base of the filter
holder with the adapter inside the water
tank. Push down to lock into place.

13
PAGE HEADER.....
OPERATING YOUR NEW APPLIANCE
• Fill the water tank with cold water before
sliding back into position at the back of the
machine and locking into place.
NOTE
Replacing the water filter after three months
or 40L will reduce the need to descale the
machine. For information on purchasing
additional filters visit sageappliances.com
FIRST USE
1. Ensure tank is filled with cold water.
You can do this by either opening the
top-fill water tank lid (push to open),
or by removing the water tank at the back
of the machine.
2. Press POWER button to turn machine on.
3. The main LCD will display 'Hrd3',
prompting you to set the water hardness
level. Programming this will determine the
regularity of the 'DESCALE' and 'CHANGE
FILTER' alerts.
Setting Water Hardness
• Remove the supplied water hardness
test strip from the wrapper.
• Dip the test strip into a sample
of the water you have filled the
tank with. Wait for one minute.
The water hardness setting is
indicated by the number of red
squares displayed on the test
strip eg. 3 red squares indicates
a water hardness setting of 3.
• Rotate SELECT dial to the required
setting from 'Hrd1' (softest water)
to 'Hrd5' (hardest water). Press
SELECT dial to set. Machine will
beep once to confirm selection.
4. A pumping/vibrating sound will be
heard indicating empty boilers are
being filled with water for the first
time. The main LCD will display the
current boiler temperature and flash
'HEATING'.
5. After approximately 5 minutes, the
machine will reach the default
operating temperature 93˚C and all
6 buttons will illuminate. The machine
is now in STANDBY mode, ready for
the next step, 'Flushing The Machine'.
TEMP TEXTURE
SELECTPOWER
HOT WATER LONG BLACK

14
OPERATING YOUR NEW APPLIANCE
Flushing The Machine
When the machine has reached
STANDBY mode:
1. Press 2 CUP button to run water
through the group head for
30 seconds.
2. Press HOT WATER button to run
water through the hot water outlet.
After 30 seconds, press HOT WATER
button again to stop the flow of water.
3. Lift steam lever to the MANUAL
position to release steam through the
steam wand. After 30 seconds, lower
the steam lever to the centre OFF
position.
4. Repeat steps 1–3 twice.
5. Refill water tank and empty drip tray,
if required.
MANUAL will flash on LCD
The machine will not reach operating
temperature (STANDBY mode) if the steam
lever is in the MANUAL position. The steam
LCD will display 'MANUAL'. Lower the steam
lever to the centre OFF position.
Steam operation is ready when the SELECT
dial illuminates.
NOTE
You will not be able to select the 1 CUP,
2 CUP or LONG BLACK functions; or
access the cleaning cycle in the menu
options until the machine has reached
operating temperature (STANDBY mode).
The machine will beep 3 times if one of
these functions is selected.
GRINDING OPERATION
Insert bean hopper into position on top of the
machine. Turn knob to lock into place. Fill
hopper with fresh beans.
TIP
We recommend quality 100% Arabica
beans with a 'Roasted On' date stamped
on the bag, not a 'Best Before' or 'Use By'
date. Coffee beans are best consumed
between 5–20 days after the 'Roasted On'
date. Stale coffee may pour too quickly
from the portafilter spouts and taste bitter
and watery.
SELECTING GRIND SIZE
There are 45 espresso grind size settings
(No. 1 – finest, No. 45 – coarsest) to enable
you to select the right grind size for your
coffee beans and achieve the perfect espresso
extraction.
To select grind size, rotate the grind size dial
counter-clockwise to increase grind coarseness
or clockwise to increase grind fineness.
We recommend you start at No. 30 and adjust
as required to control espresso flow rate.

PAGE HEADER.....
ESPRESSO EXTRACTION
Align portafilter handle with the INSERT
position on the group head. Lift to insert
portafilter into the group head and rotate
towards the LOCK TIGHT position until
resistance is felt.
EXTRACTION GUIDE
The 1 CUP button and 2 CUP button
use duration to control espresso volume.
The duration times are preset, but can be
reprogrammed (refer to 'Programming Shot
Volume/Duration', page 19). Alternatively,
access the Advanced Features if you wish
to use volumetric controls instead of duration
to determine espresso volume (refer to 'Flow
Measurement Method (VoL)', page 25).
1 CUP BUTTON
Press 1 CUP button once to extract a single
shot of espresso at the preset duration
(25 seconds). The extraction will start using
the low pressure pre-infusion.
The machine will stop after 1 CUP duration is
reached and will return to STANDBY mode.
2 CUP BUTTON
Press 2 CUP button once to extract a
double shot of espresso at the preset duration
(30 seconds). The extraction will start using
the low pressure pre-infusion.
SELECT YOUR FILTER BASKET
Insert the correct Filter Basket into the
Portafilter for the number of coffees or strength
you are making.
Use the 1 Cup Filter Basket for making a single
cup or a weaker tasting espresso.
Use the 2 Cup Filter Basket for making 2 cups
or a stronger tasting espresso, usually for mugs
or larger cups.
AUTO GRIND DOSE & TAMP
Align portafilter handle with the INSERT
position on the grind outlet. Lift to insert
portafilter into the grind outlet and rotate
to the centre position.
GRIND OUTLET
GROUP HEAD
CENTRE
POSITION
GRIND OUTLET
To start the auto grind, dose & tamp function,
rotate the portafilter to the right then gently
guide back to the centre position. Grinding
will commence.
When the auto grind, dose & tamp function is
complete, rotate the portafilter handle to the
INSERT position and lower to remove.
OPERATING YOUR NEW APPLIANCE
15

16
PAGE HEADER.....
OPERATING YOUR NEW APPLIANCE
The machine will stop after 2 CUP duration
has been extracted and will return to
STANDBY mode.
MANUAL OVERRIDE
Press and hold either the 1 CUP or 2 CUP
button to commence pre-infusion. When the
required pre-infusion duration is met, release
the button to begin full pump pressure.
Press the button again to stop the pour
when required duration has been achieved.
TEXTURING MILK
The SELECT dial is used to select milk
temperature and texture. Press the dial to
toggle between milk temperature and texture.
The flashing value (either temperature or
texture triangle) can be changed by rotating
the dial.
ADJUSTING MILK TEMPERATURE
Press the SELECT dial until the milk
temperature flashes. Rotate the dial to increase
or decrease milk temperature. The selected
temperature will be displayed on the steam
LCD. The ideal temperature for milk is
between 55˚C–65˚C as indicated by the
smiley face icon.
STEAM
SELECTSELECTSELECT
TEMP TEXTURETEMP TEXTURETEMP TEXTURE
ADJUSTING MILK TEXTURE
Press the SELECT dial until the milk texture
triangle flashes. Rotate dial towards 'CAPP'
for more texture or 'LATTE' for less texture.
The selected texture will be displayed on the
steam LCD.
STEAM
SELECTSELECTSELECT
TEMP TEXTURETEMP TEXTURETEMP TEXTURE
Different brands and types of milk and milk
alternatives will texture differently. You may
need to adjust the texture level accordingly.
NOTE
Prior to texturing milk, always purge
steam wand by momentarily pressing
down the steam lever.
AUTO MILK TEXTURING
Start with fresh cold milk. Fill milk jug to below
the spout position. Lift steam wand and insert
into milk jug. Lower steam wand, ensuring it
is fully down. The milk jug should rest on the
drip tray and milk should cover the steam
wand seal.
MIN
MAX

17
PAGE HEADER.....
PRESET LONG BLACK
There are 3 preset Long Black settings – small,
medium and large. To use one of these settings:
1. Insert the 2 Cup Filter Basket into the
Porta-filter.
2. Fill the portafilter using the auto grind,
dose & tamp function.
3. Insert the portafilter into the
group head.
4. Position your cup so the portafilter
spouts and hot water outlet are
directed inside the cup.
5. Rotate the LONG BLACK dial to the
desired cup size.
PRESET CUP SIZE AMOUNT BREWED
Small Approx. 180ml
Medium Approx. 240ml
Large Approx. 355ml
The brewed amounts are approximate
only. Actual amounts may vary due to the
coffee bean roast, blend and freshness as well
as the selected grind size. These factors affect
extraction rate and shot volume.
6. To start extraction, press the
LONG BLACK dial. Espresso will
extract from the portafilter spouts,
followed by hot water from the hot
water outlet.
OPERATING YOUR NEW APPLIANCE
MILK MUST
COVER THIS
SEAL
To start, press down and release steam
lever. The LCD will display the temperature
of the milk as it heats. Milk texturing will
stop automatically when the selected milk
temperature is reached. Lift steam wand
to remove milk jug. Wipe the wand and tip
with a damp cloth. Lower steam wand to
the down position and the wand will
automatically purge.
MANUAL MILK TEXTURING
Auto milk texturing and auto shut-off are
disabled during manual milk texturing mode.
Insert steam wand into milk jug. Lift steam
lever to activate manual steam mode. Once
the desired milk texture and temperature are
achieved, lower the steam lever to the centre
OFF position. Wipe the wand and tip with a
damp cloth. Lower steam wand to the down
position and the wand will automatically purge.
CAUTION: BURN HAZARD
Pressurised steam can still be released,
even after machine has been switched off.
Children must always be supervised.
NOTE
If machine is run continuously for
30 minutes, allow machine to cool for
5 minutes before each use.

18
PAGE HEADER.....
OPERATING YOUR NEW APPLIANCE
NOTE
To override the setting during operation,
press the LONG BLACK dial. Pressing the
LONG BLACK dial during the espresso
extraction will stop the flow of espresso
and start the flow of hot water. Pressing
the LONG BLACK dial during the hot
water delivery will stop the flow of hot
water.
TIP
If the preset Long Black settings do not
suit your cup size or strength preferences,
there are 6 custom Long Black settings for
you to program. Once programmed, your
custom setting will appear after the
3 preset settings. Refer to 'Long Black
Adjust - Programming Custom Settings’,
page 22.
MANUAL LONG BLACK
This allows you total control over the
Long Black process: pre-infusion duration,
espresso volume and hot water volume.
During manual Long Black mode, the LCD
will show a moving cup icon.
Press and hold LONG BLACK dial to
activate pre-infusion. Release LONG BLACK
dial to commence espresso pour.
Press the LONG BLACK dial to stop
espresso pour and commence hot water pour.
Press the LONG BLACK dial again to stop
the pour of hot water.
TIP
You can conduct a manual Long Black
extraction each time, or program this
as a custom setting. Once programmed,
your custom setting will appear after the
3 preset settings. Refer to 'long Black
Adjust – Programming Custom Settings’,
page 22.
HOT WATER
The HOT WATER button can be used to
pre-heat cups or add hot water manually.
To stop and start the pour of hot water, press
the HOT WATER button.
To ensure water is dispensed at the correct
temperature, hot water will cease to dispense
after approx. 30 seconds. Depending on the
size of your cup, you may need to press the
HOT WATER button a second time.
HOT WATER
NOTE
You cannot run hot water and extract
espresso at the same time.

19
PAGE HEADER.....
OPERATING YOUR NEW APPLIANCE
PROGRAMMABLE FUNCTIONS
To enter program mode, press the
MENU button. Rotate SELECT dial
to the desired function.
Program mode allows you to program:
• Shot Volume
• Shot Temperature
• Clean Cycle
• Set Clock
• Auto Start
• Auto Off
• Tamp Set
• Pre-Infusion
• Long Black Adjust
To exit program mode, press MENU button.
MENU
EXIT
NOTE
The MENU button is disabled when the
machine is in coffee making mode or
dispensing hot water.
PROGRAMMING SHOT
VOLUME/DURATION
Fill the portafilter using the auto grind, dose
& tamp function. Insert the portafilter into the
group head.
While 'SHOT VOL' is displayed on the
LCD, rotate the SELECT dial to '1 CUP' to
reprogram the 1 CUP button, or '2 CUP'
to reprogram the 2 CUP button. Press the
SELECT dial to start espresso extraction.
When required espresso volume/duration has
been extracted, press SELECT dial to stop
extraction. Machine will beep once to confirm
the new volume/duration.
SELECTSELECTSELECT
TEMP TEXTURETEMP TEXTURETEMP TEXTURE
NOTE
The 1 CUP and 2 CUP buttons use
duration to control espresso volume.
Access the Advanced Features if you
wish to use volumetric controls instead of
duration to determine espresso volume.
Refer to 'Flow Measurement Method
(VoL)', page 25.

20
PAGE HEADER.....
OPERATING YOUR NEW APPLIANCE
SHOT TEMPERATURE
While 'SHOT TEMP' is displayed on the
LCD, press the SELECT dial. The current
temperature will flash. Turn the SELECT dial
to required temperature then press SELECT
dial to set. Machine will beep once to confirm
new temperature.
SELECTSELECTSELECT
TEMP TEXTURETEMP TEXTURETEMP TEXTURE
CLEANING CYCLE
The cleaning cycle cleans the shower screen
and back-flushes the group head. Select this
feature when the LCD displays 'CLEAN ME!'
Refer to 'Cleaning Cycle', page 30.
SELECTSELECTSELECT
TEMP TEXTURETEMP TEXTURETEMP TEXTURE
SET CLOCK
Setting the clock is optional. While 'SET
CLOCK' is displayed on the LCD, press the
SELECT dial. The current time will flash or
default to 12:00AM if the time has not been
set. Turn the SELECT dial to the left or right
to adjust time. Turning the SELECT dial faster
or slower will change the rate of adjustment.
When required time has been reached, press
the SELECT dial to set. Machine will beep
once to confirm the clock has been set.
SELECTSELECTSELECT
TEMP TEXTURETEMP TEXTURETEMP TEXTURE
AUTO START
Auto Start is optional. It allows you to
program the specific time when the machine
will automatically turn on. By programming
your machine, you will not have to wait for it
to pre-heat. We recommend programming the
machine to start 30 minutes before you plan
to use it.
NOTE
The clock must be set before the Auto
Start time can be programmed. If you try
to turn Auto Start on without first setting
the clock, the machine will beep 3 times.