![]() In either case, always use filtered water with your espresso machine to avoid build-up inside the plumbing. ![]() The pour-over option has a good-sized 77-ounce water tank with a larger hole at the top than the Oscar I, so it’s easier to clean. Keeping the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II running is easy, especially with the plumbed version. If you don’t already have one, make sure you budget for a metal tamper. It’s sold with a useless plastic tamper, which is not a surprise at this price but always a little disappointing. It has a unique look - part art deco, part alien spaceship - sure to be divisive.Ĭouple this with its NSF rating and this espresso machine could be perfect for light-duty commercial use. Of course, Oscar II’s aesthetics bear mentioning, even if they are a primarily personal choice. It feels bombproof compared to the plastic original. The front and sides are now stainless steel, with a stainless steel grate on the drip tray. Though still plastic on the back and top, the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II build quality is one of the biggest improvements in this model. This helps keep the cost low, but it isn’t very reassuring for Americano fans. The only complaint regarding the milk system is that there’s no option for hot water. It’s on top of the machine, which is unusual, but I love that it has the option of on/off or just a short burst. The 2-liter boiler paired with a four-hole steam wand tip means you’re getting tons of steam pressure, so much so that it might take some getting used to!Ĭompared with the Nuova Simonelli Oscar, the newer model has a longer steam wand with better articulation, and the redesigned steam lever is fantastic. These are perfect for latte art, and it’s nice to see that maintained in the steam wand of this entry-level model. Italian brand Nuova Simonelli carries a reputation for powerful steam wands with dry steam. Most vibratory pump espresso machines aren’t compatible with direct plumbing, so it’s nice that Nuova Simonelli provides the option. You can get either a plumbed-in or reservoir model, but you can’t switch back and forth. This solution to this problem is practice. Though a downside to this system, compared with volumetric, is that if you’ve over-flushed the machine, your shot might start late and throw off the timing. The timed dosing means that once you’ve dialed in your grind, a quality espresso is just a button press away. Lights alert you when the boiler is heating or the water reservoir is low, and the machine automatically turns off after 90 seconds of brewing to avoid overheating. But as these machines go, it is very straightforward, with some nice user-friendly features. If you’re upgrading from a single boiler or thermoblock espresso machine, the Oscar II will take a little getting used to. It also lacks a pressure gauge for monitoring boiler pressure, which would be an excellent addition for anyone who makes many drinks back to back. Many dealers will now install an after-market OPV without voiding the warranty, and this is a popular option. OPV is really useful when pulling non-standard drink sizes, like a ristretto. Users’ biggest complaint is that this espresso machine doesn’t come with an over-pressure valve (OPV). Just program one of the buttons to run for 60 seconds, and you can stop it manually at any time. It doesn’t come with a manual mode, and this will frustrate some home baristas. Unfortunately, you cannot tweak these variables individually. You set the total time, which includes pre-infusion, wait time, and brewing ( 2). It uses timed dosing, which you can program using the two buttons on the group. ![]() This current iteration of the Nuova Simonelli Oscar is a blend between the original and the higher-end Musica model. The Oscar II uses a pressure stat rather than the PID often found on higher-end machinesīut this is very common with heat exchangers, where a PID is less valid anyway.
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