Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Review (My Experience Using It)

Are you looking for an espresso machine that allows you to control your brewing experience but still has some automated features? One brewer that fits the bill is the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II.

Whether you're a seasoned home barista or want to open a boutique coffee shop, this semi-automatic machine promises an engaging brewing experience without overwhelming you with complexity.

The question is: can it live up to its promise? I recently tested this machine and have all the details for you below.

Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Review – My Ratings & Top Features

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Why Should You Buy The Nuova Simonelli Oscar II?

Overall, I would rate the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II a 7.5 out of 10 for its commercial-grade performance, remarkable durability, and authentic barista experience it offers. Here's why:

• Professional Grade Espresso Extraction
• High-Quality Steam Power
• Heat Exchange Boiler
• Available in Two Versions
• Manual Operation

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Who Should Buy The Nuova Simonelli Oscar II?

The Nuova Simonelli Oscar II is ideal for serious home baristas craving control and experimentation in their espresso-making.

Its manual operation and heat-exchange boiler enable simultaneous brewing and milk steaming, saving precious time.

It is also perfect for small businesses, like boutique coffee shops or bed and breakfasts, as it promises reliability, speed, and quality in a high-demand setting.

However, it's not a great choice if you serve a larger customer base.

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Why I Decided To Review The Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Espresso Machine

Since starting my home barista journey, I've been on the hunt for machines that let me get hands-on with my coffee.

The Nuova Simonelli Oscar II caught my eye with its semi-automatic features, allowing the user to get involved in the brewing process.

As an Italian machine, it naturally raised the question: does it truly deliver on the quality and tradition the country is known for? Of course, I had to try it out.

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What’s It Like To Live With The Nuova Simonelli Oscar II

Ever dreamed of living inside a coffee shop? Well, that will be your life if you have an Oscar II at home. However, there's one catch. You'll be your own barista.

If you love the intricacies of pulling an espresso shot, you’ll definitely appreciate this machine. So, let me show you how this espresso machine made me the barista of my dreams.

What’s In The Box?

I couldn't wait to dive in when the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II arrived at my door.

The packaging was solid, and everything was secure, signaling that Nuova Simonelli has a good handle on quality control.

On unboxing, you'll find a well-organized set of accessories, including:

• The Oscar II machine itself
• Single-cup filter
• Two cup filter
• Coffee press
• Spring
• Filter holder
• Coffee nozzle
• Coffee measure

One important detail you should know about: the Oscar II is available in two versions, the reservoir model and the direct connect version.

I opted for the one with the water reservoir because it's a good fit for my home setup - no need for a dedicated water line, and I like to manually fill the machine.

If you plan to use it commercially, I suggest you use the direct connect version. Do note that these two versions aren't interchangeable.

Pulling My First Espresso Shot

I have worked with several espresso machines before the Oscar II, but most are on the automatic side - grinding, dosing, and the actual pulling.

You know, those super-automatic machines and the semi-automatic ones that are mostly automated.

So, when I got my hand on this machine, I was basically a newbie. Although it is still a semi-automatic machine, most of the work is on me.

That's why my espresso-making journey with this professional espresso machine is tedious yet rewarding.

Related Article - Best Espresso Machines Under $2000

Grinding The Beans

The Oscar II doesn't have a built-in grinder, so I used my favorite conical burr grinder, the Bodum Bistro, to prepare my coffee beans.

The absence of a built-in grinder was a blessing in disguise as it provided me the freedom to experiment with different grind sizes, discovering the ideal texture for my espresso.

With this machine, a slightly coarser grind produces more crema, while a finer one produces a richer, bolder flavor.

If you don't own a grinder, don't worry. You can use pre-ground coffee too.

However, it won't produce a good espresso shot by my standards.

Remember that getting the perfect grind size is essential for a stellar extraction process.[1]

Therefore, I suggest you invest in a conical burr grinder. Not only will it make your espresso better, but it will provide consistency in your shots.

Filling The Portafilter

Many of you may argue that this isn't a critical step to review. After all, it's just filling the portafilter with coffee grounds, right?

Well, for this specific machine, I need to lightly touch upon this subject since Oscar II requires manual handling. This means I have full authority over how much coffee goes into each shot.

One thing I love about this espresso machine is the portafilter size, 58mm, which is professional grade.

This type of portafilter ensures that you get a stable temperature throughout the extraction process.

On top of that, the machine features a soft infusion system.

So, for beginners brave enough to battle this machine (like me), even if your tamping isn't perfect, you can still get a balanced extraction.

This system works by releasing a small trickle of water to smooth out the grounds.

Pulling the Actual Shot

Do note that this machine has only one group head, unlike others that have several group heads.

I'd like to point out that this machine features programmable timed dosing. This allows you to pre-program the exact duration for single and double shots.

So, when you're ready to brew, a simple press of either the single or double shot button prompts the machine to brew your espresso and stop precisely at the pre-set time.

 

The shot was significantly richer than what I had experienced with the Barista Express, one of the machines I own, and was comparable to espressos from reputable coffee shops.

My espresso was dark, syrupy, loaded with flavor, and had an excellent body. In terms of crema, my preferred grind setting didn't produce much, but that could just be my preference.

Interestingly, upon tweaking the grind to be slightly coarser, as mentioned, I noticed more crema at the expense of a slight dip in flavor and body.

I’d prefer a more flavorful espresso than having crema, but that’s just me.

It’s actually surprising that my first pull turned out great, especially with all my doubts about my skill.

Still, I’d say you need to have a little experience with espresso machines up your sleeve to be able to use this brewer.

First Time Frothing Milk

The Heat Exchange boiler on the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II lets you brew espresso and steam milk at the same time, making it ideal for small businesses.

Using the professional-grade steam wand is a game-changer for barista-level control.

For my first froth, I used cold whole milk and was impressed by the steam power from this compact machine.

The result was velvety, smooth milk - perfect for cappuccinos and latte art.

However, mastering the manual frother takes practice, and the first try may not be perfect.

While it lacks an automated frother and hot water tap, the control and froth quality make the Oscar II a standout for espresso lovers.

How Much Control Do You Have Over The Brewing Experience?

The Oscar II gives you significant control over the brewing process.

Without a built-in grinder, you can choose your own and experiment with different grind settings, which is great for coffee lovers.

The rotary pump ensures consistent steam pressure, and the cup warmer keeps your espresso at the right temperature.

It also features programmable shot timing, making it easier to brew consistently.

While the Oscar II requires some coffee knowledge, it’s perfect for those who enjoy fine-tuning and mastering their espresso-making skills.

How Does It Handle Different Roasts?

The Oscar II is pretty versatile when it comes to handling different types of roasts.

Well, it’s actually you who has control over it, not the machine.

In other words, you need to have some understanding of how to brew different roasts, especially since grinding is your job when you’re using this machine.

Look, Feel, and Size Of The Machine

The Oscar II has a sturdy, industrial look with a durable stainless steel body that many will appreciate, though it's not my personal favorite.

Its reverse mirror is a useful feature, allowing you to see your shot from all angles.

At 16 x 12 x 16 inches, it’s larger than most home espresso machines, but not overly bulky.

Just make sure you have enough counter space and clearance under cabinets.

Weighing 29 pounds, it's heavy, so you won’t want to move it often.

What Drinks Can It Make?

The Oscar II can make a variety of espresso drinks, especially if you have the skill.

Unlike other semi-automatic machines, like the Breville Touch, which comes with pre-programmed drinks, this brewer relies completely on your skill.

So, if you can pull a shot properly and steam milk, you pretty much can do a lot of espresso-based drinks using this machine.

How Easy Is It To Use?

If you're used to machines with automated, high-end features, this can feel like a piece of history.

From the manual steam wand to using a separate grinder, there are many things you need to master before you can completely dominate this machine.

If you have the reservoir version, you will get an alert when the water level is low, which I think is pretty handy and makes this machine easier to use.

How Long Does It Take? (From Heat Up To First Sip)

Once switched on, the brewer takes around 15 minutes to fully heat up.

While this may seem like a while compared to other machines, it's important to note that this time allows the entire machine - not just the water.

Once the machine is heated, pulling an espresso shot takes between 20 to 30 seconds, depending on your specific grind and dose.

If you fancy a milk-based drink, the steam wand is already hot and ready to froth your milk in just about a minute or so.

So, from the moment you switch the machine on to the first sip of your coffee, you're looking at approximately 16 to 18 minutes.

Does It Have A Water Filtration System?

No, the Oscar II doesn't come with a built-in water filtration system.

However, if you live in an area that doesn't meet Nuova Simonelli's required water specification, you will need to install a water filter.[2]

If you don’t, your warranty will be voided.

Thankfully, you can buy a separate complete water filtration online, or you can order one when you order this machine.

The downside is that it's an additional cost for you.

How Hard Is It To Clean and Descale?

Cleaning and descaling the Oscar II is pretty easy, especially if you have the plumbed version with a filtration system. This is because the water coming out of the line is filtered already.

When it comes to everyday cleaning, the Oscar II is simple to maintain.

The drip tray is removable, allowing for easy emptying and rinsing.

The group head should be flushed after each use to remove any coffee residues, and the portafilter should be cleaned with a brush to remove leftover coffee grounds.

As for descaling, the process is vital to prolong the life of your machine and keep it running smoothly.

The Oscar II doesn't have an automatic notification for descaling, so it's recommended to do it at least once every 3-4 months, depending on the hardness of your water and the frequency of use.

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My Favorite Parts About The Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Coffee Maker

The Nuova Simonelli Oscar II has made a remarkable impact on my coffee experience. Here are some important points I loved the most about it:

• Superior Espresso Extraction: The Oscar II uses professional- and commercial-grade components to ensure high-quality espresso extraction.
• Heat Exchange System: The heat exchange system allows for simultaneous brewing and steaming, significantly reducing the waiting time between pulling a shot and frothing milk. This system is also energy efficient.
• User-friendly Interface: Despite its professional-level features, the Oscar II is relatively simple to operate. The straightforward control panel is easy to understand, making the brewing process an enjoyable experience rather than a daunting task.
• Volumetric Control: I'm a big fan of the volumetric controls on this machine. The ability to pre-set the water volume for single and double shots allows for consistent espresso, whether I'm making a quick morning shot or crafting a complex specialty drink.

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My Least Favorite Parts

While I genuinely appreciate the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II, some aspects of the machine could have been better.

• Manual Frother: My biggest gripe with the Oscar II is its manual frother. For those new to the espresso game, it might take some time to master the art of milk frothing.
• Lacks a Built-in Grinder: While this is not uncommon for machines of its caliber, it does mean you'll need to invest in a separate quality grinder to ensure you're getting the most out of your coffee beans.
• No Pressure Gauge or Over Pressure Valve: Having a bar pump gauge can help you keep tabs on the boiler's pressure. Unfortunately, the Oscar II doesn't have one.

Because of these downsides, I recommend this machine to more experienced baristas. For beginners, it’s going to be quite a challenge to use it.

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Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Vs Similar Machines

Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Vs Breville Dual Boiler

The Breville Dual Boiler and the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II are both high-quality semi-automatic machines that appeal to different coffee lovers.

The Breville Dual Boiler offers more user-friendly features like a digital temperature control and a dual boiler system that allows simultaneous brewing and frothing.

On the other hand, the Oscar II doesn't have such advanced features but shines with its commercial-grade build quality and performance, making it suitable for those who value durability and a more traditional espresso brewing experience.

Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Vs Rancilio Silvia

Both the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II and the Rancilio Silvia are well-regarded machines in the espresso world, and both offer excellent performance.

However, Oscar II has a heat exchanger boiler, allowing for simultaneous brewing and steaming, a feature the single boiler Rancilio Silvia lacks.

In contrast, the Silvia is compact and made with high-quality materials, making it an excellent fit for those with limited space but still want a sturdy, reliable machine.

Related Article - Rancilio Silvia Pro X Review

Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Vs Rocket Appartamento

Both machines offer excellent heat exchange systems, allowing you to brew and steam simultaneously.

The Appartamento, however, scores higher on aesthetics with its unique circular side panel design and shiny stainless steel body.

In terms of performance, both machines are quite similar, although the Appartamento might have a slight edge with its larger boiler and higher-end components.

Nevertheless, the Oscar II is a great option for those who prioritize a commercial-grade machine that delivers consistent results at a more affordable price.

Related Article - Rocket Espresso Appartamento Review

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FAQs

How much is a Nuova Simonelli Oscar professional?

The price of Oscar II ranges from $2000 to $2100, depending on the type of version you’re getting.

Which country is Nuova Simonelli made?

Nuova Simonelli machines, like Nuova Simonelli Musica and Oscar II, are made from Italy.

Does Nuova Simonelli offer customer support?

Yes, the Simonelli Group North America offers technical support to help customers make the most out of their machines.

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Conclusion - Is The Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Worth Your Money?

I can confidently say that the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II is a worthy investment, especially if you are already an experienced barista or a small business owner who appreciates a more traditional espresso brewing experience. This espresso machine offers commercial-grade performance, making it perfect for users who wish to refine their espresso brewing skills and offer quality espressos.

However, for those seeking more modern conveniences such as digital temperature control and ease of use, the Breville Dual Boiler could be a better fit. On the other hand, if space is a concern, but you still want a reliable, robust machine, the Rancilio Silvia would be an excellent choice.

Resources:

1. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-44886-w
2. https://www.simonelliusa.com/PDFs/Oscar%20II/OscarII-SpecSheet-All.pdf