NUOVA SIMONELLI OSCAR II: THE ESPRESSO MACHINE AS ART FORM

Follow along as I review the affordable Nuova Simonelli Oscar II. Is it a great machine or just a great price?

If you love cappuccinos and lattes, your single-boiler espresso machine will quickly get frustrating. But upgrading to a heat exchanger or dual boiler can feel intimidating – not to mention, expensive. 

Enter the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II, a heat-exchange boiler espresso machine with automatic dosing that’s only slightly pricier than a single boiler.

An affordable price tag always makes me wonder what was sacrificed, so I picked up an Oscar II to find out. Though it has some shortcomings, as you’ll see in this Nuova Simonelli Oscar review, I think this machine offers impressive performance and even better value for money.

The Full Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Review

The Nuova Simonelli Oscar II, released in 2016, represents a huge upgrade over the original Oscar. I was almost surprised they kept the same name. In terms of build quality, design, and ease of use, the Oscar II is a big leap forward. 

How I Rated It:

• Brewing capacity
• User-friendliness
• Milk Frothing
• Build Quality
• Cleaning and Maintenance

3.8

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Brewing Capacity And Espresso Quality

Nuova Simonelli’s Oscar II is aimed squarely at home baristas ready to upgrade from a thermoblock or single boiler machine like the Gaggia Classic Pro. 

It hosts an impressively large 2-liter copper heat-exchange (HX) boiler that allows you to steam milk and make espresso at the same time (1). And it’s probably one of the least expensive prosumer espresso machines to boast this capability.

It houses a vibratory pump, which is a standard at this price point – and with HX machines in general. It’s a bit louder than a rotary pump but equally capable of producing the required high pressure for extraction.

The Custom Group Head

Rather than rely on the popular E61 group, Nuova Simonelli engineered their own thermosiphon group. Happily, they stuck with the industry-standard 58mm diameter, so this machine is still compatible with any accessories, like a calibrated tamper or bottomless portafilter. In testing, I found the unique brew head offered temperature stability on par with other machines in the class.

No PID

Nuova Simonelli opted against adding a PID to the Oscar II when they upgraded the original Oscar, and I think that was a wise decision. A PID offers fewer benefits in a heat exchanger espresso machine, and it would have upped the cost significantly.

Volumetric Vs Timed Dosing

The Oscar II is an automatic espresso machine, which means that you don’t need to start and stop your shot manually. You can program the shot timing such that you only have to press a button to start, and it stops automatically after the set time. 

That said, I’m surprised to see the dosing done by time rather than volume. Most automatic espresso machines, even cheap ones like the little Breville Bambino, use an internal flowmeter to stop the shot after a certain volume of water passes through the group – rather than relying on time. 

Volumetric dosing tends to be more consistent, especially if you’re frequently changing coffee beans, and I’m surprised it was out of reach for the Oscar. If you want it, you’ll need to upgrade to the more expensive Musica model (2).

There is no “manual” setting, but an easy workaround is to program one of the buttons to run for 60 seconds. You can stop it manually at any time. Unfortunately, there is no way to control the pre-infusion stage.

Pressure Woes

A common complaint I read about the Oscar II is that it lacks an adjustable over-pressure valve (OPV), which allows you to tweak extraction pressure. These are increasingly popular for non-standard drink sizes, like a ristretto, or novel extraction conditions, like the turbo shot. 

That said, I don’t think it’s a huge loss; most of the complaints are coming from experienced reviewers like me. The target market for the Oscar II is entry-level baristas who will likely be happy mastering the classic espresso shot.

What is more disappointing to me is the lack of a pressure gauge – either for brew pressure or steam pressure. This is an incredibly handy bit of feedback for experts and novices alike, and the technology should hardly be cost-prohibitive at this point.

Ease Of Use Is A Key Feature

The Oscar II might take a little getting used to if you’re upgrading from a single boiler or thermoblock espresso machine, but I’d rate it among the easiest-to-use heat exchanger machines I’ve tested.

The timed dosing means that once you’ve dialed in your grind, a quality espresso is just a button press away.

How long does it take for a Nuova Simonelli Oscar to heat up?

I’d recommend giving the Oscar at least 20 minutes to heat up and stabilize at the brew temperature, but 25 to 30 minutes is even better if you have time – especially if you favor lighter roast beans.

Optional Water Tank

A weird quirk of the Oscar II is that you can buy either a plumbed-in or reservoir model, but you can’t switch back and forth. You need to decide before you buy. I say it’s weird only because I haven’t seen this before, but it’s not a problem as long as you know what you want. If you opt for the tank model, it comes with a good-sized 2.8 L reservoir, and an indicator light lets you know if it’s running low.

Cleaning And Maintenance Needs

Keeping the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II running is easy, especially with the plumbed version. In either case, it’s best to always use filtered water with your espresso machine to avoid scale build-up inside the plumbing. Backflush with water regularly and with a cleaning solution on occasion – precisely how often depends on your use. An ounce of prevention goes a long way.

The only thing that drove me a little crazy was that you need to tilt the removable drip tray to slide it out. So you don’t want to let it get too full. This seems like a design problem that should be easy to solve.

Impressive Steam Power

Italian brand Nuova Simonelli carries a reputation for powerful steam wands with dry steam, and it’s nice to see that maintained in this entry-level model. 

Compared with the original Nuova Simonelli Oscar model, the new edition has a longer steam wand with better articulation. I initially thought the long wand was a style choice (and maybe it was), but it’s also a joy to use compared to the short, stubby wands of cheaper espresso machines.  

I like that the redesigned steam lever has the option of on/off or just a short burst, but its position on top of the machine is a little unusual. It makes it awkward if you want to house your machine under cupboards or if you’re a relatively petite person with tall counters.

There is no separate hot water tap, but you can dispense hot water from the steam wand, which is perfectly adequate and expected at this price point.

Unique Aesthetics And Reasonable Build Quality

The build quality of the Nuova Simonelli Oscar 2 is one of the biggest improvements in this model versus the original Oscar. It still sports plastic at the back and around the top and drip tray, but the front and sides are now stainless steel, and there’s a stainless steel grate on the drip tray. 

It feels bombproof compared to the plastic original but still a little flimsy compared to competitor models. At this price point, I’d prefer not to see any plastic, particularly for something rated for potential commercial use.

Space-Age Style

The Oscar II’s unique style bears mentioning, even if aesthetics are largely a matter of personal taste. 

It’s available in two colors; the plastic components can be black or red. Both sport the same mirror-finish stainless for the front and sides. Measuring 12” wide by 16” deep by 16” tall, it’s not the largest espresso machine by a long shot, but it’s big enough to attract attention.

Personally, I’m not a huge fan of the design. I can’t picture many kitchens, with the possible exception of those on the Starship Enterprise, where the Oscar II will blend in. It demands to be a focal point, which I suspect will alienate some potential buyers.

Where are Nuova Simonelli coffee machines made?

Nuova Simonelli machines, even entry-level models like the Oscar, are made in Italy. The Italian company has been operating (and innovating) in the espresso market since 1936.

Is The Oscar II Worth Its Price?

In my experience, the Oscar II offers excellent value but only to certain users. At under $2000, it’s the cheapest machine I’ve encountered that features a prosumer-grade heat-exchange boiler and automatic dosing. 

It’s perfect for anyone who wants a machine that delivers delicious espresso without compromising ease of use or an efficient morning routine. It’s particularly great for someone who knows the coffee they like and rarely changes beans. Just dial it in once, and you’re good to go!

However, part of the Oscar’s affordability is certainly due to what it lacks: no PID, no OPV, no pre-infusion, no pressure gauge. It won’t appeal to those who like to tweak variables and control every aspect of the extraction. If you want more bells and whistles, I’d recommend an HX machine with manual operation, many of which are around the same price.

What is the difference between Oscar Mood and Oscar 2?

The Mood is an upgraded alternative to the Oscar 2, released by Nuova Simonelli in 2021 (3). 

The Mood features an intuitive touch screen, PID temperature control, and an adjustable OPV.  It has an insulated boiler, which makes it a bit quieter and more energy-efficient than the Oscar 2. There are also a few aesthetic and quality updates, including more stainless steel casing, fresh color options, and a wooden portafilter handle. 

It’s a substantially more advanced espresso machine, but it’s also about $1000 more expensive – over half again the price of the Oscar II – so it’s targeting a different audience.

Where To Buy The Nuova Simonelli Oscar II

It’s important to buy any high-end home espresso machine from a knowledgeable dealer with good warranty policies and excellent customer service. The Home Brews Coffee team has been consistently pleased with our interactions with the following suppliers.

	RETAILER	DETAILS
	Seattle Coffee Gear	Free shipping Price matching 2-year warranty	Check Price
	Majesty Coffee	Price matching 2-year warranty Easy and stress-free shopping	Check Price

Don’t Buy The Oscar II If…

• You’re not into its space-age style: If you’re worried the Oscar’s modern style will clash with your kitchen, check out one of the more classic-looking entry-level HX machines like the Rocket Appartamento or Lelit Mara X.

• You want a double boiler: Though generally a bit larger and more expensive, double boilers are more consistent (and intuitive) when it comes to hitting the ideal brew temperature. The Rancilio Silvia Pro and Profitec Pro 300 are two fantastic double boiler machines with compact footprints and relatively modest price tags – perfect for the up-and-coming home barista.

• You’re looking for a commercial machine: The Oscar is commercially rated but targeted for home use. It’s really only practical in low-volume professional settings, like an espresso cart or catering business. If you’re opening a small or mid-sized cafe, check out the Nuova Simonelli Appia line instead (4).

The Verdict

The Nuova Simonelli Oscar II espresso machine is ideal for anyone who wants convenience and espresso quality in the same package – and at a price that won’t break the bank. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles serious espresso fanatics might demand, this entry-level machine provides an unintimidating first step into cafe-quality specialty drinks. 

And if you’ve been looking to adorn your kitchen with more of a sci-fi aesthetic, so much the better!

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