Nuova Simonelli Oscar Espresso Machine Review

August 15, 2016

Nuova Simonelli Oscar Espresso Machine Review

If you’re familiar with the Nuova Simonelli range, chances are you’ve witnessed the power of the Simonelli in coffee shops – with the likes of Mugg & Bean, and you’re likely familiar with the large Aurelia II range. These machines are easily identifiable by the three group heads, and beautiful steel finish. The three variants of these machines Have slight differences, but the output is a mirrored image.

The Nuova Simonelli Espresso Machine range has most definitely made it’s mark, and established itself in terms of machine quality. This is evident in it being chosen for the World Barista Championship competition coffee machine of choice, as well as an unknown number of large retail outlets selecting this sleek beast as their machine of choice.

However much we as home or office users, yearn from this calibre of machinery to be part of our every day lives, it is simply not viable – financially, space or product wise – and in terms of training and associated skill-set – to purchase or rent one of these machines in our desired spaces. That’s where the Nuova Simonelli Oscar steps in – shining as bright as a mirror on a hill top, giving us the hybrid of quality and compactness we so desperately need – and here’s all you need to know about the baby of the Simonelli range!

Nuova Simonelli Oscar: An Overview

At first glance, e can see the Oscar is available in both black and red finishes – lending a hand to the aesthetic appeal of this beauty and making it suitable to virtually any space in your office or home.

What’s most important is that you understand right from the outset that the Nuova Simonelli is not a plug-and-play option for coffee machines. It’s not as easy as pressing a button and having a freshly ground cuppa Joe poured into your cup. This machine is designed for the coffee lovers, the connoisseurs, and those whoa appreciate a hands-on approach to making coffee.

In terms of the nitty-gritty, techy stuff, the Oscar makes use of heat-siphon circulation heating (AKA Thermo-Siphon) which is an energy-effective method of “passive heat exchange, based on natural convection, which circulates a fluid without the necessity of a mechanical pump”.

The Simonelli Oscar offers simultaneous steam / coffee dispensing options which can be a huge time-saver if you’re using it in a small café’ or office space. The Simonelli Oscar has a 2.3 litre water tank, which is very close to the likes of the Jura F8 or F9 – which makes this an even better fit for office or home spaces; however, if this becomes a hassle, it is an option to plumb your machine directly into your existing water supply. The grounds drawer reaches capacity at 1 litre, meaning the daily removal of the drawer will suffice in keeping your machine perfectly clean.

Last, but most certainly not least, is the full-colour ABS bodywork, in both black and red renders scratches invisible. This is a triple-point score in my books – because if you’re investing in this piece of machinery – you’ll likely want to keep it in tip-top shape for as long as possible. The scratch-concealing material used on the Oscar helps you increase the lifespan of this beauty without even trying.

Nuova Simonelli Oscar – Outputs, Sizing and Specifications

Coming in at the same weight-range as the Jura XS9, the Simonelli Oscar weighs 14kg. The sizing of the machine is W=300mm | D=400mm and H=400mm. In direct comparison with it’s Jura-equivalent (the XS9) we can see many similarities in things from dimension to weight; the only clear win that the XS9 has in it’s court is the 6litre water-tank capacity VS the Oscar’s 2.3litre tank – as well as the addition of being a fully-automatic coffee machine.

Who Is The Nuova Simonelli Oscar Good For?

If you can answer yes to any of the questions below, the Simonelli Oscar is NOT for you!

Do you want your coffee at the touch of one button?

Do you have a large office or restaurant that you are looking to service with this machine?

Do you want a machine with minimal maintenance and one that needs no “human component”?

Will this machine be in an area with a lot of first time users?

Are you looking for a coffee machine that can makes milk-based speciality drinks?

Are you happy to sip a cup of instant coffee each morning, or be content with a sachet of instant cappuccino?

Now, if you van answer yes to any of the below – consider doing a little more research on this little beast:

Do you want to showcase yours or a dedicated Barista’s skill-set by grinding, tamping and extracting a fresh and decadent shot of Espresso?

Do you want to be hands-on in your coffee making?

Are you more of a coffee purist who enjoys coffee-based drinks (as opposed to milk-based drinks?)

Are you looking to invest in a show-piece of coffee machinery that makes a bold, brave statement?

Nuova Simonelli Oscar – Stockists and Pricing

Cape Coffee Beans – R 14 999.00

Caffe Tazza Doro – Price Upon Request

Buy Coffee Online – R 15 995.00

As you can see, it’s not the most easily sourced machine within the country; this is something you’ll need to keep in mind before buying this machine. It can affect you in terms of having the machine professionally serviced, the availability of backup support, service and troubleshooting – and it will undoubtedly affect the price as there is such little competition.