For the more pretentious coffee drinker who wants nothing but the best, including all the bells and whistles, the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II (View on Amazon) is the obvious choice to consider. This machine comes in both the Lux pour over and the pour over model and features a water reservoir, but also a Direct connect model which can be easily connected to a water line.
The Nuova Simonelli uses high quality commercial grade parts, including electronically controlled E sixty one group head and a two point five liter heat exchange boiler which together help you brew some of the most delicious coffees and cappuccinos, but also espressos you’ve ever had. On top of its excellent performance, the Nuova Simonelli is also a joy to look at, featuring a beautiful stainless steel finish that commands attention wherever you decide to put it. Coupled with the LED accent lighting, this machine will certainly make for a high class statement product.
Features
Automatic Pre-Infusion
The Nuova Simonelli features a pre-infusion brewing system (in-demand) where the coffee grounds are first of all soaked for a specific amount of time prior to being brewed. This allows you to make more aromatic and flavorful coffee.
Heat-Exchanging Boiler
The copper and brass two-liter boiler features a high quality heat exchanger which allows you to froth milk and brew coffee at the same time. In order to maintain a constant temperature, the twelve hundred W heating element is controlled by a thermostat.
Vibratory Pump
Rated at fifteen BAR, the vibratory pump in the Nuova Simonelli is quite powerful. In fact, it’s so powerful that it’s always going to extract the maximum flavor from your coffee beans.
Three-Way Solenoid Valve
Not only does it relieve pressure, but the solenoid valve also sucks out the water in the grouphead after you’ve managed to extract your espresso. As a result, you can remove the handle right away, refill it with coffee and then initiate a new brewing cycle.
Steam and Hot Water Wands
The Nuova Simonelli features a high quality, multi-directional steam wand with a great range of motion. Using it, you can create creamy and fine milk foam for your latte or cappuccino.
Automatic Espresso Dosing
What you’ll love about the Nuova Simonelli is that you can program it in such a way that it’s going to stop brewing after the right amount of coffee was dispensed. Because of this great feature, even if you never used one such machine before, you’re going to find that making an espresso for instance, can be very simple.
Programmable Hot Water Dispensing
Thanks to the hot water wand, dispersing water is very simple. In fact, you can also use the digital menu in order to ensure that the right amount of water is dispersed every single time.
Build Quality
The Nuova Simonelli is made of high quality stainless steel, meaning that its’ going to last through many years of use without a single problem. The LED illumination though is what makes this model look really great on your kitchen countertop. In fact, it’s going to attract a lot of compliments from anyone dropping by for a quick chat and a delicious cup of coffee.
Grinder
The doser grinder on the Nuova Simonelli is really high quality and it’s going to make a huge difference in how each coffee or espresso you prepare with this model tastes. When it comes to the motor, it’s a one hundred and fifty watt motor that’s more than enough for most home users. You can also choose from a wide range of settings in order to ensure the grinder grinds the coffee beans to your desired fineness. Some features you’re going to love about it include the one programmable dose, height adjustable filter holder and stepped grinding regulation.
Pros:
- Great steam performance: What you’ll love about this model among many other things is that it can froth and heat your milk very fast. You’re also going to love the knob used for turning on the steam wand which features a simple up and down action.
- Design: The high quality stainless steel design of the Nuova Simonelli makes it look simply amazing in any kitchen.
- Great shots: After you’ll have learned to tweak the machine to your meet your preferences, it’s going to make drinks exactly the way you want them to with almost no variation from the settings you’ve chosen.
Cons:
- The water reservoir’s design is something that some people may not really like. In fact, some users have said that the water spigot tends to spray everywhere.
- The Nuova Simonelli is quite large, so you do need to have quite a bit of space on your kitchen countertop.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy This Model?
The Nuova Simonelli is one of the few espresso machines on the market that has a high quality stainless steel design and functions which help you make the best espressos, coffee or cappuccino you’ve ever had. With features such as the vibratory pump, three way solenoid valve, hot water and steam wands, but also automatic pre-infusion and programmable water dispensing, every part of the complex process of brewing a delicious espresso can be easily adjusted based on your personal preferences. It’s this very level of customizability that makes the Nuova Simonelli stand out of the crowd and claim its rightful place as the king of espresso machines. If you’re the type who appreciates the finer things in life, then there’s no doubt in our mind that the Nuova Simonelli is definitely one of those things.
Comparable Models to consider
Rancilio Epoca S Tank 1: This model makes great espressos and on top of that, it seems to come at a much cheaper price. Just so you know, it can brew up to seventy drinks an hour.
Breville BES870XL Barista Express: If you’re the type who cannot overlook design, then this model is certainly a great choice to consider. It looks great, but also comes at an affordable price and makes delicious tasting coffee.
Breville BES980XL Oracle: For those of you who love all things automatic, this model is one you shouldn’t overlook. Not only does it automatically grind, dose and tamps the right amount of coffee to prepare your favorite drink, but it also features automatic purge and programmable hands free milk texturing. What more can you ask for?
