BUDGET BUT EXTEREMLY WELL BUILT!

I have one of these NS Oscar which is not a direct connect version. The direct connect version is even better because you don't have to fill your water reservoir! Even better, plumb the drain too so refilling and emptying drip tray is something you will never have to worry about. Performance wise, this machine has all the commercial parts inside, Sirai pressure stat and etc. Very rugged. The espresso shots are good with great steam pressure due to the bigger-than-usual boiler. Normal E61 machine has 1.8L boiler and this has 200ml extra! The only down is probably you have to bleed the false pressure, which can be troublesome if you don't leave it on 24/7. You can probably put fit a vacuum breaker valve in and put it on timer. More fiddling, but works equally well as those 1.5k++++ machines

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GRANDE NUOVA SIMONELLI!

I recently upgraded to the Oscar from my Rancilio Silvia w/ a PID. The reason for doing so was that I really wanted to move up to a HX machine. I am glad I did. This machine has power to spare. When entertaining, I am able to go back and forth from pulling shots and also making milk based drinks without switching modes and worrying about burning the coffee. I have an insta-hot tap in the kitchen so I do not miss the hot water tap that is on some machines. I am currently using a bottomless portafilter and generally have a cappuccino in the morning and a couple of double shots throughout the afternoon and after dinner. The only negative I have to report is that the wife does not like the looks of the Oscar compared to the Silvia. I guess I should have gotten the red one. The other thing people have mentioned is the tip for foaming the milk. It is difficult to adjust to if you are using a smaller pitcher since there is so much power. Over time and practice, you will get the feel for using it and there are lots of tips on the internet for plugging a hole or what-not to get a handle on the power. It really pulls a very nice shot and that is what I drink and what is important to me.

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OSCAR THE GROUCH

This is a great machine. I upgraded after purchasing a Rancilio Silvia, and I can't say that I regretted it. I was looking for a cheap heat exchanger machine that would reduce the need to temperature surf. I was not disappointed.

Pluses: Lots of steam, large 2L boiler capacity, heats up quickly, ability to steam and pull shots simultaneously, removable drip tray, temperature stability, easily adjusted pressure stat, heavy commercial sized portafilters (58mm)

Minuses: Lack of a vacuum breaker which results in crazy rumbling and a lack of heat if the steam wand isn't opened, thin copper internals that corrode over time, difficulty in descaling due to lack of access to the boiler, lack of a hot water spout, cheap teflon insulation that crumbles and leaves a giant mess everywhere, plastic casing (although its lack of heat retention and scratch resistance could be a plus), terrible stock tip for steaming

Since I'm more concerned with a machine's ability to pull a shot, I was happy to overlook Oscar's negatives. It is an espresso champ. Like Oscar the Grouch, you learn to love him.

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