Nuova Simonelli
Nuova Simonelli is an Italian company with experience and tradition going back many years. It has been making espresso machines, which it exports all over the world, since 1936. Today, Nuova Simonelli can boast a vast range of products that are able to meet the requirements of the hospitality trade, right across the board. Company investments into R&D and the development of new solutions have brought important recognition: World Barista Championship, Compasso d'Oro for design innovation, the first ergonomic machine and cutting-edge applications. Our sales network is comprised of serious professionals - genuine consultants who know their market and are able to provide the right kind of assistance, on an ongoing basis. Today our mission is to continue with investments into research, design, training and assistance, so that we can play our part in your success. Nuova Simonelli: expressly for you.
SOLID BASE HX MACHINE (on Nuova Simonelli Osca...)
fatnat79 | Mon, 05/14/2012I would consider this a decent step up after owning a SBDU machine like the Silvia. That means, this machine allows you to brew and steam at the same time. No waiting for steam pressure to build up. It is compact and can deliver great results in the cup.
BUDGET BUT EXTEREMLY WELL BUILT! (on Nuova Simonelli Osca...)
samuellaw178 | Fri, 03/09/2012I 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
FANCY AND NICE! (on Nuova Simonelli Musi...)
Son Ton | Sun, 03/04/2012I have the direct connect version of this machine but as far as I know this model perform exactly the same. It is a solid machine and will make any serious home barista happy for a very very long time. Consider it a good alternative to other E61 style machines or entry level double boiler machines such as the La Spaziele
FANCY MACHINE! (on Nuova Simonelli Musi...)
Son Ton | Sun, 03/04/2012This is the more fancy version of the machine that I have which is only a direct connect without the fancy LED light option. Regardless, it is an excellent machine and it is one that you will not want to ever upgrade to another machine because it is so capable!
GOOD GRINDER (on Nuova Simonelli Grin...)
matt.holstege | Thu, 03/01/2012When I switched to an Oscar from my Silvia, my wife wanted to make sure the grinder matched as well for aesthetic reasons. After playing with a Grinta, I agreed to sell my Rocky w/ the doser and replace it with the Grinta. I actually find that it makes less of a mess then my Rocky. The doser could really make a mess. The grinder performs well and I have had a seamless transition from the Rocky to the Grinta. The most noticeable difference is the difference in weight. The Rocky weighs a ton! I have no complaints with the ABS plastic at all.
GRANDE NUOVA SIMONELLI! (on Nuova Simonelli Osca...)
matt.holstege | Thu, 03/01/2012I 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.
OKAY GRINDER (on Nuova Simonelli Grin...)
samuellaw178 | Fri, 12/30/2011Grinder is a very important key to exceptional espresso. And this grinder seems to do it at a acceptable level. Some reported that it makes mess and has some clumps in the chute. It has stepped settings but is just small enough for proper adjustment. Not so bad of a grinder for entry level.
GREAT GRINDER (on Nuova Simonelli MDX ...)
samuellaw178 | Fri, 12/30/2011This is a pretty good grinder that is sometimes used in commercial settings. It has 65mm flat burrs, a hair bigger than Super Jolly(64mm). Any grinder with the 64mm burrs is very likely to perform very well for espresso. This is no exception too.
GOOD BUDGET HX (on Nuova Simonelli Osca...)
samuellaw178 | Tue, 12/27/2011This is a very economical hx espresso machine without breaking your bank! It has mostly commercial parts in the machine so it should have a long life in home setting. Also, it was reported to have fantastic steaming ability and the espresso is probably more consistent than single boiler machines. The only down is that it doesn't have a vacuum breaker valve. So you have to bleed off the steam after it has warmed up. Not a big deal because it can be easily added after market.
NICE GRINDER (on Nuova Simonelli MDX ...)
EricBNC | Sat, 12/24/2011this is a fantastic grinder that belongs in a coffee shop but many espresso lovers have these in their homes because with espresso the grinder is key.
NICE GRINDER (on Nuova Simonelli Grin...)
EricBNC | Fri, 12/23/2011this is a nice heavy duty grinder for many years of use on anyone's counter for espresso or regular coffee - doserless is a nice touch too.
SOLID GRINDER (on Nuova Simonelli MDX ...)
Son Ton | Mon, 11/07/2011I have a used unit and it is a very well built unit. Grind quality is on par with Mazzer SJ
GREAT MACHINE (on Nuova Simonelli Musi...)
Son Ton | Sat, 11/05/2011I have the plumb in version of this machine; it is an identical machine otherwise. It is very capable of delivering great result given that you have a good grinder and great espresso beans. I would consider it as one of the best home heat-exchanger espresso machine. The con is it is very pricey; at this price you can get some very nice double boiler espresso machines.
VERY NICE LOOKING MACHINE (on Nuova Simonelli Musi...)
Son Ton | Sat, 11/05/2011I own this machine and it has been a smooth ride so far. By the way, it is a very capable machine. Make sure to plumb it in if you have the plumb version.
GREAT HX FOR THE MONEY (on Nuova Simonelli Osca...)
EricBNC | Wed, 11/02/2011The Oscar is a Great HX for the money - decent pulls, excellent steam - looks like a commercial machine on the inside where it counts.
NUOVA SIMONELLI MDX (on Nuova Simonelli MDX ...)
dpablo19 | Mon, 09/05/2011This is my current home grinder. It is enormous. Maybe even bigger than the Super Jolly. However, given its price point and performance, I would rate it above a Super Jolly. In fact, its 65mm burrs are larger than those of the SJ. Its doser, however, is really difficult to access for cleaning. Also, the doser construction is not as solid as that of the SJ. It is more than serviceable, though. Another slight gripe that I have is that the doser spreads the grinds everywhere no matter how careful you are. On the other hand, I find that those grinds that make it into the portafilter are incredibly uniform and very rarely are there any clumps. I highly recommend this machine.
OSCAR THE GROUCH (on Nuova Simonelli Osca...)
dpablo19 | Mon, 09/05/2011This 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.