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First time machine. Nuova Simonelli Oscar or e61 Grouphead Machine?

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  • BoxBrownie
    replied
    Originally posted by Bames View Post
    Hey BoxBrownie, if you want to see how I did the vacuum breaker mod, search "Oscar rebuild and modification", lots of pics and explanation.
    Am gonna check it out right now

    Leave a comment:


  • javatime
    replied
    If I was you, then I would shop around abit and get a HX machine. If you drink lattes, especially of the 280ml variety then I wouldn't want to use a single boiler. Had a go of the single boiler and in the end upped my budget for a low level e-61. HX. The safety low water cut off feature is something that has been extremely useful and has been activated multiple times. Much rather a higher initial cost then putting the money into repairs and new boilers/ heating elements. Also another thing to consider is the screw on the bottom of the shower screen on the Oscar, which was one of the reasons why I didn't consider the Oscar or the LS mini vivaldi.

    My suggestion is to pop over to an espresso machine shop and give them a go.

    Don't forget a decent grinder and fresh coffee beans. No point upping the cost of the machine only to use preground coffee beans or supermarket beans.

    Leave a comment:


  • Robbks
    replied
    Single boilers with a PID are hardly any slower for doing 2-4 cups as a DB or HX
    I regularly do 6+ drinks at a time so went with the DB,
    But using friends' SB machines is still pretty effiecint if you don't have the cash for a DB or HX.
    much better than any thermoblock machines.

    here's a SB with PID in action
    Lelit Combi PL042EM - YouTube

    Leave a comment:


  • Bames
    replied
    Moojuice, it's a great machine but ring a single boiler you'll have to swap between brew and steam. Depends if you think this will be an issue for you. If it was my $1000, I'd wait for a HX.

    Leave a comment:


  • Bames
    replied
    Hey BoxBrownie, if you want to see how I did the vacuum breaker mod, search "Oscar rebuild and modification", lots of pics and explanation.

    Leave a comment:


  • BoxBrownie
    replied
    I moved from a Sunbeam 6910 to the Oscar a couple of months ago and I think I can say I've never had a bad cup from it (though I've spent a lot of time practising with a naked portafilter so my dosing and distribution is pretty consistent these days) . It seems very reliable and consistent so far. Not quite as smooth operation (noisy pump and so on) as the Bezzera BZ40 we use at work but espressos are just as good. It's a huge step up in consistency from my previous machine, I don't have to work so hard. So far the black plastic casing has turned out to be easy to keep clean, just a quick wipe over. What I don't like is the pressure release thing on startup (I will do the mod at some point). Very powerful steam which is great if you've got a few people over as you can do a 600ml jug in about 30 seconds but the downside of that is you don't have time for proper texturing. I'm not too bothered by that as I don't drink a lot of milk based coffee and my guests are happy enough with the results. I'll probably change the steam tip for a bit more control. So although not perfect I'm pretty happy with it to date.

    Leave a comment:


  • MooJuice
    replied
    Wondering what people think of this machine, would it be a suitable (and improved) option over the Oscar or Breville DB?

    http://coffeesnobs.com.au/coffee-har...fetta-vic.html

    Cheers

    Leave a comment:


  • JetBlack_Espresso
    replied
    Originally posted by MooJuice View Post
    Thanks for your help everyone! Though I now feel I've taken a step backwards .

    I'll be keeping the Oscar as an option, as well as the Breville DB but let's say I decide to go down the road of hunting for a pre-loved stainless, E61, HX machine, what models could I expect to find in the $1000 price range, and what are some good hunting grounds? Besides here of course.
    Keeping in mind I'm new to the scene.

    Cheers
    Finding such a machine is possible, but be aware that just because it's shiny on the outside doesn't mean it's been looked after and it may be a different story on the inside. If you can find one with warranty too you'll be set. To answer some of your original questions and requirements, making a couple of milk coffees at a time doesn't require a HX or DB or E61 group head for that matter.

    Start with the end point in mind: a couple of nice tasting milk coffees.

    What does a machine have to do to help you achieve that? They all provide enough brew pressure so let's ignore that requirement. The thing that's harder to deliver is brew water at the right temperature. A well designed E61 machine will do that. But a badly designed machine, whether or not it's got an E61 group head, will be more miss than hit.

    For under $1000, assuming you can't find a second hand, well designed E61 machine that's been looked after, you could consider a new, single boiler, PID controlled machine. Making two milk coffees is not that much slower on such a beast and the PID controller gives you temperature stability and control. If you're into DIY you could PID a Silvia, or for off-the-shelf there's the Lelit PL41TEMD.

    charlie

    Leave a comment:


  • Robbks
    replied
    Start by emailing all our site sponsors (there is a bulk email link somewhere)
    give them your requirements and see what recommendations/solutions they have for you

    Leave a comment:


  • MooJuice
    replied
    Thanks for your help everyone! Though I now feel I've taken a step backwards .

    I'll be keeping the Oscar as an option, as well as the Breville DB but let's say I decide to go down the road of hunting for a pre-loved stainless, E61, HX machine, what models could I expect to find in the $1000 price range, and what are some good hunting grounds? Besides here of course.
    Keeping in mind I'm new to the scene.

    Cheers

    Leave a comment:


  • Robbks
    replied
    Originally posted by blend52 View Post
    Wow !... less than half price for a latest spec m/c ( pre loved) from a reputable retailer. ! ..Deal of the year i would say ..
    I thought so...
    Maybe Charlie can push one off the bench and sell it at a scratch and dent sale price

    It wasn't even listed on the JB pre-loved webpage, I just emailed all the vendors and told them what I was looking for,
    I was quoted prices up to 1/3 cheaper then RRP for new machines (including a quote on Oscar --- The Grouch, seriously who names a coffee machine after a Sesame Street Muppet)
    JB presented me with a deal that I couldn't pass up. Although it was initially a couple of hundred above my price range.

    Leave a comment:


  • TC
    replied
    Good thing he didn't call it the Bames

    Leave a comment:


  • Bames
    replied
    I had an inkling it might be a situation like that.

    I still think it's lame that he named it after himself.

    When's the next trade show?

    Leave a comment:


  • TC
    replied
    Originally posted by Bames View Post
    Eh - it's a bit better charlie, doesn't quite have the same flair as "Giotto" or "Silvia" though.

    At least it's better than "Alex" Such a lame name for such a brilliant machine. Might as well have called it "John".

    (Sorry to anyone named Alex )
    Might be good for you to attend a trade show and direct your comments in person to Mr Alex Izzo. How do you feel about Ferdinand Porsche??

    Leave a comment:


  • Bames
    replied
    Just saw they named one of their grinders "Fred"

    Nice...

    Leave a comment:

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