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Best machine under $1200

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  • Originally posted by Mb21 View Post
    Have a look at a Nuova Simonelli Oscar 2. Its under $1500, timed shot (not volumetric, timed) HX so can steam and pull shot at same time, loads of steam and 15-20 minute heat up time but if that’s an issue put it on a timer and issue solved. Mines on a timer for 6:30am so ready at 7am and then on and off a minute later at 6pm so if boiler needs to fill it does it when house is noisey not super quite.
    Drip tray, top and rear are plastic and the look isn’t for everyone.
    if can get an OPV installed when buying i’d say do it as made my Oscar 2 more consistent (or is that hid my flaws a bit!)
    Thanks for this info. appreciate your insight! Just had a look at the Oscar II and it has some nice features and some features others dont have. In fact it does seem to have some good things like safety value, auto water filling (need to be plumbed or auto fill boiler?), water shortage indicator. This is all pretty confusing as it seems theres no perfect machine or more so that each machine has some things I want and not others and its hard to know whats the key ones until ive been using it for a while. I can get one for $1349 but I think id need to add an OPV for $200. It doesnt do manual shots only programmable shots which is a shame it doesnt do both. Not really clear on what the programmable buttons do. i guess you just need to experiment with the recipe and what time is best for the shots. Im not a fan of the aesthetic though or the plastic top but thats not the most important thing here.

    Not sure how an HX compares with an E61 vs standard boiler on the lelit? I like how it does steam and brew at the same time though.

    Comment


    • Originally posted by crazyjoe View Post
      is it an auto boiler fill machine? does it have a PID? 750ml boiler seems huge compared to the 250ml one on the lelit.

      Is this machine more suited for espresso drinkers, not latte or flat white drinkers?
      Its not an auto fill boiler. You treat it just like the Silvia. Prime the boiler at start-up, before steaming and especially after steaming. This is the same for any single boiler to ensure long element life.

      No PID. The adjustable thermostat is very sensitive and when set to the correct temperature together with the 750ml boiler and E61 grouphead give very good temperature stability. This gives the Piccolo its own niche without spending the extra for a HX machine to get the same brewing performance.

      As mentioned earlier, steaming is a case of hitting the steam switch after brewing and waiting a very short time for it to come up to steam temp. Similar procedure to the Silvia except more powerful steam. Not a big issue for 2 cups at a time. If you regularly made 4 or more then a HX machine would be more suited but you pay for the conveniance of instant steam both in complexity of the machine and price to purchase and service.

      Comment


      • Originally posted by crazyjoe View Post
        Thanks for this info. appreciate your insight! Just had a look at the Oscar II and it has some nice features and some features others dont have. In fact it does seem to have some good things like safety value, auto water filling (need to be plumbed or auto fill boiler?), water shortage indicator. This is all pretty confusing as it seems theres no perfect machine or more so that each machine has some things I want and not others and its hard to know whats the key ones until ive been using it for a while. I can get one for $1349 but I think id need to add an OPV for $200. It doesnt do manual shots only programmable shots which is a shame it doesnt do both. Not really clear on what the programmable buttons do. i guess you just need to experiment with the recipe and what time is best for the shots. Im not a fan of the aesthetic though or the plastic top but thats not the most important thing here.

        Not sure how an HX compares with an E61 vs standard boiler on the lelit? I like how it does steam and brew at the same time though.
        Hi Crazy Joe

        We supply the Oscar II and can fit the OPV pre purchase for you.

        What many people do is to program the single shot for 60 seconds and then use it as manual stop/start button (if you want a manual shot) and program the second double shot button as a programmed dose. That way you get a manual and programed option.

        An HX machine refers to how the heat/boiler/steam is configured. E61 refers to the type of group head manufactured by Faema. An E61 machine can have a single boiler, HX or dual boiler configuration.

        As well as the Oscar II we have the new CIME 0011 which is an HX E61 machine compact. Exceptionally well priced https://www.casaespresso.com.au/cime-011.html

        We have a few CS members who have purchase the CIME

        Feel free to call me if needed.

        Cheers

        Antony
        www.casaespresso.com.au

        Comment


        • Originally posted by CafeLotta View Post
          Its not an auto fill boiler. You treat it just like the Silvia. Prime the boiler at start-up, before steaming and especially after steaming. This is the same for any single boiler to ensure long element life.

          No PID. The adjustable thermostat is very sensitive and when set to the correct temperature together with the 750ml boiler and E61 grouphead give very good temperature stability. This gives the Piccolo its own niche without spending the extra for a HX machine to get the same brewing performance.

          As mentioned earlier, steaming is a case of hitting the steam switch after brewing and waiting a very short time for it to come up to steam temp. Similar procedure to the Silvia except more powerful steam. Not a big issue for 2 cups at a time. If you regularly made 4 or more then a HX machine would be more suited but you pay for the conveniance of instant steam both in complexity of the machine and price to purchase and service.
          Many thanks. It does sound similar to the lelit, just with a better boiler. I guess it doesnt need a PID.

          Comment


          • Originally posted by Casa Espresso View Post
            Hi Crazy Joe

            We supply the Oscar II and can fit the OPV pre purchase for you.

            What many people do is to program the single shot for 60 seconds and then use it as manual stop/start button (if you want a manual shot) and program the second double shot button as a programmed dose. That way you get a manual and programed option.

            An HX machine refers to how the heat/boiler/steam is configured. E61 refers to the type of group head manufactured by Faema. An E61 machine can have a single boiler, HX or dual boiler configuration.

            As well as the Oscar II we have the new CIME 0011 which is an HX E61 machine compact. Exceptionally well priced https://www.casaespresso.com.au/cime-011.html

            We have a few CS members who have purchase the CIME

            Feel free to call me if needed.

            Cheers

            Antony
            www.casaespresso.com.au
            Thank Antony. I'll check out the Cime 011 and thanks for the info on the Oscar II. I might give you a call as theres a lot of options and the learning curve is steep on benefits of certain features vs other. cheers

            Comment


            • Don't forget to check out La Pavoni!

              Great fun & you learn a lot.

              Comment


              • Originally posted by shortblackman View Post
                Don't forget to check out La Pavoni!

                Great fun & you learn a lot.
                will do. thank you!

                Comment


                • Hey all,

                  Thanks for everyone's advice and help. Just thought Id update the thread for any future people who have the same needs by letting you know I ended up with the CIME 011. HX machine with E61 grouphead. Very nice looking machine and works well. Good price and for me I think it was better than a single boiler to give me instant milk frothing abilities. I am certainly now making the best coffees i have ever made at home and better than many cafes. Paired with the Baratza sette 270W its a good combo for my needs and budget and I highly recommend it. cheers again.

                  Comment


                  • Best machine under $1200

                    Originally posted by crazyjoe View Post
                    Hey all,

                    Thanks for everyone's advice and help. Just thought Id update the thread for any future people who have the same needs by letting you know I ended up with the CIME 011. HX machine with E61 grouphead. Very nice looking machine and works well. Good price and for me I think it was better than a single boiler to give me instant milk frothing abilities. I am certainly now making the best coffees i have ever made at home and better than many cafes. Paired with the Baratza sette 270W its a good combo for my needs and budget and I highly recommend it. cheers again.
                    The CIME brand is certainly gaining admirers. Well priced, clever features and an E61 HX.

                    Your coffee is only going to get better as you become more accustomed to the machine and weight settings on your grinder.

                    Thanks again for your business

                    Cheers

                    Antony
                    www.casaespresso.com.au
                    Last edited by Casa Espresso; 12 February 2018, 11:05 PM.

                    Comment

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