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Rancillo Silvia vs Nuova Simonelli Oscar  

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  • #16
    Re: Rancillo Silvia vs Nuova Simonelli Oscar &nbsp

    Technology does help make things easier. Remove some of the variables and you have fewer to deal with to get it right.
    Most of us are not world champion baristas, so if we can use technology to help out, then why not? FWIW, I believe that you can make great mlk based drinks with just about any machine, cheap thermoblocks included. Espresso is another matter.

    Ironically the early history of espresso was marked by innovation after innovation to improve the performance of the machines. Now we sit back and say the old ways are the best ways... cest la vie

    Well not everyone sits back... Check out Versalab.

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    • #17
      Re: Rancillo Silvia vs Nuova Simonelli Oscar  

      Originally posted by Sparky link=1121420031/15#15 date=1121752273
      Technology does help make things easier. Remove some of the variables and you have fewer to deal with to get it right.
      Most of us are not world champion baristas, so if we can use technology to help out, then why not? FWIW, I believe that you can make great mlk based drinks with just about any machine, cheap thermoblocks included. Espresso is another matter.

      Ironically the early history of espresso was marked by innovation after innovation to improve the performance of the machines. Now we sit back and say the old ways are the best ways... cest la vie

      Well not everyone sits back... Check out Versalab.
      I agree, Sparky, technology does make things easy.  Is easy what we want, though?
      Imagine when people come over and you just have to press a button to get your perfect espresso.  How good is that going to make you feel?  We dont just like coffee, we like the challenge of making good coffee.  We like its compexities and the difficulties that come with it.  As FC said, the satisfaction can even come from beating the machine with human skill and understanding.

      We dont just sit back, but we practice and practice to understand the art of making coffee.  When it comes to technology and science we do sit back as we are not in the position to do much about it, since we are not scientists with the specific knowledge, tools, funds, etc, to build the right machine.  We are better off, and will have more fun just polishing our skills.  Or should we go and buy nearly $15,000 worth of Versalab equipment to get the perfect espresso?   

      We might not be world champion baristas but we can achieve a better brew by working on our skills then by working on our machines.  
      I wonder how world champion baristas become so good.  Is it by fiddling with their machines or is it by learning the ART?  
      I think, we all know the answer to that.  

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      • #18
        Re: Rancillo Silvia vs Nuova Simonelli Oscar &nbsp

        Originally posted by Sparky link=1121420031/0#13 date=1121661228
        <br>On a shot to shot basis, a PIDed machine may hit the target 80% of the time, while a human may hit it 20% of the time. Just ask Mal about his before and after performance. Why not let technology make life a bit easier for you?<br><br>Science vs Art... Let the buyer decide.
        Yep,

        Thats the crux of it alright. The PID mod to my Mokita has made this a much easier machine to use, quicker from shot to shot and much more consistent in shot quality. Im not saying that a PID modded machine is better or worse than any other machine, but for me it makes my life a bit easier and since I cant afford even one of the cheaper HX machines, Ive now got a machine that provides a performance level that is well on the way to what I would have expected from a domestic HX machine. And, for a lot less money and a lot more fun... nothing like designing and implementing your own improvements to a machine; definitely a sense of satisfaction attached to that [smiley=cool.gif].

        Also, were not talking about a mod that turns a semi-auto into a fully-auto. We are just using a mod that controls the temperature of the water in the Boiler to a much greater degree than a standard t/stat is capable of. Kind of like a Super Thermostat if you will, that also allows a wide range of additional controls to allow one to tailor the Brew Water Temperature to what ever it is that you want. For crying out loud, our 4 year old Fisher & Paykel washing machine is more sophisticated than this .

        Cheers,
        Mal.

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        • #19
          Re: Rancillo Silvia vs Nuova Simonelli Oscar &nbsp

          In the end, the satisfaction one gets from making coffee is unique to the individual.

          To quote Brian "You are all individuals." Crowd replies "We are all individuals!" One person replies, "Im not!"

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          • #20
            Re: Rancillo Silvia vs Nuova Simonelli Oscar  

            Originally posted by Sparky link=1121420031/15#18 date=1121819172

            To quote Brian "You are all individuals." Crowd replies "We are all individuals!" One person replies, "Im not!"
            LOL

            That is a good one.

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            • #21
              Re: Rancillo Silvia vs Nuova Simonelli Oscar  

              Blessed are the coffee makers.

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              • #22
                Re: Rancillo Silvia vs Nuova Simonelli Oscar  

                SPEAK UP!!

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                • #23
                  Re: Rancillo Silvia vs Nuova Simonelli Oscar  

                  Thanks for sharing. Im think which to choose between this two.

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                  • #24
                    Re: Rancillo Silvia vs Nuova Simonelli Oscar  

                    I would save yourself the hassle and go the Oscar. I have had a Silvia and have used a Oscar on numerous occasions.

                    A PID on a Silvia may produce better straight espresso as the Oscar can run hot, but that said with the right routine I was able to produce a balanced shot with lasting Crema on the Oscar.

                    If you are more than an occasional milk drinker or a bit of an entertainer then I would say 100% Oscar as your guests will tire and you will need to be 110% on the ball to get the goods out in any kind of time or consistency.

                    The Silvia is a little champ for the right application but if your budget is not limited then the Oscar is a no brainer.

                    Things I liked on the Oscar were

                    1. Quality internals
                    2. Plastic case (sure not as pretty but just wipe and your a go)
                    3. large drip tray
                    4. steam train performance
                    5. angled portafilter
                    6. hose-less water tank

                    Things I found somewhat annoying

                    1. No as good cup clearance as the Silvia
                    2. Steam knob turns anti-clockwise, confusing at first
                    3. No hot water tap makes turning over boiler water a bit of pain. Not a taste issue more around maintenance


                    Quick vid of me the Oscar to give you an idea.

                    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bs1hhiV2iGs

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