I have a heavily Oscar II + OPV with a bunch of mods including:
1. Shower screen IMS (SI200IM) was installed
2. Flat screw (00300021) was installed
3. Gigleur 3.2 mm (07300684) was installed on the hot side and gigleur 3.0 mm (07300225) was removed
4. Installed Synesso ruby and the 3.2mm gigler - this is a game changer for Oscar as it was spitting out about 220-250ml per 30 second, now down to about 170-180ml.
5. Gigleur 0.7 mm was removed from pump (07300860)
6. Quick Mill Pulser was installed
7. OPV (Over-Pressure Valve, 01000159) was installed
8. 3-seconds delay was turned-off
9. Upgrade pump to Ulka EX4 - quieter pump, EX5 is still around in the cupboard.
Let me know if interested. Stock Oscar has issues with thermal stability and too much flow. I made the mods above to address it and it's my pride a glory.
It's 2 years old.
I recently picked up Bezzera Duo so wouldn't mind letting it go. But also thinking about gifting it to my brother.
Let me know if interested, cheers.
Andy
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First Real Espresso machine - after ideas for a total budget of $2k
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Some good points, I can definitely wait till Black Friday and try and pick up BDB then, I was looking at Mara X I might take another look. Longevity is definitely important to me. But I guess I see lots of people getting good runs with the BDB too
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As others have said, you're on the right track with the BDB. It's going to be your best bang-for-buck at this price point. If you can wait for your big-box retailers sale periods, you can normally pick them up new for $800-$900 without the grinder. I'd assume we'll see them on sale for Black Friday/Xmas.
I would also suggest (as others have) to look at a different grinder. The smart grinder pro is a good starter grinder, but you'll quickly outgrow it. Niche is fine if you want to single dose, if you want a hopper then the Eureka Specialita (regular or XL) is a popular choice around these parts.
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What HX machines would people suggest to look at? Personally I’m not a fan of the look of the Oscar II
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I hadnt thought about the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II. thats a good option. but as tompoland will attest, make sure to get a good grinder too!
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with a $2k limit its gonna be hard to get a dual boiler other than the breville. An HX would be a good option too, but hard pressed to get one and a decent grinder under $2k. Id suggest something like Profitec 500 and a niche zero, but thats more like $3.5-4k i think. But, itll definitely be able to cope with the dinner parties and lots of steam!
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I asked for quotations from the site sponsors within this budget and was recommended the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II with OPV kit
how does this unit compare with say the BDB in your opinions?
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Fair point re new / 5 year extended warranty. If you can stretch the budget to include that option with the NZ then that's ideal.
The 2nd hand suggestion was to keep the total outlay under 2k. If you wanted to still stick to a 2k limit then a NZ and 2nd hand BDB would bea better option than a new BDB and sticking with the Breville Smart Prof grinder.
And the thing with Breville vs Italian/German is that parts replacement availability and pricing is likely going to be more favourable with the Breville.
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A second hand BDB with 5 years warranty https://coffeesnobs.com.au/forum/mar...tainless-steel
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Should I be concerned with picking up this machine second hand? I know that the Italian and German machines are probably built a bit more robustly compared to the Breville, plus I figure if I purchase it new I can get about a 5yr warranty through Harvey Norman or the likes. Where as second hand if something goes wrong then I need to start spending on the machine early on.Originally posted by tompoland View PostWelcome back Jeongja ... Brevile Dual Boiler plus a Niche Zero. There are a couple of used (appear to be in top condition) BDB for sale right now on coffee snobs in the 500 - 750 range. Score one of those and you have enough for a NZ at AU$1,000. The Breville Smart Pro grinder is probably the best grinder for the money but it's a massive upgrade to the Niche and inarguably worth every cent.
You can not get a great espresso out of a great espresso machine without a great grinder.
Thanks I will consider the NZ as I see most people say that the grinder is the most important part of this as a complete unit.
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Welcome back Jeongja ... Brevile Dual Boiler plus a Niche Zero. There are a couple of used (appear to be in top condition) BDB for sale right now on coffee snobs in the 500 - 750 range. Score one of those and you have enough for a NZ at AU$1,000. The Breville Smart Pro grinder is probably the best grinder for the money but it's a massive upgrade to the Niche and inarguably worth every cent.
You can not get a great espresso out of a great espresso machine without a great grinder.
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First Real Espresso machine - after ideas for a total budget of $2k
Hi,
this is my second post. My last one was a long time ago, but with COVID causing a ruckus I had to reconsider spending so much money. Now my wife and I are interested in an Espresso machine. I personally have been looking at a Breville dynamic Duo. I know that the grinder is not ideal but if I was to buy this system I think I would end up using that grinder.
My wife and I would probably have between 1-3 latte's a day in my estimation and the occasional party with up to about 20 guests. Most people will drink milk based coffee's in my experience a handful maybe a long black. I like the idea of the dual boiler just so I'm not playing around making coffee's for long periods of time.
Is there anything that I could get that would bring my total spend to no more than $2k spend for everything needed that would serve me better than the Breville which I can pick up at the moment for $1599 on Amazon?
Never had an espresso machine, and never even actually used one myself before, so I'm relying on your ideas here. BTW, I'm located in Melbourne.

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