Breville Barista Express vs Oscar 2
When comparing the Breville Barista Express and Oscar II, both machines have their unique strengths, but the Barista Express emerges as the superior choice overall.
The Breville Barista Express stands out with its built-in grinder, eliminating the need for a separate one. It heats up quickly, has a hot water function, and allows you to fine-tune various settings to perfect your shots. These features make it a highly convenient and customizable option for coffee enthusiasts.
On the other hand, the Oscar II is not only a functional espresso machine but also a sleek, handsome piece of art for your kitchen. Its standout feature is the ability to brew coffee and steam milk simultaneously, despite having just one boiler. The powerful 4-hole steam wand is also ideal for creating beautiful latte art, making it a great choice for those who appreciate both form and function.
Overall, while both machines offer impressive capabilities, the Breville Barista Express takes the lead with its comprehensive features and user-friendly design.
Breville Barista Express vs Oscar 2: Specs & Features Comparison
The Breville Barista Express and Nuova Simonelli Oscar II are both top-notch espresso machines, each with unique features. The Breville Barista Express measures 20.1 x 17.2 x 17.2 inches and weighs 30 lbs. It features a button-operated interface with two one-touch drink options, making it easy to use. The machine includes a built-in stainless steel conical burr grinder with 18 grind settings and a single thermocoil heating system. Operating at 15 bars of pump pressure, it also has a pre-infusion function. The manual steam wand provides excellent milk frothing capabilities, and the dual spigot offers a 4-inch cup clearance. The machine comes with a 2-liter water reservoir and a 0.25 kg bean hopper, with an optional filter. It is also compatible with pre-ground coffee, offering versatility. Users appreciate its adjustable grinder, good built-in steam wand, and numerous adjustable settings, making it easy to use and clean.
In contrast, the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II measures 16 x 16 x 12 inches and weighs 27 lbs. It also features a button-operated interface with two one-touch drink options. This machine does not have a built-in grinder, so a separate grinder is necessary. The Oscar II uses a heat exchanger heating system and operates at 15 bars of pump pressure. It also includes a pre-infusion function and a manual steam wand for milk frothing. The dual spigot has a 4-inch cup clearance. It boasts a larger 3-liter water reservoir, but lacks a bean hopper. The Oscar II is known for its heat exchanger boiler, good-looking design, ease of use, and powerful steam wand. Its compact size makes it a great choice for those with limited counter space.
Overall, while both machines offer impressive features and performance, the Breville Barista Express takes the lead with its built-in grinder and customizable settings, making it a versatile and user-friendly option for coffee enthusiasts. The Nuova Simonelli Oscar II, on the other hand, excels with its powerful steam wand and sleek design, making it a solid choice for those who prioritize aesthetics and performance.
Breville Barista Express vs Oscar 2: Differences
The Breville Barista Express narrowly defeated the Oscar II with a 3-2 victory. Let’s dive into the details and see what makes the Barista Express stand out and how closely the Oscar II followed.
Coffee Flavor & Brewing System
Winner: Breville Barista Express
- Built-in Grinder: The Barista Express has an integrated burr grinder with 18 grind settings, whereas the Oscar II lacks a grinder, requiring a separate burr grinder.
- Dosing & Tamping: The Oscar II features a 58mm portafilter with single-wall baskets for a more hands-on brewing experience, while the Barista Express includes a 54mm portafilter and both single- and dual-wall baskets, making it more beginner-friendly.
- Pre-Infusion: Both machines offer pre-infusion, but the Barista Express allows customization of pre-infusion time.
Heating System
Winner: Oscar II
- Barista Express: Uses a Thermocoil system, ready in 30 seconds but requires a short wait between brewing and steaming.
- Oscar II: Uses a copper heat exchanger, allowing simultaneous brewing and steaming for better efficiency.
Design & Convenience
Winner: Tie
- Dimensions:
- Barista Express: 20.1” x 17.2” x 17.2”, 30 lbs
- Oscar II: 16” x 16” x 12”, 27 lbs
- User Interface: The Barista Express has a pressure gauge and programmable controls, while the Oscar II offers a simpler two-button interface.
- Water Reservoir: Oscar II (3L) is slightly larger than Barista Express (2.5L).
Milk Frothing System
Winner: Oscar II
- Oscar II: 4-hole steam wand generates powerful steam pressure, better for advanced users.
- Barista Express: 1-hole steam wand, more forgiving for beginners but takes longer to texture milk.
Drink Options & Programmability
Winner: Breville Barista Express
- Drink Options: Barista Express has a dedicated hot water spout (great for Americanos/tea), while the Oscar II lacks this feature.
- Adjustable Settings: The Barista Express allows adjustments for grind size, pre-infusion time, and brewing temperature, while the Oscar II only lets you change shot volume.
Breville Barista Express: Best for beginners & home baristas who want an all-in-one espresso machine with more customization.
Nuova Simonelli Oscar II: Ideal for espresso purists who prefer a commercial-grade portafilter, powerful steaming, and don’t mind using a separate grinder.
Quick Overview of Breville Barista Express
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville Barista Express is designed to deliver third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula, part of the Barista Series that offers all-in-one espresso machines with an integrated grinder, making the transition from beans to espresso in under one minute.
Key Features:
- Dose Control Grinding: The integrated precision conical burr grinder grinds on demand to deliver the right amount of freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter, suitable for any roast of bean.
- Optimal Water Pressure: The low-pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start, ensuring all the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction for a balanced cup.
- Precise Espresso Extraction: Digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, ensuring optimal espresso extraction.
- Manual Microfoam Milk Texturing: The powerful steam wand performance allows you to hand texture microfoam milk, enhancing flavor and enabling the creation of latte art.
Pros:
- Adjustable grinder with 18 grind settings.
- Good built-in steam wand.
- A lot of adjustable settings.
- Brews a tasty espresso.
- Simple to use and clean.
Cons:
- No milk temperature control.
- Requires trial and error to froth milk.
The Breville Barista Express is a fantastic choice for those seeking a versatile and user-friendly espresso machine. Its adjustable grinder and numerous settings allow for a customizable coffee experience, making it a valuable addition to any coffee lover’s kitchen.
Quick Overview of Nuova Simonelli Oscar II
Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Espresso Machine, 3 liters
The Nuova Simonelli Oscar II is a semi-automatic espresso machine designed for those who value performance and aesthetics. With its sleek design and advanced features, it delivers a superior coffee experience.
Key Features:
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 16″ x 12″ x 16″
- Espresso Machine Type: Semi-Automatic
- Voltage: 110
- Water Source: Pour-Over
Pros:
- Heat Exchanger Boiler: Allows for simultaneous brewing and steaming, enhancing efficiency and temperature stability.
- Good-Looking Design: Its modern and sleek design makes it a stylish addition to any kitchen.
- Easy to Use: User-friendly interface simplifies the coffee-making process.
- Powerful Steam Wand: Ideal for creating silky microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos.
- Not Bulky: Compact enough to fit in most kitchen spaces.
Cons:
- No Adjustable Settings: Limited customization options for coffee strength and temperature.
- Plastic Tamper: The included tamper is not as durable or professional as metal alternatives.
- No Hot Water Function: Lacks a separate hot water outlet, which can be inconvenient for making Americanos or tea.
- Costly: Higher price point compared to some other espresso machines.
The Nuova Simonelli Oscar II is a great choice for those who appreciate a powerful and stylish espresso machine. Its heat exchanger boiler and powerful steam wand make it ideal for creating high-quality coffee drinks, although it lacks some adjustable settings and a hot water function.
Conclusion:
Both the Breville Barista Express and Nuova Simonelli Oscar II are excellent espresso machines, each with its own unique strengths. The Barista Express emerges as the overall winner due to its integrated grinder, quick heat-up time, and customizable settings, making it a versatile and user-friendly option for coffee enthusiasts. Its combination of convenience and precision allows users to dial in their shots and achieve a high-quality espresso experience at home.
On the other hand, the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II impresses with its sleek design, powerful steam wand, and heat exchanger boiler, which enables simultaneous brewing and steaming. This machine is ideal for those who appreciate both aesthetics and performance, and its compact size makes it suitable for various kitchen spaces.
In summary, if you prioritize an all-in-one solution with a built-in grinder and adjustable settings, the Breville Barista Express is the better choice. However, if you value a stylish design and powerful steam performance, the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II is a strong contender. Both machines offer excellent features and performance, ensuring a satisfying coffee experience tailored to your preferences.