Expert Comparison: Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Espresso Machine vs Ascaso Steel DUO Espresso Machine

Published on 02/10/2024 · 4 min readCompare Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Espresso Machine and Ascaso Steel DUO Espresso Machine. Get expert insight below!
SJ
Matt S, Coffee Expert
Bryan J., Coffee Expert
Contributed By Coffee Expert Samantha Janssen, Matt S, Bryan J., Roger Brown, Caleb Ogren and others

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Side by side comparison

Out of stock
Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Espresso Machine
Out of stock
Ascaso Steel DUO Espresso Machine
Price
$1,495.00
$1,895.00
The Curated Take

Best for coffee enthusiasts seeking professional quality espresso at home.

Best for home baristas seeking a versatile, powerful espresso experience.

Color options
--
Housing material
Stainless steel, Plastic
Carbon steel, Stainless steel
Features
Cup warmer, Cup tray, Pod friendly, NSF certified, Solenoid valve
Auto shut off, Cup warmer, Cup tray, Pod friendly, Solenoid valve
Volts
120
120

In the world of espresso machines, the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II and the Ascaso Steel DUO are two titans that stand out. Both machines are designed for coffee enthusiasts who want to enjoy professional-quality espresso at home. The Oscar II is known for its heat exchanger boiler, allowing you to steam milk and pull shots simultaneously, while the Ascaso Steel DUO boasts a double heating system with separate thermoblocks for brewing and steaming. Both machines offer programmable controls and ergonomic designs, but they differ in their water reservoir systems and steaming capabilities. In the end, the choice between the two comes down to your specific needs and preferences.

The Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Espresso Machine is a dream come true for coffee enthusiasts who want to enjoy professional-quality espresso at home or in a small shop setting. This machine is designed with a heat exchanger boiler, allowing you to steam milk and pull shots simultaneously. It also features two preset volumetric buttons for brewing single- and double-shot beverages with ease. The Oscar II also boasts an ergonomic steam wand and lever for precise control, making it easy to experiment with new recipes and deliver cafe-quality results every time. However, it's worth noting that the machine's water tank must be filled manually, as it cannot be hooked up directly to a water source. This might limit its ability to serve many people back to back.

Simple programming and professional components make the Oscar II the perfect choice for home baristas looking to level up coffee routine. The removable water reservoir will also make it easy to prioritize using filtered water with your machine.

Samantha Janssen
Coffee Expert

The Ascaso Steel DUO Espresso Machine is a fantastic option for those who want to brew and steam simultaneously without the high cost of a dual boiler setup. This machine uses two thermocoils to heat the brew path and steam sections separately, offering great programmability with the toggle switches on the front of the machine. The Steel DUO also features a sleek, vintage design and a 60oz internal water reservoir, allowing for enough drinks to be made before needing to refill. It accepts both grounds and pods without any need for modifications or adaptations. However, it's worth noting that its steaming capability is slightly slower than heat exchangers.

This espresso machine is a fantastic option for those who want to brew and steam simultaneously but don’t necessarily need the power or price of a dual boiler setup. The Steel Duo uses two thermocoils to heat the brew path and steam sections separately.

Matt S
Coffee Expert

Similarities

Both the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II and the Ascaso Steel DUO are designed for coffee enthusiasts who want to enjoy professional-quality espresso at home. They both offer the ability to steam milk and pull shots simultaneously, thanks to their heat exchanger boiler and double heating system, respectively. Both machines also feature programmable controls for brewing single- and double-shot beverages, and they both have ergonomic designs for ease of use. Additionally, both machines are designed to deliver cafe-quality results, allowing users to experiment with new recipes and make their favorite drinks over and over again.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both machines are designed for home use, the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II is also suitable for small shop settings, thanks to its professional components and powerful steam. However, its manual water tank filling system might limit its ability to serve many people back to back. On the other hand, the Ascaso Steel DUO is perfect for those who want to brew and steam simultaneously without the high cost of a dual boiler setup. It's also a great choice for those who value aesthetics, as it features a sleek, vintage design. However, its steaming capability is slightly slower than heat exchangers, which might be a drawback for some users.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to brewing capabilities, both machines are on par with each other, offering the ability to steam milk and pull shots simultaneously. However, the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II has a slight edge with its heat exchanger boiler, which allows for more efficient brewing. In terms of design, the Ascaso Steel DUO takes the cake with its sleek, vintage design. As for ease of use, both machines offer programmable controls, but the Oscar II's ergonomic steam wand and lever provide more precise control. Lastly, in terms of cost-effectiveness, the Ascaso Steel DUO is the winner, offering similar features to the Oscar II at a lower cost.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II and the Ascaso Steel DUO are excellent choices for coffee enthusiasts who want to enjoy professional-quality espresso at home. The Oscar II stands out with its professional components and powerful steam, making it a great choice for small shop settings. Meanwhile, the Steel DUO shines with its sleek, vintage design and cost-effectiveness, making it a fantastic option for those who want to brew and steam simultaneously without the high cost of a dual boiler setup. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to your specific needs and preferences. So, whether you're a home barista looking to level up your coffee routine or a small shop owner seeking to deliver consistent results, both machines are sure to impress.

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