Nuova Simonelli Oscar and a timer

[steves]

Hi barista types,

I've found a great, private source for an Oscar. So, being research crazy I've discovered that because of its design you can't keep the machine on a timer (something about bleeding the system everytime you fire it up).

They've made some mods over time. Does anyone know if this limit is still there?

If it is true is there a mod I can do to overcome this?

Thanks,

Steve

[RapidCoffee]

I think you are looking for this vacuum breaker valve.

Basically, you need to bleed off some steam to avoid false pressure readings when the machine first heats up. You can put Oscar on a timer regardless, but without the vacuum breaker, you need to wait a bit longer before pulling your first shot, so that the machine comes fully up to temp. When I had an Oscar, I found this delay to be on the order of just a minute or two, but YMMV.

[HB]

They've made some mods over time. Does anyone know if this limit is still there?

Yes, according to Chris Nachtrieb, they are still manufactured the same way. If you are handy with tools / plumbing, you can add a vacuum breaker in-line between the steam valve and the boiler as RapidCoffee suggests.

[steves]

Thanks Guys,

Doesn't loook like a reason not to buy. The addition of the valve looks quite simple, should I see the need.

Rapid, "when I had an Oscar" Do you mind me asking why you don't have it any more?

Steve

[RapidCoffee]

Rapid, "when I had an Oscar" Do you mind me asking why you don't have it any more?

Oh, just basic insanity, er I mean upgrade fever. I had an opportunity to buy an old commercial one group Rancilio (model L7, predecessor to the S27, plumbed, rotary pump, volumetric dosing) and went for it. No regrets - and no end to upgrade fever either - but Oscar was my first HX machine, and it will always occupy a fond place in my heart.

If you have the option, I recommend the direct plumb Oscar model. The pump runs off either an external water bottle or (more quietly and smoothly) connected directly to the water line. Also, some Oscars come set up for pod use (mine was). If so, buy a kit to convert to freshly ground coffee.

[steves]

If you have the option, I recommend the direct plumb Oscar model. The pump runs off either an external water bottle or (more quietly and smoothly) connected directly to the water line.

Sweet!

Based on my kitchen situation, I wasn't too pleased with the location of the builtin water jug. But if the pump can work off an external bottle that's perfect.

Thanks, heaps for that information.

Steve

[ciordia9]

Hey Steves, hope your Oscar purchase went well. I've loved mind for over a year now and am just about to deshell it and tinker. The steam wand condensates a hair much, the vacuum breaker sounds interesting, and I'd like to get the scace hooked up and see what kind of surfing we're up to. I've had a long history of fun with this great device though and whether lucky or earned it's done me well. I can only hope my education in espressomachinery can take it to 11.

-a

[pannyd]

can I ask how much you paid for your Oscars ?

I was in my coffee shop here in China and they had one on show for 9,800 rmb (approx 700 pounds sterling).

The thing was , my missus (who was in the shop at the time) is bigtime against my coffee spending habits , however as our baby son is named OSCAR she got all excited and I sensed a chink in her armour based on the name factor.

Is this a fair price ?

[ciordia9]

can I ask how much you paid for your Oscars ?

I was in my coffee shop here in China and they had one on show for 9,800 rmb (approx 700 pounds sterling).

The thing was , my missus (who was in the shop at the time) is bigtime against my coffee spending habits , however as our baby son is named OSCAR she got all excited and I sensed a chink in her armour based on the name factor.

Is this a fair price ?

hahah that is so cute; get your equipment however you can! hehehe! The price range these days is 500-800 USD. I got mine a year ago for 7 something. As always pricing is who you know and regionality.

-a

[nixter]

Bringing back an old thread here..

I have a new Oscar with the improved Sirai Pstat, etc. My machine never came with any warning label about opening the steam vavle, nor anything in the manual about such practice. Assuming I'm supposed to open the steam knob what is the difference between doing it right when you turn on the machine and doing it once it's fully heated up? (like on a timer). I've done it both ways and there is no difference in espresso. I usually let the machine heat up then crack the steam for a half second and the boiler light immediately comes on then goes out again in under 10 seconds. Would this not be adequate?

n

[vitomatt]

hahah that is so cute; get your equipment however you can! hehehe! The price range these days is 500-800 USD. I got mine a year ago for 7 something. As always pricing is who you know and regionality.

Where oh Where are you getting these Oscars at that price - best price I see on net is 950-ish...? Thanks!!

[Sedi]

I am too an Oscar owner, it's a great machine for its price, especially since where I live it used to cost half the price of any hx E61 machine. Just wanted to point out this issue was recently dealt by another Oscar owner who, at the end, successfully installed the vacuum breaker:
putting-nuova-simonelli-oscar-on-timer-and-loud-pop-noise-at-turn-on-t6271.html

[JB130]

Where oh Where are you getting these Oscars at that price - best price I see on net is 950-ish...? Thanks!!

Smart & Final was practically giving them away last fall, see the discussion here.

[nixter]

Smart & Final was practically giving them away last fall, see the discussion here.

ugh. After paying full bean for my Oscar a few months ago I didn't need to read that. Oh well. I'm very happy with it.

n