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Verdict: The original Nuova Simonelli Oscar is a compact, semi-professional-style espresso machine with a heat-exchanger design, pre-infusion, and a steam wand, but the name “Oscar Professional” does not identify one unambiguous model. This is a source-based review of the original Oscar and its US tank and Oscar AD plumbing variants—not the Oscar II or Oscar Mood. The manufacturer lists dimensions of 300 × 408 × 400 mm, weight of 13 kg, and power of 1200 W. There are no independent extraction or reliability test results here, so treat performance descriptions as manufacturer specifications rather than proven outcomes.
Which Nuova Simonelli Oscar does “Oscar Professional” mean?
Nuova Simonelli’s product page calls the machine “Oscar.” Its US brochure distinguishes the original tank-fed Oscar from Oscar AD, which connects directly to a water supply. Oscar II and Oscar Mood are separate models; their features and specifications should not be assumed to apply to the original.
Before buying or comparing a listing, confirm the model name on the machine or seller page, the region and voltage, and whether it uses a tank or direct plumbing. The Nuova Simonelli USA archive lists documentation for the original Oscar, including a manual, repair guide, specification sheet, and parts material.
What the original Oscar offers
Heat exchanger and thermally controlled group
Nuova Simonelli describes the original Oscar as using a heat exchanger and a thermally controlled dispensing group. Those design features are intended to support espresso preparation and steaming workflows, but the manufacturer’s description does not establish real-world temperature stability or shot consistency. No independent temperature or extraction tests are available for this review. See the official Oscar product page.
#1 Best Overall
- DIRECT LEVER MANUAL ESPRESSO MACHINE - The Flair 49 PRO is an all manual, lever espresso machine, meaning that you are in control of your espresso extraction. All the force you put onto the lever is directly translated into your coffee making it easy to brew espresso to your exact tastes.
- 49MM PORTAFILTER SYSTEM - A 49mm portafilter system is deeper and more narrow that a traditional 58mm system, meaning that dial-in is more forgiving with larger grind sizes, and your espresso can have a more full body and mouthfeel, due to the increased contact time when brewing.
- NO PLASTICS IN THE BREW PATH - The 49 PRO has been designed with a stainless steel cylinder, valve plunger and stem, meaning that no plastic touches your brew water when making espresso. Brew pure espresso, from kettle to cup.
- PRESSURE GAUGE FOR 9BAR BREWING - Every Flair 49 PRO features an integrated pressure gauge with a custom “Espresso” zone between 5-9BAR, exactly that needed for brewing cafe-quality espresso at home. Choose any pressure and flow profile you want, you’re in full control.
- SMALL FOOTPRINT FOR ANY KITCHEN - The Flair 49 PRO doesn’t take up space like semi-automatic machines, and with a footprint not much bigger than a foot long by eight inches wide, easily fits onto any counter in your kitchen or office.
Pre-infusion
The product page lists a pre-infusion system in the group. That confirms a stated feature, not a measured improvement in taste, repeatability, or extraction quality.
Steam wand
The original Oscar has a steam wand; the US brochure specifies a cool-touch wand. That makes milk steaming part of the machine’s built-in capability. The cited materials do not provide independently measured steaming speed or milk-texture results.
Rank #2
- Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
- Includes Portafilter, measuring scoop/tamper and two filters for single or double espresso
- Stainless steel boiler is engineered to last long and work for years
- Manual steam wand to texture milk for lattes and cappuccinos
Original Oscar specifications and counter fit
Nuova Simonelli’s technical sheet lists the original Oscar at 300 mm wide, 408 mm deep, and 400 mm high, with a weight of 13 kg and power of 1200 W. The product page’s prose rounds the width to 32 cm; use the technical-sheet value when planning a precise fit. The official product page provides the technical details.
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Rank #3
- CRAFT COFFEE AT HOME: Produces six demitasse/espresso servings of rich, smooth espresso coffee in minutes. Craft your own espresso, Americano, Cuban coffee, Italian-style coffee, Moka, lattes, cappuccinos and more from the convenience of your home.Filter type:Reusable
- DURABLE DESIGN: Carefully crafted with cast aluminum for long-lasting durability. Provides thorough and even heat distribution for enhanced flavor, aroma and consistency. Features a flip-top lid with a heat-resistant knob and handle for safe, easy pouring.
- EASY TO USE: Simply fill the lower chamber with water, add ground coffee or espresso to the filter and place on stovetop. Within minutes, delicious espresso will fill the top chamber of your moka. Remove from heat and enjoy!
- EASY TO CLEAN: Simply rinse with warm water and allow all components to dry before reassembling.
- COFFEE ON-THE-GO: This coffee maker is portable and works on all electric, ceramic and gas stovetops (including propane) making it the perfect camping accessory. Available in 5 different sizes.
For placement, measure counter depth and overhead clearance, and leave practical room to fill the tank and work with the steam wand. These clearances depend on your setup; they are not additional manufacturer dimensions.
Tank Oscar or Oscar AD?
| Configuration | Water supply | Best fit to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Original Oscar tank model | Removable 3 L tank, as listed in the US brochure | A placement where you want to fill the machine manually and do not have a suitable water connection. |
| Oscar AD | Direct water connection | An installation with an appropriate water supply and a preference for plumbing the machine in. |
The brochure presents the configurations alongside the same listed boiler, power, voltage, frequency, and dimensions. Confirm the rating and exact variant on the specific unit; the table is based on the US brochure, not a universal specification for every market.
Rank #4
- Make Your Favorite Espresso Coffee At Home: The CASABREWS coffee machine with milk frother allows you to prepare all your favorite espresso-based coffees. You can enjoy a barista-brewed latte, cappuccino or macchiato at home. Stainless steel appearance, stylish and durable, ideal for any size kitchen. This compact espresso machine is perfect for home or office use
- Professional 20-Bar Pressure System: A semi-Automatic 2-in-1 Espresso Maker with a 20 bar professional pump and a 1350 W powerful heating system. This 20 bar pressure espresso maker gives you a top quality extraction, resulting in a more fragrant and richer aroma in your coffee. You can create a cappuccino, latte or flat white at home or in the office with our stainless steel espresso maker
- Milk Frothing System: Our espresso machine with milk frother has a powerful steam wand that creates a creamy and rich micro-foam milk texture to enhance the flavor of the coffee and enable the creation of latte art. Awaken your inner barista and create your own unique milk foam art with our espresso machine. This compact espresso machine is perfect for latte, cappuccino or macchiato. If you are trying to find an excellent espresso coffee maker, look no further
- Compact, Stylish & Practical: The compact design makes this espresso coffee machine suitable for a kitchen of any sizes. The 43.9 oz water tank allows you to brew multiple cups of coffee without a refill, and it is detachable for easy refilling. The drip tray can be easily removed to clean. This home espresso machine comes with everything a coffee lover needs to get started. What’s included: Espresso Machine, 43.9 oz Removable Water Tank, One Cup Brewing Filter, Two Cup Brewing Filter, Portafilter, Tamper With Spoon, Instruction Manual
- Using Tips: Please remove the rubber plug at the bottom of the water tank and make “First use cycle” for this espresso machine when you use it for the first time. Please follow the steps in the user guide. Please note that there are many instructional videos on the USER GUIDE of CASABREWS store
How it compares with Oscar II and Oscar Mood
These are distinct models, not interchangeable names for one machine. The US materials describe Oscar Mood with PID/electronic pressure control, a display and timer, and a cool-touch steam wand. Do not transfer those controls to the original Oscar.
Recommended Free Tools
| Model or configuration | What the cited US materials establish | Displayed US price reference |
|---|---|---|
| Original Oscar tank | Original model; tank configuration | $2,200 in the 2025 US brochure price list |
| Oscar AD | Original-model direct-connection configuration | $2,300 in the 2025 US brochure price list |
| Oscar II | Separate model in Nuova Distribution USA’s catalog | $2,450 displayed in the catalog accessed 2026-10-07 |
| Oscar Mood | Separate model; brochure lists PID/electronic pressure control, display and timer | $3,150 displayed in the catalog accessed 2026-10-07 |
These are publisher-displayed US price references, not verified transaction prices or guaranteed current offers. Confirm live price, stock, included accessories, warranty, and the exact generation with the seller. Sources: 2025 US brochure and Nuova Simonelli USA catalog.
Best Value
- MANUAL HAND-TEXTURED MICROFOAM: The powerful steam wand on this cappuccino maker and latte machine is designed to quickly turn milk into smooth, flavorful microfoam for creating latte art at home
- PRECISE DOSE GRINDING: Integrated precision conical burr grinder on bean-to-cup espresso machine grinds on demand to deliver correct amount of freshly ground coffee directly into portafilter for your preferred taste with any roast of bean
- WATER PRESSURE: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and draws out all the flavors evenly during the extraction for a balanced-tasting espresso, latte or cappuccino
- RECEIVE 2 FREE BAGS OF SPECIALTY COFFEE: Included when you purchase and register any Breville coffee machine; T&Cs apply
- PRECISE ESPRESSO EXTRACTION: Digital temperature regulation (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, so espresso coffee maker allows for precise espresso extraction
What you need for an espresso setup
The Oscar is the espresso machine, not a complete setup by itself. A capable grinder is a separate purchase to account for. Nuova Simonelli presents its Duo grinder as a match for Oscar on the official product page; that does not mean it is included with the machine. Water treatment needs depend on local water and the relevant manual, so check both before choosing a filter or softener.
Buying a used original Oscar or finding parts
For a used listing, verify the generation and configuration first, then check the machine’s label, voltage, plumbing arrangement, condition, included accessories, and seller’s warranty or return terms. A low asking price alone does not establish that the machine is in working order or that parts will be available.
Nuova Simonelli USA’s equipment documents archive includes original Oscar documents and parts references, but it cautions that parts for discontinued products may not be available. Match any manual or part to the exact generation and configuration rather than relying on “Oscar” alone.
Who should consider the original Oscar?
The original Oscar is worth considering if you want an espresso machine with a stated heat-exchanger design, pre-infusion, and built-in milk steaming, and its tank or direct-plumbed configuration suits your installation. It is not possible to recommend it as a proven performer or reliability choice on the cited specifications alone: no independent shot tests, durability sample, or comparative extraction results are established here.
For a purchase decision, compare the exact model and generation, plumbing, local electrical fit, counter clearance, controls and steam workflow, seller terms and parts support, and total setup cost including a grinder. If a listing calls it “Oscar Professional,” ask the seller to identify the precise model rather than treating that wording as a confirmed generation.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
