Ultimate Showdown: Rocket Espresso Appartamento Espresso Machine vs Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Espresso Machine – Which Reigns Supreme?

Are you grappling with the decision between the “Rocket Espresso Appartamento Espresso Machine vs Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Espresso Machine”? This comparison article cuts through the hype to determine which machine holds the edge in terms of user experience, shot quality, and specialty features. Whether you’re a hands-on espresso aficionado or seeking efficiency and consistency, find out which model rises to the occasion without pushing a sales agenda.

Key Takeaways

• The Rocket Espresso Appartamento offers a more hands-on experience with manual controls, while the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II allows for customizable, consistent shots with programmable timers.
• Both machines have commercial-grade features such as heat exchanger boilers and premium portafilters, but differ in design aesthetics and user interface complexity.
• While the Appartamento requires more barista skill for more espresso extraction control, the Oscar II provides convenience with features like automated pre-infusion and a user-friendly steam lever.

Introduction

The Rocket Espresso Appartamento and Nuova Simonelli Oscar II are two semi-automatic espresso machines that have earned a strong following amongst coffee enthusiasts. While they both deliver professional-quality espresso, the Appartamento is known for its manual brewing experience, and the Oscar II for its programmable shot times. This difference in control and user interaction is what sets them apart.

Whether you prefer the hands-on barista experience or the consistent and user-friendly results, one of these machines is likely to be your new favorite coffee companion.

Overview of Rocket Espresso Appartamento and Nuova Simonelli Oscar II

The Rocket Espresso Appartamento, designed for spaces where room is a luxury, is a compact machine that doesn’t compromise on performance. Hand-built in Milan, Italy, it is renowned for its long service life and high-quality espresso, making it one of the best home espresso machines available.

Key features of the Rocket Espresso Appartamento include:

• Compact size
• Heat exchanger boiler system for simultaneous milk frothing and espresso brewing
• E61 group head for consistent heat and temperature stability during extraction

With its impressive features, the Rocket Espresso Appartamento is sure to enhance your morning coffee routine.

On the other hand, the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II is designed to cater to a variety of settings, including homes, offices, mobile locations, and small coffee shops. Its enclosed thermosiphon brew group, combined with a professional-sized group head and a copper boiler, ensures professional quality espresso every time. With its new stainless steel and ABS plastic body and an ergonomic steam lever, this prosumer espresso machine embodies a blend of classic and modern aesthetics.

The Oscar II comes with a standard 2-year manufacturer warranty, while the warranty Appartamanto comes with an extended 3 years warranty, and a requirement to install a water softener for users not meeting water specifications to maintain the warranty.

Comparing the Machines: Key Similarities and Differences between Rocket Espresso Appartamento and Nuova Simonelli Oscar II

When it comes to comparing these two espresso machines, several factors come into play. The Appartamento houses a 1.8-liter copper boiler, while the Oscar II boasts a slightly larger one. However, both machines have heat exchanger boilers, making them capable of producing consistently hot espresso shots. In terms of operation, the Appartamento offers a manual operation with a classic lever style, while the Oscar II features programmable shot time buttons for espresso.

One of the standout features of the Oscar II is its NSF certification, which makes it suitable for commercial use. Its programmable buttons allow for consistent espresso production, a feature that is particularly useful in a commercial setting. On the other hand, the Appartamento offers a more hands-on experience with a manual pre-infusion brew lever. This feature allows users to control pre-infusion time, a level of control that coffee enthusiasts will appreciate.

Similarities between Rocket Espresso Appartamento and Nuova Simonelli Oscar II

Despite their differences, the Rocket Espresso Appartamento and Nuova Simonelli Oscar II share several key features, including the use of commercial grade components:

• Both are equipped with heat exchanger boilers for consistent espresso shot temperatures
• Both have user-friendly designs that make them suitable for home or small shop settings
• Both include commercial-grade portafilters, which contribute to the high-quality espresso shots that they produce
• Both machines are crafted with polished stainless steel, adding to their aesthetic appeal and durability.

They are also equipped with a steam wand to steam milk simultaneously for texturing, though their designs and ease of use may differ.

Oscar II features:

The Nuova Simonelli Oscar II is a compact machine that comfortably fits on most kitchen counters. Its professional quality espresso in domestic settings can be attributed to its enclosed thermosiphon brew group. Add to that a 58mm portafilter and a powerful manual steam wand, and you have a machine that every coffee enthusiast would love.

But what sets the Oscar II apart are its programmable autometrics. These allow you to customize your espresso shots to your liking, ensuring consistent results every time. Moreover, the Oscar II has a reputation for its steam power, making it a great addition to your kitchen counter.

Appartamento features:

On the other hand, the Rocket Espresso Appartamento stands out with its E61 group head. This feature allows for consistent heat, ensuring temperature stability during extraction. The Appartamento also distinguishes itself with its boiling system differences, which include a heat exchanger boiler system, allowing you to froth milk and brew espresso simultaneously.

The Appartamento doesn’t stop there. With its double-walled steam wand, you can steam your milk to perfection for those creamy lattes or frothy cappuccinos. And for those who love manual control, the Appartamento gives you the potential to control your extraction time and temperature.

Design: Rocket Espresso Appartamento VS Nuova Simonelli Oscar II

While both the Rocket Espresso Appartamento and the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II share a polished stainless steel exterior, their designs are unique, reflecting their individual brands’ aesthetics and philosophies. Design is not just about aesthetics; it also plays a significant role in the functionality and user experience of the machines.

Let’s delve into the design elements of these two sought-after espresso machines, as well as other espresso machines in the market.

Oscar 2 Design:

The Nuova Simonelli Oscar II features a combination of stainless steel and ABS body, contributing to its reputation for professional quality espresso in domestic settings. Its retro-futuristic look, a blend of classic and modern aesthetics, is sure to be a conversation starter in any kitchen or small coffee shop.

The design of the Oscar II goes beyond aesthetics. It includes functional enhancements such as an ergonomic steam lever, timed dosage, and an improved steam wand. Despite these external changes, the Oscar II preserves professional features like a professional-sized group head and a copper boiler, ensuring a high-quality performance.

Appartamento Design:

The Rocket Espresso Appartamento is renowned for its:

• Compact footprint, making it suitable for small counters and space-restricted kitchens
• Performance, packing a punch when it comes to performance
• Long service life and high performance, as it is hand-built in Milan, Italy

In terms of aesthetics, the Appartamento’s design includes a distinctive update to Rocket’s visual aesthetic, making it flashy and attention-grabbing. Its design also incorporates functional features, including a heat exchanger boiler system that allows simultaneous frothing and brewing, an E61 group head for consistent heat, and a manual lever for total control over the brewing process.

Steam Wand: Rocket Espresso Appartamento VS Nuova Simonelli Oscar II

Milk steaming is a vital aspect of espresso making, especially for those who love creamy lattes or cappuccinos. Both the Rocket Espresso Appartamento and Nuova Simonelli Oscar II are equipped with steam wands, but they differ in design and functionality.

Let’s explore how these steam wands compare.

Oscar II:

The Nuova Simonelli Oscar II features a longer steam wand with a 360° rotating ball joint, giving you flexibility when steaming your milk. Its four-hole tip ensures powerful steaming, helping create perfectly textured milk for your coffee drinks. Additionally, the drip tray ensures a clean and mess-free brewing experience.

The Oscar II also features an ergonomic steam lever, making it easy and comfortable to use.

Appartamento:

The Rocket Espresso Appartamento, on the other hand, features an anti-burn traditional steam wand. This means it’s safer to touch immediately after use, reducing the risk of accidental burns. It also comes with a dedicated hot water spout, allowing you to quickly and easily add hot water to your drinks. However, some users may find it harder to control the powerful steam pressure.

User Interface: Rocket Espresso Appartamento VS Nuova Simonelli Oscar II

A machine’s user interface is a critical point of interaction between the user and the machine. It can affect the ease of use, the degree of control, and ultimately, the quality of the espresso produced.

Let’s examine the user interfaces of the Rocket Espresso Appartamento and Nuova Simonelli Oscar II, and see how they impact the brewing process.

Oscar II:

The Nuova Simonelli Oscar II, a semi automatic espresso machine, features a user interface that includes two soft-touch buttons for single and double shots, and indicator lights for low water and boiler temperature. While it lacks a manual mode for brewing espresso, it compensates with programmable shot times and a dual boiler system. This feature allows you to customize your espresso shots to your liking, ensuring consistent results. However, this also means that you have less control over the extraction process.

Appartamento:

The Rocket Espresso Appartamento, in contrast, offers manual control over extraction time. This feature allows you to influence the brewing process more directly, potentially leading to a more personalized cup of espresso.

If you love playing with different extraction times and temperatures to find the perfect balance for your coffee, the Appartamento is definitely worth considering.

Pre-infusion: Rocket Espresso Appartamento VS Nuova Simonelli Oscar II

Pre-infusion is a feature that dampens the coffee puck with water before full pressure is applied during the extraction process. This feature helps ensure a more even extraction and enhances the aroma and flavor of the coffee.

Let’s look at how the Rocket Espresso Appartamento and Nuova Simonelli Oscar II handle pre-infusion.

Oscar II:

The Nuova Simonelli Oscar II features:

• A 1-second pre-infusion function called ‘soft infusion’
• This function enhances coffee extraction but offers minimal user control
• The parameters for the soft infusion are not adjustable, meaning you’re left with the default pre-infusion time set by the manufacturer.

Appartamento:

On the other hand, the Rocket Espresso Appartamento offers the following features:

• Manual pre-infusion process, giving you the ability to influence the brewing process more directly
• Ability to start water flow without pump pressure by lifting the brew lever to a 45-degree angle
• Full lift of the brew lever when you’re ready to brew

This feature gives you more control over the pre-infusion time, allowing for a more personalized brewing experience.

Drawbacks: Rocket Espresso Appartamento VS Nuova Simonelli Oscar II

Like any product, both the Rocket Espresso Appartamento and Nuova Simonelli Oscar II have their drawbacks. Being aware of these potential issues can help you make an informed decision and set realistic expectations about the performance of these machines.

Oscar II:

The Nuova Simonelli Oscar II, while praised for its professional-quality espresso and programmable shot times, has limited control over pre-infusion parameters. This limitation can affect the quality of your espresso, especially if you prefer to tweak your brewing parameters. Some users have also reported issues with the water tank not fitting properly and the need to manipulate it to work. Furthermore, the machine comes with a plastic tamper which might not be as durable or effective as a metal one.

There are also reports of the machine not heating the water to a sufficiently high temperature, leading to inconsistent coffee pours. Additionally, the Oscar II requires a lengthy heat-up time before producing good espresso, with some reports indicating 20 to 30 minutes to be fully ready.

Also, the Oscar II operates at a 15-bar extraction pressure if without an Over Pressure Valve (OPV), which is higher than the standard 9-bar pressure as recommended by the Speciality Coffee Association.

Appartamento:

On the other hand, the Rocket Espresso Appartamento, with its manual control and potential for manual temperature control, may pose difficulty in controlling steam pressure. This could be an issue, especially for beginners or those who prefer a more straightforward user experience.

Also, the Appartamento operates at an around 12-bar extraction pressure, which is also higher than the standard 9-bar pressure as recommended by the Speciality Coffee Association.

Price Comparison and Value for Money: Rocket Espresso Appartamento VS Nuova Simonelli Oscar II

When it comes to price, both the Rocket Espresso Appartamento and Nuova Simonelli Oscar II are considered premium espresso machines, and their prices reflect this. However, considering their features, performance, and the quality of espresso they produce, both machines offer good value for money.

Your decision should ultimately depend on your budget, your espresso-making skills, and your preferences in terms of control and convenience.

Summary

To conclude, both the Rocket Espresso Appartamento and Nuova Simonelli Oscar II are top-tier espresso machines that promise to deliver barista-quality espresso right at your home. They each have their strengths and weaknesses, but ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference. Whether you opt for the hands-on experience of the Appartamento or the convenience and consistency of the Oscar II, you’re sure to enjoy the experience of brewing and drinking high-quality espresso.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country made Nova Simonelli?

Nova Simonelli espresso machines are made in Italy. They have been manufacturing espresso machines since 1936 and export them globally.

Does Rocket Appartamento have heat exchanger?

Yes, the Rocket Appartamento has a heat exchanger. It uses an HX (Heat Exchanger) boiler design to deliver enhanced performance for serious coffee drinkers.

What is the boiler capacity of the Rocket Espresso Appartamento and Nuova Simonelli Oscar II?

The Rocket Espresso Appartamento has a 1.8-liter copper boiler, while the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II has a slightly larger one. So, the Oscar II has a larger boiler capacity than the Appartamento.

Do both machines come with a warranty?

Yes, the Oscar II come with a standard 2-year manufacturer warranty while the Appartamento comes with 3 years warranty, so you're covered for any issues that may arise.

Can I adjust the pre-infusion function on the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II?

No, the pre-infusion function on the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II is not adjustable.