Inside an Oscar

[MKSwing]

Hi,
I couldn't resist more and decided to finally open my NS Oscar. Here's a pic.

[moccafaux]

Doesnt look as if constructed by an italian engineer . The Oscar is the one I would buy if I could accumulate Euro 700,-
How is living with it and would you purchase it again?

[mnemonix]

Another prospective purchaser here... I'd like to know more about it's everyday useability. The picture certainly confirms my impression that they are very well built.

Chris.

[Steve]

I used one in a commercial setting for over 12 months and it worked well. Mine got quite tired towards the end, but I think they are a great machine.

Steve
(used to be an oscar lover but fell in love with a super model spazio )

[MKSwing]

It's a very well built machine. you don't really see it on the pictures on the net but it's a BIG machine. Its plastic body makes think about a low level machine but you have a Ferrari inside. The brewing group and portafilter are the exact same as you see in the commercial NS machines. And the plastic outside is finally a great thing, you clean the coffee drops and stains in one (yes one, I'm not exaggerating) sponge run and you never get burned (big improvement from the La Pavoni ). Shot consistency is excellent, steam is impressive and makes fantastic cappuccini. You can move the steam lever in every way. It's just sad they don't deliver a blind filter to backflush the machine. Another thing I find a little annoying, but after all kind of normal, is that you have to clean carefully the shower and clipping system after every shot, it gets full of grounds very fast and the gasket let then the water leaks, never had this problem with the Pavoni. The pump is a little noisy but as much as the others machines. I should write a review about it :harrumph:

[MKSwing]

Here's a pic of the complete set up if it can give you a better idea of the size...

[mnemonix]

Thanks Stephane,

WRT cleaning the shower screen, I thought it was just me ! With the Gaggia, after every shot I wipe it clean with a damp cloth and then run water through with the the portafilter in place doing the 'wiggle' to dislodge any remaining grounds until it runs clear.

Chris.

[moccafaux]

Auseful tool for cleaning the showerscreen/seal:
Get a round brush as used for cleaning the dishes. Cut the bristles in the centre 1cm , leaving only the outer ring in itzs original length. Works great, but has to be replaced after a couple of month.