Convenience The big difference compared with the previous Oscar model is the programmable dosing. Unfortunately, this is also my least favorite feature at the moment. Due to some unknown reason, (which could be inconsistency in grinding, tamping, bean age), sometimes the coffee comes out very late. Does this mean that this machine is finicky with the grind, I'm not sure yet. Since it's a timed program instead of volumetric, it cuts off the pump too early, leaving one unable to salvage the situation by running it longer. Therefore, for beginners, I recommend not using the programmable dosing. Then there is no manual button on the machine, therefore every time, you have to go into the program setting in order to run a manual shot. Not too difficult, but a bit annoying. Other differences are: default installation of a vacuum breaker. So put it on a timer and you are good to go. Water level warning, it completes the previous shot even if water level is low, instead of completely shutting down the machine, so thumb up there. Other observations It might be because I come from a single boiler machine. But Oscar ii is very sensitive to the temperature change inside the boiler. (it's pressurestat based instead of thermometer based) In other words, it has a small dead band. The boiler turns on frequently, and heat a little bit, and turns off again. This makes the boiler temperature more stable, which to me is a plus. I believe Oscar ii has a similar behavior as preinfusion, even though when I called the technician and he told me that wasn't a designed function. What it does is when the pump is turned on, it pumps for a few seconds, and then stops for a second or two, and then it pumps again. The portafilter group gasket seal is not very tight. I'm not sure if it is just my machine, but I did notice on a youtube video that the other user had a similar problem. If the protafiler is not sealed tightly (over the middle line), there will be a small water leak around the edge
The portafilter group gasket seal is not very tight. I'm not sure if it is just my machine, but I did notice on a youtube video that the other user had a similar problem. If the protafiler is not sealed tightly (over the middle line), there will be a small water leak around the edge of the portafilter. I'm a bit hesitant to over tighten it, lest it damages the group gasket. To summarize, I do believe that this is a very good entry level heat exchanger machine, just like its predecessor. It does require some additional learning, coming from a single boiler machine, but it's well worth it.