Nuova Simonelli Review: Aurelia II and Appia II
Known for its balance between state-of-the-art features and usability, Nuova Simonelli® creates espresso machines designed for baristas. While many of its semi-automatic machines may feel more like using an automatic machine given their smart-wand technology and manual dosing, they still make great additions to high-volume, specialty coffee shops.
To help you more easily evaluate espresso machines for your cafe, this manufacturer guide covers three main areas: general pros and cons, pricing, and overall ratings. In this review, we take a close look at two of Nuova Simonelli's main commercial models: Aurelia II and Appia II.
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Pros & Cons of Nuova Simonelli Espresso
To help you more easily evaluate espresso machines for your cafe, this manufacturer guide covers three main areas: general pros and cons, pricing, and overall ratings.
PROS:
- This brand builds espresso machines specifically for medium- to high-volume cafes.
- Each machine’s additional, helpful features for beginner baristas can streamline the process of learning how to extract quality espresso.
- Despite its machines’ many additional features, this brand offers lower price points than many of its competitors.
- Soft-infusion technology allows for consistent, high-quality espresso shots.
CONS:
- Automated features make Nuova Simonelli machines “feel” less than other semiautomatic brands on the market and can detract from the experience for more seasoned baristas.
- Baristas have less control over some aspects of espresso preparation, such as temperature and dosage, when using many of this brand’s machines.
- Nuova Simonelli machines have fewer customizable color options than competing brands.
Pricing
Nuova Simonelli offers competitively priced espresso machines with included features that make them worth every penny. All of the machines highlighted below provide great options for specialty coffee shops.
Recommended Machines
Top Pick: Aurelia Wave Digit
Close to some other Nuova Simonelli machines in terms of features, this model takes the company’s classic Aurelia machine to another level. Specifically, it incorporates a high-resolution touchscreen display, a soft-infusion system, and Smart Water Technology that alerts baristas — in real-time — of changes in water temperature or pressure. Automated dosing options also make this machine easy to use for both beginners and experienced baristas by providing a consistent, level espresso every time.
- Price Range: $14,500 to $17,050
- Group Heads: Two or three
- Boilers: Double
- Body Material: Stainless steel
- Temperature: Fixed (not adjustable for each group head)
- Aesthetics: LED lights and available in black, red, or white for an additional cost
Is the Aurelia Wave Digit the Best Fit for My Cafe?
Medium- to large-volume cafes will find this machine especially helpful because it makes espresso preparation attainable for baristas with a variety of skill levels and includes features for an elevated espresso extraction experience. However, this machine’s competitive pricing makes it a great choice for any coffee shop — from slower, new cafes to high-volume, downtown shops.
Other Nuova Simonelli Machines
If you’re not sold on the Aurelia Wave Digit machine, check out these five other great models from Nuova Simonelli.
Aurelia Wave Semiautomatic
Designed for reliability and performance, this machine includes built-in features like automatic backflushing and lights on both the steam wand and front of the machine for better visibility. Well-equipped for peak rush times, it enables baristas to create a high volume of drinks efficiently.
- Price Range: $9,100 to $10,600
- Group Heads: Two or three
- Boilers: Double
- Body Material: Stainless steel
- Temperature: Fixed (not adjustable for each group head)
- Aesthetics: Available in black, red, or white for an additional cost
Is the Aurelia Wave Semiautomatic the Best Fit for My Cafe?
The dependable Aurelia Wave Semiautomatic machine will provide the basic tools to prepare quality espresso. Yet, unlike other Nuova Simonelli machines, this model doesn’t include volumetric dosing or LCD displays. That means it may not be a good fit if you want an innovative machine. However, this model is perfect for cafes seeking a user-friendly, reliable machine for day-to-day use as well as coffee shops that don’t need complete control over their espresso extraction.
Aurelia II
Designed for a barista’s convenience, The Aurelia II espresso machine includes built-in features like automatic backflushing and lights on both the milk wand and front of the machine for better visibility. Well-equipped for peak rush times, this machine enables baristas to create a high volume of drinks efficiently.
- Price Range: $8,900-$10,400
- Group Heads: Two or three
- Boilers: Double
- Body Material: Stainless steel
- Temperature: Fixed (not adjustable for each group head)
- Aesthetic: Available in black, red, or white
Appia II
Closer to the classic semi-automatic machine style, the Appia II espresso machine comes with fewer features than the Aurelia II. For example, it doesn’t include surface lights for increased visibility or automated steam wands. Yet, this model does still feature manual dosing and soft-infusion technology to eliminate the need for a proper tamping technique.
- Price Range: $3,700-$7,000
- Group Heads: One or two
- Boilers: Double
- Body Material: Stainless steel
- Temperature: Fixed (not adjustable for each group head)
- Aesthetic: Available in black, red, or white
Ratings
Value – 5/5
These machines offer a truly great value. Their competitive pricing, coupled with their unique features and dependability, make them a good deal for any business owner. Specifically for cafes with baristas of varying skill, Nuova Simonelli machines can make perfecting coffee preparation attainable for any barista.
Ease of Use – 4/5
The added features in Nuova Simonelli machines enable easy espresso production — even for beginners. The Aurelia II, for example, features LED lights on both the front of their machines as well as the steam wand to make every step of the coffee making process visible and easy. However, these features can at times detract from the coffee making process for more seasoned baristas.
Included Features – 5/5
This brand’s strong reputation stems from its unique features, such as smart wands and manual dosing, that make a barista’s job easier and more efficient. These additions are fairly uncommon in specialty coffee but can make all the difference during busy rush times, ensuring your customers are receiving their coffee in a timely fashion.
Conclusion
Nuova Simonelli machines make a great choice for high-volume cafes because their automatic features enable fast, easy beverage-making. These machines also can work well in slower cafes with more skilled baristas, but they may not be the perfect fit for those shops.
