Ascaso - Steel DUO PLUS PID Programmable Espresso Machine

I have the same machine. It is a thermoblock but also has a cup-warming tray on top, just an electric heating coil connected to the metal top.

I think it's luck of the draw. I've seen people say their Ascaso doesn't vibrate at all, but mine vibrates so much I had to open it up and install deadening pads everywhere.

Same here. I'm also very happy with it. No issues yet after more than 2 years.

I hear you, you sound like me if I listened to the voice of reason lol. Ascaso Duo would be a potential upgrade, I used to have one and the heat up times were amazing. PID would be a big improvement but definitely not over $1k worth of improvement. Youve definitely found a sweet spot, cheers.

Great set up. I miss alot about the Steel DUO, but the volumetric isnt one of them. I never used it becasue it was so wildly inconsistent.

Have you seen the internal build quality of the Ascaso? What about how the parts are assembled inside and how difficult would be to change anything? Have you seen what is the performance of its steam? Honestly the best thing about the Ascaso is the looks. Anything else other than the Ascaso coming from Lelit, Profitec, etc. is guaranteed to have a better quality. I own the Profitec Move and thought about the Ascaso for like 24hrs and dismissed after realizing how badly made it is + slow steam performance.

I have my Ascaso since nearly two years and I love it. I cannot not imagine to turn the machine on 20mins in advance. With the Duo it’s switch on, prepare everything, make a longer flush and after 3mins you are good to go. While I think build quality could be better I would always buy it again.

I went with the Ascaso Steel Duo - definitely go with a local dealer, mine came defective (steam was not working) the shop helped me troubleshoot, prime, etc.. no dice (was a little bummed) they had a Duo Plus in stock and I paid a little more for the exchange to upgrade and it works great now ( it’s only been 2 months) I have the 20amp version and the steam is nuts imo - but I also don’t know or have any other experience with other machines aside from a bambino. Love the look of it! I’m super happy with it now but definitely can confirm the first one I got came with issues which I was bracing for based on the internets, fwiw the shop said they have a lot of issues with most machines (specifically quick mill) and in some cases will bench test them before selling at the buyers request. They all end up working but the initial set up can be a hassle. I say try local because I didn’t (couldn’t) live in Vancouver and all the Ascaso shops are in Toronto. The warehouse for Ascaso is closer (Alberta) but they didn’t have any sales :( - I think the daddygotcoffee code worked but still wasn’t comparable to the deals coming out of some shops during the holidays

There are two versions and one handles a 15 amp plug.

Be warned that the 15 amp version does take a long time to steam milk.

After 6 years of having a modded GCP + VS3 with all the common tools to make good Espresso, i've decided to switch gear and buy a less fuzzy/messy Setup: - ASCASO Steel duo pid plus - Eureka ex65 + UGT - Cecotec Bean& Clean Initially also bought the PUQ NAVIGATOR but it didnt performed as expected (espescially considering the price / 500 €). Once the volumetric is set on the ascaso it works pretty consistent (+/- 2-3g). 18,5g in 40g Out 35s (5s pre Infusion, 5 sek Pause)

We have a big and Busy Home and italian roots, so 7-10 doubleshots a day (the grinder has a built in "shot counter"). The gaggia was Just to small and it was a pain to serve to everybody. For solo use (without extra Family and Friends) and 2-3 shots a day its a great machine and a keeper for us. We travel in a RC with the gaggia a Lot and this ist why i keep it. Already have the gaggimate pro kit Here, but as i Said "big and Busy Home" so i dont find a time Slot to install it. Btw: with the ascaso it takes me exactly 6,30min from turning it on and off to get a doubleshot like in the video. Including preheating the Cup.

Hard disagree on the steam quality of the Duo. It's more than sufficient for home use. I can very easily crank out three or four milk drinks back to back with excellent milk texture in just a few minutes. I have to believe that the steam critique is coming from people who have never actually used a Duo.

Thanks for replying. I had Prestigio for 3 years and Opera for 1 year so far. Fortunately never had a single issue. But I agree that the non removable hopper is dumb - it was removable in its predecessor. I also have a Timemore Sculptor 064S and a Cafelat Robot. But I mostly use Opera and the internal grinder as it's most convenient to me. The workflow is fast in the mornings when I'm in a hurry. Today I dialed in new beans on the first try, but thinking about your post, I took out the Robot and dialed it in with the Sculptor. It took me 3 tries and still I like the espresso from the Opera better. I'll keep trying the Robot, but I already miss the easier Opera workflow. Between Prestigio and Opera I pulled a trigger on Ascaso Steel Duo PID Plus, 3x more expensive than Opera, had a bad luck and it was a dud right from the store, took it back and went back with DeLonghi, thinking I didn't actually need such an expensive coffee machine when the DeLonghi works for me. Anyways, your setup looks cool! 🙂