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 setup, maybe something like a Lotus? Everything you want in a true sports car, but with no consideration at all at to your comfort lol.

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

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.

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.

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.