Ascaso Steel Duo Review

The Ascaso Steel Duo is generating significant buzz in the world of espresso enthusiasts. Positioned as a high-end prosumer espresso machine, it boasts an array of features and a robust build that appeals to both newcomers and seasoned baristas. In this detailed review, we delve into the specifics of the Ascaso Steel Duo, examining its design, functionality, and performance to understand why it stands out in a competitive market.

Aesthetics and Build Quality

The Ascaso Steel Duo immediately captures attention with its sleek, boxy design and high-quality stainless steel construction. This machine not only promises durability but also adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen counter. Weighing in at a hefty 33 pounds (15 kg), it feels substantial and robust, a far cry from the flimsy plastic machines often found at lower price points.

The machine features a retro-industrial aesthetic with four toggle switches for power, espresso extraction, hot water, and steam. Additionally, a small digital display shows temperature settings and shot times, while a built-in manometer provides real-time pressure readings. The thoughtful inclusion of LED lights above the drip tray illuminates the espresso during extraction, a practical touch that enhances the user experience.

Key Features and Specifications

Dual Thermoblocks

One of the standout features of the Ascaso Steel Duo is its dual thermoblock system. Unlike traditional boilers, thermoblocks heat water on demand, which significantly reduces heat-up time and increases energy efficiency. The dual thermoblocks allow simultaneous brewing and steaming, a feature typically reserved for higher-end machines. The thermoblocks also contribute to the machine’s compact design, making it easier to fit into smaller kitchen spaces.

Thermoblocks offer several advantages over traditional boilers:

• Faster Heat-Up Time: The Steel Duo is ready to brew in about three minutes, and the steam wand is ready shortly after.
• Energy Efficiency: Thermoblocks heat only the water needed for each shot, reducing energy consumption.
• Compact Design: The compact nature of thermoblocks allows for a more streamlined machine design.

PID Temperature Control

The dual PID controllers in the Ascaso Steel Duo provide precise temperature management for both brewing and steaming. Each thermoblock is equipped with a PID that allows users to adjust temperatures in one-degree increments. This level of control is typically reserved for much more expensive machines, making it a noteworthy inclusion in the Steel Duo. The PID control ensures that the water temperature remains consistent throughout the brewing process, which is crucial for extracting the best flavors from the coffee.

Key benefits of PID temperature control include:

• Precision: Allows for fine-tuning of brewing and steaming temperatures.
• Consistency: Maintains stable temperatures, ensuring each shot of espresso is brewed at the optimal temperature.
• Customization: Users can experiment with different temperatures to find the perfect setting for their coffee.

Volumetric Programming and Adjustable Pre-Infusion

The Ascaso Steel Duo supports volumetric programming, enabling users to set the exact amount of espresso dispensed for each shot. This feature, combined with a digital timer and pressure gauge, allows for highly customizable and consistent espresso extraction. Additionally, the machine includes an adjustable pre-infusion function, which gently soaks the coffee grounds before full pressure is applied, ensuring a more even extraction and enhancing flavor development.

Details on these features:

• Volumetric Programming: Users can program the machine to dispense a specific volume of water for single and double shots. This ensures consistency in every cup.
• Adjustable Pre-Infusion: Users can set the pre-infusion time, allowing water to saturate the coffee grounds at low pressure before full pressure extraction. This helps to extract more flavors and aromas from the coffee.

Steam Wand and Milk Frothing

Equipped with a commercial-style steam wand, the Ascaso Steel Duo is capable of producing silky microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos. However, users may find the steam pressure somewhat lacking compared to higher-end dual boiler machines. The thermoblock system’s steam output is sufficient for most home users, but it may take longer to froth larger volumes of milk.

Features of the steam wand:

• Non-Burn Design: The steam wand is double-walled to stay cool to the touch, preventing burns during use.
• Auto-Purge Function: The steam wand automatically purges after use, ensuring it is clean and ready for the next use.
• Bulbous Tip: The steam wand has a bulbous tip, which may take some practice to master for perfect milk frothing.

Ergonomic and User-Friendly Design

The Ascaso Steel Duo excels in user-friendliness. Its intuitive controls, combined with features like a large, actively heated cup warmer and an easy-to-remove drip tray, make it a pleasure to use daily. The drip tray’s design, which includes fins to prevent water sloshing and a sliding mechanism for easy removal, is a testament to the thoughtful engineering behind this machine.

Additional ergonomic features include:

• Large Cup Warmer: The actively heated cup warmer ensures that cups are pre-warmed, helping to maintain the espresso’s temperature.
• LED Lights: Integrated LED lights illuminate the brewing area, making it easier to monitor the extraction process.
• Intuitive Controls: The toggle switches and digital display provide a straightforward and engaging user interface.

Performance and Usability

Espresso Quality

The Ascaso Steel Duo delivers exceptional espresso quality, thanks in large part to its precise temperature control and consistent pressure delivery. The 58mm portafilter, made from stainless steel with a walnut handle, contributes to the machine’s professional feel and aids in producing consistently excellent shots.

Milk Steaming

While the steam wand performs admirably for its class, some users might find it less powerful than dual boiler machines. The wand’s bulbous tip can make it slightly challenging to achieve perfect microfoam, but with practice, it’s more than capable of meeting most home barista needs.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Maintaining the Ascaso Steel Duo is straightforward. Regular rinsing of the portafilter and filter baskets, wiping down the steam wand after each use, and occasional descaling are essential practices. The machine’s design facilitates easy cleaning, with removable parts and a wipeable stainless steel exterior.

Comparisons with Competitors

Ascaso Steel Duo vs. Rancilio Silvia

The Rancilio Silvia, a well-regarded machine in the espresso community, offers commercial-grade components at a lower price point. However, it lacks the dual heating system and advanced features of the Steel Duo, such as PID temperature control and volumetric programming. For users looking for more functionality and convenience, the Ascaso Steel Duo presents a superior option.

Ascaso Steel Duo vs. Breville Dual Boiler

The Breville Dual Boiler is another strong competitor, featuring two independent boilers for simultaneous brewing and steaming. It offers extensive programmability and a range of included accessories. While the Breville’s dual boiler system may appeal to those seeking top-tier performance, the Ascaso Steel Duo holds its own with its efficient thermoblock system and superior build quality.

Conclusion: Is the Ascaso Steel Duo Worth It?

The Ascaso Steel Duo is a remarkable espresso machine that bridges the gap between high-end home machines and commercial models. Its combination of robust construction, user-friendly features, and advanced functionality makes it a compelling choice for serious coffee enthusiasts. While it may not match the raw power of dual boiler machines, its thermoblock system delivers impressive performance, particularly given its price point.

In summary, the Ascaso Steel Duo stands out as a top contender in the prosumer espresso machine market. Its thoughtful design, comprehensive feature set, and consistent performance make it an excellent investment for anyone looking to elevate their home espresso game. Whether you’re a seasoned barista or just starting your journey into the world of espresso, the Ascaso Steel Duo promises to deliver a satisfying and enjoyable coffee-making experience.

Ascaso Steel Duo Specifications

General

• Manufacturer: Ascaso
• Model Number: Steel Duo PID
• Product Category: Manual Espresso Machine
• Color Options: Black, Stainless Steel, White
• Housing Material: Stainless Steel
• Weight: 33.1 lb (15 kg)
• Dimensions: 15.0 x 10.5 x 17.0 in (38.1 x 26.7 x 43.2 cm)
• Warranty: 1 year

Features

• User Interface:
  • Four retro-industrial-style toggle switches
  • Digital display for temperature settings and shot times
  • Built-in manometer (pressure gauge)
• Portafilter:
  • Size: 58 mm
  • Material: Stainless Steel with Walnut Handle
• Heating System:
  • Dual Thermoblocks
  • PID Temperature Control (adjustable in 1-degree increments)
• Steam Wand:
  • Commercial-style, stainless steel, non-burn design with auto-purge
  • Equipped with a bulbous tip
• Water Reservoir:
  • Capacity: 60.9 fl oz (1.8 liters)
  • Removable, slides out from the side

Brewing

• Pump Pressure: 9 bar
• Temperature Control: PID for precise temperature management
• Volumetric Programming: Allows setting the exact amount of espresso dispensed for each shot
• Pre-Infusion: Adjustable pre-infusion time

Milk Frothing

• Steam Wand Performance: Capable of producing microfoam, though with less steam pressure compared to dual boiler machines

Additional Features

• Active Cup Warmer: Large, actively heated cup warmer on top of the machine
• LED Lights: Integrated above the drip tray for better visibility during extraction
• Drip Tray:
  • Metal grille with a large plastic tray underneath
  • Fins to prevent water sloshing
  • Sliding mechanism for easy removal
• Auto-Start Feature: Programmable for automatic start-up

Power and Consumption

• Power Consumption: 2100 W

Included Accessories

• User manual
• Tamper (plastic, recommended to upgrade)
• Coffee scoop
• Four filter baskets (single and double, both pressurized and non-pressurized)
• Blind basket

Performance and Usability

• Heat-Up Time: Ready to brew in about three minutes, recommended to turn on 30 minutes before use for optimal portafilter temperature
• Maintenance: Regular rinsing of portafilter and filter baskets, wiping down the steam wand, and occasional descaling