The Ascaso Dream PID is a semi-automatic espresso machine that brings together a unique blend of retro aesthetics and advanced functionality, making it an exceptional choice for home baristas. Priced at approximately $1,445, this machine is packed with features typically found in higher-end models. This review delves into its design, user interface, performance, and accessories, providing a thorough understanding of why this machine stands out.
- Stylish Retro Design: Sleek aluminum body with multiple color options.
- PID Temperature Control: Ensures precise thermal stability for consistent espresso.
- Compact Size: Ideal for smaller kitchens without sacrificing quality.
- Versatile Portafilter: Suitable for both beginners and experienced baristas.
- User-Friendly Interface: Easy-to-use programming and controls.
- Single Thermoblock Heater: Cannot brew and steam simultaneously.
- Weak Steam Wand: May lack power for perfect milk texture.
- Higher Price: At around $1,445, it's a significant investment.
- No Concurrent Brew and Steam: Slower for making multiple beverages.
- No Built-in Grinder: Requires an additional grinder purchase.
Design and Build
One of the most striking features of the Ascaso Dream PID is its aesthetic appeal. The machine boasts a stylish aluminum body finished with premium varnish, giving it a timeless elegance that echoes classic café equipment. The walnut handles on the portafilter and steam wand add a rustic, yet refined touch, balancing modern functionality with vintage charm. The Ascaso Dream PID is available in a variety of colors, including Aluminum, Anthracite, Dark Black, Cloud White, Sweet Cream, Sun Yellow, Kid Blue, and Love Red, ensuring that it can complement any kitchen decor.
Despite its compact size, the Dream PID does not compromise on build quality. The high-quality materials ensure durability, promising longevity even with regular use. The removable 48-ounce water tank allows for easy refilling and maintenance, a thoughtful feature for everyday convenience. The machine’s compact footprint makes it ideal for smaller kitchens, and its retro design is both unique and functional, appealing to those who appreciate both aesthetics and performance.
User Interface and Ease of Use
The Ascaso Dream PID is designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind. The user interface features clearly marked switches and a straightforward programming menu, making it accessible even for beginners. The intuitive interface allows users to adjust settings and program their preferred shot volumes with ease, ensuring consistent results every time.
To assist users, Ascaso provides comprehensive instructional videos covering setup, programming, milk steaming, and espresso brewing. These resources are particularly beneficial for beginners, providing step-by-step guidance and troubleshooting tips. The machine’s straightforward design, coupled with robust instructional support, makes it one of the most user-friendly espresso machines on the market.
The programming settings are easily accessible by pressing and holding the left and right buttons for three seconds. This simplicity in design ensures that even those who are not technologically inclined can navigate the machine’s features without difficulty. The clear and concise user manual, along with the online video tutorials, make the initial setup and ongoing use of the Ascaso Dream PID straightforward and enjoyable.
Performance and Features
The Ascaso Dream PID excels in terms of performance, thanks to its advanced features. Central to its functionality is the PID temperature control, which ensures precise thermal stability—a critical factor in achieving consistently high-quality espresso shots. This feature, combined with the adjustable OPV (over-pressure valve), allows users to fine-tune the machine to their specific preferences, providing a customized brewing experience.
Despite its compact size and use of a thermoblock heater instead of a traditional boiler, the Ascaso Dream PID delivers excellent espresso quality. The machine heats up rapidly, reaching optimal brewing temperature in less than five minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or quick coffee breaks. The thermoblock system, while often seen in lower-end machines, is expertly utilized in the Dream PID to ensure consistent and efficient performance.
The inclusion of pre-infusion and shot timing enhances the espresso extraction process. Pre-infusion gently wets the coffee grounds before full extraction begins, ensuring even saturation and optimal flavor extraction. This feature is particularly beneficial for lighter roast coffees. Additionally, the built-in shot timer provides real-time feedback, allowing users to perfect their shot timing for consistent results.
The volumetric control is another standout feature, allowing users to program and save specific shot volumes. This feature ensures that once you find your ideal espresso volume, the machine replicates the exact amount of water every time, removing guesswork and variability from the brewing process. This level of precision is ideal for those who value consistency in their coffee.
Portafilter and Accessories
The Ascaso Dream PID comes equipped with a 58mm portafilter, a standard size that is both versatile and compatible with various accessories. This portafilter can accommodate E.S.E. (Easy Serving Espresso) baskets for single-use pods, offering convenience for those who prefer a quick and hassle-free espresso-making process. Additionally, the machine includes two pressurized baskets, ideal for beginners who may benefit from the additional forgiveness these baskets offer by creating a consistent crema with less precise grinding and tamping.
For more experienced users, the machine also includes two standard non-pressurized baskets. These baskets provide greater control over the brewing process, allowing for fine-tuned adjustments to grind size, tamp pressure, and dosage to achieve the perfect extraction. The inclusion of both pressurized and non-pressurized baskets makes the Ascaso Dream PID suitable for users at any skill level, enhancing its versatility and overall appeal.
The accessory kit also includes a blind basket for backflushing, which is a necessary part of cleaning your machine. Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial for the longevity and performance of any espresso machine, and the Ascaso Dream PID is no exception. The machine also comes with a decent aluminum tamper, meaning you don’t have to immediately shell out additional money for a good espresso tamper.
Steam Wand and Milk Frothing
The steam wand on the Ascaso Dream PID, while functional, is one of the few areas where the machine shows its limitations. Thermoblock heating technology, while efficient for espresso brewing, is notorious for weaker steam power. This holds true for the Dream PID, as the steam wand may take longer to achieve the desired microfoam texture for lattes and cappuccinos.
However, the steam wand is equipped with a comfortable walnut knob, making the steaming process more enjoyable. The steam wand is capable of producing creamy microfoam, which is adequate for most home baristas. For those who are sticklers for perfect milk texture, patience and practice can overcome the limitations of the steam wand.
Additional Features
The Ascaso Dream PID includes several additional features that enhance its functionality and user experience. The active cup warmer on the top of the machine ensures that your cups are preheated, which is essential for maintaining the temperature and quality of your espresso. The cup warmer utilizes the machine’s heat to warm the cups, providing a convenient and effective solution.
The machine also includes an auto-turnoff function, which can be programmed to save energy if you forget to turn off the machine after use. This feature is particularly useful for those who are environmentally conscious or simply want to reduce their electricity consumption.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Maintaining the Ascaso Dream PID is straightforward, thanks to its well-designed components and easy-to-follow instructions. After pulling each shot, it’s recommended to dump out the espresso puck, wipe out the basket with a microfiber cloth, and flush the grouphead and portafilter with hot water. Regular backflushing with the blind basket ensures that the grouphead remains clean and free of coffee residue.
The steam wand should be wiped with a damp cloth immediately after use, and purging some steam through it for a few seconds will help keep it clean. Regular descaling, as recommended in the user manual, is also essential to maintain the machine’s performance and longevity. The removable water tank and drip tray make cleaning and refilling easy and convenient.
Conclusion
The Ascaso Dream PID stands out as a highly recommended option for home baristas seeking a stylish and feature-packed espresso machine. Its blend of aesthetic appeal and functional excellence makes it a standout choice for those who value both form and function. The machine’s compact design, ease of use, and comprehensive programmability cater to a wide range of users, from beginners to experienced baristas.
The precision offered by the PID temperature control and the versatility of the included portafilter and baskets ensure that users can achieve high-quality espresso with consistency. Furthermore, the machine’s durability and robust construction underscore its long-term value, making it a sound investment for any coffee enthusiast.
For those considering an upgrade or looking to invest in their first high-quality espresso machine, the Ascaso Dream PID is well worth considering. Its competitive pricing, combined with its unique features and stylish design, make it an attractive option in the prosumer market. By choosing the Ascaso Dream PID, users can enjoy the perfect blend of performance, simplicity, and elegance in their home espresso setup.
Specifications of the Ascaso Dream PID
- Manufacturer: Ascaso
- Model Number: Dream PID
- Product Category: Semi-automatic espresso machine
- Housing Material: Stainless steel
- Color Options: Cloud White, Kid Blue, Love Red, Polished Aluminum, Sun Yellow, Sweet Cream, Anthracite, Dark Black
- Milk Frother: Steam wand
- User Interface: Buttons and dials
- App: No
- User Profiles: 1
- Portafilter Size: 58 mm
- Tamping: Manual
- Removable Water Reservoir: Yes
- Water Reservoir Capacity: 47.3 fl oz / 1.4 liters
- Number of Boilers: 1 (Thermoblock heater)
- Pump Pressure: 20 bar
- Maximum Cup Height: 3.0 inches / 7.6 cm
- Grinder: N/A
- Grind Adjustment Levels: N/A
- Bean Hopper Capacity: N/A
- Specialty Drinks: Espresso
- Pre-infusion: Yes
- Adjustable Coffee Temperature: Yes (PID control)
- Adjustable Milk Foam Temperature: Yes
- 2-Cup Function: Yes (non-milk drinks only)
- Hot Water Function: Yes
- Milk Foam Only Option: Yes
- Water Filter: No
- Power Consumption: 1100 W
- Weight: 18.0 lb / 8.2 kg
- Dimensions: 13.5 x 10.0 x 13.5 inches / 34.3 x 25.4 x 34.3 cm
- Warranty: 1 year
Included Accessories
- User manual
- Tamper
- Coffee scoop
- 4 filter baskets
- Blind basket
