2.30: The badge is a series of self adhesive STICKERS....... Whaaaaaaat are you kidding ME! That's just nasty and shocking for a machine of this quality/price band
This is my end game machine. After extensive research I had determined that this had everything I personally wanted in a machine (colour, wood, dual thermoblock, PID, gauge and those looks! ❤) . But literally something as stupid and small as this has put me right off. That is so cheap and low rent for a machine of this cost it's actually unfathomable. I'm actually going to contact Ascaso and tell them they have lost a potential customer. What the hell were they thinking... 😱
Just a little tip: to access the menu on the display, you don’t actually have to push both buttons at the same time. You can press the right one first, and then the left one as well while keeping the right button pressed.
Been looking at this machine for MONTHS and I really appreciate the review. One question though, how's the performance for pulling back to back shots? Does the brew temp drop? Is the steam strong enough to handle multiple steams? I plan on having this as my first machine and I want something that can last me a good while. Much thanks!
Looking at this and the rancilio pro dual and I'm leaning towards the rancilio. Thanks for the detailed review. I was trying to keep count of how many times your nails changed colour😂
LOL that tells you how many days of filming it took me (over the course of several weeks)!! Thanks for watching! I want my videos to help others decide 👍🏼
You always make great videos, especially when reviewing a product. You go into every detail of the product and explain everything so throughly, and your voice is so calming too. Hoping that you will do a review on the Allground Grinder. Thank you for doing this review.❤️
Firstly. Thank you for giving us such enjoyable and informative video’s, you’re quite entertaining too. I just wanted to talk about the migration from a 54mm non-pressurised filter basket to a 58mm non-pressurised filter basket. The 54mm baskets, due to their depths, can be quite forgiving, for somebody who’s a novice to the espresso world, who wishes to hone their skills, or not. The learning curve, though a little intimidating and daunting, is manageable for most, with results in the cup ranging from awful to particularly good, depending on skill and experience. Whereas, with a 58mm basket, it is possible to achieve those great to excellent/fantastic shots, though the slightest error in puck prep can still lead to awful/mediocre shots. Just over a year ago I upgraded from a Sage/Breville Bambino Plus to a Rancillio Silvia Pro X, though I have kept my original manual grinder, a 1Zpresso J-Max. I certainly would not have been able to make the leap without honing my barista/puck-prep skills on the 54mm Breville/Sage Bambino Plus. I made the decision towards a Rancillio, as I was a little fed up with the serviceability and expected service life of the Sage/Breville machines, although the Breville/Sage Dual Boiler was always at the back of my mind. With all that being said, I sorely miss the 3sec warm up brew and stream time! 20mins to fully warm the group head and portafilter can seem like an eternity when you have a sore head after the night before… The Ascaso was a consideration with the thermoblock heating system. Thank you for sharing your experiences on your barista journey with us all.😀
Salam Aleikum Sister. I really appreciated your video as I am considering buying this machine bi ithniLlah. Did you also pull shots with medium and light roast beans? If yes what was your experience? How consistent is it to adjust temperature from shot to shot, working with different beans for different guests? Thanks for any insight 🙏
Just FYI, the outlet shape should not impact how much wattage the machine draws. So as long as you have the machine hooked up to a 20A circuit, it will be just as powerful even if you don't have the right plug shape. Even if you had plugged it into a 15A circuit, the machine would have performed identically, but would have run the risk of tripping the breaker (or starting a fire if your breaker was faulty). In other words, the outlet you plug into doesn't intelligently set the power output. The machine sets how much power it needs. I think your observation regarding the difference in power may have been just placebo.
Appreciate the detailed review. So all in all, is upgrading to an Ascaso from a Breville Barista Pro worth it? I was hoping you'll mention the coffee quality difference.
I can't decide that for anyone else, but I would say for myself the upgrade in features would have been worth it! Espresso quality is better on the DUO from BBP, especially when you consider the consistency of the shots (whether multiple in a day or from day to day). I can taste the notes more easily/they're more pronounced on the DUO. Though I must admit, I only used the AllGround grinder on my BBP for about a month. So perhaps the grinder helped a bunch and then also the PID on the DUO makes a big difference for me. An actually hot espresso shot/drink is 👌🏼
The receptacle shape doesn’t impact how much power you can draw from it, the wiring in your walls and breaker does. Though that’s still good you changed it, cause it’s a fire risk to draw 20 amps from a 15 amp outlet using an adapter. Risk is pretty small though since if you’re even hitting 20+ amps at all, it’s only for a few seconds till your drink is done.
I love this review and I’m also coming from Breville (Infuser and Smart Grinder Pro). I’m thinking of upgrading to this and a Eureka or similar grinder. How much of an upgrade would you say the espresso machine is over the Breville? Anything from Breville that you miss?
Very nice video. I do have one question. The main critique I see about this machine is from those that have experience headache regarding servicing the machine (descaling issues, parts breaking, etc.). How has your machine faired thus far?
I too went from black Breville Pro to White Steel Duo PID. Also about 9 months ago. Twinsies. My frustration is the menus and the manual- I can’t figure out how to do simple cleaning things like descaling or backflushing. Any advise?
I just ordered the bottomless portafilter piece that you recommended on your website from Espresso parts. I was wondering, but how did you unscrew the porta filter handle from the spouted head that comes with the Ascaso machine ? I am struggling to remove the handle as it is very tight :( any tips ?
Oh no!! I've heard some of the Ascaso handles come off smoothly but others might be glued where the screw/threading it. If it isn't coming off with just some initial force, then don't force it. You have to buy a separate handle (either Ascaso's or any handle you find and like with an M10 screw). If you'd like to get the former, I will reach out to EP and request that my discount apply to the handle as well. In the meantime, if indeed your portafilter is the glued kind for which the handle can't be removed, reach out to EP to let them know your situation and perhaps they can help!
reviewers often say you have to do blank shots with your Breville Barista Pro to heat your portafilter, and that's not true. You can heat some water in the microwave in a vessel (2-cup Pyrex) and rest your portafilter in it, reheating as necessary. i only do a blank shot for temperature stabilizing. Any cons about the Breville Barista Pro can be worked around easily.
@@robertebob Well the point is that the grouphead is not heated on the Barista Pro. Ultimately, you need to heat it manually somehow, somewhere. On a machine that has a heated grouphead, this is taken care of 🙂
Very thorough review done well, thank you. Can you share your tamper where you got it from? That wooden handle is amazing. I know you got it from espresso. Parts just wanted a link.
Thank you so much 🙏🏼 Sure thing! bit.ly/3ZIVrxz You can use code LEENA for 10% off! Nearly all my tools and accessories are linked on my website: hijabsandaprons.com/coffee
Hi :) Would you be able to share the latte jug compatible for this machine? Also the tips for frothing coz I failed all the time to get the silky milk with this machine.
My favorite pitcher to use with this machine is: bit.ly/4cyOVP0 and you can use code LEENA for 10% off I have milk steaming tips on my RUclips channel too, maybe that will help! ruclips.net/video/691R_H76Bys/видео.html
@@HijabsandAprons Thank you so much for the reply :D I'll go to find this jug and now I am watching the video on steaming milk now :) If you have time, pls also create one with Ascaso :) Thanks a lot.
My machine rattles when I start the steam pump. It is not a solid thump like on the breville its a metallic rattly sound. I think the quality assurance is not the best at ascaso 😅 otherwise I love the machine
Thank you so much! I tried to include every sincere thought or tip I had for this machine! The included 7g and 14g baskets would need the 58mm tamper. But if you get an IMS precision basket, you should get the 58.5mm tamper!
My machine rattled and then one side of the cup rail fell off. 😂 opening the thing to fish that screw out was a puzzle. But I tightened all the screws that hold the rails and now, no more rattling.
omg LOL! Well, I'm happy to hear that you were able to tighten them and that they're secure now! The corner 'bolts' on my railings don't seem to be loose, it's just the rods themselves. Do you think tightening would still help? Or should I like, glue the rods into the bolt-corners? Having said all that though, I think my rattling/sound is *mostly* the pump itself when brewing. It definitely sounds like it's coming from inside.
Thank you for watching! I know I mentioned this in another comment but I'm happy to answer here as well-I do think the espresso quality is better on the DUO than the BBP. My shots taste and run more consistently (whether multiple in a day or from day to day). I can taste the notes more easily/they're more pronounced on the DUO. Though I must admit, to properly compare apples to apples and isolate the factor of espresso machine, I would have to use the BBP with my Fiorenzato AllGround grinder for longer. I used that combo for only about a month. So perhaps the grinder helped a lot but then the PID on the DUO made a big difference? The grouphead actually being temp-controlled is a great feature. Overall, I am happy with the DUO! The only things I dislike about it, I mentioned at the end of the video 👍🏼
Thank you!! Yes I'm going to keep it for now! Eventually, I can see myself getting another machine just to change it up but also help others who have the same machine (that's what I did with the Breville Barista Pro and plan to do with the Ascaso DUO!)
I had the Breville Barista Pro like you and when I saw you upgraded to the Ascaso I was really considering doing so as well. But I ended up getting the Breville dual boiler instead. Not as great aesthetically compared to the ascaso but performs miles better. All the issues you mentioned are addressed in the Breville dual boiler. Great review as always.
Thank you for watching, and congrats on your Dual Boiler! I've used my friend's Breville Dual Boiler a LOT and really enjoy that machine! I actually might come out with a comparison video because I had *that many* initial thoughts comparing them in my head and wrote them all down 😅 In what ways does it perform miles better? Taste? Consistency? Or the design of the machine
@@HijabsandAprons Hi. So the first reason why I chose BDB over Ascaso is you can freely control preinfusion. If I remember correctly you can control the preinfusion from 1-99 seconds. Second you can control pump power. If I understood it correctly, its how strong you want that pre infusion to be. I have mine set to 67% pump power. And this is all only via software. So basically out of the box, you can make all these adjustment without modifying it. For my setup I usually do 30 seconds pre infusion for light roasted coffee and around 15-20 seconds preinfusion for my medium roasts. Third reason is if you are a tinkerer like me. There are a number of modifications you can do. I went ahead and did a mod giving it flow control and allow it to perform like a Slayer Espresso machine which costs close to 12k USD. It's a simple mod which is also conveniently called the "Slayer Mod". You just have to route 3 tubes inside the machine and there are plenty of guides and videos on how to do it. I did other mods to the machine that are "Quality of Life" improvements like upgrading the pump and OPV. It was all plastic before but now its all brass. Made it run a bit more quiet. None of it is necessary but are nice to have. And lastly the actively heated group head. I don't know if its the same case for the Ascaso but with the BDB whatever I set the PID to be that's what the temperature at the group head will be. Lance Hedrick praised the BDB to have very good temperature stability. Now I also experienced that lack of steam power with the BDB. But I later found out that you can also adjust the temperature of the steam boiler. It drastically improved steam power. But I also discovered that the OG steam wand tip of the BDB only has 3 really small holes. Really great for texturing milk but it was a bit too slow for my purposes. So I took the steam wand tip from the Barista pro and put it on the BDB. The barista pro's steam wand tip has 4 holes and is a slightly bigger hole diameter compared to the OG BDB steam wand tip. That gave it even more power. And all that versatility at a price that doesn't break the bank.
Ahh yes, you know what? I forgot to mention that when I first used the DUO, I wished I could pre-infuse for longer! But I worked with/around it and I’m content with the available settings. Before I partnered with Espresso Parts to work with this machine, I was looking into the Breville Dual Boiler too and I felt it would be very suitable to my personality (Android over iPhone haha 😅) I love being able to customize and make adjustments on my own, and the flow control Slayer mod would be a huge upgrade! Yes the Steel DUO’s grouphead is actively heated, electrically and with PID. So far mine is stable enough for my home use! Ah interesting about the steam wand tip! I’ve heard more holes doesn’t necessarily equal more power but I’m happy to hear that worked in your case! I find the steam temp at/near max on the Ascaso Steel DUO is comparable to the Breville Dual Boiler’s at max temp. I actually feel that the DUO’s steam power is stronger, maybe because of the 20Amp power draw. Thank you for watching my video and discussing with me! I appreciate the support and feedback 🙏🏼
Thank you Jackie! Ahh, I'm happy that yours doesn't sound like that! Maybe I will have to do a modification, or perhaps I'm just overly sensitive to sound. I have exceptional hearing 😅 so I notice any little sounds hahaha
2.30: The badge is a series of self adhesive STICKERS....... Whaaaaaaat are you kidding ME! That's just nasty and shocking for a machine of this quality/price band
I was surprised too 🥲 Hence why I mentioned it
This is my end game machine. After extensive research I had determined that this had everything I personally wanted in a machine (colour, wood, dual thermoblock, PID, gauge and those looks! ❤) . But literally something as stupid and small as this has put me right off. That is so cheap and low rent for a machine of this cost it's actually unfathomable. I'm actually going to contact Ascaso and tell them they have lost a potential customer. What the hell were they thinking... 😱
😬🥺
I would remove those letters and it will polish easier and look better. Stealth.
@@jamesbenvie354 hahaha I plan on doing this too! the logo is engraved onto the grouphead anyways, so that's enough branding for me 😅
Just a little tip: to access the menu on the display, you don’t actually have to push both buttons at the same time. You can press the right one first, and then the left one as well while keeping the right button pressed.
Thank you for sharing this!
I use Gaggia Classic and the holding down of the Ascaso switch is IMHO too complicated. Espresso pulling should be less stressful.
Been looking at this machine for MONTHS and I really appreciate the review. One question though, how's the performance for pulling back to back shots? Does the brew temp drop? Is the steam strong enough to handle multiple steams? I plan on having this as my first machine and I want something that can last me a good while. Much thanks!
Looking at this and the rancilio pro dual and I'm leaning towards the rancilio. Thanks for the detailed review. I was trying to keep count of how many times your nails changed colour😂
LOL that tells you how many days of filming it took me (over the course of several weeks)!! Thanks for watching! I want my videos to help others decide 👍🏼
Thanks for the info. Did you discover or buy anything to stop (or dampen) the shaking and rattling?
20A on a 110V I am assuming. So should be ok in the UK on 240Volts on a standard 13A oultet?
You always make great videos, especially when reviewing a product. You go into every detail of the product and explain everything so throughly, and your voice is so calming too. Hoping that you will do a review on the Allground Grinder. Thank you for doing this review.❤️
Excellent video, review, and detailed presentstion. Very helpful for a starter like me. Thsnks.
Firstly. Thank you for giving us such enjoyable and informative video’s, you’re quite entertaining too.
I just wanted to talk about the migration from a 54mm non-pressurised filter basket to a 58mm non-pressurised filter basket.
The 54mm baskets, due to their depths, can be quite forgiving, for somebody who’s a novice to the espresso world, who wishes to hone their skills, or not.
The learning curve, though a little intimidating and daunting, is manageable for most, with results in the cup ranging from awful to particularly good, depending on skill and experience.
Whereas, with a 58mm basket, it is possible to achieve those great to excellent/fantastic shots, though the slightest error in puck prep can still lead to awful/mediocre shots.
Just over a year ago I upgraded from a Sage/Breville Bambino Plus to a Rancillio Silvia Pro X, though I have kept my original manual grinder, a 1Zpresso J-Max.
I certainly would not have been able to make the leap without honing my barista/puck-prep skills on the 54mm Breville/Sage Bambino Plus.
I made the decision towards a Rancillio, as I was a little fed up with the serviceability and expected service life of the Sage/Breville machines, although the Breville/Sage Dual Boiler was always at the back of my mind.
With all that being said, I sorely miss the 3sec warm up brew and stream time!
20mins to fully warm the group head and portafilter can seem like an eternity when you have a sore head after the night before…
The Ascaso was a consideration with the thermoblock heating system.
Thank you for sharing your experiences on your barista journey with us all.😀
Fantastic review! Now I wanna know about that grinder you got there... o_o
Push the bu'un...
Love it! Subscribed!
Salam Aleikum Sister. I really appreciated your video as I am considering buying this machine bi ithniLlah. Did you also pull shots with medium and light roast beans? If yes what was your experience? How consistent is it to adjust temperature from shot to shot, working with different beans for different guests? Thanks for any insight 🙏
Just FYI, the outlet shape should not impact how much wattage the machine draws. So as long as you have the machine hooked up to a 20A circuit, it will be just as powerful even if you don't have the right plug shape. Even if you had plugged it into a 15A circuit, the machine would have performed identically, but would have run the risk of tripping the breaker (or starting a fire if your breaker was faulty). In other words, the outlet you plug into doesn't intelligently set the power output. The machine sets how much power it needs. I think your observation regarding the difference in power may have been just placebo.
Appreciate the detailed review. So all in all, is upgrading to an Ascaso from a Breville Barista Pro worth it? I was hoping you'll mention the coffee quality difference.
I can't decide that for anyone else, but I would say for myself the upgrade in features would have been worth it! Espresso quality is better on the DUO from BBP, especially when you consider the consistency of the shots (whether multiple in a day or from day to day). I can taste the notes more easily/they're more pronounced on the DUO. Though I must admit, I only used the AllGround grinder on my BBP for about a month. So perhaps the grinder helped a bunch and then also the PID on the DUO makes a big difference for me. An actually hot espresso shot/drink is 👌🏼
The receptacle shape doesn’t impact how much power you can draw from it, the wiring in your walls and breaker does. Though that’s still good you changed it, cause it’s a fire risk to draw 20 amps from a 15 amp outlet using an adapter. Risk is pretty small though since if you’re even hitting 20+ amps at all, it’s only for a few seconds till your drink is done.
I love this review and I’m also coming from Breville (Infuser and Smart Grinder Pro). I’m thinking of upgrading to this and a Eureka or similar grinder. How much of an upgrade would you say the espresso machine is over the Breville? Anything from Breville that you miss?
Very nice video. I do have one question. The main critique I see about this machine is from those that have experience headache regarding servicing the machine (descaling issues, parts breaking, etc.). How has your machine faired thus far?
Professional, detailed and to the point 👏
Thank you, I really appreciate it! 🙏🏼
I too went from black Breville Pro to White Steel Duo PID. Also about 9 months ago. Twinsies. My frustration is the menus and the manual- I can’t figure out how to do simple cleaning things like descaling or backflushing. Any advise?
I just ordered the bottomless portafilter piece that you recommended on your website from Espresso parts. I was wondering, but how did you unscrew the porta filter handle from the spouted head that comes with the Ascaso machine ? I am struggling to remove the handle as it is very tight :( any tips ?
Oh no!! I've heard some of the Ascaso handles come off smoothly but others might be glued where the screw/threading it. If it isn't coming off with just some initial force, then don't force it. You have to buy a separate handle (either Ascaso's or any handle you find and like with an M10 screw). If you'd like to get the former, I will reach out to EP and request that my discount apply to the handle as well. In the meantime, if indeed your portafilter is the glued kind for which the handle can't be removed, reach out to EP to let them know your situation and perhaps they can help!
Great video. Very informative and helpful! Can you do one on maintenance such as descale/cleaning?
My machine is a couple of months old….they must have updated the rails around the cup warmer. They are fixed now!
You did a high quality review really top notch.thanks
Id be curious to compare the pump noise of the two machines by taking the cups off. Great content.
Great review , I just got a baratza esp could you recommend a espresso machine.The Ascaso looks great but is way to much for me
Super helpful video! Also, very pleasant videography, etc.
@@niccoloaurelius1587 Thank you so much! I'm happy to help 😊
great and very,very helpful video . thanks a lot ❗️
reviewers often say you have to do blank shots with your Breville Barista Pro to heat your portafilter, and that's not true. You can heat some water in the microwave in a vessel (2-cup Pyrex) and rest your portafilter in it, reheating as necessary. i only do a blank shot for temperature stabilizing. Any cons about the Breville Barista Pro can be worked around easily.
@@robertebob Well the point is that the grouphead is not heated on the Barista Pro. Ultimately, you need to heat it manually somehow, somewhere. On a machine that has a heated grouphead, this is taken care of 🙂
@@HijabsandAprons the pro is not a heat-sinking brew group.
Very thorough review done well, thank you. Can you share your tamper where you got it from? That wooden handle is amazing. I know you got it from espresso. Parts just wanted a link.
Thank you so much 🙏🏼 Sure thing! bit.ly/3ZIVrxz
You can use code LEENA for 10% off! Nearly all my tools and accessories are linked on my website: hijabsandaprons.com/coffee
@@HijabsandAprons Thx will do!
Hi :) Would you be able to share the latte jug compatible for this machine? Also the tips for frothing coz I failed all the time to get the silky milk with this machine.
My favorite pitcher to use with this machine is:
bit.ly/4cyOVP0 and you can use code LEENA for 10% off
I have milk steaming tips on my RUclips channel too, maybe that will help!
ruclips.net/video/691R_H76Bys/видео.html
@@HijabsandAprons Thank you so much for the reply :D I'll go to find this jug and now I am watching the video on steaming milk now :) If you have time, pls also create one with Ascaso :) Thanks a lot.
Is there a big difference in the taste of the espresso from the breville machine?
@@michaeldietzen8613 That depends more on your grinder, but the consistency (in temp, flavor, etc) from shot to shot is better on the DUO
My machine rattles when I start the steam pump. It is not a solid thump like on the breville its a metallic rattly sound. I think the quality assurance is not the best at ascaso 😅 otherwise I love the machine
Oof, sounds like mixed experiences! Yes you're right 😅 I too love it but it's got its quirks haha
What a nice video and honest review!! What size of normcore spring loaded tamper goes best with the portafilters included? 58.5cm og 58cm?
Thank you so much! I tried to include every sincere thought or tip I had for this machine!
The included 7g and 14g baskets would need the 58mm tamper. But if you get an IMS precision basket, you should get the 58.5mm tamper!
My machine rattled and then one side of the cup rail fell off. 😂 opening the thing to fish that screw out was a puzzle. But I tightened all the screws that hold the rails and now, no more rattling.
omg LOL! Well, I'm happy to hear that you were able to tighten them and that they're secure now! The corner 'bolts' on my railings don't seem to be loose, it's just the rods themselves. Do you think tightening would still help? Or should I like, glue the rods into the bolt-corners?
Having said all that though, I think my rattling/sound is *mostly* the pump itself when brewing. It definitely sounds like it's coming from inside.
To get your cups warmer when first turning on the machine, leave some thick tea towels over the cups. This also keeps the dust off.
Thank you for this tip!
Excellent production quality and information
Hello, do you know how can o change the steam wand tip? I tried to replace mine with the 3 hole tip but I am not able to remove the 1 hole tip
You can try wrapping the wand tip with a towel and using pliers to unscrew it. And it might be easier if the machine is on/the wand is warm.
@@HijabsandAprons hi thanks for your message. Dumb question, in which sense should I turn ? I was doing towards my right ….
@@eduardoleon6728 if you're facing the machine, grab the tip and unscrew to the left!
was there a noticeable improvement in taste going from the BBP to the Duo?
Thank you for watching! I know I mentioned this in another comment but I'm happy to answer here as well-I do think the espresso quality is better on the DUO than the BBP. My shots taste and run more consistently (whether multiple in a day or from day to day). I can taste the notes more easily/they're more pronounced on the DUO. Though I must admit, to properly compare apples to apples and isolate the factor of espresso machine, I would have to use the BBP with my Fiorenzato AllGround grinder for longer. I used that combo for only about a month. So perhaps the grinder helped a lot but then the PID on the DUO made a big difference? The grouphead actually being temp-controlled is a great feature. Overall, I am happy with the DUO! The only things I dislike about it, I mentioned at the end of the video 👍🏼
Great video :D very informative , are you planning to keep the ascaso or change it to anew machine ?
Thank you!! Yes I'm going to keep it for now! Eventually, I can see myself getting another machine just to change it up but also help others who have the same machine (that's what I did with the Breville Barista Pro and plan to do with the Ascaso DUO!)
.... 20A
Nice review !
I had the Breville Barista Pro like you and when I saw you upgraded to the Ascaso I was really considering doing so as well. But I ended up getting the Breville dual boiler instead. Not as great aesthetically compared to the ascaso but performs miles better. All the issues you mentioned are addressed in the Breville dual boiler. Great review as always.
Thank you for watching, and congrats on your Dual Boiler! I've used my friend's Breville Dual Boiler a LOT and really enjoy that machine! I actually might come out with a comparison video because I had *that many* initial thoughts comparing them in my head and wrote them all down 😅
In what ways does it perform miles better? Taste? Consistency? Or the design of the machine
@@HijabsandAprons Hi. So the first reason why I chose BDB over Ascaso is you can freely control preinfusion. If I remember correctly you can control the preinfusion from 1-99 seconds.
Second you can control pump power. If I understood it correctly, its how strong you want that pre infusion to be. I have mine set to 67% pump power. And this is all only via software. So basically out of the box, you can make all these adjustment without modifying it. For my setup I usually do 30 seconds pre infusion for light roasted coffee and around 15-20 seconds preinfusion for my medium roasts.
Third reason is if you are a tinkerer like me. There are a number of modifications you can do. I went ahead and did a mod giving it flow control and allow it to perform like a Slayer Espresso machine which costs close to 12k USD. It's a simple mod which is also conveniently called the "Slayer Mod". You just have to route 3 tubes inside the machine and there are plenty of guides and videos on how to do it. I did other mods to the machine that are "Quality of Life" improvements like upgrading the pump and OPV. It was all plastic before but now its all brass. Made it run a bit more quiet. None of it is necessary but are nice to have.
And lastly the actively heated group head. I don't know if its the same case for the Ascaso but with the BDB whatever I set the PID to be that's what the temperature at the group head will be. Lance Hedrick praised the BDB to have very good temperature stability.
Now I also experienced that lack of steam power with the BDB. But I later found out that you can also adjust the temperature of the steam boiler. It drastically improved steam power. But I also discovered that the OG steam wand tip of the BDB only has 3 really small holes. Really great for texturing milk but it was a bit too slow for my purposes. So I took the steam wand tip from the Barista pro and put it on the BDB. The barista pro's steam wand tip has 4 holes and is a slightly bigger hole diameter compared to the OG BDB steam wand tip. That gave it even more power.
And all that versatility at a price that doesn't break the bank.
Ahh yes, you know what? I forgot to mention that when I first used the DUO, I wished I could pre-infuse for longer! But I worked with/around it and I’m content with the available settings.
Before I partnered with Espresso Parts to work with this machine, I was looking into the Breville Dual Boiler too and I felt it would be very suitable to my personality (Android over iPhone haha 😅) I love being able to customize and make adjustments on my own, and the flow control Slayer mod would be a huge upgrade!
Yes the Steel DUO’s grouphead is actively heated, electrically and with PID. So far mine is stable enough for my home use!
Ah interesting about the steam wand tip! I’ve heard more holes doesn’t necessarily equal more power but I’m happy to hear that worked in your case! I find the steam temp at/near max on the Ascaso Steel DUO is comparable to the Breville Dual Boiler’s at max temp. I actually feel that the DUO’s steam power is stronger, maybe because of the 20Amp power draw.
Thank you for watching my video and discussing with me! I appreciate the support and feedback 🙏🏼
Nice video. I haven't experienced the rattling noise that you described. Interesting. But either way, still great details shared ❤.
Thank you Jackie! Ahh, I'm happy that yours doesn't sound like that! Maybe I will have to do a modification, or perhaps I'm just overly sensitive to sound. I have exceptional hearing 😅 so I notice any little sounds hahaha
@@HijabsandAprons When you get to my age, you just listen for cries of help 🤣
@@sipntools HAHAHAHHAHA
Who sinks almost $2000 on an espresso machine?
Many, many people
I did...
I did! Espresso is life
I’m about to.