BEST Ascaso Settings - Ace Your Steel Duo PID (or Uno/Dream) Setup!
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- Опубликовано: 30 июл 2024
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These are, in my opinion, the best settings to get started on your Ascaso Steel Duo, Uno or Dream setup to get you the best espresso shots the fastest.
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - Take the Settings and Run
2:02 - PID
2:55 - Navigating the Setup Menu
3:27 - Ud (Temperature Scale)
3:44 - Pr (Pre-Infusion)
4:55 - Cr (Shot Timer)
5:10 - OFF (Standby)
5:32 - U (Temp. Offset)
6:03 - St (Steam On/Off)
6:15 - tSt (Steam Temp.)
6:51 - OPV
9:11 - Dialing In Espresso
This was INCREDIBLY helpful. I've been paranoid because I felt that pulling higher than 9 bar was considered a no-no but honestly. I get the most consistent/best tasting shots pulled at around 10.5-11 with an 18g in, 45 out @ 28s.
Thank you! I’ve been waiting for a video like this for my ascaso!
No problem!
Just ordered my duo v2! This is super helpful
This is perfect foe first time user with Ascaso machines! Thanls so much! There isnt a whole lot of videos using Ascaso
Justin!!! This video is 💯 🎉❤! I'm applying all of your tips from here on my DUO PID!
Let me know how it works for you!!
I just got mine! Great video!!!
Thanks so much! I used your promo code to order my Ascaso Duo!
best and for me most helpful video . got an UNO . thanks a lot
Thanks for this video, and perfect timing! I just got an Uno about a month ago and haven’t made too many changes from factory settings. Definitely want to adjust a couple things now.
Good luck and keep me posted!
Any idea if there is a longer steam wand that will swap on easily? I wish it was about an inch longer…
@@jeffreychase7623 I don’t believe there is but I would reach out to your local distributor for sure to doublecheck
Thank you, Justin!!!!🎉
You’re welcome! 🙌
Wish I had this 6 months ago. Awesome video and much appreciated!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for the info, I needed to adjust the OPV as it was set to 13 out of the factory (don't know if that is something new for the Steel PID Duo Plus). I have been able to get great shots with the OPV at 13 as well (as you say, make the grinder do the work).
Thank you man!
Loved your input concerning leaving the OPV at 11 bar - I totally agree!
When I got my Ascaso Duo (v1) I was unsure about what to do about it, but I ended up being very happy with 11 bar.
It’s a little counterintuitive but it’s the best way to run the machine!
My Duo was set way high from the factory, soemthing like 14/15 bar. Changed it to 11 as recommended and adjust by grind as the video states.
+1 very good hint and explanation! I also once got that hint from a repairman in a local portafilter store who was used to work for ascaso before.
I took your video as an opportunity now to give 11bar (vs 9) a try and the first result were really satisfying! Back than I thought 11 bar are just way too high. I experienced channeling, but I think my puckprep was just not ready for it yet.
That 11 bar on the gauge from factory settings might be actually 9 bars of pressure when measured at the group head which the machine gauge won’t be reading completely accurately. It always goes a bit higher on the gauge. Also I’m sure Ascaso has a good reason for setting it at 11bars knowing that most people will want to be at 9bars. They should know better how the machine performs best. Also the OPV is adjustable for a reason, again to give you the option to play with it and see if it makes a difference in the way your espresso tastes.
@@CarlosVargas-js8qzAccording to Lance Hedrick, this machine’s manometer measures pressure at the group head, not at the pump like many other machines, so you do actually want it to show 9 bar on the gauge. Whether you get to 9 bar via OPV or via grind is another question.
I use 2.5 degrees offset, 89 for medium roast decaf, 92 light roast, 5-5 pre-infusion for light roasts, 2-0 for decaf, OPV 10 on blind resulting in 9 when extracting. 145 for steam.
Yes, I drink a lot of decaf :)
It is an amazing machine.
Sounds about right all around! Yup - great machine 🔥
I also got an amazing accessory I cannot recommend enough - a custom made top mat. Not only it fits perfectly and looks stunning, it also prevents cups from moving over the cup holder. Google for "Brewspire Schonerdeckchen"
I just ordered the Duo plus. Thank you for the settings. How is your experience with the steam and the machine so far. Hope you are enjoying it.
@@hussainmahmoud7881 I am enjoying it yes! The steam is weird though. It was somewhat inconsistent in terms of steam power and steam dryness. What fixed it to me was 1. Setting the maximum steam temp in settings. 2. Realization that when steam led stops blinking, it's not actually ready. The pressure is not built up. So you need to wait a bit more, until the pump pulse sound changes the tone. When it happens then it is ready.
@@stagus thank you. Is this version 2 machine?
Hello, thanks for the video. You missed to explain the Cleaning Program ;-). I could not find any manual for them. Hopefully anybody can explain, what this is doing.
Great information!👍🏼 Do you have any videos an proper maintenance an cleaning for the espresso machine?
I second that!
Just got mine, took about a month to arrive. Came with many baskets, a tamper and a nema plug adapter.
Hi, there! Thanks for the very informational footage. Then how can I set the preinfusion pressure? Mine works 8bar for the pre infusion stage and goes to 11bar for regular extraction.
Great video. I just ordered the Ascaso V 2. Are you including the 5 second pre infusion to the total time of the extraction? ie: if you are trying to get a 25 second extraction, would that be a total of 30 seconds or a five second pre-infusion and a 20 extraction for a total of 25 seconds?
Thanks for all your great videos it’s very informative, and I’m appreciative of the quality of your content. Just got my new Ascaso and can’t wait to unbox it and try it out. What’s the best 58mm bottomless Portafilter you can recommend without breaking the bank. Also other accessories that I need to get started in my coffee journey. Thanks and keep up the great work!
I use the Ascaso one and imo it DOES break the bank! I have a normcore one which is decent but not quite as solid feeling
I’ve been playing with settings on my Baby T plus. Actually just earlier today I turned my OPV down to 9 bar.
Never thought to think about the pressure how you explained it and using grind size to more control pressure.
I’ll have to experiment some more
The baby t plus is a little different because adjusting the pressure adjusts the rotary pump pressure directly. This is very different than the fixed pressure on the vibratory pump on the Duo or Baby T Zero.
I actually have my Baby T Plus currently set to 8 bar 👀. Maybe I should do a similar video for the T!
@@DaddyGotCoffee sweet, thanks! Good to know.
And you should definitely do a similar vid on the baby t 🤗☺️
Side by side with an ascaso Dream PID and a Baby T would both pretty much pull the same quality of a shot if you put a lot of effort in setting each of them up for the perfect shot?
Could you please show video of installing steam lever in the duo pid model?
What setting do you grind at on the Niche. We use an espresso roast from Volcanica. Been at 10 with a Bambino
Any special step for a new machine to fill water lines?
Thanks.
Would you do a video on how to dial in a lungo shot on the DUO?
Brilliant video! Thank you. I'm considering buying this machine but have you used the Lelit Elizabeth? If so how would you say this machine compares?
The Elizabeth is a great machine that I have not used personally (yet) - it’s a dual boiler so you’ll get increased steam power at the tradeoff of a longer warmup and reduced energy efficiency. Also, in North America you pay a little extra for Lelits compared to what they are worth elsewhere in the world
Any direction on how many grams of coffee you are putting into the 18g basket?
Are you still running this machine with the adapter on a standard outlet? If so, any issues?
With a 14g dose, how long should I pull my shots?
Thanks for the video! I love your content it’s so informative!
To help give some perspective to grind sizes and how much to adjust per shot what settings were you using on your niche for the 3 shots you pulled?
No problem and happy to help! Are you using the Niche Duo or Zero? I’m happy to give some basic guidelines for either!
Niche zero! And thank you so much!!
@@tommyturner8571 I find the zero is best between 20-30, but there is a range depending on the type of coffee and how firmly you have calibrated it!
What is your opinion on the volumetric precision? Some say not to use the programmable switch and pull shots by weight. As you say, if the OPV does not open, it should be precise?
It’s pretty good as long as you are not hitting off the OPV ceiling. The flow meter is plumbed in BEFORE the OPV, so it counts water being diverted back into the reservoir if it engages, either when you are programming or playing back a program
Nice video!
I have a dream Zero and it uses a 57mm portafilter...so it makes it difficult to get a bottomless one.
Do you know any brand or model which can fit it?
I would get one specifically designed for the dream - idrinkcoffee.com/products/bottomless-naked-portafilter-for-ascaso-57mm?currency=CAD&variant=16687815937&stkn=156e885cee45&gbraid=0AAAAAD6DuUCQTiuVQPDnUmJrJ0cGSp63p&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI79Gx4bzcgQMVtRGtBh1jUgrWEAQYASABEgLNDfD_BwE
Def a weird size!
This is another excellent video, and if anyone at Ascaso is reading this, I’ve ordered a Ascaso Steel Plus off the back of your reviews.
Quick question: setting the pressure to 11 bar has set my head into a spin. If the OPV was opening and closing as much as you describe, wouldn’t you see the pressure fluctuate rapidly?
If you watch your manometer closely you should actually be able to see when the OPV opens and closes. If your puck is giving way too much resistance the OPV may stay open - in this case the grind will be too fine to get the best extraction.
I used to be a 9 bar OPV proponent, I could never figure out why they set them to 11 bar from the factory. Then after a lot of testing I ended up learning that this is actually the optimal setting for the way these machines are built.
@@DaddyGotCoffeeI’ve heard that many people have trouble hitting their desired ratio and time when the OPV is set to 11. If they adjust grind so that pressure tops out at 9 bar, then no water is being shunted by the OPV, so you are getting the full flow of 0.5 g / sec the whole time, resulting in a 18 gram coffee / 36 gram out shot in 18-20 seconds, which is too fast. To get the shot in 30 seconds, it might help to reduce OPV to 9-9.5 and let some of the flow get shunted off, no? Note that setting OPV to 11 with blind basket will be more like 9 with a puck, so that’s what I mean when I say set the OPV to 9 (9 with puck, 11 with blind).
Do you count the pre-infusion when you time your shot or are you waiting for 33 sec ? Whem do you start to count ? When you press the button or when the coffee hit the scale ? Thanks a lot !
I include the preinfusion and go by pump run time which will show on the LCD provided the shot timer is set to “on”. I used to do first drip timing - either can work, the most important thing is to be consistent and go by taste ☺️ Bitter - pull it shorter/coarser grind, if it’s sour pull it longer/finer grind 💪
When counting time. When do you start. Once you get a drip? before or after the preinfusion? Total time on the pid ?
I used to do first drip. These days I do pump run time, not assuming everyone has a scale that times. The most important thing is to be consistent whatever your method, go by taste and trust your tongue more than numbers you saw online - sour? Grind finer and pull longer. Bitter? Grind coarser and pull shorter!
Do you recommend changing the opv to 9 or keep it at 11 ?
My pressure seems to stay at 11 bar no matter if I’m getting a good flow or not. So, at 11 bar I’ll get good flow happening but an over extracted cup.
Thanks, I just got my Ascaso steel duo, great video, now I got the best results - what’s your niche zero grinder settings? :P like to what which number is it set?
Some of this really depends on how your niche is calibrated - but I was often around 23-26!
Question for you... I'm setting up my Ascaso SDP for the first time. When dialing in this shot I'm getting coffee coming out during preinfusion, using your settings (5-3). What am I doing wrong or what can I adjust?
Usually when that happens to me my grind is too coarse. But if your shot times out ok otherwise, just lower your preinfusion until (in a perfect world), you start to see beading but not actually dripping. Most of the time I don’t quite get beading even with the max preinfusion time.
I should also add that is with an 18g dose for me. With a lower dose you may need to tighten the time
Be careful when turning the OPV screw... there's a small glass ball that can fall out along with the spring.
1. Make sure your portafilter is really locked in and straight on with the machine!!
2. Because I had set the pre-infusion to 5-3, the pressure for me didn't build up till after that and I didn't realize this... I ended up _loosening_ and ultimately unscrewing the entire OPV screw causing the ball and spring to fall out!
3. After finding out the proper orientation (screw, ball on top, then wider end of the spring on the ball and screw, narrow end of spring to the machine). Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
4. Run the machine first, be patient till pressure builds to a steady point, then turn!
Hope this helps someone
Thank you for this tip!!
On the last shot, what did the pressure get up to? Trying to get mine new steel duo v2 dialed in and it's all over the place. Either jumps up to 11 or stays at less that 2. Using a k4 kingrinder, set to the recommended 30-40
It peaked right around 9 bar ☺️
Regarding pre-infusion. Are you timing your shots from the very start, or after pre-infusion pause?
I time them from the start! The most important thing is to trust your taste and be consistent however you time 💪
I’d love a video on deep cleaning this machine.
I have a question. So i have the ascaso steel duo and the Eureka Mignon Silenzio grinder. I have my machine set to a 5 second pre-infusion, and a 3 second pause. I am using a 20 gram espresso basket. I cannot get the shot to start pulling before the 10 second mark while still getting 40 grams of espresso pulled before 25 seconds. If I lessen up the grind size to where espresso comes out at around the 6-8 second range, by the time I get to 18 seconds I've reached over 40 grams of espresso... not sure where to adjust from here! These are relatively lately roasted beans aka about several weeks old but maybe i need fresher ones?!
Don’t worry about getting espresso to come out during preinfusion… the 5 second limit of this machine is simply too short, so you just set it to 5 and it’s the best you can do. Also, make sure not to use the pause in your shot time… typically when people quote shot time, they are only counting the amount of time the pump is on.
That 11 bar on the gauge from factory settings might be actually 9 bars of pressure when measured at the group head which the machine gauge won’t be reading completely accurately. It always goes a bit higher on the gauge. Also I’m sure Ascaso has a good reason for setting it at 11bars knowing that most people will want to be at 9bars. They should know better how the machine performs best. Also the OPV is adjustable for a reason, again to give you the option to play with it and see if it makes a difference in the way your espresso tastes.
I’ve scaced it and can confirm that the reading on the meter matches what’s at the group, but totally agree that playing with the OPV is absolutley a worthwhile exercise!
Helpful video, thanks! I would probably suggest NOT to use the timer. I would instead invest in the coffee scales that have a built in timer. There are three big reasons: The first is unreliability - I have very inconsistent results with the timer and especially if you are fine tuning the grind or temperature change that affects the beans - you would need to reprogram each time too. Second, if you have the machine on for 30 mins then everything is at optimal temp but if you’ve switched it on for 5 mins, the result will be different when brewing - so the thermal stability affects the brew timer. Finally, I find that if you want to do a manual brew, you are better off by pressing once to turn in and then again to turn off as you’re approaching 33-34 g (based on 18g coffee in and 35g liquid out). In that time you will learn to steam the milk and do other things but you will be getting the recipe right and NOT wasting those beautifully sourced and roasted beans. Great machine and perfectly matched with the Niche Zero BUT the build quality is a little unreliable.
Do you think the Baby T Plus and Duo V2 have the same espresso performance?
The rotary pump actually makes a big difference here. It gets up to pressure much more quickly with a lot more like an “instant on” whereas the vibratory pump in the duo takes a few seconds to get up to pressure and definitely has an impact. Also, because the pressure is adjusted at the pump in the T and is not regulated by an OPV, the T has a more consistent pressure at the group and the volumetric programming is way more consistent.
For the average home user, these differences will be marginal but they are there for sure. It’s worth noting that only the Baby T plus has a rotary pump. The Zero also has a vibratory pump
@@DaddyGotCoffee thank you so much for the explanation! I have a Baby T Plus on delivery in a couple weeks. Bought it because of your review. Really love your channel and videos.
@@DasCayman you’re going to love it!
If I understand this correctly, the 30 seconds pulling the shot is including the 5 sec pre-infusion + 3 sec pause.
You typically do count the pre-infusion time, but don’t count the pause / bloom time in your shot time. Shot times are usually quoting how long the pump is running for.
Anyone know if the Ascaso uno/duo Plus models will be available in the US?
As of right now they are EU only for the near future. I believe this is related to specific certifications needed to sell in North America
Thank you!!
@@DaddyGotCoffeemy look into the plus showed me that the machine is the same except cosmetics and a new stainless steel part. So once it comes out, my guess we can buy the parts and “upgrade” our machines
@@DaddyGotCoffeedo you know of a mat that can be put on the cup tray?
@@cameronmanochi7289 yup! It’s very similar! The people I have seen getting mats for the cup tray just use generic silicone mats from Amazon
Do you reflect these same settings on the Baby-T ?
I have the Baby T Plus which uses a rotary pump. As a result it gets up to pressure more quickly than the vibration pump of the Duo. As a result, I preinfuse for less time, usually around 3 seconds. I also keep the temp a little lower (199 on the Baby T vs 201 on the Duo) as there is less offset on the Baby T. I also currently have my pump set to 8 bar on the Baby T. I will say the vibration pump on the Baby T Zero will be different than the plus and I havent used it:)
Thanks. I too have the plus. I'll convert your freedom units into metric and see how that compares to what I'm doing.
I’m on the wait list for the Uno in black. Big must haves is quick heat up and ease of use for my wife who doesn’t nerd out like I do. If I dialed in a bean with a NZero how confident would you be with the volumetric repeatability. We’d stick to a medium espresso roast local to us so not really changing that variable. Also any hang ups on the build quality of these machines?
We are purely americano drinkers and for now I pull all the shots with my Robot 🤖 looking to try something a little less manual 😂
@@jwanger142 the volumetrics are only reliable as long as you aren’t hitting off the OPV ceiling. It’s kinda weird but the flowmeter is plumbed in before the OPV, so if there’s a large diversion there it will really mess with the volumetrics!
Where I have seen QC/reliability issues they tend to be present/obvious immediately, not a few weeks/months down the line. Keep me posted!
@@DaddyGotCoffeewould you mind explaining this a little further? My shot timer on this machine never seems consistent
I saw another review that said the ascaso couldnt hold temp to do a light roast. ??
I’ve seen the review you are referring to. Long story short, the duo IS incredibly temperature stable over the duration of a normal shot, including for light roasts. I’ve used a “Scace 2” testing device - you can look it up - and have run a lot of tests, it’s within 1-1.5 degrees throughout a shot. The test you are referring to was done with a meat thermometer in the portafilter, and was run at what’s called “full water debit”, meaning the pump was running with no resistance and a lot more water was coming through at once than would when you have the resistance of an espresso puck. Because the thermocoil is designed to heat water at a specific rate, this flooded the thermocoil with cold water faster than it is engineered for and caused the drip in temperature reading. I’ve considered releasing a short video just on this showing my test results to put that to rest.
@@DaddyGotCoffeethank you. Subscribed. You always read unhappy people complaining about the reliability. I’m thinking all companies have these issues. So I have this in my short list. See what black Friday sales bring. Bellezza are already 500$ off here. Another option. Lelit and ecm klasica. Thanks again for your reply. Have a great day.
@@dman4435 happy to help! Hit me up any time!
@@DaddyGotCoffeeI was looking for this exact comment!
I’ve been bouncing between a Linea Micra and the Ascaso Steel DUO. I’ve seen your content on Ascaso’s machines and how they seem to be well built. When I watched the “other” review I was really thrown off about the temp stability.
All that being said, I think you should definitely make a video going over this topic for this machine.
Dam I just want to make coffee
There are no settings that are best for espresso. Especially in temperatures. The temp that you pull the shot on will vary by a number of factors. Even the elevation of where you live will effect the heat settings. For sure the roast of the bean and the altitude of where the beans were grown will make a difference. I also should mention that the grinder like the Niche Zero that I see you have on the counter makes a difference. The bar pressure - I agree with you on. I have dropped for maybe a year the OPV down. Letting the grinder do the work yes. But I recommend and even dare you to drop the OPV to say 8-9bar, and then use a metal screen filter and pull that shot at 202 degrees for a medium roast , and for a light roast 203 degrees if a low altitude coffee like a Brazilian. Putt the shot longer, and remember with a fine grind and longer shot time at lower pressure you might just be rewarded with a coffee shot that is sweet , and with notes that you never knew was there before. Just give it a try - experiment.
Have you (or any Ascaso Uno/Duo owner reading this) had the chance to check whether the Duo is able to maintain water temp through the 18g shot?
I was watching Sprometheus' review of the Ascaso Uno which AFAIK is still using the same thermoblock to heat the brew water, and he was arguing that the thermoblock just wasn't capable of keeping temperature high for that long. While a lot of commenters, including me, had issue with his measurement method (sticking a meat thermometer in the portafilter spout while running water through without any coffee in there to create some resistance for the water flow) he still argued that his TDS measurements and infallibly sour espresso justified his conclusion that this machine just plain can't heat enough volume of water for the typical 18g 1:2-1:3 extractions people typically do.
Just curious as to whether you've explored that potential issue at all and could share any form of metrics that involved a more real world usage scenario.
Very clear and helpful video, btw, for those looking to learn the fundamentals of operating this machine.
I’ve considered recording a whole video to put this one to rest. But yes, I own a Scace 2 and ran a full test on the duo for both temp and pressure. It’s extremely stable over a normal espresso shot.
Long story short, the test you’re mentioning was flawed, as you suspected. He ran it at full water debit, putting a lot more water through the system than is seen when you’re actually pulling. The rapid and high volume influx of cold water cooled the system way faster than anything that happens in normal use.
In my tests, I saw basically no drop in temp over the first 30 seconds, followed by a very slight drop following that, provided everything was preheated well.
As to his comments re taste, well - all I can say is that by the numbers it is consistent and stable.
@@DaddyGotCoffee Very much appreciate the quick and direct response. Looking forward to seeing more about what you found if you end up making a performance-oriented video.
You know something, it took a fellow Canadian to finally explain the OPV properly.😅 The only thing I i don't get is what would happen if puck prep leads to 9 bar and that's too quick, you have to tighten it up and then you run at higher pressure, no?
Same question here. I just received the new Steel UNO PID and the OPV is at factory setting of 11. However, pressure reading is always at 11 - 12 bars for a 14g puck; when I grind coarser, the extraction time decreases to 20 seconds and the pressure reading is still at 11. I am not able to reach 9 bar with 1:2 ratio in 25 to 35 seconds. Need help please.
@@patricklam6646I have the same experience. Don’t understand why I can not get a 9 bar shot with an 18g basket in over 20 seconds. Using a eureka mignon grinder here. I called my dealer because that does not seem normal and all they said was “oh you are so close, keep working at it and RUclips is your friend”. I was like 🙄
Ascaso support told me the same thing: Keep adjusting the grind size and dose.
Let’s talk Baby T!
I do WAY more tuning on my baby T! Are you using the Zero or the Plus?
@@DaddyGotCoffee The Plus!
My opv isn't working
Def reach out to who you purchased from!
Oh i forgot to say i am filling the basket with 20 grams of espresso... therefore trying for the 1-2 ratio of beans to espresso
None of these so called PID settings actually change the PID at all , the PID stands for proportional integral derivative that works off an algorithm, the problem with these news machines is they do not actually allow you to change the PID settings unlike PID sets you can buy like ones form MR Shades that people buy to spec up a Gaggia Classic, pro or Ranchillio Silvia domestic machine.
The la Spaziale Dream lets me set the actual PID settings.