Ascaso Steel Duo Plus Espresso Machine

We're big fans of Ascaso here at Rinaldo's and the Ascaso Steel range has been a favourite for some time - adorning the kitchen worktops of several team members.

When we and our commercial customers have had to squeeze an espresso machine into a small space for exhibitions, pop-up events or a tiny bar we've often turned to the Steel Duo PID, it has done a stellar job of producing professional espresso drinks and its gorgeous looks have turned many heads while doing it. You wouldn't normally expect Espresso machines at this price and size to be suitable for commercial use but, such is the build-quality of these awesome compact machines, the same 2-year warranty applies to an Ascaso Steel Duo model, whether you use it at home or in an office, bar or restaurant.

Now the arrival of the new Ascaso Steel Duo Plus model has made us positively giddy. All the important things that make the Steel Duo PID so desirable - style, energy efficiency, super fast warm up time etc, have been retained and the Plus model now brings some additional premium features to the range, setting it further apart from the crowd and making it even more attractive to espresso aficionados and professional users. Here’s a quick summary of what’s new:
- The new joystick steam valve gives professional fingertip control of milk steaming, and a pair of steam tips (1-hole and 3-hole) are included,
- A bottomless 58mm portafilter has been added, in addition to the spouted model (both are ultra-premium wood and stainless steel affairs) and 5 portafilter baskets are in the box - 7g,14g,18g,21g and a blind basket for cleaning and pressure setting,
- the new included tamper is suitably gorgeous and matches the overall aesthetic of the machine and other accessories,
- there’s a new design of drip tray that is a useful tweak for busy users in a hurry
- and lastly there’s a competition shower screen fitted to the grouphead as standard, held in place with a premium silicone gasket - well done Ascaso!

On their own, no single one of the new features is a game changer for what was already a fabulous espresso machine, but each is well considered and worthwhile and the overall package represents very good value for anyone who wants these premium extras. For anyone else, the Steel Duo PID is still the way to go and you can spend the couple of hundred quid you save on more great coffee!

Whether you choose the Ascaso Steel Duo Plus existing Ascaso Steel Duo PID you’ll get a machine made with the highest quality materials (aluminium, stainless steel, brass) with minimum plastic. A dual PID design offering exceptional temperature stability for professional performance, allowing the brew and steam temperature to be precisely set. Standard 58mm portafilter (compatible with E61), externally adjustable OPV to easily adjust extraction pressure, adjustable pre-infusion and stand-by option. And:

- 2 YEAR PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY
- FREE BARISTA TRAINING FOR ANYONE COLLECTING IN PERSON
- 1KG OF OUR AWARD WINNING CASA ESPRESSO BLEND COFFEE

Feature Summary:

Electronic PID coffee group temperature control:

• Allows brew temperature to be altered in 1 degree increments to get the best out of different types of coffees and roasts
• Electronic steam control to alter steam temperature
• Displays coffee dose timer
• Adjustable pre-infusion time and stand-by option

Powerful Steam

• The use of independent coffee/steam groups and thermoblock technology allows for instant, constant and powerful steam

Two option dose control allows the machine to be programmed to release a small or large coffee.

Thermoblock:

• Made from aluminium and stainless steel
• Water is pulled through the thermoblock when needed and does not sit there, allowing water to be clean for each cup of coffee, reducing lime-scale build up and increasing energy efficiency

Additional Features:

• 2l water reservoir

• Cup warmer

• Independent coffee/steam groups with thermoblock technology

• PID with adjustable brew and steam temperature, pre-infusion and stand-by option

• Dose-controls

• Pressure gauge

• OPV - Externally adjustable pressure valve

• Competition shower screen

• Stainless steel, no burn steam wand

• Dimensions - 270 x 360 x 315 mm (width x height x depth)

• Weight - 15kg

Why not come and see one for yourself at our Kendal roastery, espresso bar and showroom, you'll be very welcome.