This ENDS It - V2 Ascaso Duo Steel PID Review

The V2 Ascaso DUO Steel seems like a home run, PID, preinfusion, unlimited steam, more power and customizability than the original but where does this machine compromise? The comprehensive review for the Ascaso Duo espresso machine is here.

In this video, I'll walk you through the strengths and soft spots of this machine and help you decide if this is the best for your kitchen and your coffee.

As of right now the Duo Plus model is EU only, as is the steam handle upgrade kit.

This video was not approved or sponsored by Ascaso or Espresso Parts.

0:00 - Intro
0:30 - Disclaimer
1:19 - First Impressions
2:01 - Two Thermocoils are Better Than One
2:30 - Features Galore
4:42 - V2 vs V1: How Do They Differ?
6:12 - Features Ctd
7:45 - Proceed with Caution: CONS of the Duo
10:56 - Are Boilers Dead? Thermocoil Future
14:09 - Final Thoughts

[joehawtrey]

I sort of unknowingly bought this. I knew I wanted an Ascaso machine for a few years and I finally bit the bullet. When it came around Christmas last year I noticed it looked a bit different from what I remembered and I didn’t realize until watching this video that it was the v2😂 I absolutely love it. I’ve been a barista for seven years so bringing all that experience and preference to a home machine can be intimidating especially when you spend as much as you do on one. This did not disappoint. I had tempered expectations and I was ready to loosen my standards on what my espresso would taste like but this really didn’t let me down in any area. It feels great to use. Looks great. I love showing it off when we have people over. And best of all I have the best coffee every morning, afternoon, and night thanks to this amazing machine. Ascaso really cares about the products they make and I’m thankful for my machine every day.

[danielcarter]

I bought this machine after a lot of research and have been using it for 6 months. My thoughts to potential buyers...

1) Overall, there is no machine which matches performance, features and price with my styling and speed (fast) preferences

2) the first machine I was sold was a grey import with a 3 pin adapter - it blew my RCD every time I switched it on. Maybe a fault on the machine but I sent it back and replaced it with a machine which had been converted to run on 230v and with a 3-pin (I am in UK), it now works perfectly.

3) my only gripe is vibration - it is strong. This means that the integrated cup warmer (don't think this is mentioned in review) cannot really be used as cups rattle too much. Also, smaller cups can shift whilst pulling a shot - so a coffee scale with rubber mat is necessary.

[paolocoletti]

FYI: Please note that this 20Amp issue is only because you are 110v in the US. The EU which uses 220-240v a single standard outlet is more than sufficient. EG: Max 'single' outlet in UK is 13Amps_hense 13a x 230v = 2990 watts max. In US 20a x 110v = 2200 watts so the normal 15Amp outlets would not provide the sufficient capacity at max 1650 watts. The ASCASO DUO reqs approx 2100 watts to run both thermocoils.
This is also true why electric kettles are more popular over here (in UK) due to their fast boil times/higher power reqs. It would take x2 the time to boil in the US even using a 20A outlet as most kettles are 2000-3000-ish watts draw.

[BrkgBeans]

One thing I really enjoy and nobody talk about is the fact that you can change the steam temperature. Lower temperature equal less power, and this is pretty useful when you want to steam a little amount of milk in a small pitcher. For exemple I steam 60ml of milk in a 200ml pitcher for a cortado and I don't have to spill milk everywhere. That's a nice feature.

[ELdASenSei]

Still remember your v1 review and am really considering it now. This one came right on time!! You sir, are a SAINT!

[alexbian]

I've been using this for almost a year now. I absolutely love it! Power hasn't been an issue since it's 240V here in Europe. I agree that volumetric programming issue is annoying, I rather just weigh each shot and go by what my scale tells me.

Another (small) thing I wish I could do is exchange the steaming knob with the lever from the Baby T. To me, that lever looks just as good and controls the power of the steam wand a lot better than the knob.

[DylanLasich]

I've had the V2 machine since it first dropped in Dec 2022 thanks to your review of the V1. Been an absolute dream and workhorse making 2-3 drinks per day every day. Zero complaints about it honestly, and it gets many compliments whenever guests come over. Can't recommend it enough, no regrets even with the high-ish price tag

[kozacar]

I have this V2 and I gotta say it is everything and more a home barista/espresso lover needs! Packed with features and really lovely to look at!
Would 100% recommend it!

[nathankeliher]

I had originally been looking at double boiler machines to replace my broken 12-year-old Breville Barista Express but the startup time was a concern, especially since I sometimes make decafs at night. I think the Steel DUO PID is the right choice for me so I've just ordered one and I'm excited to start making cappuccinos again. Note: they're currently 20% off on the Ascaso site and your discount worked on top of that- thanks!

[stevenwetherill]

You were the first coffee creator I saw use this machine and have been intrigued ever since. It's definitely eye candy! Loved the review and I'd definitely consider it when the time comes to get a new machine.

[lukaskarotte]

This has been my dream machine for quite some time. It just checks all my boxes and my wife seems to like it too :D I know that it is not too expensive for what it is, but it unfortunately is way over my current budget as a student. I hope to someday be able to afford it, probably after I graduate and find a job, lol. Thanks for the video, great as always!

[HeyThisIsAndrew]

I laughed when you informed us of the Duo Plus because I never feel satisfied when I order new expensive items like this. Also completely agree with Ascaso’s scaling issue. When paying $1700 for a machine, I would like to at least get it within a week maybe 2 not 2+ months for order date. Also the Error message issue has me scared, I’ll try to think positively, but sometimes I just have that type of bad luck…
Anywho great review! My takeaways were:
- I’m glad I ordered it in Black because I know I’ll like this machine whenever it arrives
- This machine looks daunting as hell and what have I gotten myself into lol 😅 I say this because I have absolutely no barista or espresso machine knowledge and while yes, I can learn… I am struggling to find a good tutorial resource or guide on this machine. If you could point me to a good resource I’d appreciate it
Now I just need a good espresso prep set for when it arrives

[AnotherAnonymousMan]

It's a marvelous machine. I tried to buy one as a gift recently but it was out of stock everywhere so O ended up getting a Lelit Elizabeth ii on discount. Turns out she preferred the industrial design 😄

[frewert]

I didn't even realize i got the V2 when i used your code. I've had this machine for about a year and absolutely love it. The only thing i would change is the smooth round steam control is not great. I almost want to glue a rubber band to increase my grip on it

[MrMoinmoin]

I bought mine a year ago in Germany. I love the machine and it runs every day with absolutely no problems. I love your Video.

[NoZenith]

Such a Snazzy unit. Was waiting for your take! It's so cool to see more of your work elsewhere from some of these partnerships/contract work too.

[braxtonjens]

Great review! Again!

I have a Breville bambino, and it’s ready to brew in 3 seconds. Yes 3 seconds. It’s wild. We treat it like it’s “on all the time” since there is no heat up time at all.

Steaming is ehh, compared to mr spaziale Vivaldi we use for pop ups and event catering. But that’s just not a fair comparison.
Also I dimmer modded the Breville so pulling all sorts of profiles is easy squeezy.

[NubRusty]

I've been waiting to get one of these, but that 10% off is HUGE for pushing me to getting this. I'm going to go home after work and measure my counter space to make sure it fits. If it does, I'm ordering it with that code of yours.

I've been looking at getting this thing for like 5 months now and I've seen just about every video on youtube about the Ascaso. I even made sure I have a 20 amp circuit for the machine in my apartment (I do luckily).

[whitegoose]

Ive got the V2 is amazing looks great and matched it with the Fiorenzato All ground grinder in white and walnuts looks and works amazingly together!

[pgfitzgerald]

The release of this video was perfectly timed! I've been researching machines and the Uno and Duo are both on my short list. Your video answered all my lingering questions. The Duo Plus would be even more amazing though! Please let us know if you find out it'll be available in the US. I sure would be happy to hear that! Thanks!