Crew Review: Ascaso Uno with PID - Round 2

[TheBauermv]

Will do Kat. I'll give it some time to become familiar and find the proper grind before I follow up with a review. Keep up the good work! Can't tell you how much I enjoy your videos!

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@TheBauermv Thanks! Glad that I could be of some assistance :) - Kat

[TheBauermv]

Kat - I'll follow up with an e-mail tomorrow. I haven't received this machine yet from your company but the negative comments have me feeling a little weak at the knees.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@TheBauermv Please do! We can definitely arrange a swap out very easily, feel free to send me a message here with your account info and we can go from there - Kat

[TheBauermv]

Kat - two more questions regarding Silvia vs Ascaso. Do you get better shots with the Silvia and is the frother a better performer?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@TheBauermv Without the PID retrofit on the Silvia, you have the potential to get better, more consistently reproducible shots on the Uno with PID; steaming is going to be similar. - Kat

[TheBauermv]

Well Kat, I've done more research, talked to people including a machine tech and hands down the Silvia won! I've processed the exchange this morning and can't wait to get it. It seems that the Ascaso will be arriving tomorrow so I will not open the package and return it as soon as possible. While I'm waiting, is there a video that shows how to operate the machine? The only one I found was the one where only the new features are discussed on the Silvia v3. Thanks for being so helpful!!

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@TheBauermv We have a playlist on here that's all about the different aspects that apply to the Silvia - steaming, dialing in, care/maintenance, etc. Let me know if there's anything that's missing or if you have any questions that aren't covered in the videos - Kat

[TheBauermv]

OK, I'll see if I can find those videos. Also, in the new Silvia v 3 video, Gail mentions that you can buy a 3-hole wand for the Silvia. What advantage does the 3-hold wand have over the one that comes with it? I may consider it if it produces better foam.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@TheBauermv No, the original V3 had the 3-hole tip and it didn't work well on US voltage, so they swapped it out for the single hole tip and it's the only one available now - Kat

[TheBauermv]

All in all very happy with the exchange. I much appreciate your straightforwardness and honesty. I had also ordered the Ascaso I-mini grinder. In your opinion, is this an adequate grinder or do you think another would better complement the Silvia? I know you don't really like like the push button control but this aspect would not bother me.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@TheBauermv I think it's great for a stepless that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. But will likely have similar longevity issues -- particularly in regard to the burrs. However, we have tons of customers that have been very happy with theirs for a long time. It will definitely get the job done and if you're making just a few drinks per day, burr longevity probably isn't much of a concern - Kat

[TheBauermv]

It may be a keeper in that regard. Only other concern that comes to mind is that I've read that it retains a ton of coffee in the shoot. Is this not true of other grinders as well or is it more of a problem with the I-mini?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@TheBauermv The majority of grinders retain about 30g of coffee in between the burrs and the exit, so this is not unique to the i-mini. Great to keep this in mind as when you're making grinder adjustments you'll need to pull off that much coffee before you see your change reflected ... otherwise you'll drive yourself insane ;) - Kat

[TheBauermv]

I think for my purposes, it'll do me just fine - don't make that much coffee and don't mind cleaning it out although the true test will be when I receive and use it. I hope Ascaso improves the quality of their machines as well as the quality control in their factories. Some of the best coffee I've ever had was in Spain! Go figure. Anyway, you've been so helpful. Thanks for everything!

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@TheBauermv Totally agree! Actually, they have made some improvements ... the original UNOs sometimes gave an electric shock until they improved how the wires were ground ;) Please let me know if I can help at all once your setup arrives! - Kat

[TheBauermv]

And I thought I was done..........am having second thoughts about the Ascaso I-Mini grinder which is due to arrive tomorrow. I was initially OK with what I thought were the minor shortcomings of the grinder until I read that the hopper literally unscrews itself while grinding thus spilling beans. This is based on more than 1 review. If this is the case, then not worth the price and would defintely exchange. Thoughts?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@TheBauermv I haven't seen/heard of it doing that so don't really have any insight to share, sorry - Kat

[TheBauermv]

OK - well I guess we really don't know the circumstances of why this happened........ possibly incorrect insertion after cleaning, who knows. Reading too many reviews can be stressful! LOL!! I'll give it a try and hope for the best.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@TheBauermv Cool - but please let me know how it works out - Kat

[TheBauermv]

Question for Kat - Just wondering.........what is it about the Sylvia that makes it better built than the Ascaso?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@TheBauermv More commercial-grade components, tighter fit/finish - Kat

[TheBauermv]

Kat - So am I to assume that I made a mistake purchasing the Ascaso PID?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@TheBauermv I don't know if it's a mistake; it is a great machine and will have a good life to it ... possibly just a bit shorter than the Silvia. - Kat

[TheBauermv]

Kat - What would you say is the average life of these machines - one vs the other?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@TheBauermv With proper care & feeding, we've seen the Silvias continue to work from their original manufacturing - going on over 10 years now. I would assume the Ascaso would be a bit shy of that, but they haven't been around long enough to know for sure. If you're taking care of it and steaming, then brewing, you should be good for awhile; the biggest failure point on these is the boilers due to incorrect use - Kat

[gadgetnoob]

So, does the regular Uno come with different steam tips or is it just the PID version? And ZOMG! A company that gives away non plastic tampers?! That's unheard of! Does Ascaso do that with all of their Steel line?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@gadgetnoob I believe they are all now just coming with a single hole only. - Kat

[gadgetnoob]

@SeattleCoffeeGear Thanks dear.

[isaacacl]

Hi. Some people call the Uno Pro (and I guess this one with the PID too), "The Spanish Silvia". What's your opinion on that? Thank you.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@isaacacl Close, but no cigar. Right now, the build quality doesn't compare apples to apples. - Kat

[aus6321]

Sorry for commenting on an older video....

1) Does the PID measure temperature at the boiler or at the group head ? (requires a quick flush before attaching portafilter to make sure displayed temp on PID is temp of water hitting coffee)

2) Do you stock a bottomless portafilter that fits the Ascaso Pro w/PID ?

3) If you I had 650-800 to spend on an espresso machine and already have a excellent grinder, is this the machine to get ?

4) Can you do a pre-infuse with this machine ?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@aus6321 1 - PID is measuring @ the boiler; 2 - No, the bottomless one we have doesn't have compatible tabs; 3 - For longevity, I'd go with the Silvia, myself; 4 - No, you don't have any control other than the on / off switch. Let me know if you have any other questions - Kat

[jdharding2]

You guys should try the WDT method to fix your lopsided shots. It's basically mixing the coffee in your portafilter with a toothpick to get out the clumps, then tamp it down. The clumps are what's making your shots lopsided. Easily fixed with a toothpick. ;)

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@jdharding2 They're not always lopsided, though :) Recently they've been pretty even and I think it's just Gail who is lopsided ;O - Kat

[actionhost]

I love you reviews! Are you even gonna do an review off the Bezzera BZ07?

Or more reviews on E61 machines?

Keep up the good work!

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@actionhost We don't carry that model; if we do in the future, we will definitely review it. At this point, we have reviewed all E61s that we carry or that have come through the door; we will hopefully be doing some on the new Izzos once we get demos in the store. Thanks for the feedback! - Kat

[SpyderDudeAge]

So you have compared identical machines with only difference being input voltage? Problem really lies in lousy design, boiler size, small heating element, small tubing more than anything. Home machines typically lack steam pressure but this POC steams like a thermoblock machine.

No adjustable OPV in a machine in this price range? A joke.... Typical of Ascaso... just want to WOW buyers with flash and bling, but still a turd internally... Just like the Francis Francis machines and others...

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

Yes on the voltage question. It's obvious you're not a fan of Ascasos, but there are many other options out there for you to choose from so you should probably look elsewhere, no? - Kat

[SpyderDudeAge]

For brew pressure, maybe somebody should rethink those dinky vibe pumps and come up with something similar to rotary pumps to allow for proper pressure control instead of the basic OPV that barely gets you by. I'm sure something could be designed to be affordable and give better results than the all too familiar vibe pump. Does the Ascaso machines have an adjustable OPV?

Do they have 3 way solenoids? Not mandatory for good extractions, but they are helpful...

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

No adjustable OPV and yes on the 3 way solenoid. - Kat

[SpyderDudeAge]

Problem is alot of people/companies focus on brew temperature... what about brew pressure? Easily just as important... I don't think voltage has anything to do with it. It might affect boiler recovery time, but not what is in the cup overall. I have a Cremina lever that runs on 110v and it kicks any machine's ass without question. I think one issue is the small tubing that is used in these home machines as well as the vibe pumps. Just don't allow for proper flow...

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

Yeah, I disagree. We have seen a noticeable difference in steaming performance between the different voltages. I think it has an impact. - Kat

[olishant]

Man, something about these videos attracts people who like to write essays in comment form.

[SpyderDudeAge]

Shots look a little thin and lack depth/crema. Either dial the grind in a bit more, updose, use fresher beans or all of the above.

The machine is nice looking and has nice features, but I don't like the driptray design. The flat grating allows water to run/puddle toward the back of the machine. A bit of slope would help, but the slide out catch tray is nice.

As is the case with most home machines the steaming looks anemic. Why don't companies focus more on steam function/power than aesthetics?

[olishant]

@SpyderDudeAge I suppose because anyone in their right mind wouldn't ruin a good shot of espresso with dairy products.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

We'll try an updose; we dialed it in and the coffee was just a few days past roast. I think that what often happens is that these machines are designed in Europe on a 220V electrical system and they just don't have the same oomph in the US on 110V. So, it's more about a US manufacturer coming to the market with something designed specifically for this voltage, I think. - Kat

[JmanEspresso]

But aside from a few (albeit minor) issues, this is definitely a machine to compete with the Gaggia Classic and the Silvia(which are w/o a doubt, the two best single boiler home machines). Its looks the best, has a PID out of the box, innovative drip tray, and the reservoir addresses the issue of FINALLY being able to see how much water is in there.More manufac. need to take notice of what ascaso is doing, if they dont, they'll be left in the dust for sure.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

Agree on most points, but wish they had kept their water low sensor stuff on this machine -- it was unique in this space and is such an important aspect on machines that don't auto-refill. I would have liked to see it maintained in this version. - Kat

[JmanEspresso]

I think the Ascaso is probably suffering from the same problem that the V3Silv did when it 1st came out with the 3hole tip. The velocity just isn't there. I bet you would be able to get the milk to roll better, if you angle the pitcher A LOT, so the tip is at a 45deg angle, blowing steam towards the side wide. That should get the milk to fold over itself.

OR-maybe it wont work unless its a 12oz pitcher or smaller.

A 1hole tip, IMO, works best on these single boiler machines.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

Yeah - but I think that it got pretty good results, and better than what the 3-hole Silvia V3 was getting. - Kat

[JmanEspresso]

This machine has such potential, and on the surface, looks like THE machine in the single boiler class, sans QM Alexia, of course. Im calling it now, I bet Ascaso makes a single hole tip to replace the 3hole, so there is more velocity to spin the milk(like the V3 Silvia did).Then add a balljoint for the arm itself, and it definitely beats the Silvia.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

I really would love if the Silvia had a PID version because I think it makes such a difference. I am hesitant to make a superiority call at this point, however, until these machines have been out for awhile and we get a good feel for their manufacturing QA. But on the get go, it's performing well. - Kat

[cobr1]

Fun! I've learned most of what i know about espresso from your videos. I think Ascaso makes nice looking machines, but question still remains how you pull a perfect shot from them.

What kind of milk do you use?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

We usually use whole milk in the store demonstrations, but I steamed up soy on here as well with nice results. I think, like any machine, it's just about messing around with the grind and the type of coffee you're using to get good results. - Kat

[beesoffury]

Thanks for the video.

How well did the PID end up working? Are there separate modes for brew/steam? Is it worth the extra money over the non-PID version?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

The PID works really well; There aren't different modes, just one temperature setting available. I think it's worth the price, especially if you want to play around with temperature and how it effects different types of coffee. It gives you great control. - Kat

[WarmProp]

That's a really slick looking combo, Uno Pro and the grinder. Wish I had them in my kitchen.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

Yeah, I think they're a nice pair, and share a certain industrial-chic aesthetic :) - Kat

[skoredreng]

Cool.. You haven't made that many videos lately.. Aren't you getting enough caffeine?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

We're just really busy! We went on a big field trip a few weeks ago and I'm still editing all of that. So you will see a lot more very soon. - Kat

[skoredreng]

Oh nice.. :D cant wait ^^