Ascaso Steel Duo Versatile Office Espresso Machine
Item# SDbbVbr
Regular Price: $999.00 US Dollars
Sale Price: $899.00 US Dollars

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Ascaso Steel Duo Versatile Office Espresso Machine

Overview:

This is the newest Ascaso espresso machine brought into the United States.

This machine offers a 225mL brass coffee boiler for superior espresso extraction, and the there is a button on the lower front panel (hidden behind the steam wand in picture above). This button activates the brass steam thermoblock which provides instant steaming/frothing capabilities on demand and at the same time of espresso extraction.

Hence, this machine can be used in espresso only mode to save electricity. The steam boiler button can always remain in the on position so when the power is turned on, the steam boiler will warm up with the coffee boiler. Good warm up time is approximately 15 minutes.

This espresso machine is unlike other machines with a boiler/boiler configuration or a boiler/thermoblock configuration which only have one pump. When there is only one pump, the user can only extract espresso or steam milk. These other machines can not do both at the same time because they only have the one pump which will not create enough pressure for espresso extraction when steaming at the same time. Since the Ascaso Steel Duo has two pumps, one is always devoted to espresso extraction and one is always devoted to steam production.

This machine has been renamed in North America as the Ascaso Steel Duo Office because it is believed to be a great office espresso machine. The reasons are

1. It has a brass boiler for the coffee and a separate thermoblock for steaming - each with their own independent pumps,
2. The coffee boiler has the heating element on the outside of the boiler so a lack of water will not damage the heating element while left on all day (remember to place a surge suppressor of 1040 joules or higher before plugging into unit, and
3. This machine can be used with pre-ground coffee as well as E.S.E. pods.

With regards to B and C above, the comparative model DUO Professional should not be left on all day and the professional's baskets require good fine tuning of the grind fineness. With the SuperCream baskets included with this Office model, the grind can be off for a multiple of users, and the machine will still make great espresso.

These features make it a great versatile espresso machine for the office environment!

Features:

• This is the semi-automatic version where the user depresses the coffee brew button to start and stop the espresso extraction.
• Steam pipe protector so one does not burn his/her fingers when touching the steam wand.
• Three way solenoid valve allows the instant removal of the portafilter handle once the coffee button is depressed to the 'off' position.
• Independent steam thermoblock with separate on/off power switch (lower panel) and the steam activation switch is on the top panel, top right.
• Independent water activation switch (lower right of top front panel) which activates a separate valve for hot water through its own water pipe.
• Drip tray slides forward for easy cleaning.
• Drip tray cover is not removable.
• Temperature gauge of coffee boiler allows you to hone in on best temperature range for your espresso coffee.
• S-2 Autoprime valve acts as an air release valve to remove air that may be suctioned up with the water from the reservoir.
• Frothing aid on swivel steam pipe helps in creating good froth for cappuccinos.
• 3 Hole tip is included an easily replaces the Frothing aid.
• Accessories Included: filter handle with dual spouts, 57mm single cup super-creamer basket, 57mm double cup super-creamer basket, quality dual-sided tamper (57/53mm), pod basket, 3-hole tip, scoop, instruction manual and quick start guide.
  

Specifications:

• Approximate measurements: 10 5/8" W x 13 1/2" H (in front including bar) x 12 1/4" D (steaming can be performed from the front or the side of the machine as the steam arm swivels).
• removable water tank: 2 liters (0.53 gallons).
• Bodywork: brushed stainless steel.
• Recommended tamper size: 57mm.
• Weight: 26.5 lbs.
• Power: 1400 Watts, 120 Volts, 60 Hertz.
• Pump Pressure: up to 16 bar (only 9 bar is needed to make espresso).
• Coffee thermostat: 100º.
• Steam thermostat 140º.
• Warranty: One year parts and labor limited to manufacturer's defect.
• Made in Spain.
• Recommended tamper size: 57mm - 57mm dynamometric tamper also available.
• Coffee solenoid: no drip.
• No water in reservoir warning light: auto stop of heating element and pump to avoid burnout.
• Accessories Included: filter handle with dual spouts, single cup 57mm filter basket, double cup 57mm filter basket, plastic tamper (57mm), pod filter basket, instruction manual and quick start guide.
  

Notes:

1. Printable manual can be found here.
2. Draining the boiler and steam thermoblock for shipping: Machine should be fully heated. Keep water tank filled, but the intake hose must be placed on top of reservoir so no more water gets pumped into the machine. Place a cup under the steam wand, and depress the steam button to activate the steam and allow to operate for 2 minutes. Depress the steam button to shut off the steam. Place cup under hot water spigot, and depress the hot water switch. At 30 seconds, depress the hot water switch to shut off the hot water spigot. Immediately, depress the coffee switch and turn off after 20 seconds. Remove water from the reservoir and place back in. When shipping, it is best to make sure no loose items bounce around inside the machine's box. This machine should always be double boxed.

Detailed Photos:

Re-designed Water Reservoir	Quality Aluminum Tamper
Procedure for Replacing the Frothing Aid with the 3-Hole Steam Tip: 1. Remove the frothing aid by pulling downward. 2. Using a wrench, spin the nut CLOCKWISE. 3. After removal, slide the 3-hole tip onto the wand until it covers the first o-ring. 4. Tighten the 3-hole tip by spinning Counter-Clockwise.

Internal Photos:

For use with PODS:

• Adjustable Portafilter - The green portafilter handle rotates so the pressure can be adjusted. This is the good news, but the bad news is that the handle can easily rotate when locking in the handle into the group head. We recommend marking the handle where it works best to ensure it lines up prior to the shot.
  

For General Spare Parts: