65coupe Senior Member Joined: 7 Jul 2012 Posts: 16 Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Mon Jul 9, 2012, 6:33pm Subject: Re: Ascaso Steel Uno Professional with PID
Oh yeah, don't under estimate ease of water filling, especially when the machine is under a cabinet. Some of these can weigh quite a bit and pulling it out to fill the water gets old fast. The Silvano is a side load and it makes life a lot easier.
The thermoblock is excellent, although many people mention they aren't as strong as a boiler for steam I have found the one on the Silvano works great. The steam is dry, hot and thus far has not fizzled out even when steaming a full pitcher of chocolate milk for my kids.
I would probably buy the CC1 over the Silvia also, I know the Silvia is a great machine (and its all shiny) however the CC1 has a better feature set for money.
Gig103 Senior Member Joined: 12 Feb 2012 Posts: 204 Location: Arizona Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Crossland CC1 Grinder: Baratza Vario Drip: French press!
Posted Tue Jul 10, 2012, 11:15am Subject: Re: Ascaso Steel Uno Professional with PID
+3 on the CC1 for your budget. I have one and I think it's a great machine. Very competitive price point (considering the PID), and service from BillC is top notch. The thermoblock steam is nice because the cycle time from steam to milk is way faster than on the Silvia. It might not be as fast but I have not compared it personally to the Silvia. For the price from SCG you get a bottomless portafilter included.
CMIN Senior Member Joined: 14 Jun 2012 Posts: 500 Location: South FL Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Crossland CC1 Grinder: Baratza Preciso
Posted Tue Jul 10, 2012, 11:38am Subject: Re: Ascaso Steel Uno Professional with PID
65coupe Said:
Oh yeah, don't under estimate ease of water filling, especially when the machine is under a cabinet. Some of these can weigh quite a bit and pulling it out to fill the water gets old fast. The Silvano is a side load and it makes life a lot easier.
The thermoblock is excellent, although many people mention they aren't as strong as a boiler for steam I have found the one on the Silvano works great. The steam is dry, hot and thus far has not fizzled out even when steaming a full pitcher of chocolate milk for my kids.
I would probably buy the CC1 over the Silvia also, I know the Silvia is a great machine (and its all shiny) however the CC1 has a better feature set for money.
yeh the front refilling on the CC1 rocks, I didn't think it would be that big of a deal but no way could I go back to a back/top loading machine if under a cabinet now, especially with heavier machines as that gets old real quick lol. At least the Breville Dual has that nifty pop up ball underneath to swivel. And yeh the steamer on the CC1 is impressive as well, never used a thermoblock before so wasn't sure how it would be.
KookyKat Senior Member Joined: 31 Jul 2012 Posts: 2 Location: NYC Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Tue Jul 31, 2012, 5:32am Subject: Re: Ascaso Steel Uno Professional with PID
MY FIRST POST!
Back to the topic:
If you own the Ascaso, (like me) you are one happy camper. I can't believe people are weighing their opinion on machines they have never operated. I have owned my machine for 6 months and have all dialed in flawless 2 weeks after opening box. In any case- here is my biased fan-boy opinion.
First off - aesthetics. This machine blows the doors off the 70s porn-star Silvia and the black plastic CC1. I have a pretty kitchen and countertop bling is important. The Ascaso is Stainless on all surfaces...it sings especially next to my Mazzer Mini P. I put a small decorative towel atop machine to dampen cup rattle and to ensure the 'cup slide' issue. It is more for noise than anything.
PID control. I use Stumptown Hairbender and it has an optimal extraction temp of 198... Good luck hitting that with the Silvia.
Steaming. This machine has 2 steaming tips included. I crank microfoam in a matter of 25 seconds. I don't typically milk my shot, but an occasional Sunday morn latte is tasty.
Not sure what all the misinformation is about, but this is a high quality machine that pulls consistent shots, cleans nicely and was recently improved by the folks from Barcelona. To me, I think that's where a lot of the snobs disregard the Ascaso... Because they aren't an Italian company that also makes $10000 machines.
KookyKat Senior Member Joined: 31 Jul 2012 Posts: 2 Location: NYC Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Thu Aug 2, 2012, 5:41am Subject: Re: Ascaso Steel Uno Professional with PID
No. But I was trying to respond to the OPs request for information on the Ascaso.
I neither need to operate the Silvia or CC1 to critique their horrible looks or cheap finishe, nor do I need to tell you that hitting 198 on a Silvia without a Jerry-rigged PID is more than difficult.
But hey, enjoy your Silvia.
takeshi Said:
So you've actually operated the Silvia and the CC1?
CN1 Senior Member Joined: 5 Aug 2012 Posts: 18 Location: Chicago, IL Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Sat Aug 18, 2012, 1:20pm Subject: Re: Ascaso Steel Uno Professional with PID
I've heard from a machine dealer that the CC1s have been breaking down a lot and that they've been getting a lot of returns on it. Anyone else heard the same? The machine seems to generally get good reviews on the forums here...
Posted Sat Aug 18, 2012, 3:22pm Subject: Re: Ascaso Steel Uno Professional with PID
I have experience with the Gaggia Classic, the Crossland CC1, and the Quick Mill Silvano. I am very happy with the espresso I can make with the Silvano and I am very happy even after a year to have this machine.
I chew coffee beans with my teeth while gargling with 195 F water to enjoy coffee. What is this "coffee brewing" device you speak of?
Posted Mon Aug 20, 2012, 1:50pm Subject: Re: Ascaso Steel Uno Professional with PID
MARIOBARBA Said:
I'm not sure if the new steel line has made it this side of the pond yet, but judging from ascaso's website they seem mighty buff. A lot of small improvements across the board, copper tubing, braided hoses, ergonomic pf, no burn multi directional steam arm etc.
You may also want to inquire about the new lelit coming to market with pid and 58mm portafilter. I know it is for sale in some parts of the world just not sure if NA is one of them.
Good luck.
By the way, I have had no problems with my Ascaso for almost a year now.
Ascaso's new PID espresso machine may be here sometime after October, 2012. Price TBD.
As for the Lelit 58mm machines, they are not competitive at the wholesale level to make it more attractive for consumers at the retail level. In other words, pricing looks to be higher.
Sincerely, Jim Piccinich Business Partner 1st-line Equipment, LLC www.1st-line.com
Posted Mon Aug 20, 2012, 2:23pm Subject: Re: Ascaso Steel Uno Professional with PID
CN1 Said:
I've heard from a machine dealer that the CC1s have been breaking down a lot and that they've been getting a lot of returns on it. Anyone else heard the same? The machine seems to generally get good reviews on the forums here...
We received the first prototype even before Bill received his. Immediately upon receipt of the machine, we advised the manufacturer in TAIWAN that the CC1 machines need better packaging AND a stronger frame. In our opinion, the frame is no where near the build quality of the Silvia, nor the Ascaso Steel line.
We never have sold any of these machines. Therefore, we currently do not know their track record. Only time will tell from what is written on paper to what actually happens. It sounds good that Bill was able to accomplish some improvements with the OEM.
Sincerely, Jim Piccinich Business Partner 1st-line Equipment, LLC www.1st-line.com
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