Steel Duo

Love my Ascaso Steel Duo :) Super fast warmup with dual thermoblocks rather than boilers. Individual temp control for each. Externally adjustable OPV. Programmable pre-infusion duration / pause. Two programmable shot volumes.

The Micra has a PID, just can't be adjusted without the app. Also knobs are better than levers imo, much nicer control of the steam power. If you like the Go just get the Move. You could also get the Lelit Elizabeth? I was considering these 3 but went for an Arkel Coast in the end, but it is a lot b

Have you considered any thermoblock machines? I just upgraded from my non-Plus Bambino to an Ascaso Steel Duo and it warms up so fast, I dont miss the near instant warm up of the Bambino. Just flip it on when I start dosing out my beans and by the time I prep the puck, the machine is more than ready

For what it's worth the move from a Bambino to a Gaggimate modded Gaggia classic has been massive. The Bambino doesn't get hot enough to properly extract anything above medium dark roast coffee. The pre-infusion function on mine didn't properly saturate the puck either. That's all before you get int

Could you swing for an Ascaso Steel Duo? Dual thermojets. When I “upgraded” from my Bambino I was so spoiled by the quick heat up time of the thermojets I ended up regretting a “nicer” boiler. Steel Duo has a thermojet steam wand so as long as you water you have steam.

4 months into my Ascaso Steel Duo PID Plus ownership here. Here are my pros and cons: Pros Fast heat up. 5 mins with the portafilter in the group head and a quick flush = ready for business Can pull a shot and steam at the same time Fantastic back-to-back consistency Engaging u/x with the clicky swi

Dude I’m in the same position and when I learned about e61 group heads I didn’t really want to deal with the heat up times there either so it’s been tough to find the “right one” to pull the trigger on Leaning Ascaso Steel Duo PID Plus at the moment

I ended up going with an Ascaso Duo+ to stay boiler free and keep the super fast heat up time. Temp stability has been solid, steamer is much more powerful than the B+

I came from nearly 12 years with a Breville Barista Express. For what it is and how long it lasted (with some basic repairs) I can't fault it too much, especially after I stopped using the built-in grinder. I still have/use it, but it FEELS like a toy now that I've gotten used to the Move. (I've got

Biggest item in my opinion if you like having people over is a dual boiler. Unfortunately that’s something that typically comes above your price range. If you’re willing to get into the DIY I would say a gaggia with the PID upgrade. The only issue I have with the base gaggia is steam power and shot