Steel Duo Plus

A good thermoblock or a good thermojet (Ascaso Steel Duo Pid, Decent, Zuriga) will be as stable as a boiler machine.

Ascaso Steel Duo PID. Best decision so far. The controllable PID, the adjustable OPV and the big jump in steam power are a game changer. Shots are much tastier and way more consistent too. It probably won't be my end game setup, but as of now, I don't have any machine that triggers my upgradetitis.

Ascaso Steel Duo all the way, it's a more capable machine and consumes significantly less energy. The v2 offers solid steaming power, not as powerfull as a dedicated boiler, but more than capable of steaming silky milky. Regarding QC, Lelit has it's issues, certainly after the acquisition by Brevill

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

Sorry, re. the preset temperature buttons... these are just for auto frothing milk, how do you mean they're limiting? They don't affect anything outside of this, and personally I don't use it... although the fixed 93C brewing temp is indeed limiting, I agree. Also you mention a bigger portafilter, I

Ascaso Steel Duo PID. I got that one recently and it heats up very quickly (2 mins). No boilers though since it's Thermoblocks but they're very temperature stable

If you haven't seen it, I'd take a look at the Ascaso Steel Duo PID. Uses dual thermoblocks and has fast warm-ups.

Bambino Plus and a Baratza Encore ESP Pro would be a super solid starter setup. I have that grinder and a Barista Pro which has the same internals more or less of the Bambino Plus and I've been using it every day since 2020 and it's still going. Once it dies (or if I move to the EU which may happen

Hard to beat the bang for buck of the BDB, but have a look at the Ascaso Steel Duo or Duo Plus. Fast heat up time, dual heating element and solid build quality. Lelit Elizabeth is another solid option next to the Profitec Move, but like the Move its a dual boiler machine so heat time will be far lon

We need more information to provide constructive feedback. What machine are you using? Are you thoroughly cleaning and drying the portafilter and basket? Is the basket clogged after the first shot? Are you pulling a second shot through the same puck as the first shot (sorry, have to ask)? A lot of b