Espresso Parts
Ascaso Steel Duo PID Espresso Machine - Dual Thermoblock, 58mm Portafilter
Description
The Ascaso Steel DUO PID espresso machine is a top-selling favorite for home baristas who want café-quality espresso without leaving the kitchen. This professional-grade home espresso machine is engineered with dual thermoblocks, digital PID temperature control, volumetric dosing, and an analog pressure gauge, giving you precise control over every shot.
Compact yet stylish, its vintage-industrial design fits beautifully in kitchens, home offices, or boutique hospitality spaces. As a dual boiler espresso machine, the Steel DUO allows you to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously – a feature typically found only in commercial machines. Built to last and engineered for barista-level results, this Barcelona-made espresso machine makes every cup a showstopper.
Available in three stunning finishes – Inox (Polished Stainless Steel), Matte Black, and Polished White – the Steel Duo seamlessly integrates into any kitchen aesthetic, from modern minimalist to classic traditional.
Key Features of the Ascaso Steel DUO PID
The Steel DUO has one thermoblock dedicated to coffee and one dedicated to steam. This means dual performance, so you can steam and pull shots simultaneously, making this the perfect setup for the home barista. The newest version of the Steel DUO PID includes a bevy of professional upgrades, including a dedicated thermoblock for steam, improved volumetric controls, professional 58mm portafilter size, adjustable over-pressure valve, analog pressure gauge, improved no-burn steam wand, and thermoblock insulation. Advanced features include independent temperature control for the brew and steam thermoblock, pre-infusion, power-saving modes, and single or double-shot programming.
Precision Temperature & Pressure Control (PID + OPV)
Precision PID Temperature Control
Digital display allows adjustment in one-degree increments for exact brewing temperatures, ensuring optimal extraction for any coffee bean.
Adjustable OPV (Over-Pressure Valve)
Regulate brewing pressure to prevent over-extraction, ensuring every shot is smooth and velvety. Dial in your perfect pressure for light or dark roasts.
Walnut Manual Steam Knob
Gives greater control and power when frothing milk, allowing you to create microfoam for latte art with precision.
Advanced No-Burn Steam Wand
Safe and versatile with a single steam tip that stays cool to the touch during operation.
Volumetric Programmable Settings
Pre-infusion, single shot, double shot, and auto-standby make it easy to brew consistently high-quality espresso with the push of a button.
Energy-Efficient Design
Uses up to 50% less energy than a traditional machine, with an estimated annual cost of just $90.
Analog Pressure Gauge
Monitor extraction pressure in real-time to ensure you're pulling shots in the optimal 9-bar range for balanced, delicious espresso.
Durable Build & Professional Components
Steel DUO PID Body
Manufactured from powder-coated carbon steel and polished stainless steel for a sleek, long-lasting finish that resists wear and maintains its beauty for years.
58mm Professional Portafilter
Features a real walnut wood handle, combining ergonomic comfort with an elegant design that complements any home kitchen. Industry-standard size means compatibility with aftermarket accessories.
Precision Thermoblock System
Ensures stable, consistent temperatures for perfect espresso extraction. Dual independent thermoblocks heat quickly and maintain precise temperatures.
Professional Workflow
Dual thermoblocks allow simultaneous brewing and steaming, making it ideal for serious home baristas who want to minimize wait time between drinks.
Easy Maintenance
Removable drip tray, accessible water tank, and cleanable group heads make upkeep simple and hassle-free.
Comprehensive Warranty
Backed by a 12-month warranty on all components and a 5-year warranty on thermoblock boilers and groups, reflecting the quality and durability of every part.
Steam Performance & Pure Hot Water System
Continuous, Powerful Steam
Aluminum and stainless steel thermoblock delivers unlimited steam at constant pressure for professional-level milk frothing performance.
Energy-Efficient Operation
Thermoblock design ensures stable temperature with minimal energy consumption, reducing your environmental footprint and electricity bills.
Limescale-Resistant
Stainless steel circuits prevent buildup, extending the life of your machine and maintaining consistent performance without frequent descaling.
Freshwater for Every Shot
Each espresso is brewed with fresh water for optimal flavor and consistency. No stale water from recycled drip tray contents.
100% Food-Safe
AISI 316 stainless steel water circuit prevents metal migration, keeping every cup pure, safe, and free from metallic tastes.
Color Options
The Ascaso Steel Duo PID is available in three elegant finishes to match your kitchen décor:
Inox (Polished Stainless Steel)
Classic professional look with polished stainless steel finish that complements modern kitchens and never goes out of style.
Matte Black
Sleek and sophisticated powder-coated black finish that adds a contemporary edge to any space.
Polished White
Clean and bright white finish perfect for minimalist or traditional kitchen designs.
All color options feature the same premium walnut wood accents on the portafilter handle and steam knob.
Included Accessories & Professional Baskets
The Ascaso Steel DUO comes fully equipped with everything you need to start brewing right away. Included are:
- 5 Professional Filter Baskets: Traditional 7g, 14g, 18g, and pressurized 7g, 14g for different brewing styles
- ESE Capsule Holder: For convenient pod brewing
- Backflush Disc: For proper machine maintenance
- Stainless Steel Shower Screen: Professional-grade for even extraction
- Aluminum Tamper: Sturdy and effective
- Double Portafilter with Walnut Handle: Ergonomic and beautiful
- Gum Filter Holder Gasket: Food-grade seal
- Single Steam Tip: For milk frothing
- Coffee Scoop: For measuring grounds
- Shower Brush: For cleaning maintenance
Technical Specifications
- Manufacturer: Ascaso
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 10.5" x 12.5" x 15" (17" depth with portafilter)
- Power: 2100W, 120V
- Plug Type: NEMA 5-20 (Requires 20 amp circuit - adaptor included)
- Cord Length: 50 inches
- Programmability: PID temperature control, pre-infusion, programmable shot times, volumetric dosing
- Case Material: Powder-coated carbon steel and polished stainless steel
- Boiler Material: Stainless steel-lined aluminum
- Boiler Type: Dual thermoblock system (independent brew and steam thermoblocks)
- Cup Clearance: 3 inches
- Water Reservoir: 48 ounces (removable)
- Solenoid Valve: Yes (3-way valve for dry puck)
- Cup Warmer: Yes (active warming surface)
- Portafilter Size: 58mm professional
- Available Portafilters: Bottomless, double spouted, E.S.E pods, pressurized and non-pressurized baskets
- Warm-Up Time: 3 minutes 30 seconds
- Pod Compatible: Yes - without adaptation
- Water Source: Internal reservoir/tank
- Auto Shut-Off: Yes (programmable standby mode)
- Auto-On: No
- Pre-Infusion: Yes (programmable)
- Pressure Gauge: Yes (analog)
- Water Reservoir Material: Polycarbonate (NSF and FDA approved for food contact)
- Flexible Tube Material: Food-grade silicone
- Flowmeter Body: PBT (Arnite) 35%GF NSF compliant
Why Choose the Ascaso Steel DUO?
✓ Dual thermoblock system for simultaneous brewing & steaming
✓ Programmable PID temperature control for precision shots
✓ Professional 58mm portafilter with walnut wood handle
✓ Compact, durable carbon steel & stainless steel build
✓ Energy-efficient design with 50% lower power use
✓ Analog pressure gauge for real-time extraction monitoring
✓ Available in 3 colors: Black, White, Inox (stainless)
About The Brand
We think of Ascaso as that high-quality brand that makes retro-inspired espresso machines in fun colors to complement your kitchen and glorious professional machines for bars and cafés. Based out of Barcelona, Spain, Ascaso was born from a man who spent the first 10 years of his career manufacturing spare parts for espresso machines, so it was only natural that he borrowed this deep knowledge of the working components to make espresso machines. All Ascaso equipment is handcrafted with special attention to detail using high-quality materials. The final product is thoroughly tested for quality assurance, passing a 25-point inspection: that's passion for making good espresso. Your morning routine just got more reliable and a bit cooler.
Ascaso Warranty Information & Coverage Details
What it Covers: Ascaso Espresso Machines
- Standard warranty covers up to 1 years parts and labor.
Product User Manual:Ascaso Steel Duo PID Espresso Machine User Manual
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! This is the standout feature of the Steel Duo. It features dual independent thermoblocks – one for brewing and one for steaming – allowing you to simultaneously pull espresso shots while steaming milk. This significantly speeds up your workflow when making milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, just like a commercial machine.
The Steel Duo is the original model, while the Steel Duo Plus is the upgraded version. The Plus adds several enhancements including a joystick steam wand lever, competition shower screen, wire grid drip tray, improved tamper, hot water tap, two steam tips (vs. one), and a larger water reservoir (67oz vs 48oz). Both feature dual thermoblocks and PID control, but the Plus has more professional-level features.
Yes, the Ascaso Steel Duo requires a 20-amp circuit and comes with a NEMA 5-20 plug. An adaptor is included so you can use it with standard 15-amp outlets, but for optimal performance and safety, a dedicated 20-amp circuit is recommended. The machine draws 2100W of power.
The Steel Duo uses a professional 58mm portafilter, the industry standard size used in commercial espresso machines. This means you have access to a wide range of aftermarket accessories, precision baskets, and tampers. The included portafilter features a beautiful walnut wood handle.
The machine reaches optimal brewing temperature in approximately 3 minutes and 30 seconds. The thermoblock system heats up quickly compared to traditional boiler machines, so you can start making espresso almost immediately.
PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) temperature control is a sophisticated system that maintains precise water temperature for brewing. The Steel Duo allows you to adjust the temperature in one-degree increments via the digital display, ensuring you can dial in the perfect temperature for any coffee bean. This precision is crucial for achieving consistent, high-quality espresso extraction
Absolutely! The analog pressure gauge allows you to monitor extraction pressure in real-time. Optimal espresso extraction typically occurs between 8-10 bars of pressure. By watching the gauge, you can adjust your grind size, dose, and tamp pressure to consistently hit the sweet spot for balanced, delicious espresso.
Very efficient! The Steel Duo uses approximately 50% less energy than traditional boiler-based espresso machines, with an estimated annual operating cost of just $90. The thermoblock system heats water on-demand rather than maintaining a large reservoir of hot water, significantly reducing energy consumption.
While you can use pre-ground coffee, we highly recommend grinding fresh beans immediately before brewing for the best flavor. The Steel Duo is designed to work optimally with freshly ground coffee and includes professional-grade baskets to accommodate different dose sizes. It's also compatible with ESE pods if you prefer that convenience.
Regular maintenance includes daily rinsing of the group head, wiping down the steam wand after each use, and emptying the drip tray. The machine includes a backflush disc for weekly backflushing with espresso machine cleaning powder. The stainless steel thermoblocks resist limescale buildup, but descaling every 2-3 months (depending on water hardness) is recommended. The removable water reservoir makes filling and cleaning easy.
The Steel Duo comes in three beautiful finishes: Inox (polished stainless steel), Matte Black, and Polished White. All color options feature the same premium walnut wood accents on the portafilter handle and steam knob, allowing you to choose the perfect finish to complement your kitchen aesthetic.
Your Steel Duo comes complete with: 5 professional filter baskets (7g, 14g, 18g traditional, plus 7g and 14g pressurized), ESE capsule holder, backflush disc, stainless steel shower screen, aluminum tamper, double portafilter with walnut handle, gum filter holder gasket, single steam tip, coffee scoop, and shower brush.
Ascaso offers a comprehensive warranty: 12 months coverage on the entire machine against defects in workmanship and materials for domestic use, plus an extended 5-year warranty specifically for the thermoblock boilers and group heads. This demonstrates Ascaso's confidence in the quality and durability of their machines.
Yes! While it offers professional-level features, the Steel Duo is designed to be user-friendly. The programmable volumetric settings allow you to save your preferred single and double shot volumes, making it easy to achieve consistent results. The pre-infusion feature, adjustable OPV, and pressure gauge help ensure good extractions even as you're learning. The learning curve for mastering milk steaming exists, but the Steel Duo makes that journey enjoyable and rewarding.
No, the Steel Duo is designed for use with its internal 48-ounce water reservoir only. It cannot be plumbed directly to a water line. However, the reservoir is easy to remove and refill, and the capacity is sufficient for making multiple drinks before needing a refill.