Ascaso Steel Duo PID Espresso Machine vs Ascaso Steel Duo Plus V2.5 Espresso Machine
Two espresso machines side by side. They differ on boiler / heating, water tank, width, depth. The Ascaso Steel Duo PID Espresso Machine heats on demand through a thermoblock, while the Ascaso Steel Duo Plus V2.5 Espresso Machine can brew and steam at the same time.
Ascaso Steel Duo PID Espresso Machine
Ascaso Steel Duo Plus V2.5 Espresso Machine
What actually differs
- The Ascaso Steel Duo PID Espresso Machine heats on demand through a thermoblock, while the Ascaso Steel Duo Plus V2.5 Espresso Machine can brew and steam at the same time.
- The Ascaso Steel Duo Plus V2.5 Espresso Machine has a larger water tank (2 L against 1.98 L for the Ascaso Steel Duo PID Espresso Machine).
- Size, Ascaso Steel Duo PID Espresso Machine against Ascaso Steel Duo Plus V2.5 Espresso Machine: width 27 cm against 26.7 cm, depth 31.5 cm against 31.8 cm, height 36 cm against 41.3 cm.
Which one should you buy?
Home baristas moving up to a real portafilter machine for straight shots and the occasional milk drink
A fast-heating thermoblock machine with PID control, a pressure gauge and a standard 58 mm portafilter. It works well for straight shots and the odd milk drink, but is less temperature stable than a boiler machine.
Skip it if: You make several milk drinks back to back
Full specs and review →Home baristas who make milk drinks and want steady temperature
Dual boilers let this semi-automatic brew and steam at the same time, with PID control and a 58 mm portafilter. It fits home baristas who make milk drinks and want steady temperature, though it cannot be plumbed in.
Skip it if: You want a compact, low-effort machine
Full specs and review →Where each one wins
- A larger water tank
Specs compared
Rows where they differ are highlighted. Specs are from manufacturer sources; blanks are left blank, never estimated.
| Spec | Ascaso Steel Duo PID Espresso Machine | Ascaso Steel Duo Plus V2.5 Espresso Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | $$$$ $1,500+ | $$$$ $1,500+ |
| Machine type | Semi-automatic | Semi-automatic |
| Boiler / heating | Thermoblock | Dual |
| PID temperature control | Yes | Yes |
| Portafilter size | 58 mm | 58 mm |
| Can be plumbed in | No | No |
| Needs mains power | Yes | Yes |
| Water tank | 1.98 L | 2 L |
| Width | 27 cm | 26.7 cm |
| Depth | 31.5 cm | 31.8 cm |
| Height | 36 cm | 41.3 cm |
| Voltage | 120 V | 120 V |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
What they have in common
Both record the same value for: machine type (Semi-automatic); pid temperature control (Yes); portafilter size (58 mm); can be plumbed in (No); needs mains power (Yes); voltage (120 V); warranty (1 year).
Ascaso Steel Duo PID Espresso Machine vs Ascaso Steel Duo Plus V2.5 Espresso Machine: common questions
What is the main difference between the Ascaso Steel Duo PID Espresso Machine and the Ascaso Steel Duo Plus V2.5 Espresso Machine?
The Ascaso Steel Duo PID Espresso Machine heats on demand through a thermoblock, while the Ascaso Steel Duo Plus V2.5 Espresso Machine can brew and steam at the same time. The Ascaso Steel Duo Plus V2.5 Espresso Machine has a larger water tank (2 L against 1.98 L for the Ascaso Steel Duo PID Espresso Machine).
Do the Ascaso Steel Duo PID Espresso Machine and the Ascaso Steel Duo Plus V2.5 Espresso Machine use the same portafilter?
Yes, both use 58 mm.
Is the Ascaso Steel Duo PID Espresso Machine or the Ascaso Steel Duo Plus V2.5 Espresso Machine more expensive?
Both sit in the same typical price band, $$$$ $1,500+.