Ascaso Dream UP V3 Polished Aluminum Espresso Machine

OVERVIEW:

The Ascaso Dream UP V3 is equipped with a newly enhanced aluminum thermoblock that ensures fast warm up times and thickness for adequate temperature stability. The interior pipe that encounters water for heating is made of stainless steel — preventing limescale buildup in the thermoblock and guarantees a longer machine lifespan.

Another feature is a microprocessor that is designed to continuously fill the thermoblock with water from the reservoir. The microprocessor pulsates the pump to produce continuous steam until the water reservoir is nearly drained.

Encased in a polished aluminum body, this machine is ready to churn out café-quality espresso, latte, cappuccino, and café mocha beverages in the comfort of your home.

FEATURES:

• Simple to Use Controls - Flip on the center power switch to begin heating up the boiler. Two more professional grade rocker switches now let you control the steam function (far left) and the coffee brew control (far right). A series of indicator lights inform you when the machine is powered up, and when it is at the proper temperature for either brewing espresso or frothing milk.
• Temperature Gauge - The front mounted temperature gauge monitors the temperature of the boiler in both coffee mode and steam mode. read in Celsius.
• Frothing Tip for Perfect Foam - Like magic, the wand will make perfect foam. In an instant, the steam wand converts the milk in your 12 or 20 oz. frothing pitcher to lovely foam for lattes and cappuccinos. Mounted on a swivel joint, the stainless steel steam wand conveniently swings aside and clean up is a snap. When frothing milk with this machine, please make sure to have the little hole in the frothing adapter positioned at the top level of the milk. Doing it this way will help aerate the milk froth.
• Quality Brewing Group - The grouphead is made of chrome plated brass. Designed after Ascaso's commercial espresso machines, the Dream UP group head evenly distributes heat and reduces hotspots for more temperature consistent espresso. It has also been designed to evenly distribute water across the coffee grounds for a better extraction.
• Three way solenoid valve - As soon as the coffee switch is turned off, the three way solenoid valve relieves the pressure built up in the grouphead. The pressurized water is reverted to the water reservoir, and this feature allows back-to-back espresso extractions without having to wait for the portafilter handle to lose pressure by itself.
• Heavy Duty Coffee Holders and Filter Baskets - Keeping with the tradition of using only commercial grade components, the Dream UP uses heavy-duty chrome plated brass coffee holders, which feature a rugged plastic handle. The same coffee holder is used for ground coffee and espresso pods. Single shot and double shot 57 mm diameter stainless steel filter baskets are included for ground coffee, and there is a pod basket for single dose ESE pods. The double shot size baskets allow you to use more ground coffee per serving for stronger espresso or cups of coffee.
• 48 oz. Water Tank - The removable water reservoir, equipped with a water level indicator, can be filled while operating or taken out and filled at the faucet. The water reservoir is located in the lower section of the machine right behind the grouphead, and the water reservoir can be removed from the right hand side - just behind the steam wand.
• 16 BAR Water Pump - The secret to a great espresso is a water pump that has the power to force water through the coffee grounds to extract the full flavor from the coffee. No worries here, you have more than enough pressure to extract the best of what your coffee has to offer.
• Drip and Cup Tray, Plus Cup Heater - The Dream UP has a polished stainless steel drip pan and chrome plated steel cup try, both easy to remove and clean. A unique scratch resistant cup-warming surface on the top of the machine lets you keep your espresso cups warm so your freshly brewed espresso does not cool too quickly once it hits the cup.
• Stainless-Lined Aluminum Thermoblock - After years of testing, the aluminum thermoblock with internal stainless steel lining of the water passage ways work remarkably well.
• Construction with Longevity In Mind - The Dream UP body is constructed of corrosion resistant aluminum for extra long life. The aluminum is then finished in a chip resistant enamel paint. Unlike most espresso machines in this class that are made of steel, the Dream UP will not rust thanks to the aluminum body. All of components that make up the construction are designed for long life and low maintenance.
• Instructional manual included: The manual will state that some accessories (i.e. pod handle) are included with the machine. This is a universal worldwide manual that encompasses all different configurations of this machine. Please note that the only accessories included are the ones listed on this web page.
• Accessories Included: Portafilter with dual spout, pressurized single and double cup filter baskets, single ESE pod basket, plastic tamper, scoop, instructional manual, cappuccino frothing attachment on machine, single hole steam tip, Ascaso coffee wash cleaner, and ground coffee kit (which includes non-pressurized double cup filter basket, adapter, screw and dispersion screen).
• Warranty: 2-year parts and labor provided by My Espresso Shop (limited to manufacturer's defect). 3-year warranty on grouphead part only limited to manufacturer's defect. Wear and tear items not included.
• Return Eligibility: As with all Ascaso products, please note the following Return Policy for this item.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Measurements: 9.6" W x 13.6" H x 11" D
• Tamper size: 57mm
• Water tank: 1.3 liters
• Bodywork: Polished Aluminum (colored versions have enamel paint)
• Machine weight with portafilter on: 16.0 lbs.
• Dimensional Shipping Weight: 42 lbs.
• Voltage: 120V
• Power: 1000W
• Pump Pressure: 16 bar
• Coffee thermostat: Boiler 100º / Thermoblock 95º
• Steam thermostat 140º+ Safety Thermofuse
• Steam pipe protector / Cappuccino/hot water pipe
• Brass portafilter holder: 57mm
• Three prong plug
• Manufactured in Barcelona, Spain

NOTES:

1. Polished Aluminum - A few customers have complained about stains on the aluminum sections of the body. These parts are very delicate to certain types of water - distilled, purified, or heavy in calcium/magnesium. It's very important not to expose this machine to humidity or leave water to dry on the aluminum. Please try with a towel as soon as possible. If spots appear, we recommend cleaning with alcohol or a high quality aluminum polish cleaner.
2. The instructional manuals for Ascaso are printed for worldwide distribution and covers almost every model produced worldwide. With this in mind, there may be features, accessories, or colors available in Ascaso equipment in other countries, but not available in our models produced for the United States.
3. Only single dose E.S.E. (easy serving espresso) pods can be used on Ascaso Versatile espresso machines. Double espresso pods and regular coffee pods will not fit in this machine.
4. Video on thermal stability test of new thermoblock group by Ascaso.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE ASCACO DREAM UP V3 ESPRESSO MACHINE:

Another enhancement is the steam valve design. Previous models had metal-to-metal closure for shutting off the steam/how water valve. The version 3 models were upgraded with compression steam valves so there is a rubber gasket that makes the closure. This newer design lowers the chance of limescale buildup as seen on previous models.

In addition, the Dream UP includes a 3 way solenoid valve, adjustable overpressure valve, and aluminum tamper. The Ascaso Dream Up Version 3 does NOT have a pipe into the drip tray on the left side. There is a black plug sealing the hole, and the three way solenoid valve returns to the reservoir. The manufacturer changed this from feedback from customers who had difficulty removing the drip tray for cleaning because the pipe was in the way. The boldest outline, a wink to the past and a best to the future. The Dream UP Versatile espresso and cappuccino machine is the flagship of the Ascaso line. Its classic retro look is combined with the best that modern technology has to offer in a traditional style machine.

Espresso enthusiasts wanted it, and Ascaso delivered! The last improvement is the inclusion of the ground coffee kit. While the machine is designed to be VERSATILE, the Version 3 includes the adapter and screen which can be added to the grouphead so only ground coffee can be used. However, the end result is even a better cup for most espresso enthusiasts.

We also like the aluminum body! Unlike other machines made of steel and painted enamel, the Ascaso Dream UP has no chance of rusting. Remember, we are using water and steam to make our favorite drinks, so steel machines will rust at some point. The aluminum base does have a polish. Therefore, be careful of distilled or purified water which can ruin its finish. also, keep in mind, the aluminum is hand buffed and polished. Hence, each base will have its character.