Although 'professional' is in its name, the Ascaso Steel Uno is an extraordinary home-model espresso machine. The features found on no other machines in its price class are a) the low water cut-off switch under the reservoir when the water is low and b) the temperature gauge which helps users achieve repeatable results of espresso extraction by focusing in on the boiler temperature. This espresso machine is also satisfactory for a small office environment (approximately 5-10 people) where E.S.E. single dose pods need to be used.

The three way solenoid valve operates to relieve the pressure on the filter basket immediately when you depress the coffee switch to off. This prevents the 'explosion' of coffee grounds that is normally found on home espresso machines without three way solenoid valves. The solenoid valve on this machine also assists in creating a dry puck after the extraction (please note there are certain coffees, grinds, and amounts of coffee that will make a wet extracted puck which no three way valve will help).

Features:

• Brushed stainless steel finished body over a black enamel painted steel frame.
• Water reservoir removable from top of machine after removal of water reservoir cover - there is a metal bar on top of water reservoir. this bar sits horizontally along the top of the reservoir and also holds two hoses - the longer hose is the intake hose with a particle filter on the end and the short hose which ends at the metal bar is the air release valve exit tube. If you purchase the optional water softener, the particle filter needs to be removed from the longer hose.
• Low water reservoir cut-off: when water reservoir is near empty, the cut-off switch will not allow power to the heating element nor the pump. This avoids costly damage.
• Brass boiler capacity: ~325cc.
• Brass boiler is located directly over the brass grouphead for superior temperature stability compared to boilers that are offset from the grouphead.
• Brass filter handle with plastic grip.
• Gauge on front panel reads temperature range of boiler and allows user to find right temperature for the coffee grind at hand. This feature also allows for achieving repeatable results.
• Slide out drip tray made of plastic for easy cleaning (please note drip tray cover is part of machine. Front portion of pull out drip tray is in brushed stainless steel.
• Three selection switches: power on/off, espresso extracting, and coffee/steam mode.
• Vent in top rear of machine allow heat near water reservoir to escape.
• Blue lights indicate power, heating, and no water (lights from left to right).
• Three-way solenoid valve allows the immediate removal of the filter handle when the espresso extraction is completed. The three way valve also allows the user to backflush the grouphead.
• Swivel based steam wand allows easy rotation of steam wand over steaming pitcher (recommended 20 oz or less) on counter or placement over drip tray.
• Frothing aid attachment makes it easy to froth milk for cappuccinos. It is not recommended to remove this attachment to steam milk as the wand will be too short.
• Passive cup warmer on top with guardrail.

Specifications:

• Measurements: 9.8" W x 14.2" H x 12.4" D.
• Water tank: 2 liters.
• Bodywork: Brushed Inox Steel.
• Recommended tamper size: 58mm.
• Weight: 26.5 lbs.
• Voltage: 120V.
• Power: 1000W.
• Pump Pressure: up to 16 bar (only 9 bar is needed to make espresso).
• Coffee thermostat: 100º C.
• Steam thermostat 140º C.
• Steam pipe protector so one does not burn his/her fingers when touching the steam wand.
• Brass portafilter holder: 60mm.
• Coffee solenoid: no drip.
• No water in reservoir warning light: auto stop of heating element and pump to avoid burnout.
• Accessories Included: filter handle with dual spouts, single cup filter basket, double cup filter basket, plastic tamper, pod filter basket instruction manual and quick start guide.
• Warranty: One year parts and labor limited to manufacturer's defect.

Notes:

1. 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.
2. Temperature gauge - the temperature gauge on the front of this machine should be used as a relative guide on how to make the best out of your espresso machine. Since temperature measurement is a science, a comparison with measuring water at the grouphead will definitely yield different results.
3. Please note there is no rail across the top rear of the machine as shown in the picture. The reason is that it can impede the opening of the water reservoir cover.