I have a Ascaso Dream that was built 12/2006. It had started “leaking” (i.e. continued to drip after making a shot). I decided to do a “tune-up”, so an internet search for the Dream boiler group diagram resulted in a nice exploded drawing (make sure you check the dates to match your machine), and part numbers. I decided to replace the three gaskets: Pod gasket I.18 Brew head gasket I.54 Shower holder gasket I.57 I also replaced the silicone valve (I.13) and retention valve spring (I.15) because those looked like the most likely culprits for the leaking. Once it was disassembled to that point, I took out and examined the “holder shower - group thermoblock” (I.2246). It was cast aluminum and was severely corroded. I ordered a replacement, which appears to be brass or bronze. Some key points I learned were: - Keep your machine clean, inside and out! - Follow the instructions for descaling your machine. - Follow the recommended cleaning and descaling schedule. The tune-up went really well, the Dream continues to make excellent coffee, and I have a much better understanding of how it works. If you’re confident with hand tools, you can do this!
I think it'd be really awesome if you guys included making a drink every time you went over the spec's of a machine. It'd really round out what using the machine is like for the viewers/potential customers.
My Version 1 is still giving me excellent shots. I only pull 22 - 25 ml shots - ristrettos and Italian singles - and never do milk drinks, so I can't comment on the machine's steaming capabilities. The only part that's aged is the shiny aluminum trim, which is now a not unattractive dull aluminum. A few years ago, I read some very harsh criticisms of this machine on Amazon, but I honestly can't say a cross word about my Dream.
I'm finding the filter basket only takes about 14-15 grams without hitting the fairly low-hanging screen. Is that about what you're dosing and what kind of output are you pulling? Lovely results and I'd love to chase them.
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I have that Ascaso machine from 3 years ago. It never makes as much as foam as you get in the video! What is the secret? I tried different water, coffees, temperatures... But my coffee foam is always very small or inexistent.
If you are talking about crema, the pressurized basket insert makes a big difference. The machine is a little low on pressure otherwise. Otherwise, you get more crema from fresher coffee and hitting the right grind (should be quite fine).
Hey Gail. Are those inner omprovments you mentioned on the options bascets are in the "Dream plus" also? Are the Dream Up" & "Dream Plus" are alike? Thnks very much
Hey guys! If I have an okay burr grinder, which machine is better the Dream Up or The Breville barista Express? (and for that matter since I have a grinder, The Infuser) Or would you recommend a different machine at the same price point?
Hi Matt, we're actually doing a comparison video of these two which will be up later this week! In the meantime, feel free to reach out to tell us more about what you're looking for in a machine, and we can give you a good recommendation -- sales@seattlecoffeegear.com
Would love to see you folks do a video on how to prime one of these Dream Up V3s when you first get one. Mine just arrived and no matter how many times I’ve tried to prime it I can’t get it to work. It won’t pump up the water. I’m pretty disappointed as was so looking forward to the Ascaso’s arrival. Sadly looks like I will have to return it. I’m in Canada so purchased online up here.
I love the video and I'm leaning towards buying anAscaso. Is this the V2 or V3? You mention that the previous version was good but this version is great. Thanks!
Hi! I love your channel, i subscrib! I got an ascaso dream, i think its a dream zero.. but anyway! In the users manual ot say that you should keep the tube in a way wich the milk cover exactly half the absorption hole... And you said that you should keep the hole out of the milk, also i watch other youtube video in wich they say for automatic steam wand you should keep the hole out of the milk or under the milk depending if you want foam or just steaming the milk, but i never saw that you should keep the hole cover half way by the milk.. so what should i do??? Thanks , greetings from switzerland !
Hi Gail. I love my Ascaso Dream (non-PID), but sometimes I get an espresso "explosion" when I remove the portafilter from the machine. What am I doing wrong? I'm sure this is rookie mistake. Thanks for your help!
The Ascaso Dream offers a great set of features while also being the most robust of the three. It is also the most up-to-date machine as Ascaso continues to update and improve it, while the other two have been discontinued. Thanks for watching!
Gail, when I switch ON the pilot switch of "Steam" the thermoblock does not produce "tock" "tock" noise but it's temperature goes up to 150 Degrees Celcius and then there are steam coming out from the brew group. Do you have any idea what is wrong? This new machine just delivered yesterday...
You have to open the round steam valve on the top right to get water moving through first. Once water comes through, turn off the steam valve & the temp will rise & pumping will begin.
Would it be possible for Seattle Coffee to do a long term review on the Ascaso Dream. I think it is a fantastic looking machine and it appears to do the job of making a shot and frothing milk very well. But for a reasonably expensive machine (here in the UK at least) I am still reading some concerning comments around reliability and customer support (from Ascaso). Read and translate some of the feedback on Amazon Germany and you will see what I mean.
I have owned an Uno Professional for almost 8 years now and I love it! Any idea if Ascaso is planning to up the ante with improvements on the professional line? I can't find any info supporting that idea, but I've been wanting to upgrade for a bit and I love the minimal Steel line so so much. Cheers!
57mm filter? Odd size. my Gaggia is 58mm, which I thought was the commercial standard? I would have to ditch all my VST 58mm baskets if I got one, so perhaps not....
Hi there! After watching hours of your Ascaso Dream videos, I bought one. I have a question. Mine has a metal tube on the left side that appears to feed down to the drip tray. I notice some machines have this and some don't...What is it for? The manuals online don't have this described. I appreciate your help! =)
Scott Kendall also, if u do the milk firat the boiler reaches around 250 degrees, but once u purge it and let.some cool.water in and see the boiler lighy shut down you stop then wait till.the light goea off then u can do that shoot because its gonna be closee.to the 200 degrees needed for breqing this is called temperature surfing, if u do the shot first normally the maxhine wont get up to the 200 it would be more like 170 or 180 according to my testing.
Hi Gail, I just recently bought the V3 and can only get steam through the steam wand when the coffee switch is on with the steam knob open (not when the steam switch is on). Is there something i'm doing wrong? I've made sure to prime the machine thoroughly, so i'm at a loss.
Hi Brittany, the switches should function as such: Left - Steam, Middle - On/Off, Right - Coffee. Feel free to email us if you're still having issues: support@seattlecoffeegear.com